MICHAEL MARCUS
Founder/CEO
michaelmarcus Cosmetics

After a successful career as a national make up artist and working for many of the nation’s top retailers, Michael Marcus launched his own makeup line in 1998, michaelmarcus Cosmetics, to rave reviews from his loyal followers and department store buyers. His innovative approach and creative vision led to Michael being chosen to receive the 2003 Rising Star Award from the Fashion Group International.

His motivation? The same complaint from women around the country, especially women over 35. “I want color. I want coral, pink, red. I do not want to look washed out.” Not brown. Not surprisingly, the michaelmarcus collection features a brilliant palate of colors, hues and shades customized to complete every woman’s individual style and can be worn by women of all ages and skin types.

Michael listened, and customers have responded. Today, michaelmarcus Cosmetics is fast becoming the makeup of choice for women over 35. Michael Marcus is about looking the best you can at whatever age you are. The company is also turning the heads – and brightening the lips and cheeks – of women throughout the country and New Yorkers in particular since its June 2002 launch at the upscale Fifth Avenue store Takashimaya , where it is the only U.S.-made – as well as the best-selling – color line.

Described by Virginia Haygood, cosmetics buyer for Takashimaya, as “an innovative, unique person who is passionate about his products, who offers something not found anywhere,” Michael is known to mix the colors of his lipsticks by hand, and then sends the formulas to a lab. From “Diane” to “Sharon,” the company’s 45 “never forget a name” lipsticks are named after the cherished clients he created them for.
Michael's passion for color, cosmetics and life is seen in his philosophies on makeup:

“Makeup should be fun, not a chore. Have fun with makeup and find your look. You can have more than one. There’s really not a right or wrong, it’s what you feel comfortable with.”

“You hear it all the time, as you age, you should wear less makeup. I disagree. I think you need more color!” Women want color on their lips, eyes and faces. They want color in their lives.

· “It is sad when I hear, ‘I’ve worn the same lipstick for 20 years.’ Well, live a little, have fun and branch out to a different world of wonderful colors. After all, would you wear the same shoes for 20 years? Think of makeup as an accessory.”

Celebrity fans include Deborah Norville, Paula Deen, Victoria Rowell, Jami Gertz, Diane Sawyer, Tori Spelling and Paris Hilton.