Jean Ann Ford, co-founder of Benefit Cosmetics has passed away

By Holly O'Neill
21st Jan 2019

Jean Ann Ford, co-founder of Benefit Cosmetics has passed away

This weekend, legendary Benefit Cosmetics co-founder Jean Ann Ford passed away at 71.

Though Jean and her sister Jane left the company nearly seven years ago, their legacy lives on in their problem-solving products, which are leading players in the cosmetics industry. Porefessional is the number one selling make-up primer, Benefit Cosmetics are the number one brow brand worldwide and according to The NPD Group, Benefit Cosmetics had the number one and two selling prestige mascaras in the UK with They’re Real mascara and Roller Lash.

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Sisters Jane and Jean set up ‘The Face Place’ in 1976, in San Francisco. They renamed it Benefit in 1990 and set up multiple locations in San Francisco, opening their first international location in London in 1996. Benefit Cosmetics can now be found in over 50 countries, with 5,200 doors, 2,500 brow bars and 85 boutiques around the world. We got our first Benefit Cosmetics here in Ireland in 2007.

“It is with great sadness we share that our beloved co-founder, Jean Ann Ford, has passed away,” Benefit Cosmetics Ireland posted in a caption on Instagram.

“Jean leaves behind a makeup dynasty, a legacy of creativity, and the belief that ‘Laughter is the best cosmetic!’ Jean’s daughters @maggiefd and @anniefd, know that their mother’s sharp creativity and badass spirit will live on in Benefit customers around the world.”