Beauty Made Here: Celebrating 50 Years of Manufacturing Excellence in Arkansas
L’Oréal Groupe marks a major milestone at our North Little Rock plant—our flagship U.S. makeup manufacturing site
For 50 years, some of the most iconic beauty products, ranging from mascara to liquid lipstick to nail polish, have been made in North Little Rock. Nestled in the heart of Arkansas, this plant is both a local legend and a vital engine for the world’s largest beauty company.
What began as the original manufacturing site for Maybelline New York has grown into a powerhouse of L’Oréal’s global operations for our Consumer Products Division, creating iconic products for beloved brands like Maybelline New York (the #1 cosmetics brand globally), Essie and L’Oréal Paris. It now stands proud as L’Oréal Groupe’s highest-volume color production site in a global network of 36 plants. The current #1 mascara in the country, Maybelline Sky High Mascara, is made here. Half of all mascaras sold in the country are, in fact, manufactured in the North Little Rock plant with the facility producing 8 of 10 of the best-selling eye franchises. This facility touches millions of consumers—and plays a key role in our $11 billion U.S. business.This milestone isn’t just about longevity. It’s a testament to our deep roots in the U.S., our commitment to American manufacturing, and the incredible people who bring it all to life. In North Little Rock, the magic of makeup meets the power of community—and together, they shape beauty for millions around the world.
1975
The year L'Oréal established manufacturing operations in North Little Rock
1/2
Mascaras sold in the U.S. are produced at the North Little Rock plant
450
Full-time employees onsite
800,000
Square feet of operations
Meet the People Behind the Products
To celebrate this anniversary, we’re spotlighting four employees who represent the talent and heart behind our operations. From chemists to technicians to plant leaders, their stories reflect what makes this facility—and this community—so special. Watch their videos and see how innovation, pride, and passion fuel every product made in North Little Rock.
Lorie, Plant Manager
Starting as a supervisor and now leading the entire manufacturing operation, Lorie has grown with the plant. She's an Arkansas native and visionary leader focused on innovation, inclusion, and keeping the plant agile --- and she's helping shape what the next 50+ years will look like.
James, Shipping Supervisor
After nearly 20 years at the plant, James now oversees outbound operations --- making sure millions of products reach consumers across the country. He's proud to work alongside a team he calls family...including his own son, who joined the plant in another department just two years ago.
Susana, Industrial Quality Chemist
A makeup lover and proud mom, Susana brings both scientific expertise and personal passion to every formula she helps perfect. From color testing to quality control, she's helping ensure our products meet the highest standard --- because she wears them, too.
Roosevelt, Processing Team Lead
With more than two decades at the plant and two tours overseas serving the United States in the Army, Roosevelt is a steady force onsite. He keeps operations moving smoothly, and gives back to his community with the same dedication he brings to every shift.
A Local Icon with Global Impact
Known by locals since it was “The Maybelline Plant,” the North Little Rock site has undergone seven major expansions, including adding its own distribution center, and continues to thrive. In its 50-year history, it has had just six plant managers—underscoring the deep commitment and continuity of its workforce. Many team members are born and raised in Arkansas, and come from the greater Metro Little Rock area, forming a proud legacy of industrial excellence.
The Art and Science of Makeup Manufacturing
Great beauty starts with great science. At the heart of this facility is a team of color experts, including ACTAS—the Advanced Color and Technical Agility Squad—who meticulously match and test every product shade. From lab to line, pilot engineers and chemists work side-by-side to launch new formulas, scale production, and deliver the high-performance products our consumers love.
A Legacy That’s Still Growing
The North Little Rock plant is one of 22 L’Oréal sites in 16 U.S. states supporting manufacturing, distribution, research, and innovation. Together, these teams power L’Oréal’s leadership in beauty—and help bring iconic products to consumers across the country and around the world.
As we celebrate 50 years in Arkansas, we honor the people, passion, and progress that continue to define this exceptional site—and shape its future.