The Estée Lauder Cos.

Makeup, fragrance and acquisitions are paving the best way for growth on the Estée Lauder Cos., which bought three brands and saw its makeup and fragrance sales grow 8% each in 2016. The acquisitions, including Too Faced (for $1.45 billion) and Becca, give Lauder increased exposure to specialty retailers like Sephora and Ulta Beauty, and a bigger presence within the fast-growing artisanal fragrance segment. Brand standouts included La Mer, Jo Malone London, Tom Ford and Smashbox.