Omolewa Cosmetics

Employee Size

2-10

Organization Type

Privately Held

Headquarters

Frederick, MD

Founded

2016

Born 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.

• 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
• 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.
• 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
• PAT McGRATH LABSBuilt from Pat McGrath’s 25-plus years backstage at fashion’s biggest shows, PAT McGRATH LABS creates high-performance makeup and skincare shaped by the artistry of its namesake founder. The brand launched in 2015 with Gold 001, which sold out through McGrath’s social channels, and has since become known for editorial-inspired cosmetics and collaborations ranging from Prada and Valentino to Supreme and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. McGrath continues to create beauty looks for more than 60 ready-to-wear and couture shows each season while serving as British Vogue’s Beauty Editor-at-Large.