Revlon Cosmetics

Founded in 1932 during the Great Depression, Revlon began with a single product: a revolutionary nail enamel that used pigments instead of dyes to provide opaque coverage. This innovation was the brainchild of brothers Charles and Joseph Revson, along with chemist Charles Lachman, whose 'L' was added to the Revson name to create the brand identity. The company quickly expanded into lipsticks and other beauty products, becoming a global leader in the mass-market cosmetic industry.

Throughout the late 20th century, Revlon went through several ownership phases, most notably being acquired by Ronald Perelman's MacAndrews & Forbes in 1985. After decades as a publicly traded company facing financial challenges, Revlon underwent a significant restructuring in 2022 and 2023. As of 2024 and beyond, the brand is owned by a consortium of lenders and investment firms, including Glendon Capital Management and King Street Capital Management, following its emergence from bankruptcy. The company remains headquartered in New York City, maintaining its status as an iconic American beauty brand.