Which cosmetics company was founded by Estée Lauder and Joseph Lauder in New York in 1946?

Estée Lauder Companies was founded by Estée and Joseph Lauder in New York in 1946.

Estée Lauder began by selling skincare products made by her uncle, the chemist John Schotz. She demonstrated products directly to customers, a hands-on approach that helped establish the brand's reputation. Joseph Lauder, her husband, managed much of the company's business and financial development.

The original product line consisted of four skincare products. The company expanded through department-store distribution and later acquired or developed multiple prestige beauty brands, including Clinique, Aramis, and MAC Cosmetics.

The company's name is sometimes confused with the personal name Estée Lauder or with individual brands in its portfolio. Estée Lauder is both the founder's professional name and a flagship brand; Estée Lauder Companies is the corporate group. It became a public company in 1995.