9. Rea Ann Silva, BeautyBlender
It was 2002 and Hollywood makeup artist Rea Ann Silva faced a challenge. The new high-definition (HD) cameras made every pore on an actor’s face visible. Some makeup artists used airbrushing to blow liquid makeup onto actors’ faces, but Silva wanted an easier alternative. She cut up makeup sponges into curved shapes to blend foundation seamlessly, and the BeautyBlender sponge was born.
Silva’s homemade sponges were so popular on set that she found a manufacturer and began selling BeautyBlenders in independent retailers. Today, BeautyBlender sponges, cleansers and related products are sold worldwide, and Silva recently launched Bounce, a line of foundation in 40 shades.