Which makeup artist founded Bobbi Brown Cosmetics in 1991?

Makeup artist Bobbi Brown founded Bobbi Brown Cosmetics in 1991.

Before creating the brand, Brown worked as a professional makeup artist in New York and became known for a natural-looking style. In 1990, she collaborated with a chemist to develop ten wearable lipstick shades designed to look more like natural lip colors than the bold cosmetics popular at the time.

The line, initially called Bobbi Brown Essentials, debuted at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City in 1991. Brown expected to sell about 100 lipsticks in a month, but sold 100 on the first day. The brand’s success expanded with yellow-toned foundation sticks introduced the following year, helping promote more natural and varied complexion matching.

Estée Lauder acquired the company in 1995, while Brown retained creative control for many years. This is distinct from Jones Road, the later beauty brand Brown launched in 2020 after leaving her namesake company.