Founded 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.
Omolewa CosmeticsBorn from a makeup artist’s frustration with shades that overlooked deeper complexions, Omolewa Cosmetics makes high-performance makeup for women of color, including a 31-shade foundation range. Its U.S.-made formulas were tested in Ghana’s heat and humidity and are built for lightweight, smudge-proof wear that lasts through real life. The brand also extends its mission through makeup education, women’s events, and its Without Fail storytelling project.FREDERICK, MD
Faye Mendelsohn Cosmetics, IncMakeup 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.LIBERTYTOWN, MD
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
Hung Vanngo BeautyFounded from professional makeup artist Hung Vanngo’s decades of global artistry, Hung Vanngo Beauty makes high-performance makeup designed for every skin tone, texture, and style. Vanngo, who emigrated from Vietnam to Canada before moving to New York City, brings an artist’s eye to products such as color-story eyeshadow palettes and longwear eyeliners, balancing bold pigment with everyday wearability. The brand also supports working makeup artists and students through its Pro Artistry program.