Estée Lauder

Estée Lauder is a multinational corporation with over 20 brands, selling products in around 150 countries, and it is a leader in high-quality, luxury skincare, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products, driven by creativity, innovation, and a commitment to positive social impact.

The company started as a small skincare line and grew into a global prestige beauty powerhouse, known for its quality products, innovative marketing, and broad portfolio of brands catering to diverse consumer needs.

Short history of Estée Lauder

Estée Lauder Cosmetics was founded in 1946 by Estée Lauder and her husband, Joseph Lauder, in New York City. The company began with just four skincare products: Cleansing Oil, Skin Lotion, Super Rich All-Purpose Creme, and Creme Pack. They initially sold their products through beauty salons by demonstrating them directly to customers, which helped establish a personal connection with buyers.

The brand’s first major breakthrough came in 1948 when Saks Fifth Avenue placed an $800 order, marking its entry into upscale department stores.

One of its early iconic products was Youth-Dew, a bath oil that doubled as a perfume, which significantly boosted sales in the 1950s.

Over the following decades, Estée Lauder expanded its product range to include makeup, fragrances, and hair care, becoming a global leader in prestige beauty.

The company also introduced Clinique in 1968, a dermatologist-developed, allergy-tested, fragrance-free cosmetic line, and Aramis in 1964, a men’s fragrance and grooming brand. It was among the first to create distinct product lines for men and women.

What is Estée Lauder all about?

Estée Lauder centres on the belief that every woman can be beautiful, which has driven the brand since its founding in 1946. This philosophy emphasises perseverance, creativity, passion, and taking chances to achieve success. Estée Lauder herself was a visionary who combined innovative marketing strategies with a personal touch, insisting that beauty products should be both aspirational and approachable. She pioneered concepts like the “Gift with Purchase” and focused on high-quality, luxurious products that deliver tangible results, reflecting her commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

The brand uses powerful, artisanal-quality ingredients selected through a green chemistry methodology that prioritises human health, ecosystem health, and environmental sustainability. This approach ensures exceptional safety, quality, and efficacy, guided by continuous scientific innovation and creativity. These values shape the company culture and its commitment to advancing women leaders, making a positive impact in communities worldwide.

Core values at Estée Lauder Companies include generosity of spirit, fearless persistence inspired by Estée Lauder’s legacy, highest aesthetic standards, respect for individuality, uncompromising quality, and ethics and integrity.

What do they have to offer?

Estée Lauder offers an extensive selection of high-performing skincare, makeup, and fragrance products. The brand is renowned for its innovation, quality, and iconic product lines that cater to diverse beauty needs.

Their flagship anti-ageing line features serums, eye creams, masks, and cleansers.

The Advanced Night Repair Serum Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex is especially celebrated for its ability to rejuvenate skin overnight, targeting fine lines, wrinkles, and overall radiance.

The anti-ageing and skin-firming range includes the Revitalizing Supreme+ Youth Power Creme and Night Power Bounce Cream.

DayWear Line offers antioxidant-rich moisturisers and creams, such as the DayWear Matte Oil-Control Anti-Oxidant Moisture Gel Creme and DayWear 72h Hydration Sorbet Creme SPF 15, designed for hydration and environmental protection.

Cleansers and masks include the Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée, Micro Cleansing Balm, and Nutritious 2-In-1 Foam Cleanser for effective cleansing and skin preparation.

Products like Perfectionist Pro Multi-Defence Aqua UV Gel SPF50 and Crescent White Full Cycle Brightening Spot Correcting Essence address specific concerns such as sun protection and brightening.

Known for its long-lasting, flawless coverage, the Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup is a cult favourite. The foundation range also includes Double Wear Concealer, Radiant Concealer, and BB Highlighters.

Bronzing powders and products for a sun-kissed look year-round are in the Bronze Goddess collection, and Pure Color Envy lipsticks and replenishing lip balms for vibrant colour and hydration are in the lipsticks and lip care section.

Mascaras, brow gels, and eyeshadows for various looks, from subtle to dramatic, are in the eye makeup collection, and Youth Dew Roll-On Anti-Perspirant Deodorant is in the deodorants section.

What is the user experience like?

Estée Lauder’s website showcases products in clear categories like best sellers, skincare, makeup, and fragrances, making the experience intuitive and user-friendly.

Navigation is simplified, presenting robust subcategories, tutorials, and tools alongside product listings to reduce decision fatigue and keep the usage sophisticated.

Product photography and visual assets are crafted to highlight the brand’s premium positioning. There is advanced virtual try-on technology for makeup products, including foundation and lipstick. Users can try shades virtually using their phone camera or desktop, enhancing the shopping experience by helping customers find the perfect match without physical trials. The site includes the iMatch Virtual Skin Analysis tool, which uses a selfie and AI technology to analyse skin and recommend suitable skincare products. There is also a skincare quiz for users who prefer answering questions over uploading photos.

The design prioritises tablet and mobile experiences, reflecting where most traffic originates.

Estée Lauder is present on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and other social media, where they provide a comprehensive view of the brand’s offerings, latest trends, and community engagement.

What are the prices like?

Estée Lauder offers a wide range of cosmetics and skincare products at varying prices.

The company frequently provides promotions and gift sets that offer good value, and customers can also find Estée Lauder products on sale and discount at various retailers.

It is highly recommended that customers check current pricing for specific items at multiple stores, as prices may vary significantly.

If you sign up for the Estée E-List Loyalty Program, you will instantly receive 15% off a single online order, and if you refer a friend, you get $15 off on your next $75.00+ order.

What are their shipping options?

Estée Lauder ships to the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. They have their international versions of their site for those other 2 regions and they have an option to locate stores where their products are available.

For the United States, standard shipping takes 2-5 business days and costs $8.00, but is free for orders over $50. Second Day shipping delivers in 2 business days for $15.00, and Overnight shipping delivers in 1 business day for $25.00.

Customers can track orders on the Estée Lauder website using their order number.

Conclusion!

Estée Lauder is a global cosmetics company that offers a blend of empowering beauty for all women, relentless innovation in science and marketing, and a strong commitment to quality, sustainability, and social responsibility.

This philosophy has made the brand a global leader in prestige beauty, continuing Estée Lauder’s legacy of transforming the industry and inspiring confidence in women everywhere.

The site combines visual appeal with functional tools like virtual try-ons, personalised recommendations, and expert support, creating an immersive and convenient online beauty shopping environment.

Estée Lauder remains a respected leader in luxury beauty, delivering proven results and a premium experience, but at a price and with some drawbacks that may affect certain users.