"Does Pink Make You Puke?" The History and Mission of Urban Decay Cosmetics

The Start of a Beautiful Revolution

It all started 15 years ago. Hard to believe the fashionistas of the world survived the 80's without the cosmetic edginess that Urban Decay has now become synonymous with. UD was born when founder of Cisco Systems, Sandy Lerner, decided she did not want one of the 50 million shades of pink nail lacquer, lipstick, or eyeshadow. She was an individual with her own style and that included her face, and pink was just not cutting it. Thus came the infamous tag-line "Does Pink Make You Puke?" with the first 2 initial lines of nail lacquer and lipstick in a wild array of shades.
With the help of David Soward and Wende Zomnir they didn't just create a brand, they started a revolution.
It didn't stop at the bold new colors and textures, with names like "Oil Slick"(black matte), "Graffiti"(neon green) and "Midnight Cowboy Rides Again"(tan with tons of glitter). It grew to be something much, much more. A brand devoted to giving the consumer the highest possible quality while actually giving them the products they want, but cant seem to find anywhere else.
But UD goes one step further than just considering the final product. They have been a leader in the cruelty-free movement since the company's founding in 1996, with their pledge "We don't do animal testing. How could anyone?" printed on each and every product which has gained world wide recognition from The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC) as well as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
They are also working towards a goal of all vegan (no animal derived ingredients) products, with more than 50 available already, as well as being one of the only cosmetics producers on the market that produces high quality synthetic hair make-up brushes in a field where the majority are made from animal hair.
These high standards are what led the company to gain national recognition and be purchased by the Moet-Hennessy Louis Vuitton luxury goods giant in 2000, until 2002 when it was purchased by two business men going on the advice of their daughters and is now sold world wide and online. I'd say they made a wise investment.


The Mission

Sometimes outrageous, but never average Urban Decay is beauty with an edge. Find a color that makes your heart race, makes you want to dance, makes you want to write a song. Just find one that inspires you to be the most "you" you can be. Never settle for "okay". Don't throw on your make-up and walk out into another boring day. Make up your face like the subway is a runway. Don't be afraid to turn heads. You are not like the rest. And every shade will highlight your beauty. So go out with a look that could kill, but not any animals.
Urban Decay is every individual who said no to conformity and yes to extraordinary.