Estée Lauder Beauty: A Timeline of Key Events

What's Inside

Estée Lauder started out life in New York City in 1946 when Estée Lauder and husband Joseph Lauder started selling cosmetics. Back then, the company carried four products: a cleansing oil, a skin lotion, an all-purpose creme and a creme pack. Now, the company boasts a portfolio of over 25 prestige brands and $14.9 billion in annual revenues.

• Skincare is driving growth and accounts for 44% of revenues.
• Its portfolio includes four brands with net sales over $1 billion.
• Travel retail is huge: Some 18% of revenues come from Chinese travelers.
• Chinese consumers account for around a quarter of sales.