Elizabeth Arden was born Florence Nightingale Graham in 1878, but Elizabeth Arden the cosmetics brand did not come into the world until 1912 in New York. Until this time make up was generally the legacy of stage performers but Arden introduced modern eye make up to America from Paris. In another groundbreaking move Elizabeth Arden was one of the first to recognise the needs of the American woman entering the workforce during World War Two. She also created a lipstick line specifically for women in the armed forces during the war. The lipstick was called “Montezuma Red” and matched the red of their uniforms. She also created what was termed the “Total Look” in which lips, cheeks and fingernails were made to match in colour. Elizabeth Arden cosmetics have been patronised over the years by figures such as Jackie Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe and Queen Elizabeth II. Also, Elizabeth Arden has not only created unique fragrances such as The Red Door but also owns the licences to many other perfume brands such as Mariah Carey, Britney Spears and Elizabeth Taylor.
