Rubinstein, Helena

Rubinstein, Helena

(1870–1965) beautician, business executive; born in Cracow, Poland. She attended medical school in Cracow for two years before moving in the 1890s to Australia, where she opened the country's first beauty salon in Melbourne (1902). Her face cream, formulated according to a family recipe, made her a fortune. She studied with European dermatologists and opened salons in London (1908) and Paris (1912). In 1915 she emigrated to New York and launched an international business empire. "Madame" set cosmetic trends, introducing waterproof mascara, foundation makeup, and all-day spa treatments; she stressed the scientific preparation of her products and instruction of clients in their use. Her success was spiced by a 50-year feud with arch-rival Elizabeth Arden. Her many philanthropies included the endowment of a contemporary art museum in Israel and a medical research foundation.