Maybelline Logo

Maybelline, a stalwart in the cosmetic industry, is renowned for its extensive range of makeup products, including mascaras, lipsticks, and foundations, consistently innovating to meet contemporary beauty standards. With a global footprint, the brand is especially prominent in North America, Europe, and Asia. Maybelline operates under the aegis of the French cosmetic giant, L’Oréal, since its acquisition in 1996. Through its vast array of products and extensive market presence, Maybelline continues to be a trailblazer in the beauty realm, empowering individuals to explore and express their unique styles and personalities.

Meaning and history

In 1915, Thomas L. Williams introduced Maybelline, a company named after his sister Mabel who inspired its inception. Thomas observed Mabel applying a mixture of coal dust and Vaseline to her eyelashes, prompting him to create Lash-Brow-Ine, the first-ever mascara. This innovation revolutionized the beauty industry, establishing Maybelline as a pioneer in makeup.

Over the years, Maybelline expanded its range to include various cosmetics, constantly innovating to meet the evolving needs of its customers. In 1971, the iconic tagline “Maybe she’s born with it. Maybe it’s Maybelline” was introduced, perfectly encapsulating the brand’s ethos of enhancing natural beauty.

The 21st century saw Maybelline at the forefront of beauty trends, leading with groundbreaking products like the Great Lash mascara, which has become a staple in makeup bags worldwide. Today, Maybelline stands as a testament to innovation, accessibility, and empowerment, inspiring individuals to express their unique styles confidently.

1920 – 1956

The inaugural emblem of the cosmetics line was distinguished by its use of italics, yet it had a unique touch – the incorporation of double letters. The left segment of each character was shaded in jet black, while the right side donned a rich, dark green hue. This distinct color scheme rendered the logo instantly identifiable. The text was meticulously scribed in a fluid and vivid manner, with symbols carefully crafted to perfection. The typography leaned towards the semi-connected style, with the initial letter standing apart from its counterparts. The letter “M” was embellished with ornate calligraphic flourishes and exhibited an added flair to the right, its peaks gently arching outward.

The meticulously crafted emblem encapsulates the essence of the brand, reflecting its commitment to combining tradition with modernity. The calligraphic curls and expressive handwriting echo the brand’s dedication to elegance and beauty, while the unique color palette and double letters highlight its innovative approach to branding. This emblem is not merely a logo; it is a testament to the brand’s identity, symbolizing its promise to deliver exceptional quality and style to its customers. In essence, the emblem serves as a visual narrative of the brand’s journey, encapsulating its values, vision, and commitment to excellence.

1956 – 1979

During this period, the brand’s insignia was a stark departure from its initial design. Eschewing boldness, the logo featured slender lines, and unlike its predecessor, it leaned to the left. Interestingly, the letter “M” was positioned to face away from the other letters, a reversal of its previous orientation. The etchings seemed almost hastily scribbled, reminiscent of quick notes jotted down on a piece of paper to remember something important – in this case, the name of the renowned cosmetics brand, Maybelline. The black text stood out vividly against a clean, white backdrop.

This new emblem was a clear break from tradition, signaling a fresh chapter in the brand’s evolution. The subtle thinness of the text and its left-leaning slant reflected a modern and refined aesthetic, resonating with contemporary trends. The intentional distancing of the “M” from the other letters was symbolic of the brand’s innovative approach, marking a clear deviation from the past. The stark contrast of the black text on a white background added an element of classic sophistication, highlighting the brand’s rich history and esteemed position in the world of cosmetics. The emblem, in essence, served as a visual representation of Maybelline’s journey from its humble origins to becoming an iconic global brand.

1979 – 1992

In 1979, the company underwent a rebranding, introducing a sleek new logo that retained the brand’s name but omitted any symbolic imagery. The choice to forgo an icon was a conscious move towards minimalism, reflecting the brand’s commitment to simplicity and modernity. Additionally, the new design facilitated the labeling process, ensuring that products of varying shapes and sizes could be easily and uniformly branded.

The typography was carefully considered, with the letters being rendered in a substantial size, adorned with subtle protrusions at their termini, giving the appearance of petite serifs. A distinctive feature of the new logo was the compact placement of the characters; they were positioned so closely together that they seemed to meld into one another, creating a unified, cohesive look. The only exceptions to this were the letters “l” and “i,” which were deliberately kept separate, adding a touch of intricacy to the otherwise straightforward design.

