Mary Kay, Inc. is a renowned American cosmetics company that was established by Mary Kay Ash in 1963. It operates a direct sales model, with a network of over two million Independent Beauty Consultants across more than 35 countries worldwide. With a rich history, Mary Kay Ash, born in 1918, had a successful career in direct sales before facing gender inequality in the workplace. This experience led her to formulate a visionary business plan aimed at empowering women in the industry. With a modest investment of $5,000 and the support of her son Richard, Mary Kay launched her cosmetics company.

Mary Kay, Inc. is built upon principles rooted in the Golden Rule, emphasizing treating others with the same respect and kindness one desires for themselves. The company places faith, family, and career in that order of priority. Guided by these values, Mary Kay quickly flourished, becoming one of the leading beauty brands in the United States. Its ambitions extended beyond national boundaries, seeking international expansion.

The contributions of Mary Kay Ash and her company to women’s empowerment have been widely recognized and praised. The company encourages high performance through a system of praise and rewards. Notably, top sales directors have been famously awarded the prestigious Pink Cadillac from Mary Kay, Inc. This iconic symbol of success has evolved over the years to cater to the brand’s growth and geographical reach. General Motors estimates that they have produced over 100,000 Cadillacs in the vibrant Mary Kay pink color exclusively for the company.

Mary Kay, Inc. remains a privately-held company with its headquarters in Dallas, TX. With manufacturing facilities both in Dallas and China, it continues to prioritize quality and efficiency in production. Notably, Mary Kay, Inc. was an early advocate against animal testing and signed the PETA pledge in 1989, demonstrating its commitment to cruelty-free practices.

Mary Kay Ash was a compassionate philanthropist focused on combating cancer and domestic violence against women. In 1996, the company established The Mary Kay Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering these causes. Even after her passing in 2001 at the age of 83, Mary Kay Ash continues to inspire and captivate. She published three best-selling books during her lifetime and was featured in numerous television programs, including a documentary on the Biography channel in 2006.

Today, Mary Kay, Inc. remains under family ownership, with Richard Rogers serving as the Executive Chairman. While the company is renowned for its cosmetics and skincare lines, it also offers an extensive range of perfumes and perfumed body care products for both men and women. The fragrance collection includes a remarkable 92 selections, with the earliest edition dating back to 1971 and the most recent launch in 2021. Mary Kay fragrances have been crafted in collaboration with esteemed perfumers who have contributed their unique expertise to develop captivating scents that resonate with customers. Some of these talented perfumers include Claude Dir, Leandro Petit, Olivier Glotin, Natasha Côté, Steve DeMercado, Thierry Wasser, Etienne Bouckaert, Givaudan, Gino Percontino, Rodrigo Flores-Roux, Hernan Fígoli, Caroline Sabas, and Linda Song.