With over sixteen different brands of exquisite products, Estee Lauder began selling cosmetics and other skin care products in 1946. The company was created by a man and his wife. John Lauder and his wife Estee Lauder, whom the company was named after, began producing cosmetics in New York City, New York.

In the 40's, John and Estee Lauder only had four products. It was these four products that started the revolution in one of the world’s top selling cosmetics. These Estee Lauder products were the Super Rich All Purpose Cream, Cleansing oil, Cleansing Skin Lotion, and Creme Pack.

It was not long thereafter that the creators of Estee Lauder cosmetics established their first department store. In 1948, this department store was opened with Saks Fifth Avenue, located in New York.

It was over the next fifteen years that the Estee Lauder cosmetics company began to grow and expand throughout the United States. They began establishing several department stores to sell their brilliant products to the Americans that demanded them.

After becoming an enormous success in The United States, Estee Lauder decided to go international, establishing their first international presence in London, England in 1960. Harrods, a department store in London was their first international account. A year later they began selling their products in Hong Kong, China.

Then, in 1964, Estee lauder cosmetics began producing grooming products and fragrances for men. This organization is known as Aramis Inc. Then, after years of producing top brands of products which continued to sweep the market, the owner of Estee Lauder cosmetics, Estee Lauder, herself, won an award and was named one of the most ten Outstanding Women in Business. This award was rewarded to Lauder in 1968 at Yeshiva University.

In 1976, Estee Lauder became the first women’s cosmetics company to introduce a second line for men. Soon after Estee Lauder began producing a second line of skin care products.

Soon after releasing their second line of skin care products, Estee Lauder cosmetics began selling their products in the Soviet Union. This was yet another breakthrough for the highly praised company.
Today, Estee Lauder cosmetics, fragrances, and skin care products can be found and purchased worldwide. There department stores are located throughout The United States, London, China, and many other countries. In 2003, the sales of Estee Lauder products topped five billion dollars. The Lauders, John and Estee still have over 90% control over the profit and sales of the company and their grandson chairs the board of directors.

Estee Lauder now employs over 20,000 people and produces an enormous selection of products including skin care, perfumes and fragrances, and cosmetic products. They are a leading, world wide company, producing and selling their products in department stores nationwide. Estee Lauder cosmetics are among the highest quality of personal cosmetics and can be found in just about every department store throughout the entire world.