Estée Lauder: from a dream to a legend

The name Estée Lauder has become synonymous with luxury, innovation, and beauty, inspiring millions of women worldwide. Yet, few know the incredible story of Estée Lauder herself – a woman who turned her passion into a global legend.

How did a simple cream created in a home laboratory become the foundation of one of the world’s most influential cosmetics empires? This question reveals not only the secret to Estée Lauder’s success but also inspires us all to dream big.

ELLE O‘zbekiston brings you an exclusive look at the brand and its legendary founder, encouraging you to reach new heights.

The foundation of the brand and the life of Estée Lauder 

Born in 1908 to a poor family of Jewish immigrants in Queens, New York, Estée was the youngest of eight children. Despite her humble beginnings, she demonstrated determination from an early age.

When she was six years old, her uncle John Schotz, a dermatologist who made creams and balms, moved into their home. John became Estée’s first mentor and source of inspiration. She assisted him in his work, observing how simple ingredients could create transformative skincare products. Over time, she began experimenting herself, developing four skincare cream formulas that remain part of the brand’s lineup to this day.

photо: instagram, @esteelauder

During her school years, Estée realized her passion was not only in creating products but also in selling them. She sold her uncle’s creams to her classmates, convincing them of their miraculous properties. This early experience helped her shape a key sales philosophy: she believed in selling not just a product but a dream. Inspiring women to feel special, beautiful, and confident became her lifelong mission. 

The birth of a brand

By the age of 20, Estée was already dreaming of her own cosmetics brand. Rather than pursue formal education, she dedicated herself to working in her uncle’s laboratory, perfecting her cream formulas. During this time, she met Joseph Lauder, her future husband and biggest supporter.

On February 3, 1946, the couple took a significant step forward, opening their first store in New York. They transformed an old restaurant building into a small factory, where they produced creams at night and sold them during the day. This marked the beginning of the Estée Lauder Corporation.

photо: instagram, @esteelauder

Estée’s natural talent for marketing set her apart. She paid close attention to every detail, from high-quality formulas to elegant packaging. Initially, the brand offered only creams, but over time, Estée introduced makeup products like eyeshadows, lipsticks, and powders. She also pioneered a revolutionary concept: giving small gifts with purchases as a gesture, which became a hallmark of the brand.

By the early 1950s, Estée Lauder expanded across the United States. Estée personally opened every new store, training employees in customer engagement.

photо: instagram, @esteelauder

In 1953, she launched the brand’s first fragrance, Youth-Dew. It became an instant hit, transforming perfume from a luxury item into an everyday ritual. But Estée’s ambitions didn’t stop there. To break into the European market, she devised a bold publicity stunt: at Paris’ Galeries Lafayette, she shattered a bottle of perfume, filling the store with its captivating aroma. This move created a buzz in the press, and Estée Lauder quickly gained popularity in Europe.

Innovation and iconic products 

Estée Lauder has always offered more than just cosmetics. The brand instilled confidence and a sense of beauty in women, setting new standards in the industry. Its innovative products not only became iconic but also redefined skincare and makeup perceptions.

Advanced Night Repair: a revolution in night-time skincare

photо: instagram, @esteelauder

One of the brand’s most legendary products is the Advanced Night Repair Intense Reset Concentrate. Its formula features Chronolux™ S.O.S technology, designed to restore skin overnight. With 15 times more hyaluronic acid than standard creams, it deeply hydrates every layer of the skin. The concentrate smooths, brightens, and improves texture, reducing pore visibility and restoring a healthy glow.

Daywear Eye: radiant eyes every day

photо: instagram, @esteelauder

Eye care has always been central to Estée Lauder’s philosophy. The Daywear Eye Cooling Anti-Oxidant Moisture Gel Créme has become a favorite for its ability to refresh and brighten tired eyes. With cucumber extract and a powerful antioxidant complex, it reduces puffiness, lightens dark circles, smooths fine lines, and protects delicate skin from environmental stressors.

Double Wear: long-lasting makeup for every occasion

photо: instagram, @esteelauder

The Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup Foundation revolutionized the makeup industry. Its formula provides up to 24 hours of wear, perfectly mattifies the skin, and conceals imperfections – all while feeling lightweight. Beloved by millions, this foundation adapts to any setting, from business meetings to lively parties.

Expansion and global success 

Estée’s vision extended beyond her own brand. She supported other brands and helped them flourish while expanding her company’s offerings to include men’s products, fragrances, and luxury skincare lines.

But Estée Lauder is more than just a business. The company launched the first Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) campaign, which has helped thousands of women. Despite rapid growth, the brand’s core values remain unchanged: quality, customer care, and the desire to inspire women worldwide. 

photо: instagram, @esteelauder

The story of Estée Lauder is a testament to how a dream, fueled by perseverance and self-belief, can become a global legend. From a humble cream created in a small laboratory to a world-renowned corporation, Estée Lauder showed that anything is possible with passion and a commitment to excellence.