Hakansson was created in the 1980s by professional makeup artist, Katarina Hakansson. Using the influence of her Swedish heritage, she was at the forefront of creating the makeup-free look, while embracing the skin's natural beauty and glow. After years of working in Europe, she moved to New York in 1995, and introduced her signature line to photographers and consumers worldwide.

Hakansson is a no-nonsense line of skin care products and makeup. It combines a balance of natural extracts, vitamins and oils to improve the health of skin, while adding subtle colors and ingredients designed to enhance, rather than conceal. The packaging embodies Swedish design with soft edges, easy-to-hold designs, and always, biodegradable plastic. No products are ever animal-tested.