Beauty seeks new master builder. Leonard A. Lauder, the Mozart of mascara and the Picasso of fragrance, passed away on Saturday at the venerable age of 92.

During his career, he shaped Estée Lauder Companies Inc. like a perfect anti-ageing cream: with passion, precision and a good dose of the scent of victory.

Thanks to him, the small family business has become a $15.61 billion empire by 2024. Yes, you read that right: billions… in lipsticks, creams, serums and promises of eternal radiance.

In June 1995, five months before the IPO, he declared with a seriousness worthy of a long-lasting foundation: ‘We are going to become the number one supplier of top-of-the-range cosmetics in the world.’ He wasn’t bluffing.

FM