Alison Raffaele

Founder and Creative Director, Alison Raffaele Cosmetics, Inc.

From makeup artist to the stars, to developing her own cosmetics collection, Alison Raffaele's vision has always been one of individual, natural beauty.

Since the age of ten, Alison had been fascinated with the makeup counters at department stores. Although she dabbled in professional makeup jobs during high school, she was, like many her age, unsure of what career lay ahead. So she attended New York's Fordham University and, upon graduating with a degree in Art History and a growing desire to become a makeup artist, thought, "If I don't at least try, I'll never know". Amazingly, she was offered the position of head assistant to internationally celebrated makeup-artist Bobbi Brown. Before long, she was given the prestigious and exciting role of being Bobbi Brown's first National Makeup Artist and International Trainer. Over the next eight years, Alison's career thrived in both print and television where she worked with such famous faces as Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, Phoebe Cates, Sigourney Weaver, and Giselle Bundchen.

Though she flourished as a celebrity makeup artist, Alison discovered that her true passion was to inspire all women. To educate by providing insights and makeup tips; and to encourage confidence with easy to master beauty products.

Alison put her passion into practice. She launched Alison Raffaele Cosmetics Inc. in 2000 based on only two core products: the now legendary True Concealer (she spent nine months developing and refining its must-have formula) and Transparent Finish setting powder.

Following the success of these two products, Alison was eager to expand her role from artist to artistic entrepreneur. She was ready for the next big step. That step came in the person of Glenn Tatem, her new partner both in and out of the business arena. With a packaging and production background at both Victoria¹s Secret Beauty and Avon, Glenn brought business expertise and product know-how, encouraging Alison to develop her dream. Her new products found themselves in the bags of makeup artists and celebrities alike, such as Jennifer Lopez, Kate Hudson, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Aisha Tyler, Rebecca Gayheart, Kirsten Dunst, Vanessa Williams, Julia Styles, and Anna Paquin.

2008 brings the next evolution of the Alison Raffaele brand and a fresh collection of "Naturally Inspired Beauty". With a proprietary antioxidant complex and a wider range of products, her cosmetics not only look good but help protect and improve the skin's wellbeing with every application. What's more, every effort is made to be environmentally responsible. Today, Alison Raffaele Cosmetics are available both domestically and worldwide on an ever-increasing scale. And as the product line grows, so grows Alison's commitment. She continues to oversee virtually every facet of the company with enthusiasm, passion and the personal satisfaction that comes with being able to make a difference in the lives of women everywhere.