Johnson, Eunice W.
1916-2010 · Contribution: 1973
Founded Fashion Fair Cosmetics, addressing makeup needs of Black women
Portraits are AI-generated interpretations, not photographs.
Impact on the world
Built one of the first major cosmetics brands developed specifically for Black women's skin tones, expanding into department stores and generating tens of millions in annual sales.
Life & background
A businesswoman, Johnson founded Fashion Fair Cosmetics in 1973 after recognizing a lack of makeup shades suited to Black women. The brand became one of the first to bring diverse shade ranges into major department stores, with sales reaching $56 million by 2003.
Sources
- NPR; Milwaukee Art Museum (Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair); Chicago History Museum
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