The Polish immigrant all but created the global beauty market, starting in Australia and working her way around the world to the United States in the first quarter of the 20th century. Helena Rubinstein instinctively realized that women who felt beautiful also felt confident, and she encouraged women to use cosmetics to enhance their own natural gifts. Explore more about the woman who built a multimillion-dollar empire out of the idea of “confidence in a compact.”

A collage of Helena Rubinstein's life including an old mascara advertisement, a streetside café, and a black and white photograph of women dancers in leotards.

American National Biography Online, Cosmetic Industry Leaders: Helena Rubinstein


Helena Rubinstein, Official Brand Website


Helena Rubinstein, Food For Beauty



Jewish Women’s Archives, Helena Rubinstein




The New Yorker, "The Color of Money"






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