Leonard Lauder – Farewell to the “Lipstick King”: The Visionary Who Transformed Beauty and Left a Timeless Legacy

Leonard Lauder, the eldest son of the legendary Estée and Joseph H. Lauder, has passed away at the age of 92. His life story is one of relentless innovation, boundless generosity, and a profound impact on the world of beauty and beyond.

From Packing Boxes to Shaping a Global Empire

Born into a Jewish family in New York City, Leonard’s earliest memories were of accompanying his mother on sales calls to beauty salons and carefully packing boxes of powder and cleansing oils. After serving three years as a lieutenant in the US Navy and graduating from Columbia Business School, Leonard joined the family business in 1958. Back then, Estée Lauder was a modest company with fewer than a dozen employees and sales under $1 million.

But Leonard’s vision was anything but small. With a keen eye for innovation and a deep understanding of relationships, he helped turn Estée Lauder into a global powerhouse. Under his leadership, the company’s portfolio grew to include iconic brands like Clinique, La Mer, MAC Cosmetics, Bobbi Brown, and The Ordinary.

He served as president for 23 years, then as CEO and later as chairman. In 1995, Leonard led Estée Lauder Companies onto the New York Stock Exchange at $26 per share—a bold move that would eventually help the company reach a market value of over $24 billion. At the time of his passing, Leonard’s personal fortune was estimated at $15.6 billion.

A Gentle Touch in Business

Leonard Lauder was known not just for his business acumen, but for his kindness and personal touch. He believed, like his mother, that success in beauty was about building relationships and making people feel important. Within a day of meeting him, one might receive a handwritten note—a gesture that left a lasting impression.

He famously said, “He listened … and he was kind,” when asked how he wished to be remembered. For Leonard, business was never just about products, but about people.

Pioneering Ideas and the “Lipstick Index”

Leonard’s approach to business was both creative and practical. In the early days, Estée Lauder didn’t advertise. Instead, they gave out generously sized samples, believing that if a customer tried and loved a product, they would return again and again.

He also coined the term “the lipstick index” after 9/11, observing that lipstick sales often rose during economic downturns as women sought small luxuries in tough times. This insight became legendary in both beauty and economic circles.

Philanthropy and Art: A Lasting Legacy

Leonard Lauder’s influence extended far beyond the beauty counter. He was an avid art collector, donating a historic collection of 78 cubist masterpieces to the Metropolitan Museum of Art—a gift that transformed the Met’s collection and inspired a new generation of art lovers. He also established the museum’s research center for modern art, supporting fellowships, exhibitions, and public programs.

A passionate philanthropist, Leonard was deeply involved in cancer research, serving as honorary chairman of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. In 1998, he and his brother Ronald founded the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation, advancing research into prevention and treatment for the disease.

Remembered with Love

Leonard Lauder is survived by his beloved wife Judy Glickman Lauder and his sons William and Gary. The Lauder family remains the heart of the company, with three members on the board of directors and a legacy of innovation and compassion that will guide Estée Lauder Companies for generations to come.

His brother Ronald summed it up best: “His impact will be felt for generations to come thanks to his tireless philanthropy, advocacy, and creativity in tackling some of the world’s greatest challenges. The number of lives he touched and positively impacted across all his endeavors is immeasurable.”

Leonard Lauder’s story is not just about building a business empire—it’s about transforming an industry, uplifting communities, and reminding the world that kindness and vision can change everything.