There are beauty stories, and then there are beauty wars, the kind that shaped an entire industry. A Beautiful Rival brings Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein to life with the kind of glamour, ambition, and unapologetic rivalry that defined 20th‑century beauty culture.
“Scandal, sabotage and spies. Who knew the beauty industry was so cutthroat! This was a thoroughly compulsive and addictive read.” — Kate Thompson, bestselling author of The Little Wartime Library
Bestselling author Gill Paul reveals the history of cosmetic titans Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein and their infamous rivalry that spanned decades in a world that was changing dramatically for women—perfect for fans of Fiona Davis, Marie Benedict, and Beatriz Williams.
They could have been allies: two self-made millionaires who invented a global industry, in an era when wife and mother were supposed to be the highest goals for their sex. Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein each founded empires built on grit and determination…and yet they became locked in a feud spanning three continents, two world wars, and the Great Depression.
Brought up in poverty, Canadian-born Elizabeth Arden changed popular opinion, persuading women from all walks of life to buy skincare products that promised them youth and beauty. Helena Rubinstein left her native Poland, and launched her company with scientific claims about her miracle creams made with anti-ageing herbs.
And when it came to business, nothing was off-limits: poaching each other’s employees, copying each other’s products, planting spies, hiring ex-husbands, and one-upping each other every chance they had. This was a rivalry from which there was no surrender! And through it all were two women, bold, brazen, and determined to succeed—no matter the personal cost.
In this sweeping novel from the bestselling author of Jackie and Maria and The Manhattan Girls, two larger-than life fashion icons come alive with all their passion, bitterness, and ambition as they each try to live the American dream.
Coconut (Helena Rubinstein coded)
Helena Rubinstein’s salons were known for their scientific approach to beauty. Coconut‑based treatments appeared in her early European spas as part of moisture‑restoring rituals — a precursor to modern hydration treatments.
Honey (Elizabeth Arden coded)
Elizabeth Arden famously believed in “beauty from within.” Honey, lemon and farm‑fresh ingredients were part of her early wellness philosophy, aligning with her Red Door spa’s clean, elegant vibe.
Olive Oil (shared European heritage)
Both Arden and Rubinstein borrowed heavily from European beauty traditions. Olive oil was a staple in Mediterranean skincare, used for softness, shine and elasticity — a quiet nod to the era’s salon culture.
Book Club Book Questions
1. How did Arden and Rubinstein’s rivalry shape the beauty industry we know today?
2. Which woman’s branding approach felt more modern?
3. What surprised you most about their early beauty innovations?
4. How did each woman use femininity as a business tool?
5. Whose legacy feels more present in today’s beauty culture?
6. Did you relate more to Arden’s elegance or Rubinstein’s intensity?
Signature Cocktail: The Rival Rosé Spritz
A light, elegant spritz inspired by the salons, soirées and beauty counters of Arden’s and Rubinstein’s era.
Ingredients
- Chilled rosé
- Soda water
- Splash of elderflower
- Optional: twist of lemon or a few raspberries
How to Serve
Pour rosé over ice, add soda, finish with elderflower. Serve in coupe or wine glasses for an Old Hollywood touch.
Why It Fits the Theme
Rosé reflects Arden’s signature pink branding, while elderflower nods to Rubinstein’s European luxury roots. A drink with two personalities — just like the rivalry.
Playlist: Old Hollywood Jazz + Modern Lounge
Set the tone with a playlist that blends vintage glamour with contemporary polish.
Old Hollywood Jazz
- Ella Fitzgerald
- Billie Holiday
- Nat King Cole
- Julie London
Modern Lounge
- Rhye
- Charlotte Day Wilson
- Sade
- Café del Mar instrumentals
Why It Fits the Theme
Arden’s salons were known for elegance and refinement; Rubinstein’s for modernity and innovation. This playlist mirrors both energies — timeless glamour with a contemporary edge.
Dress Code: “Arden Pink or Rubinstein Red”
Arden Pink
Soft, feminine, polished. Think blush tones, pearls, classic silhouettes.
Rubinstein Red
Bold, confident, dramatic. Think red lipstick, structured lines, European chic.
Why It Fits the Theme
The rivalry was as much about branding as it was about beauty. Pink vs. red is a playful nod to their competing empires.
A Beautiful Rival is a fascinating novel, a novel that is a reminder that beauty has always been shaped by women who dared to compete, innovate and re-define what was possible.
Next week, get ready as we step into the archives with Elizabeth Arden vs. Helena Rubinstein: The Beauty War — the real story behind the rivalry.
I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?
Face by Stace 