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.
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.
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 (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.
After buying the patent, business genius Gertrude Tenderich (1890-1957) chartered the Tampax Sales Corporation and served as President.
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”.
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.
Estee Lauder (1908-2004) learned to make face creams from her uncle, a chemist. She introduced the concept of free gift with purchase.
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.
A successful Hollywood makeup artist and cosmetics entrepreneur, *Victoria Jackson (1955- ) believes women who look better feel better and can change their lives.
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.
Today a billionaire, Sara Blakely (1971- ) invented Spanx, hosiery and intimate apparel for women.
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
