Hazel Bishop facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hazel Bishop
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Bishop applying lipstick, 1969
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| Born |
Hazel Gladys Bishop
August 17, 1906 |
| Died | December 5, 1998 (aged 92) |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Barnard College (Graduated 1929) |
| Occupation | Chemist |
| Employer | Hazel Bishop, Inc. |
| Known for | Lipstick |
| Parent(s) | Henry and Mabel Bishop |
Hazel Gladys Bishop (born August 17, 1906 – died December 5, 1997) was an American chemist. She started her own makeup company, Hazel Bishop, Inc.. She is famous for inventing the very first long-lasting lipstick!
Contents
Early Life and Education
Hazel Bishop was born in Hoboken, New Jersey. Her father was a successful businessman. Hazel went to Barnard College in New York. She first planned to become a doctor.
She studied chemistry and earned her degree in 1929. She wanted to continue her studies. However, a big event called the stock market crash happened that year. This meant she could not go to graduate school.
A Career in Chemistry
From 1935 to 1942, Hazel worked as a research assistant. She helped in a skin science lab at Columbia University.
In 1942, she became an organic chemist for Standard Oil Development Company. During World War II, she helped design special fuels for airplanes. She even found out what caused problems in aircraft engines!
After the war, she worked for another oil company until 1950.
Inventing Long-Lasting Lipstick
Hazel's mother once told her to "open your own business." This inspired Hazel to start her own experiments. In the 1930s, she tried to create a pimple concealer. She also made special tissues. But these products never went on sale.
Hazel wanted to make something for a lot of people. So, she started experimenting in her own kitchen. She mixed different dyes, oils, and melted wax. Her goal was to create a lipstick that would not dry out. It also had to be smudge-proof and last a long time. This meant it wouldn't smear on clothes or cups.
Her new mixture was molded into a stick. She called it "No-Smear Lipstick."
Launching Hazel Bishop Inc.
In 1948, Hazel and a partner named Alfred Berg started Hazel Bishop Inc.. Their goal was to make these "No-Smear Lipsticks." The lipstick was first shown at a club in New York in 1949. It then appeared in stores in 1950.
The lipstick launched at a store called Lord & Taylor in the summer of 1950. Each lipstick tube sold for $1. The product was a huge hit! It sold out completely on its very first day.
Hazel and Alfred then worked with an advertiser named Raymond Spector. He helped them market the lipstick to many customers.
Success and Challenges
In 1951, Hazel Bishop made history. She was the first woman to be featured alone on the cover of Business Week magazine.
Hazel's special way of making lipstick started what people called the "lipstick wars." Other makeup companies, like Revlon, began making their own versions. Everyone wanted to be the best in the makeup market.
Hazel's "no smear" lipstick was very successful. Not only did it sell out quickly, but it also took over 25% of the American lipstick market. In just four years, sales reached $10 million!
However, Hazel lost control of her company in 1954. This happened because of a disagreement with the main owners of the company. Raymond Spector was one of these owners. Hazel sold her share of the company. She agreed not to sell products under her own name anymore. She also had to make it clear that she was no longer part of Hazel Bishop, Inc.
New Ventures and Teaching
After leaving her company, Hazel Bishop became a consultant. She helped a group of leather glove makers. She even developed a special cleaner for leather gloves called "Leather Lav." She then started H.B. Laboratories, Inc. to make more leather products.
Hazel also created a foot care product. In 1957, she invented a solid perfume stick called Perfemme.
In 1962, she changed careers again. She became a stockbroker and financial analyst. She was an expert on makeup company stocks. She worked for several financial firms until 1981.
Hazel was a popular speaker at science meetings. She spoke to groups like the Society of Cosmetic Chemists.
In 1978, Hazel Bishop became a professor. She taught at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. In 1980, she was given a special teaching position. She helped create a new course about marketing makeup. This course taught students about advertising and how to promote products. She stopped teaching in 1986 but stayed on as a consultant.
Recognized for Her Work
Hazel Bishop was part of many professional groups. The American Institute of Chemists recognized her for her scientific achievements. She was also active in the American Chemical Society and the Society of Women Engineers.
She wrote articles for many science journals. After she passed away, she became known as a pioneer in both science and business.
Death
Hazel Bishop died on December 5, 1998. She was 92 years old. She passed away in Rye, New York.
See also
In Spanish: Hazel Bishop para niños
