Estee Lauder dies at her Manhattan home

The cosmetics queen Estee Lauder, who founded the company that bears her name in 1946, has died at her home in Manhattan.

She died of cardiopulmonary arrest at the age of 95 on Saturday evening. Mrs Lauder is survived by her two sons, four grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

A company spokesperson paid tribute to Mrs Lauder's "business and creative instincts" and her years of "incredibly hard work [which made her a] legend of the beauty and fragrance industry".

The Estee Lauder company evolved from a small family cosmetics business set up after the Second World War and grew into a beauty empire spanning six continents.

By 1960, the company began business at Harrods of London; and by the turn of the century Estee Lauder brands were being sold in over 14,000 stores in over 130 countries and territories worldwide. The company's fiscal 2003 sales were $5.12 billion.

Leonard Lauder, Chairman of The Estee Lauder Companies, said: "My mother was passionate about three things: her family, the wonderful company she founded and her mission of bringing beauty into the lives of women everywhere.

"She was an inspiration to the women she touched through her products and appearances through the years, to the many employees of The Estee Lauder Companies, and, above all, to her family, through her constant love and support. We will miss her immensely."

Ronald Lauder, Chairman of Clinique Laboratories, said that his mother "brought joy, unique vision and determination to all things".

Until her death, Mrs Lauder served as the Founding Chairman of the Company, an honorary position that will not be filled. She had not been active in the Company since her retirement in 1995.

(gmcg)