Review: A Beautiful Rival

Title: A Beautiful Rival

Author: Gill Paul

Publisher: 31st August 2024 by Avon Books UK

Pages: 384 pages

Genre: historical fiction

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

In this stunning new novel, bestselling author Gill Paul reveals the unknown history of cosmetic titans Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein and their infamous rivalry that spanned not only decades, but also broken marriages, personal tragedies, and a world that was changing dramatically for women—perfect for fans of Fiona Davis, Marie Benedict, and Beatriz Williams.

Who would have guessed that the business of making women beautiful was so cutthroat?

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 Rubenstein 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.

My Thoughts

Embarking on a Gill Paul read is always a treat and this time around she gives her readers a wonderfully famous rivalry from history. Most women over a certain age (*cough *splutter) have heard of Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein. Gill details a wonderful fact/fiction tale of these two highly intelligent women from around 1915-1965 and how they were bitter rivals in their quest for supremacy in the beauty business. 

‘Helena rubbed her hands in glee. Nothing cheered her so much as hearing that her rival’s business was in trouble. When she arrived in America in 1915, it had been her goal to beat Elizabeth Arden and, for now at least, she was in the lead.’

I knew little about the inception of the beauty industry and nothing about the lives of the women behind these iconic products so it was such an interesting revelation with Gill including so much detailed research. Elizabeth Arden comes across as a rather cold person always desperate to reach the upper echelons. Helena comes across as the more personable and astute businesswoman. This is a story of their life journeys and the crazy lengths they would go to in competing against one another. 

“I see Madame Rubinstein wormed her way in,” she said, with an arched eyebrow. “You two should talk,” Edna said. “You have a lot in common.” “I doubt it somehow,” Elizabeth said. “She doesn’t look my type at all.”

What is most enlightening is the time period - two world wars and a Great Depression - along with the role of women in business. It is eye opening. There is also so much to be learnt about the introduction of the cosmetics industry and how it withstood the test of time with both their names and products continuing to be viewed with respect. 

“Ah, but we came first,” Helena said. “We invented an industry that didn’t exist before. They should all be thanking us.”

If books about women pioneering in a man’s world and becoming a business success appeals to you, then A Beautiful Rival is sure to please. If stories about the introduction of cosmetics and the beauty industry tweaks your curiosity, look no further. Gill has undertaken an extensive amount of research about two women whose personal backgrounds could not have foresaw the great success they would achieve. Told from alternating chapters of both Elizabeth and Helena’s perspectives this is a highly interesting and entertaining read. 

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.