DR. ROSELIN ROSARIO-MELÉNDEZ
COSMETIC CHEMIST
IF/THEN Series
Did you know that developing makeup is a scientific pursuit? Dr. Roselin Rosario-Meléndez is a chemist who uses her expertise to develop new cosmetics. She specializes in makeup products that last a long time.
Dr. Rosario-Meléndez leads teams that develop cosmetics, she is an inventor in more than 20 patents. She is behind Maybelline’s SuperStay Matte Ink lipstick formula which is one of the best selling in the world! She studied lipsticks so much that she can read a lipstick’s ingredient list and know what it will look and feel like without trying it on!
Dr. Rosario-Meléndez grew up in Puerto Rico and so had all her classes in Spanish. When she pursued graduate school in the US, she had to relearn all her science information in English, which was incredibly challenging. However she says “I had amazing class and teammates that helped me through the process. Today I can say I am proficient in science in two languages!”
Educational Pathway: Dr. Rosario-Meléndez studied chemistry in college. In graduate school she studied polymer chemistry. Here, she learned how to invent things that do not exist and created materials for drug delivery applications. She also says “I am a never-ending student, I try to learn one new thing everyday and I love it.
Name Pronunciation: Roselin Rosario-Meléndez s pronounced /RAWS-uh-leen RAWS-AH-ree-oh-ME-LAN-duhs/
Further resources
(some links may be repeated from above)
Read: “The Puerto Rican Scientist Behind Maybelline’s SuperStay Lipstick Formula,” in Emperifollá.
Read: “Dr. Roselin Rosario-meléndez: Cosmetic Chemist,” from Women of STEM.
Follow her on Twitter: @RoselinRosario3
Follow her on Instagram: @lin_romel