Estée Lauder
1908–2004 (age 96)
businesswoman
Biography
Estée Lauder turned a passion for beauty into a global company built on quality, elegance, and personal connections with each customer. Beginning with a few carefully crafted creams, she guided the Estée Lauder Companies to international acclaim by insisting on the power of self-care and a personal touch in every counter.
Beyond her business acumen, she supported arts institutions, medical research, and educational programs, demonstrating that success could be a platform for generosity. Her legacy is felt in every bottle she helped perfect and in the philanthropic endeavors she championed.