Who is Elizabeth Arden? 5 Facts About the Beauty Founder and Innovator

Timeless skincare and elegant anti-aging are best achieved when done in partnership with someone you trust. A familiar name in the landscape of beauty, Elizabeth Arden has achieved a momentous milestone that few surpass: they’re an official centenarian, one among the handful of established maisons that have been trusted by generations.

Female-founded, with a focus on innovation, Elizabeth Arden was founded by Florence “Elizabeth” Nightingale Graham, one among the many rebellious women who paved the way for the modern urbanite. Florence eventually began to use the name “Elizabeth Arden” on a personal basis and the rest, we can say, is history. Here are some interesting facts you may not have known about this inspirational figure.

#1: She changed the way people saw makeup

Makeup in the early 1900s was more commonly associated with “working girls” and not for respectable women. Elizabeth Arden was among the handful of people who helped change society’s perception of cosmetics, ultimately laying down the foundation for its future business. The founder had devised a marketing strategy to change the public’s view of beauty products through advertisements, and later on, even helped bring a new, empowering meaning to red lipstick, which was deemed provocative for its time.

#2: She was an avid horse racer and was on the cover of Time for it

On May 6, 1946, Time magazine officially unveiled Elizabeth Arden as their covergirl of the month. She is placed at the forefront of the issue with two racehorses behind her, a nod to her affinity for the equestrian.

She had bought her first racehorse in 1931 and had even built her stable, Maine Chance Farm, to become the “nation’s top money winner” by 1945. She herself had raced horses under the name “Mr. Nightingale” and even took time to pamper her animals with music, massages, and cashmere blankets.

#3: She created her own formulas

In her lifetime, Elizabeth Arden formulated and manufactured many of her own creams and creations. Among these is the bestselling and award-winning Eight Hour Cream, one of the beauty brand’s most well-loved items which promises versatile hydration. It can be used on any part of the body, help to heal cuts and scrapes, tame hair and eyebrows, and even treat wind or sunburn. Coming in a line that also carries oil, lotion, and lip balm, the Eight Hour magic is a secret that’s been passed down through the years.

#4: She was an advocate for women's rights

A dedicated suffragette, Elizabeth Arden marched down Fifth Avenue in the year 1912 to protest for women’s voting rights. She had even passed out red lipstick to activists alongside her. The color red is, in fact, an incredibly important color for both the brand and its founder as in 1941, during World War II, the United States government had asked Elizabeth to create a regulation lip and nail color for women in the service. She came up with a shade called “Montezuma Red,” which was the exact shade of their uniform’s red piping.

#5: She has many famous fans

With a global following, Elizabeth Arden finds many ardent fans all over the world and through time. Famous historical figures known for gracing her cosmetics include Queen Elizabeth II, Marilyn Monroe, and Former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. In modern times, the brand has found alignment with creatives from all walks of life, including socialites and celebrities such as Latvian model, Karlina Caune, Nigerian model, Adeola Ariyo, Taiwanese singer, Ning Chang, and Chinese model, Sui He.

In the Philippines, modern women such as content creator, Janina Manipol, and actress Jasmine Curtis Smith are mainstays of Elizabeth Arden events.

Elizabeth Arden’s products are exclusively available at Rustan’s.