Helena Rubinstein

Tenement, 15 Szeroka street, Kazimierz, Krakow, Poland

Helena Rubinstein by Paul César Helleu (1859-1927) cropped

Helena Rubinstein Tel Aviv Museum 1959

Helena Rubinstein (born Chaja Rubinstein; December 25, 1872 – April 1, 1965) was a Polish-American businesswoman, art collector, and philanthropist. She is best known for being the founder and eponym of Helena Rubinstein Incorporated, a cosmetics company that made her one of the world's richest women. Her success in the cosmetics industry revolutionized the way women viewed and used makeup, and she is considered one of the key figures in the development of the modern cosmetics and beauty industry.

Early Life

Helena Rubinstein was born in Kraków, Poland, into a Jewish family, the eldest of eight daughters. In search of a better life, she emigrated to Australia in 1902 without any money or the ability to speak English. It was in Australia that Rubinstein began to create her own beauty products, which were made from lanolin, a natural substance obtained from sheep's wool. Her products quickly gained popularity, leading to the opening of her first beauty salon in Melbourne in 1902.

Career

Rubinstein's career in the cosmetics industry began with her move to Australia, where she noticed a demand for beauty products suited to the harsh Australian climate. Her initial success in Melbourne led to the expansion of her business, with salons opening in major cities across the world, including London, Paris, and New York City.

In 1915, Rubinstein moved to the United States, where she continued to expand her empire. She was a pioneer in the marketing of cosmetics, emphasizing the importance of skincare and introducing the concept of a "beauty routine" to women. Rubinstein's rivalry with another cosmetics entrepreneur, Elizabeth Arden, was legendary and helped to fuel the success of both businesses.

Throughout her career, Rubinstein was also known for her innovative products, including the first waterproof mascara and the first commercially available sun cream. She was a firm believer in the power of advertising and used her own image and personal story to promote her products.

Philanthropy and Art Collection

Apart from her contributions to the cosmetics industry, Rubinstein was also a notable art collector and philanthropist. She amassed a significant collection of African and modern art, including works by Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. Rubinstein was also a generous donor to various causes, particularly those related to the Jewish community and the arts.

Legacy

Helena Rubinstein's legacy is still felt today, not only through the brand that bears her name but also through her contributions to the beauty industry and her philanthropic efforts. She is remembered as a pioneering businesswoman who broke gender barriers and changed the face of the cosmetics industry.

See Also

• Cosmetics
• Elizabeth Arden
• Beauty salon
• Marketing