A Man Who Changed the Beauty Game

Leonard Lauder, who passed away at 92, was a big name in the beauty world. He took his family's small cosmetics business and turned it into a global powerhouse. This journey started back in 1946 when his parents, Estee and Joseph, founded the company. Leonard joined the family business in 1958 and spent over six decades growing it. He didn't just sell a few products in the U. S. anymore. He expanded the business to sell in about 150 countries. The company's brands, like Clinique and Aveda, are now known worldwide. In the fiscal year that ended in June 2024, the company made nearly 16 billion dollars in sales. That's a lot of lipstick and makeup! Lauder wasn't just about business. He was also a big supporter of the arts and education. He loved art so much that he gave a huge collection of Cubist art to the Metropolitan Museum. This was the largest single gift the museum had ever received. He also helped set up a research center at the Met to study modern art. Lauder was also into fighting diseases. He supported causes like breast cancer research and Alzheimer's. He believed that everyone should have access to art and education. He was a big supporter of the Whitney Museum of American Art too. Lauder had a long career in the beauty industry. He served as the president, CEO, and chairman of the company at different times. He was also involved in the day-to-day operations until he passed away. He was a big part of the company's growth and success. He was also a big part of the company's acquisition strategy, helping to bring in brands like Aveda and MAC. Lauder was married twice. His first wife, Evelyn, was also a big name in the beauty world. She was the founder of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. His second wife, Judy, is a philanthropist and photographer. Lauder had a big family, including sons, grandchildren, and many stepchildren. Lauder had an impressive education background. He graduated from the Bronx High School of Science, the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, and Columbia University's graduate school of business. He also served in the U. S. Navy and was a Navy reservist. He was even recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award from the U. S. Navy Supply Corps Foundation. Lauder was a man who knew how to make an impact, both in business and in the world.