The updated logo was a testament to the brand’s adaptability and forward-thinking approach. It symbolized the company’s evolution while staying true to its roots, seamlessly blending the old with the new. The emphasis on simplicity was not just a design choice, but also a reflection of the brand’s philosophy: beauty should be accessible, uncomplicated, and effortlessly incorporated into one’s daily life. This new emblem, therefore, was not just a visual identifier, but a representation of the brand’s values, vision, and legacy, capturing the essence of what makes Maybelline a beloved and enduring name in the world of cosmetics.

1992 – 1996

In the year 1992, the brand underwent a significant shift as it came under the ownership of Wasserstein Perella, an investment firm rooted in New York. This transition was followed by the unveiling of a reimagined logo, distinguished by its broad sans-serif font, accompanied by a slender line running beneath the text. This revamped logo was prominently showcased in a television advertisement that starred notable personalities, including Marcus van der Loo and Christy Nicole Turlington.

The adoption of the new logo symbolized a fresh chapter in Maybelline’s journey, reflecting the changes that came with new ownership. The sleek, modern typography represented the brand’s commitment to evolving with the times, while the understated underline added a touch of elegance and sophistication. The presence of well-known faces in the commercial served to reinforce Maybelline’s status as a leading name in the cosmetics industry, illustrating the brand’s widespread appeal and universal recognition. This particular period in Maybelline’s history was marked by significant transformations, yet the brand’s core values and commitment to delivering high-quality products remained steadfast. Ultimately, these changes paved the way for Maybelline’s continued success and solidified its position as a powerhouse in the world of beauty.

1996 – 2002

In 1996, a pivotal moment in the brand’s history unfolded as it was integrated into the prestigious portfolio of the French conglomerate, L’Oréal. This significant change was accompanied by a revamp of the logo’s aesthetic. The typeface underwent a transformation, emerging with a more compact size yet possessing a noticeably bolder weight. In a nod to its relocation, the word “Maybelline” was augmented with an homage to its new home – the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of New York.

This evolution in branding was symbolic of the brand’s new chapter under the esteemed umbrella of L’Oréal. The inclusion of “New York” in the logo was not just a geographical indicator, but also a representation of the brand’s alignment with the city’s dynamic energy and innovative spirit. The changes in font size and weight, while subtle, were indicative of the brand’s commitment to keeping pace with the evolving landscape of the beauty industry. This was a testament to Maybelline’s adaptability and its unwavering pursuit of excellence, solidifying its status as a frontrunner in the global cosmetics arena. As Maybelline embraced its new identity, it continued to uphold its legacy of providing high-quality, accessible beauty products to consumers worldwide.

2002 – 2019

At the dawn of the 21st century, the creative minds behind the brand decided to revisit the iconic logo from the 1990s, infusing it with a touch of modernity. In this updated rendition, the elongated horizontal line was eliminated, and the phrase “New York” found a new home, nestled in the bottom right corner beneath the “Maybelline” inscription.

This revival and modification of the logo was a strategic move that aimed to meld the old with the new, creating a harmonious blend of nostalgia and contemporary aesthetics. The relocation of “New York” was a significant design choice, serving to emphasize the brand’s strong connection to the vibrant city while also providing a cleaner, more streamlined appearance. This refreshed logo encapsulated the essence of Maybelline’s evolution, capturing its rich history while also reflecting its ongoing commitment to innovation and trendsetting in the beauty industry. The updated emblem was a testament to Maybelline’s ability to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing market, solidifying its position as a beloved and respected name in the world of cosmetics.

2019 – Today

Following numerous trials and adjustments concerning the typeface, inter-letter spacing, and the proportions of the symbol, the designers finally pinpointed the perfect equilibrium. Today, the dimensions of the symbols are harmoniously in sync with both the inter-character spacing and the width of the footings. Nestled in the lower-right corner is an homage to the brand’s roots – the city of New York. Here, the city’s name is meticulously scribed in petite uppercase letters, claiming its rightful place beneath the “LINE” emblem.

This meticulous attention to detail in the logo’s composition is a testament to the brand’s dedication to achieving visual harmony and brand coherence. The inclusion of “New York” serves not only as a geographical marker but also as a symbol of the brand’s identity, encapsulating its essence and paying tribute to its origins. The careful calibration of each element, from font size to letter spacing, illustrates the brand’s commitment to precision and excellence. This logo, therefore, is not just a visual identifier, but a reflection of Maybelline’s values and its legacy in the world of beauty and cosmetics.