WOMEN INVENT AND DISCOVER: HEALTH AND BEAUTY

321px-Lydia_E._Pinkham's_Pills_02, From the collection of: National Women's Hall of Fame
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Lydia Pinkham (1819-1883) made “pink pills” for women to help them in stressful times. Pictured on all of her products, she may have been the best-known American female face in the 19th century.

Meet the First Self-Made Female Millionaire, From the collection of: National Women's Hall of Fame
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The daughter of former slaves *Madam C.J. Walker (1867-1919) became America’s first self-made female millionaire through her hair and cosmetics business.

rubinstein, From the collection of: National Women's Hall of Fame
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Helena Rubinstein (1871-1965) started her beauty business with 12 jars of cold cream from her mother. She was the first to recognize that there were different skin types requiring different products.

Elizabeth Arden, From the collection of: National Women's Hall of Fame
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Elizabeth Arden (1884-1966) introduced eye makeup to the U.S. and believed every woman could be beautiful. Her Red Door salons introduced the makeover concept and are still in business today.

Tampax, From the collection of: National Women's Hall of Fame
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After buying the patent, business genius Gertrude Tenderich (1890-1957) chartered the Tampax Sales Corporation and served as President.

MaryPhelpsJacob1115674 - drawing only, From the collection of: National Women's Hall of Fame
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Mary Phelps Jacob (1891-1970) received her patent for a “backless brassiere” in 1914. This is the first patent for an undergarment with the name “brassiere”.

pat1693515 - Mary Stewart Joyner - drawing only, From the collection of: National Women's Hall of Fame
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Mary Stewart Joyner (1896-1994) got her idea for a “permanent wave machine” from the rods that held a pot roast together and heated it. Her device curled straight hair and straightened curly hair.

260px-Estee_Lauder_NYWTS, From the collection of: National Women's Hall of Fame
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Estee Lauder (1908-2004) learned to make face creams from her uncle, a chemist. She introduced the concept of free gift with purchase.

pat2556800 - Marion Donovan - drawing only, From the collection of: National Women's Hall of Fame
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Best known for inventing the first waterproof disposable diaper, Marion Donovan (1917-1998) has over 20 patents for towel dispensers, facial tissue boxes, dental flossing products, and other items.

Victoria Jackson cosmetics, From the collection of: National Women's Hall of Fame
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A successful Hollywood makeup artist and cosmetics entrepreneur, *Victoria Jackson (1955- ) believes women who look better feel better and can change their lives.

cosdot22-Mary Ellen Hills, From the collection of: National Women's Hall of Fame
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Mary Ellen Hills got the idea for a mirror at the end of a lipstick lid (DazzleDot Lipstick Mirror) while applying her lipstick using a teaspoon as a mirror at a restaurant.

How Spanx's Sara Blakely made a billion, From the collection of: National Women's Hall of Fame
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Today a billionaire, Sara Blakely (1971- ) invented Spanx, hosiery and intimate apparel for women.

Credits: Story

Jill S. Tietjen, P.E., co-author of Her Story: A Timeline of the Women Who Changed America. www.herstoryatimeline.com

* Indicates an Inductee into the National Women's Hall of Fame

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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A journey of invention and discovery
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