“Alison’s personal attention to all aspects of Alison Raffaele Cosmetics is unpar-
allelled in this business. She truly partners with her retailers and is personally
invested in their boutiques. Her passion for the beauty industry is inspiring and
contagious; she even aligns her retail associates with others across the country.”
—– LYNN KING DUGAS
OWNER, PISH POSH PATCHOULI’S AND PATCHOULI’S
Since she was in fourth grade, Alison has been fascinated with the world of cosmetics. She
could often be found at the cosmetics counter of Raffaele’s Pharmacy gazing at all the beauty
products. Her enthusiasm for the cosmetics world continued throughout here high school
and college years, when she worked part-time at the pharmacy’s beauty counter. Alison at-
tended Fordham University and graduated with a degree in Art History and was tentative
about the future.
Still maintaining her desire to work in the cosmetics industry, she set her sights on
becoming a makeup artist. Alison thought, “If I don’t, at least, try, I’ll never know,” and she
moved forward with her plan. Timing is everything and, with a strong desire to pay her dues,
she landed the dream position of head assistant to international makeup artist Bobbi Brown.
Hectic work schedules and a strong commitment to her job quickly led to a promotion that
included the first person to hold the impressive title of National Makeup Artist and Interna-
tional Trainer, created specifically for Alison by Bobbi Brown.
Flourishing in her new role, Alison was able to work internationally in both print and
television during her eight-year tenure. It was during this time that she worked with such no-
tables as Jennifer Aniston, Giselle Bundchen, Phoebe Cates, Jennifer Lopez, Gwyneth Paltrow
and Sigourney Weaver, to name a few.
Though she was thriving in her career as a well-regarded celeb-
rity makeup artist, Alison discovered her true passion was to educate
and inspire women of all ages. Her desire was to provide insights and
makeup tips, as well as to encourage poise and confidence through
easy-to-use, high-quality beauty products.
After years of contemplation, her long-term dream was realized
with the incorporation of Alison Raffaele Cosmetics in 2000. The incep-
tion of her line was based on creating two core products which were
highly researched and superior in quality and to build from there. The
two initial products were True Concealer and a Transparent Finishing
Powder which were very well received in the cosmetics world. Celebri-
ties such as Kate Hudson, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Aisha
continued on page 92
ABOVE: Alison Raffaele at
the launch of her skin care
line in 2000.
LEFT: Already thinking
about the beauty business,
Alison, circa 1973.
