KEY TAKEAWAYS: Women in the beauty industry have paved the way from the start . Who were the most influential women to forge ahead in the beauty world? It's impossible to mention every woman who made a mark, but in this blog, we're sharing a few must-know female powerhouses who changed the beauty industry forever.
Updated: March 19, 2025
It’s no secret that history is practically overflowing with inspirational, strong, and before-their-time women who were visionaries, warriors, and soldiers for the things they believed in.
With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that women in the beauty industry played an enormous role in where the world of beauty is today.
Why are we bringing this up right now?
Well, for two reasons.
First things first, we hardcore believe that there’s never a wrong time to shine a light on the accomplishments of historical women who inspired change.
And secondly, because it’s March, AKA, Women’s History Month–so, we’re absolutely ready to celebrate that whole-heartedly and give the inspiring women of cosmetology and beauty their deserved credit.
So, how are we celebrating? By dropping a list of some of the most influential and inspiring women who graced the industry. But before we get to that, we want to say this: This is by no means a comprehensive list.
It would be dang near impossible to list out every single woman throughout history who’s contributed to and revolutionized the industry as we know it.
Because let’s be honest–there have been (likely millions) of innovative women who changed the game for this industry over time.
So, this list is just a tiny sampling of a few of the women who helped build the path for cosmetology and beauty so that women now could continue their legacy and forge their own ways, too.
Women in the Beauty Industry: Must-Know Names Who Shaped the Beauty World
The OG Beauty Industry Influencers
Madame C.J. Walker: Self-Made Beauty Millionaire
It’s impossible to talk about the beauty industry without mentioning Madam C.J. Walker. Not only was she the first self-made millionaire in history (we see you, girl), she also was an absolute genius when it came to innovation and entrepreneurship.
Walker created a line of beauty products made specifically for Black women (a revolutionary move on its own) but then stunned the world when she started a “Walker system” of hair care that was sold by her highly-trained beauty culturists.
A badass product line? Check. A knack for self-promotion? For sure. The forge-your-own-path dedication to creating a whole new way to sell beauty products? Oh, yeah.
She set the pace for so many women who came after her, and her example reigns a shining light of ambition for cosmetologists in the beauty industry.
Helena Rubinstein: A Beauty Empire
An entrepreneur from Poland, Helena Rubenstein had humble beginnings.
At first, she specialized in selling a specialized body cream that her mother had used, but slowly over time; she built her name and business into a global cosmetics empire.
How did she get there?
She founded a beauty salon and began manufacturing her own cosmetics, working hard to expand her business wherever she could.
Eventually, she had opened salons all over London and Paris–when she moved to America during WWI, she launched a worldwide empire that inspired and influenced modern cosmetic empires today.
Estee Lauder: Free Samples Forever
Estee Lauder brought a little something special to the beauty industry that would set the stage for those who would come after her. Science.
Her rooted-in-Science approach to beauty was established when she became absolutely fascinated with her uncle’s chemist business, which eventually led to her concocting beauty products in the kitchen.
But her products weren’t the only revolutionary thing she brought to the industry.
She’s also credited with introducing the “hands-on” sale method, believing that it was necessary to touch the consumer and have them physically try the products to make a sale.
P.S., she’s the one who’s credited with free samples, too!
Elizabeth Arden: The Makeover Queen
A big name in the cosmetics world, Elizbeth Arden didn’t just create makeup; she was instrumental in establishing makeup as a “thing” that was OK for women to invest in–no matter what class they were.
Arden is even credited with the idea of a makeover that showed women the transformative allure and power of makeup.
Though she accomplished a ton in her life, her most significant achievement of the Arden brand was how she innovated success and paved the way for proving the consumer power of women.
Pat McGrath: The Mother of Makeup
Dubbed "Mother" by industry insiders, Pat McGrath is one of the most influential makeup artists in the world. Her brand, Pat McGrath Labs, is known for its bold colors and luxurious formulations, pushing the boundaries of makeup artistry. McGrath's visionary work continues to inspire and set trends globally.
A Few Modern Influences: Women in the Beauty Industry Now
Rihanna: The Queen of Inclusivity
When Rihanna launched Fenty Beauty in 2017, she didn't just enter the beauty scene—she transformed it. With a groundbreaking 50-shade foundation range, Fenty Beauty set a new standard for inclusivity, ensuring that the world of beauty truly is for everyone. Rihanna's visionary approach has inspired countless brands to expand their shade ranges, making the industry more inclusive for all.
"Fenty Beauty set a new standard for inclusivity, ensuring that the world of beauty truly is for everyone."
Selena Gomez: Championing Self-Love
In 2020, Selena Gomez introduced Rare Beauty, a brand that goes beyond makeup. Rare Beauty emphasizes self-acceptance and mental health, challenging unrealistic beauty standards. By 2024, Rare Beauty's success contributed to Gomez's recognition as one of the youngest self-made billionaires, showcasing the power of authenticity in the beauty world.
Emily Weiss: Redefining Beauty Consumption
Emily Weiss, founder of Glossier, has reimagined how we shop for beauty products. Glossier's minimalist aesthetic and emphasis on skincare have resonated with consumers seeking a more natural approach to beauty. Weiss's focus on community and customer feedback has built a brand that feels both personal and universal.
Huda Kattan: The Beauty Influencer Turned Mogul
Huda Kattan transformed her passion for beauty into a billion-dollar empire. Starting as a beauty blogger and influencer, she launched Huda Beauty in 2013, offering products that quickly became bestsellers. Kattan's savvy use of social media and her genuine connection with her audience have cemented her brand's place in the global beauty market.
Michelle Phan: The Digital Beauty Pioneer
Michelle Phan's journey began with YouTube tutorials that demystified makeup for millions. Her approachable style and creative flair made beauty accessible, inspiring a new generation of beauty enthusiasts. Phan's influence extends beyond tutorials; she co-founded Ipsy, a beauty subscription service, and re-launched EM Cosmetics, solidifying her status as a beauty industry trailblazer.
Charlotte Tilbury: The Makeup Maestro
Charlotte Tilbury's eponymous brand, launched in 2013, has become synonymous with glamour and innovation. From her Magic Cream to the iconic Pillow Talk collection, Tilbury's products have garnered a cult following. Her brand's success led her to top the Sunday Times Beauty Rich List, with an estimated worth of £350 million, highlighting her significant impact on the industry
Love to hear about the historical women who set the beauty industry up for success?
We do, too. Learning about women who changed the beauty industry is fun, sure, but more than that, it’s necessary to taking the industry further.
So, please get to know the women who came before you in the industry, and better, make them proud by forging your own path and honoring their legacy by creating your own.
This beauty industry is just as much yours as it was theirs–go do something inspiring with it!
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Meet Hanna Marcus, the Founder and Head Copy Gal behind Boundless Copy, a one-of-a-kind copywriting agency that specializes in big, bold brand voice and industry-disrupting copy that’s all about resonating with the right audience.
Hanna has proudly teamed up with Elite Beauty Society for several years as their go-to copywriter on all things beauty, small biz marketing, and brand voice development. She’s big on feeling-first writing–her personal soapbox is that the best copy starts with telling a story.
When she’s not writing cheeky, converting copy for clients, she’s mentoring other aspiring copywriters and creating digital copywriting resources designed for service pros and focused on taking the stress out of DIY copywriting.
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