The Powder & the Glory

Courtesy: Elizabeth Arden Archives

The Powder & the Glory tells the story of two of the first highly successful women entrepreneurs in America, Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein.

One hundred years ago these women immigrated to the United States and, starting with next to nothing, created what is today the $150 billion global health and beauty industry. When Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein started their businesses 100 years ago, makeup was worn mostly by prostitutes and performers, and businesses were run mostly by men. In a legendary 50-year rivalry, these two women changed that and transformed us. This program is based on the book War Paint: Madame Helena Rubinstein & Miss Elizabeth Arden — Their Lives, Their Times, Their Rivalry by Lindy Woodhead. Jane Alexander narrates. The Powder & the Glory airs Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 7 p.m. on WXXI World.