Charles Revson

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Charles Revson – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Learn about Charles Revson — the American cosmetics entrepreneur behind Revlon — his business innovations, personal life, philanthropic legacy, and memorable quotations.

Introduction

Charles Haskell Revson (October 11, 1906 – August 24, 1975) was a visionary American businessman, innovator, and philanthropist best known as the founder of Revlon, one of the most iconic cosmetics companies in the world.

With just a modest capital and a bold sense for marketing, Revson revolutionized cosmetics—introducing pigment-based nail polish, color-matching lipsticks, and compelling advertising narratives. His personal drive, perfectionism, and flair for branding transformed Revlon from a small startup into a dominant global name. His philanthropic legacy also continues through the Charles H. Revson Foundation.

Early Life and Family

Charles Revson was born on October 11, 1906, in Somerville, Massachusetts.

He was raised in Manchester, New Hampshire, where his father worked and the family lived in modest circumstances. Manchester West High School.

Career and Business Achievements

Founding Revlon and Cosmetics Innovation

Revson’s first job in the beauty industry was at the cosmetics firm Elka, selling nail polish.

In 1932, during the Great Depression, Revson partnered with his brother and chemist Charles Lachman to launch Revlon with $300 in capital. pigment-based nail enamel (rather than translucent washes), enabling richer, bold colors. matching lipsticks and nail polish in color — a marketing innovation that became a hallmark.

Under his leadership, Revlon expanded aggressively: from salons to drugstores and department stores, developing a broad cosmetics and fragrance portfolio.

By the time of his death, Revlon had more than 3,000 products and annual sales of over $600 million.

Marketing, Branding & Publicity

Charles Revson’s genius was not only in product but in branding, narrative, and marketing. He understood that cosmetics were not just functional but symbolic — selling glamour, identity, and aspiration. Fire & Ice, Moon Drops, Ultima II.

In the 1950s, Revlon became a major television sponsor, including sponsoring The $64,000 Question quiz show. That tie-in boosted brand visibility dramatically. quiz-show scandals — Revson was accused (though never formally charged) of pressuring producers to favor winning contestants to maintain ratings.

Revson also diversified into the pharmaceutical field in the mid-1960s.

Personal Life & Challenges

Charles Revson was married three times. His second marriage was to Johanna C. Ancky Johnson, and from that marriage, he had two sons, John and Charles H. Revson Jr., and a daughter Penelope. Lyn Revson. Eartha Kitt.

Revson’s personality was often described as ambitious, perfectionist, exacting, and sometimes harsh.

He died on August 24, 1975, at his home in New Rochelle, New York.

Philanthropy & Legacy

In 1956, Revson established the Charles H. Revson Foundation to channel his charitable giving. $68 million) to the foundation.

Revson’s name lives on not only in the cosmetics industry but also in cultural memory. The Revson Fountain at Lincoln Center in New York was dedicated and funded by Revlon/Revson in 1964.

He is also featured as a character in the musical War Paint, which dramatizes the rivalry between Revlon and Helena Rubinstein.

Famous Quotes of Charles Revson

Here are some memorable lines attributed to Revson that illustrate his mindset:

“Be creative in your chosen field and be a perfectionist in all fields.”

“A lie is often an expression of the fear that one may be crushed by the truth.”

These quotes highlight the tension Revson saw between creativity, truth, and perfectionism.

Lessons from Charles Revson

From Revson’s life and career, one can draw key insights:

1. Start small, think big. Revson began with a modest $300 capital but scaled boldly through product innovation and marketing.

2. Product + narrative = brand. He understood that makeup wasn’t merely functional but aspirational, and he sold stories as much as colors.

3. Relentless standards. His drive for perfection could be ruthless, but it also pushed the business forward.

4. Risk in media & publicity. His use of television sponsorship and bold marketing drove growth—but ventures like quiz-show tie-ins also carried reputational risk.

5. Legacy beyond business. His philanthropic foundation continues to support education, public life, and community causes — preserving his impact beyond cosmetics.

6. Leadership can divide. Strong personalities often polarize, and Revson’s management style was not universally loved, yet under it Revlon thrived.

Conclusion

Charles Revson remains one of the most influential figures in American cosmetics history. From humble roots, his vision, marketing flair, and uncompromising drive turned Revlon into a household name. Though his personality and tactics were controversial at times, his legacy—both through Revlon’s enduring brand and his philanthropic foundation—stands as testament to a man who believed beauty could be marketed, creativity could sell, and impact could last beyond one’s lifetime.