Online tribute to the American businesswoman and icon. Estee Lauder co-founded her eponymous cosmetics company with her husband, Joseph Lauder.
Join Memories to request access to contribute your cherished photos, videos, and stories to Estee's memorial with others who loved them.
Join MemoriesWith immigrant parents and zero education - she built an empire worth more than Uber and Ferrari combined. This memorial pays tributes to the essence of her incredible story.
Kate Wilson A second generation immigrant with no formal education, connections, or capital - she built an empire worth more than Uber and Ferrari combined.
The beauty industry never saw her coming. She started experimenting in high school and launched her first line in 1946 with four handmade products.
Kate Wilson Initially dismissed by department store buyers, she pioneered the live demonstration marketing strategy and changed the game.
Kate Wilson She created "Youth Dew" - a bath oil that doubled as perfume in a highly strategic move that opened the fragrance market directly to female buyers.
Youth-Dew sold 50,000 bottles in its first year, and 150 million units by 1984 - transforming her kitchen table startup into a beauty powerhouse.
Kate Wilson She was the master for sales, marketing and PR. She mastered the intersection of consumer psychology and business acumen better than most.
"I touched every face that used my products." - Estee Lauder transformed the marketing strategy of cosmetics and skincare.
Kate Wilson By the 1980s, Estee Lauder had expanded into a global company with several groundbreaking brands.
Kate Wilson She pioneered the gift with purchase marketing strategy.
Kate Wilson Today, the Estee Lauder companies outvalue Uber and Ferrari combined.
"I never dreamed about success, I worked for it."