Goodreads Reviews the Maybelline Story

Not only do we know Maybelline as a major American cosmetics company, but Maybelline was actually the name of the founder’s sister. Tom Lyle Williams was the actual founder of Maybelline and through his business acumen and entrepreneurial talent, came up with a product women are still using 100 years later. It was through his family, especially his sister-in-law Evelyn, herself a glamorous and fashionable woman of her times, that Maybelline became a national presence in the cosmetics market.

Tom Williams saw his sister Maybel attempt to darken her eyelashes with a dangerous mixture of coal ash and water. Women throughout history have always tried to enhance their facial features and Tom saw an opportunity to help his sister and make a few dollars. As it turned out, he was correct. He did both. The story also included American history, women’s suffrage, the beginnings of Hollywood and attitudes towards homosexuality. The story had all the elements of a blockbuster story.

The author Sharrie Williams, who is the founder’s grandniece, gives us her impressions about her family members such as her grandmother Evelyn. While Evelyn plays an important role in the success of the company, she is a self-centered woman, lousy mother and ultimately pays a steep price for her “ambition”. I highly recommend this novel.

I absolutely loved this non-fiction read. A fascinating family – sad and amazing at the same time. Very good writing – I felt like I was reading a novel.