Estee: A Success Story [Hardcover]

Estee Lauder (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 12, 1985

First published in 1985 and now back in print in a beautifully designed edition, this is a book filled with the inspirations, strategies, and the well-lived and charming instincts that led Estée Lauder from a childhood upbringing in Queens, New York, to the pinnacle of New York society and international style. She soared through the "glass ceiling" with style, a unique accommodation of people’s needs, and an infectious enthusiasm that we all can learn from. From her first break at a major New York store to the formation of companies that include Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Prescriptives, Origins, M-A-C, Le Mer, Aveda, Jo Malone, Coach, and a host of additional leading brands selling on five continents, Mrs. Lauder reveals how her family business became an empire. Legendary clashes with competitors are divulged, including stories of how she outsmarted them with remarkable style, grace, and determination. She describes how she learned to connect with women, the iconoclastic marketing breakthroughs, and the years of incredibly hard work that led to domination of the cosmetic world. She is renowned for conducting a life of drama, but with color and elegance and always with a focus on exquisite detail. In this book, she shared her secrets of good business and good living.

--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Direct, disarming, Estée Lauder was a philanthropist and social leader, receiving many honors including the Legion of Honor. She was named by Harper’s Bazaar as one of the 100 American Women of Accomplishment, voted one of the Top Ten Outstanding Women in Business, and appeared regularly on the best-dressed lists. Aerin Lauder is the granddaughter of Estée Lauder and is Senior Vice President Creative Director of Estée Lauder. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 222 pages
• Publisher: Random House; 1st edition (October 12, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0394551915
• ISBN-13: 978-0394551913
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #83,685 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars How Josephine Esther became the Queen of Cosmetics, May 4, 2003

By 

Wendy-Marie Chabot "The Bad Gwen" (Central CT) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Estee: A Success Story (Hardcover)

Like the Empress and Queen who names she bears, Estee Lauder (born Josephine Esther Menzter) reigns supreme with a firm and strong hand. Her rise from unknown to Queen of Cosmetics is told in a lively fashion with her youthful fascination with beauty to her first forays in beauty salons to her acceptance by the major department stores. It seems that through the sheer force of her personality and handful of potions, Estee Lauder would convert even the most stubborn persons to ardent Estee Lauder devotees wether it was in rhe beauty salon, office or evalator.

A favorite story is Estee slipping off her heels after an extremely busy sales day at a department store and going over the accounts. Realizing she is two dollars short of her $1000 sales goal and with a few moments before the store officially closes, Estee slips back on her shoes and springs into action, selling enough product to bring her total day's sales to the desired $1000.

One shortcoming of the book is Estee Lauder's decision to not give dates of events unless absolutely necessary. We know when Youth Dew is introduced and the official founding of Estee Lauder but otherwise Estee remains mum. She does mention in the introduction to the book the debate over her age but does not settle the matter one way or another. One can understand her desire to be an ageless woman. The image of a cosmetics queen is one of eternal youth and beauty. Her fellow Cosmetic Queen Mary Kay Ash also did a little dance around her true age with her memoirs.

For the Estee Lauder devotee or even a student of fashion and cosmetics "Estee: A Success Story" is a must read.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, February 18, 2011

By 

Vicki Gee - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Estee: A Success Story (Hardcover)

Wonderful book. How could it be anything BUT!!! This book covers where she came from, where she ended up, what motivated her & how she motivated others..WOW. She was an exceptional lady & worked hard for where she went in life. I learned so much & was able to share during the yrs. I worked at the Lauder cosmetic counter. The pictures are beautiful & opened up a whole new vision of who this woman really was. I keep it by my bedside so I remember who I aspire to be like. I just wish someone would make a MOVIE!!

5.0 out of 5 stars A keepsake book, December 27, 2011

By 

Kristina Dietz (PEQUOT LAKES, MN, US) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Estee: A Success Story (Hardcover)

I am very happy with the quality of the condition of this book. I was pleasantly surprised because I did not pay much for it. As an ABA with the Estee Lauder Minneapolis team, I have shared this book with other makeup artists.