101 GUIDE TO ELIZABETH ARDEN

The cornerstone of American beauty, Elizabeth Arden has been at the forefront of the skin care, make up and fragrance space for well over a century. With the belief that beauty shouldn’t be a veneer of make up, but an intelligent cooperation between science and nature, the brand is built on its founder’s mantra that “to be beautiful is the birthright of every woman" – and we couldn’t agree more. 

Loved by A-listers and the royals alike, Elizabeth Arden is renowned worldwide for its innovative formulas and straying away from the status quo. Intrigued? Us too… That’s why we caught up with the brand’s Vice President of Global Education and Development, Janet Curmi, to uncover everything you need to know about the heritage powerhouse.  

THE MAKING OF ELIZABETH ARDEN  

From supplying suffragettes red lipstick (we’ll get onto that later) to introducing the concept of makeovers to retail stores, it’s fair to say Elizabeth Arden has moulded the beauty sphere throughout the years. But how exactly did the luxury brand begin? “Elizabeth Arden was one of the first female entrepreneurs in 20th century America. She was a power player before women even had the right to vote. At a time when make up and cosmetics were considered improper, she was instrumental in changing how the world thought about beauty. The ultimate influencer, not only did she build an enduring global business empire, but she also helped establish the entire industry. From the start, Elizabeth Arden broke with convention on every level. She pioneered a scientific approach to skin care formulations with cult classics such as Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant. Redefining what beauty can be, she believed in pushing the limits of what’s possible and strived to empower through creating that personal inner strength that comes from feeling truly beautiful and confident” says Janet.  

WHERE DID THE NAME ELIZABETH ARDEN COME FROM 

“In 1910 Elizabeth Arden’s founder, formerly known as Florence Nightingale Graham, opened the first Elizabeth Arden Salon on Fifth Avenue. The name Elizabeth Arden was inspired by Florence Nightingale’s two favourite pieces of literature Tennyson’s poem Enoch ‘Arden’ and Elizabeth Von Arnin’s memoir Elizabeth and her German Garden.” 

WHAT IS ELIZABETH ARDEN MOST FAMOUS FOR 

Where do we begin? Elizabeth Arden’s firsts have come in the form of product innovation. Proudly looking back on the brand’s hard work and dedication, Janet reminisces the powerhouses’ *long* list of greatest achievements…  

1. Elizabeth Arden was the first to introduce eye make up to the women of America in 1914. 
2. Elizabeth Arden was the first to introduce travel size make up in 1917. 
3. Elizabeth Arden was the first to bring the concept of makeovers to its stores. 
4. Elizabeth Arden was the first to launch an encapsulated skin care product to ensure its potency and effectiveness with ceramide capsules in 1990.  
5. Elizabeth Arden was the first to elevate antioxidant skin care using high performance Idebenone in the Prevage skin care pillar. 
6. In 1930, the brand’s Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant earned its name after one of Elizabeth Arden’s friends used the balm on her child’s grazed knee and, eight hours later, witnessed a visible improvement. The formula has remained unchanged and is still selling at one every 60 seconds, 90 years later (yes, you read that right!). 
7. Elizabeth marched down Fifth Avenue to support women’s voting rights, handing out red lipstick to fellow suffragettes as a symbol of solidarity, in 1944. 
8. Elizabeth Arden became the first businesswoman to appear on the cover of TIME magazine for her notable beauty blends, in 1946. 
9. The brand was appointed a Royal Warrant by HM The Queen Elizabeth II, in 1963. 
10. The Retinol+Hpr Ceramide Rapid Skin-Renewing Water Cream has won eight prestigious awards since its launch in 2023, including titles from Marie Claire, Vogue Beauty Awards, Woman & Home, Stylist and Sheer Luxe. 

BEST ELIZABETH ARDEN PRODUCTS 

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant 50ml

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18

£31.00

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The ultimate multitasking balm that promotes healthy looking skin, Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant shields against extreme conditions (we’re talking wind, sun and everything in between) while boosting an occlusive barrier to prevent moisture loss. Fusing salicylic acid with vitamin E, it gently exfoliates for a smooth, soothed sign off. Oh, and did we mention you can use it from top-to-toe, too? A true beauty icon, we know! 

Elizabeth Arden Exclusive Hyaluronic Acid Ceramide Capsules Hydra-Plumping Serum (60 Capsules)

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£83.00

60 Capsules

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Powered by the brand’s renowned Double-Lock Hydration complex, Elizabeth Arden’s Hyaluronic Acid Ceramide Capsules Hydra-Plumping Serum brings back some bounce for a visibly plumper visage. Housed in a perfectly sized pod – to ensure the ideal dosage with every use – the hydrating hero fuses hyaluronic acid with ceramides for a happy, healthy and hydrated finish.  

Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Lift and Firm Day Cream 50ml

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£68.00

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Featuring the brand’s 3D FIT Technology, Elizabeth Arden’sAdvanced Ceramide Lift and Firm Day Cream visibly (you guessed it) lifts, firm and defines your facial contours. Blending ceramides, tetrapeptides and edelweiss extract, the multitasking must-have smooths the look of fine lines while protecting your dedicate barrier from free radical damage.  

Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart SPF50 Hydrating Shield 40ml

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5

£61.00

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Designed with the metropolitans in mind, Elizabeth Arden’sPrevage City Smart Anti-Pollution Shield SPF50 defends against pollution while providing UV protection. What’s more, supercharged with the brand’s DNA Enzyme Complex to strengthen skin, this hybrid hero contains a universal tint and optical diffusers that works in harmony with all tones and make up products for radiant results when on the go.  

WHAT’S NEXT FOR ELIZABETH ARDEN 

“Elizabeth Arden company proudly embraces the future with the promise to continue creating cutting-edge products that support and enhance the brand’s core pillars, including ground-breaking skin care, on-trend colour looks and memorable fragrances – that will be sold in evermore markets around the globe.” 

Watch this space…