Makeup artist Faye Mendelsohn, who began her career in 1984, built her company from hands-on work with women in the Baltimore-Washington area. Faye Mendelsohn Cosmetics is known for corrective makeup developed for sensitive skin, while its personal-service approach includes custom color advice by appointment for individual clients.
La Chae CosmeticsFounded by image consultant Margaret Clark—known as Lady La Chae—La Chae Cosmetics creates retail makeup for the unique needs of women of color. Clark opened her first location in July 1995 and brings more than 35 years in the professional beauty and spa industry to the brand. Based in Lyndhurst, Ohio, the company also offers makeup education through La Chae Makeup Academy.BEDFORD, OH
Laura MercierThirty years ago, makeup artist Laura Mercier founded her namesake beauty brand around a simple idea: makeup should enhance rather than mask the person wearing it. The brand develops artist-inspired cosmetics for a natural-looking, personalized finish, including its signature Translucent Loose Setting Powder.NEW YORK, NY
Mehron, IncFounded in 1927 by Mehron Melik, Mehron began as a family-owned New York City shop serving Broadway and now manufactures specialty professional cosmetics for face and body painting, theater, film, special effects and creative beauty. Still headquartered in New York, the company supplies makeup artists in more than 65 countries and is known for formulations designed to hold up through performances.CHESTNUT RIDGE, NY
Pound CakeFounded by Camille Bell and Johnny Velazquez, Pound Cake makes custom color cosmetics designed to show up across different skin and lip tones. Its signature Cake Theory lip oils and Cake Batter lipstick grew from Bell’s own experience with shades looking different—or disappearing—on her lips, while the company rejects one-size-fits-all beauty formulas in favor of personalized color theory.PHILADELPHIA, PA