Today we’d like to introduce you to Esme Mancia.
Esme, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As a cosmetic chemist, I’ve spent over 30 years in the world of beauty product development, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s to think outside the box and be first to market.
Over the decades, I’ve had the joy and challenge of helping bring countless brands to life—from Too Faced and Urban Decay to Stila, Smashbox, and so many others. Whether I’m in the lab fine-tuning a formulation or dreaming up a new technology for a client or Libertad Vida, I never lose sight of the end user and the magic of opening and using a product for the first time.
My journey started far from the beauty industry—in El Salvador, where I was born. When I moved to the U.S. as a child, I was immediately struck by the sense of freedom and possibility. I carried that feeling with me into every chapter of my life. That belief—that anything is possible—has fueled my entire career.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of developing many of the industry’s firsts, award-winning innovative products in color, skincare, and haircare for both retail and professional markets. I’ve served as Vice President and Director of R&D at major manufacturing companies, and I have always dreamed of having my own manufacturing facility and then my own brand.
Today, I have two companies: **Esme Beauty Labs**, where we help other brands come to life. We specialize in formulation, manufacturing, and private label services, working stealthily behind the scenes to make beauty products that shine. It’s where decades of experience meet new ideas every day through collaboration and inspiration.
Then there’s **Libertad Vida**, my personal brand and heart project. It’s named after my childhood hometown and inspired by the freedom I felt when I first arrived in the U.S. Libertad Vida is joyful, vibrant, and rooted in the belief that beauty should be expressive, inclusive, and cruelty-free. It’s more than makeup—it’s a celebration of possibility.
Looking back, I feel incredibly grateful. I’ve built formulas, companies, teams, and a career I love. And the best part? I’m still dreaming, still building, and still believing in what’s possible.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was being taken seriously as a Latina immigrant in the beauty industry. In the 1990s, I was often the only Latina woman in the lab. I had to work twice as hard to prove that I belonged—not just as a chemist, but as a leader. As I moved up and eventually started my own lab, the challenges didn’t disappear—they just changed. Suddenly, I wasn’t only working behind the scenes; I was also the face of the business, meeting with clients and brands who didn’t always expect to see someone like me in charge.
It took time, persistence, and a lot of proving myself—again and again. But the relationships I’ve built are incredibly meaningful. Some of the founders and brands I work with today have been with me since the very beginning—over 30 years now. That kind of loyalty and mutual respect is the most rewarding part of overcoming those early obstacles.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m very well known in the industry for innovation in the Lip category, particularly for new textures and payoff. For example, mine was the first long-wearing liquid lipstick formula in the 90s, and I reimagined it for Lime Crime with a breakthrough, award-winning hydrating formula.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I sponsor education in El Salvador, including support for underprivileged students pursuing college degrees, as well as programs for senior centers in El Salvador and Honduras. Giving back to the community I love—and helping others achieve their dreams, just as I’ve had the privilege to achieve mine—is one of the greatest missions of my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://EsmeBeautyLabs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esme_beauty_labs?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.Libertadvida.com
