You created your company in 1948, and it’s an incredibly inspiring story! Can you tell us what happened in your own words?
The journey began out of necessity and determination. In the aftermath of World War II, life was tough, and so was I. A bomb blast during the war left me with severe damage to my skin and left me feeling like I had lost a part of myself. Then, I was introduced to a miraculous substance called Torricelumn™ which healed and transformed my skin, restoring my confidence. I knew I had to share this discovery with the world.
In 1948, armed with courage and a vision, I founded Elizabeth Grant International. I wasn’t just selling skincare; I was selling hope and empowerment. Each jar and bottle represented a promise to help others feel beautiful and confident in their own skin. This wasn’t just my business; it was my mission. Elizabeth Grant Skincare was born out of resilience and fuelled by a belief that every person deserves to feel radiant.
What is Torricelumn, and who introduced you to it?
Torricelumn is a proprietary ingredient used throughout our products, based on a particular type of sea kelp. It blends science and nature to rejuvenate and restore skin. It’s a wonder ingredient, a game-changer for anyone seeking hydration, nourishment, and repair.
I was introduced to it by a chance by a friend of mine who was an analytical chemist that shared the same goal I did: to help people heal and thrive. When I saw the extraordinary effects of Torricelumn on my own skin, I realised it had the power to change lives. Today, it’s the cornerstone of Elizabeth Grant Skin Care, helping people around the world to reveal their best selves and feel their most confident at every age and stage of life.
These days, it’s pretty normal for women to form companies and take high-powered jobs. How was it different in 1948? Do you have any stories about the challenges you faced?
In 1948, the world wasn’t ready for women to lead businesses, let alone build empires. The expectation was to stay at home, be quiet and remain unambitious.
I remember walking into meetings and being dismissed before I even spoke just because I was a woman. I had to prove myself twice as much, work twice as hard, and stay twice as determined. There were moments when I doubted myself, but I reminded myself of my mission to empower and help others.
Each “no” I received fuelled my fire. Every challenge reminded me that success wasn’t just about breaking barriers for myself—it was about paving the way for others. I didn’t just want to just create skincare; I wanted to create a legacy of strength and beauty. No matter how many doors were slammed in my face, I would not stop knocking. If I couldn’t find an open door, I would build my own. What I learned in those early years is that true power lies in perseverance. When you refuse to give up, you inspire others to rise alongside you.
Today, I look back and realise that every challenge was a stepping stone to something greater. I was fighting for more than just a brand, I was redefining what women could achieve. My journey taught me that it is all about ‘the harder the path, the brighter the triumph’. If you believe in your purpose, no obstacle is insurmountable. Keep going, keep believing, and the world will eventually catch up to your vision.

Elizabeth with her granddaughter and daughter, Margot LHS, Elizabeth is in the middle and Marion RHS.
What are the main differences you see in the beauty industry today compared to back then?
The beauty industry today is as dynamic as ever but, back then, skincare was more of an afterthought and not affordable to the majority. Today, people recognise that skincare is essential for confidence and wellbeing.
When I started, beauty was not inclusive and very narrowly defined. At Elizabeth Grant Skincare, we wanted to serve everyone. Nowadays, diversity is celebrated, and beauty is recognised in every shade, age, and form.
Technology has also revolutionised the industry. But whilst trends come and go, the essence of true beauty remains timeless: healthy, glowing skin and the confidence it brings.
You started off your career as a makeup artist in London. Can you tell us about some of the stars you worked with? Did you have any favourites?
The early days working as a makeup artist in London were unforgettable and I had the privilege of working with some of the most iconic names of the time, from actresses who defined elegance to creative minds who shaped the arts There was always a particular thrill in seeing someone’s face light up when they are transformed through the power of makeup.
One of my favourites was Vivien Leigh. She had this timeless grace, a quiet strength beneath her beauty, and a luminosity. There was also Ava Gardner, who was fire and confidence personified—utterly magnetic. These women taught me that beauty wasn’t just in one’s features but in the way we carry ourselves, through poise, passion, and purpose. There was also Noël Coward, a sharp-witted and brilliant man with a unique charm, unparalleled sense of style and a way of captivating everyone around him. He often joked that ‘my touch with makeup was as theatrical as his plays’, which I took as a high compliment.
Those experiences taught me an important lesson: makeup is an art, but skincare is the canvas. That’s why I shifted my focus to creating products that didn’t just enhance beauty but nurtured it. Looking back, my time with these extraordinary individuals inspired me to help everyone feel like Hollywood stars in their own right.
Plenty of young women these days will be inspired to hear your story. What advice would you give them for finding their inner confidence?
I would say to young women that confidence is something you claim, it is not always inherent. Confidence is not the absence of fear but the courage to move forward despite it. The world will always have opinions about you from your appearance, your ambitions, or your dreams. Let them talk. Your power lies in knowing your worth and staying true to yourself.
Start by investing in yourself, inside and out. I believe that taking care of yourself needs to encompass skin, body, and mind. When you feel good about yourself, you radiate confidence. Don’t wait for permission to chase your dreams. Be bold, be unapologetic, and remember: every “no” brings you closer to the “yes” that matters.
In 1948, I started with nothing but a vision and sheer determination. If I could do it then, imagine what you can do now. You have more opportunities, more resources, and more allies than ever before. Believe in your power, and the world will follow suit. You don’t need to be perfect to be powerful. You don’t need to have all the answers to take the first step. Every great story begins with a single decision to believe in yourself. So, take that step, write your own story, and give yourself the permission to shine.