Mastering the Art of Brushmaking Since 1793
The original brush factory was founded by Parent in Paris in 1793. In 1859, it was acquired by Charles Sauer, and has remained under the management of the Sauer family ever since.
1859
Charles Sauer, a 34-year-old visionary, buys out the Renard and Gérard companies to form a single company: Maison Sauer. He soon had a new factory built in Meulan-Hardricourt.
1925
In 1925, the factory was relocated to Saint-Brieuc, a town that would later become known as the capital of fine brushmaking.
1950
Raphaël’s first step into cosmetics came when Fernand Aubry, inventor of the “doe’s eye,” approached the company. His technique, involving elongated lines drawn along the lash line, required tools of absolute precision. To achieve this level of detail, Aubry turned to Raphaël.
A Natural Evolution
From Art Studios to Beauty Counters
For decades, Raphaël has crafted brushes that brought to life the visions of legendary artists such as Cézanne and Picasso.
It was only natural that this passion for art would eventually find its way into the world of beauty.
After World War II, a wave of change swept through the cosmetics industry. Beauty brands began developing innovative tools for makeup application, which permanently transformed the field.
1955
Subsequently, the American brand Revlon approached Raphaël for the creation of makeup brushes. This collaboration marked a major shift in scale for Raphaël, strengthening our presence in the global cosmetics industry.
1960
In 1960, under the direction of Michel and Gérard Sauer, the company launched the Raphaël brand, named after the renowned Renaissance artist. This marked the beginning of a new era, as the company entered international markets and built its reputation for precision and craftsmanship.
1967
Expansion and modernization of the Saint-Brieuc factory, marking a new stage in industrial development.
1975
To meet growing demand and respond to increasing global competition, Max Sauer opened a new factory in Mauritius in 1976.
1984
In 1984, a chance meeting with Dany Sanz, founder of Make Up For Ever, opened a new chapter. Influenced by her training at the École des Beaux-Arts, she understood that, like painters, makeup artists also need the finest tools to practice their art.
Together, we created a professional brush collection that set a new standard for makeup artistry. It combined tradition, innovation, and the same meticulous craftsmanship that has defined Raphaël from the beginning.
Since then, Raphaël has become the official brush supplier for Make Up For Ever and a trusted partner for makeup artists worldwide. Over the years, we have also become the preferred manufacturer for luxury houses including Dolce & Gabbana, Estée Lauder, Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent.
Today
For decades, every makeup brush crafted in the company’s workshop has been carefully archived. Each design reflects the ongoing evolution of beauty tools.
While materials have changed, techniques have advanced, and trends have shifted, the company’s commitment to craftsmanship has remained constant.
Today, our history continues to be written with you, at the service of your most ambitious projects.
We support you from concept development through to production and delivery. Bringing your brush collection to life has never been easier.
