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Private company

Ben Nye Makeup Company

Logo: Ben Nye Makeup company, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons3

American cosmetics brand1

Ben Nye Makeup Company is a cosmetics company founded in 1967 by film makeup artist Ben Nye. Most of the company's products are manufactured at its Los Angeles facility and sold through authorized retailers worldwide. The company produces theatrical, beauty and special-effects makeup for use in film, television and stage productions.2 Wikipedia text CC BY-SA 4.0

Last updated Oct 21, 2026.

Overview

1967Founded1

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Ben Nye Makeup Company is a cosmetics company founded in 1967 by film makeup artist Ben Nye. Most of the company's products are manufactured at its Los Angeles facility and sold through authorized retailers worldwide. The company produces theatrical, beauty and special-effects makeup for use in film, television and stage productions. It is led by Nye's son, Dana Nye. In 2024 the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy amid litigation involving talc-based cosmetic products. In 2017, the company celebrated its 50th anniversary.2

The story

Founded by Ben Nye in 1967.1

Ben Nye founded the company in Los Angeles in 1967 after retiring as head of makeup at 20th Century Fox. During his career, he worked on more than 500 film and television productions, including Gone with the Wind, The Sound of Music and Planet of the Apes. Ben Nye products have also been used by performers at Walt Disney World. His son, Dana, joined the company in 1970 as a marketing manager.

In 2016, Allure reported that Ben Nye's Banana Powder had sold out following publicity surrounding its use by makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic.

From Wikipedia’s article on Ben Nye Makeup Company, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.4

Leadership

Who has led Ben Nye Makeup Company, and when. Pick a name to see everywhere that person has worked.

Timeline

  1. 1967Founded Founded1

Sources

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