Elizabeth Arden
Elizabeth Arden was a Canadian-born American businesswoman who developed a successful line of cosmetics and a chain of beauty salons and spas.
Entrepreneur
December 31, 1878
October 18, 1966
87
Born Florence Nightingale Graham in Canada, Elizabeth Arden was an American entrepreneur who revolutionized the cosmetics industry. She founded the company Elizabeth Arden, Inc., and is best known for establishing the iconic “Red Door” spa and the eponymous cosmetics brand. As a pioneer in the field, Arden introduced innovative products such as mascaras and tinted powders, expanding her business to over 100 salons and spas worldwide. She was also a major philanthropist in medical and scientific research and one of the first female entrepreneurs to issue public stock for her company.
Arden’s notable achievements include launching a successful lipstick collection, skincare regimens, and signature fragrances. She was a marketing genius, popularizing cosmetics for everyday use and creating the first cosmetics commercial shown in movie theaters. Arden was also the first to collaborate with a chemist to design cosmetics, develop foundation that matched skin tones, and manufacture travel-sized products. Her legacy includes making makeup mainstream, setting beauty standards, and the famous Red Door Spa on Fifth Avenue, which she opened in 1910 and still operates today. Elizabeth Arden’s influence on the beauty industry and her entrepreneurial success make her one of the most impactful women of the 20th century.