Elizabeth Arden

Elizabeth Arden Biography

Elizabeth Arden, was born Florence Nightingale Graham, in Cornwall, England in 1884. Arden’s Scottish father was a chemist. Her family was well off and she was brought up in a good home with a good education. In 1908 the Graham family left Cornwall initially going to the USA and the later moving to Ontario, Canada.

While working for E.R. Squibb, Elizabeth Arden spent much time in the labs learning about skincare. In 1909, Arden formed a partnership with Elizabeth Hubbard and when the partnership dissolved, she coined the business name "Elizabeth Arden" from her former partner and from the poem "Enoch Arden."

Elizabeth Arden introduced modern eye makeup and the “makeover” to North America.

Arden collaborated with A. Fabian Swanson, a chemist, to create a "fluffy" face cream. The success of the cream, called Venetian Cream Amoretta, and corresponding lotion, named Arden Skin Tonic, led to a long-lasting business relationship. This revolutionized cosmetics, bringing a scientific approach to formulations.

Arden claimed that "There are only three American names that are known in every corner of the globe: Singer sewing machines, Coca Cola and Elizabeth Arden."

Her cosmetics company continues to trade today, and was bought from Unilever in 2003 by FFI, a New York company. They changed their name to Elizabeth Arden, and are listed on the NASDAQ (RDEN).

Elizabeth Arden Quotes

“There are only three American names that are known in every corner of the globe: Singer sewing machines, Coca Cola and Elizabeth Arden.”

“Repetition makes reputation and reputation makes customers.”

“There's only one Elizabeth like me and that's the Queen. ”

“Treat a horse like a woman and a woman like a horse. And they'll both win for you.”

“Dear, never forget one little point. It's my business. You just work here.”