Emlin Cosmetics

Since 1963, when Emlin Cosmetics was purchased by a Chicago area family, the high quality skin care and cosmetics company has seen growth in every direction. Building on the initial skin care product line, Emlin expanded its line and its reach into retail, focusing on the upper tier of the market, and began a mail order division as well as a private label operation. Among its prestigious retail clients have been Neiman Marcus, Sak’s Fifth Avenue, Marshall Field’s and Bullock’s. It was in response to requests from its retailers that Emlin created in 1980 its line of high-end cosmetic products including lipstick, cheek tint and makeup. Emlin was the first company to take a retail product and then move it into a hotel amenity program, which it did in 1978 when it began a long and successful relationship with the Hyatt Hotels chain. Its reach expanded to include Princess Cruse Line and clubs such as the AA Admirals Club and a variety of private clubs. In 1996, the company introduced the Ednae line, named after Edna, the family’s matriarch. The product line is founded on botanicals and other natural ingredients, and includes after sun care products. The popularity of the Ednae line continues to grow and attract the interest of younger and second-generation customers, whose mothers were fervent fans of the Emlin products.