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A Beautiful Rival

A Novel of Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden

Audiobook
0 of 2 copies available
Wait time: About 2 weeks
0 of 2 copies available
Wait time: About 2 weeks

In this stunning new novel, bestselling author Gill Paul reveals the unknown history of cosmetic titans Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein and their infamous rivalry that spanned not only decades, but also broken marriages, personal tragedies, and a world that was changing dramatically for women—perfect for fans of Fiona Davis, Marie Benedict, and Beatriz Williams.

Who would have guessed that the business of making women beautiful was so cutthroat?

They could have been allies: two self-made millionaires who invented a global industry, in an era when wife and mother were supposed to be the highest goals for their sex. Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein each founded empires built on grit and determination...and yet they became locked in a feud spanning three continents, two world wars, and the Great Depression.

Brought up in poverty, Canadian-born Elizabeth Arden changed popular opinion, persuading women from all walks of life ­to buy skincare products that promised them youth and beauty. Helena Rubinstein left her native Poland, and launched her company with scientific claims about her miracle creams made with anti-ageing herbs.

And when it came to business, nothing was off-limits: poaching each other's employees, copying each other's products, planting spies, hiring ex-husbands, and one-upping each other every chance they had. This was a rivalry from which there was no surrender! And through it all were two women, bold, brazen, and determined to succeed—no matter the personal cost.

In this sweeping novel from the bestselling author of Jackie and Maria and The Manhattan Girls, two larger-than life fashion icons come alive with all their passion, bitterness, and ambition as they each try to live the American dream.

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    • Library Journal

      August 4, 2023

      Twentieth-century beauty industry pioneers Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden had many things in common, but the biggest thing they shared drove their intense rivalry: determination to do whatever it took to see their personal line of beauty products reign supreme. In her new historical novel, Paul (Jackie and Maria; The Manhattan Girls) traces their bitter competition over everything from packaging to pricing from the early days of World War I until just after World War II, showing how both women escalated the rivalry with tactics such as poaching staff, spying on each other, and feeding negative stories to the press. Polish-born and Jewish, Helena sees Elizabeth as an antisemitic snob, while Elizabeth sees Helena as a dreadfully vulgar social climber. Though the pair rarely confront each other face to face, gossip and their own prejudices make both of them sure that they understand their rival perfectly. VERDICT Paul vividly captures her dueling protagonists in this entertaining read about the early days of the beauty industry. She deftly balances the fun of a good feud with the emotional pull of well-developed characters living through sobering events both in the world and in their personal lives. Recommended for fans of Renee Rosen and Fiona Davis.--Mara Bandy Fass

      Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

    • Booklist

      August 1, 2023
      Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden were cosmetics gurus during a time when women were meant to be wives and mothers. From different backgrounds, both of these women built from the ground up their cosmetics empires, made up of beauty creams, spa treatments, and massages, and promoted the idea that any woman could be beautiful with just a little money and some magic lotions. Despite their similarities, they were bitter rivals, not only stealing product ideas but planting spies, poaching employees, copying marketing campaigns, and even accusing each other of being on the wrong side in WWII. They could have been friends. They had the same interest in cosmetics, promoting women, and respecting women in business. But they made life difficult for each other every step of the way. Paul's latest (after The Manhattan Girls, 2022) is a dramatic take on two of the most successful women of the twentieth century, full of rich detail. Not without sacrifice, these women boldly made names for themselves. A great historical read for fans of strong female characters who have something to prove.

      COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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  • English

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