Helena rubinstein history biography of truett

She also pioneered the use of pseudo-science in marketing, donning a lab coat in many advertisements, despite the fact that her only training had been a two-month tour of European skin-care facilities. She knew how to manipulate consumers' status anxiety, as well: If a product faltered initially, she would hike the price to raise the perceived value.

By the 's the brand had faded from the US market.

Helena rubinstein history biography of truett: Rubinstein, Helen. Box , Folder

The US operation was closed down in She had a longstanding feud with rival Elizabeth Ardenwhose marketing approach was somewhat more deliberately upscale than Rubinstein's. InArden hired away Rubinstein's general manager and 11 staff members, but Rubinstein got her revenge by hiring Arden's ex-husband. Arden, too, then married a Russian prince from whom she was later divorced.

Rubinstein provided jobs to several of her sisters and their children, including niece Mala Rubinsteinas well as to her son Roy, and was generous to causes she believed in. Inshe founded the Helena Rubinstein Foundation to provide funds to health organizations, medical research, and rehabilitation, noting, "My fortune comes from women and should benefit them and their children to better their quality of life.

Rubinstein, Mala — Polish-born cosmetics executive. As vice president in charge of creative services for Helena Rubinstein, Inc. Rubinstein's husband died inand her younger son Horace died two years later. She did not slow down, however, remaining active until the end of her life and never retiring from her business. As she grew older, she held business meetings in her bedroom, directing from her elaborate Lucite-framed bed.

However, the Great Depression that followed severely impacted the company.

Helena rubinstein history biography of truett: Madame Helena Rubenstein, ca. Rubinstein was

She then established new salons in a dozen major American cities. Personal Life and Legacy InRubinstein divorced Titus, who had been unfaithful throughout their marriage. Within a year, she remarried Georgian prince Artchil Gourielli-Tchkonia, who was 23 years younger than her. Inafter rejecting both medical school and a suitor, Rubenstein travelled to Coleraine, Australia, to live with relatives.

Elegant and fastidious, she introduced the neighbors to a special facial creme, the product of Hungarian chemist Jacob Lykusky. She soon moved to Melbourne and established a small beauty salon to which Australian women came to offset the drying effects of sun and wind. Within two years Rubenstein's reputation was assured. Returning to Europe, Rubenstein settled in London.

She purchased Lord Salisbury's former residence on Grafton Street, a four-story house with 26 rooms. She redecorated in lavish color schemes influenced by theater designers Leon Bakst and Alexandre Benois.

Helena rubinstein history biography of truett: One hundred years ago a

But society women once entertained by Lord Salisbury were curious about the Grafton Street establishment. Her special product was a facial creme based on Lykusky's product, but she had developed other items, including face powder and rouge. Rubenstein planned for the time when conservative attitudes toward facial makeup relaxed and ladies considered it part of their daily toilette.

Rubenstein's treatments relied on her understanding of diet, skin anatomy, and body metabolism, all of which she had learned from French chemist Marcellin Berthlot of the University of Paris. One of Rubenstein's earliest staff members was Viennese doctor Emmie List, who introduced a skin peeling treatment for severely blemished complexions.

But Rubenstein was not content to remain in the laboratory.