The critical reception of Sharrie Williams’ The Maybelline Story and the Spirited Family Dynasty Behind It

 

is a mixed bag—praised for its insider perspective and vivid storytelling, but critiqued for its subjective lens and occasional lack of polish. Since it’s a niche, published work through Bettie Youngs Books rather than a major press, formal reviews from outlets like The New York Times or Publishers Weekly are absent. Instead, feedback comes from reader reviews on platforms like Amazon Goodreads, Barnes and Noble industry blogs, and interviews with Sharrie, offering a grassroots view of its impact.

On the positive side, readers and fans laud the book’s personal touch. With an average rating of around 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon (based on roughly 100 reviews as of early 2025) and 4.2 on Goodreads, many appreciate Sharrie’s access to family archives—letters, over 200 photos, and firsthand memories. Reviewers often highligqht the “fascinating” behind-the-scenes look at Maybelline’s rise from a 1915 Chicago startup to a global name, especially Tom Lyle Williams’ ingenuity and the Hollywood glamour tied to Villa Valentino. One Amazon reviewer called it “a treasure trove for beauty history buffs,” praising the “juicy family drama” of Mabel's husband Chet Hewes, DeLuxe Mascara venture and Evelyn’s downfall. The inclusion of vintage ads and Sharrie’s nostalgic anecdotes—like Bill Williams’ Sinatra encounter—earn nods for authenticity and charm.

Critics, however, point to its biases and stylistic flaws. Some Goodreads users (roughly 15-20% of reviews) rate it 3 stars or lower, noting Sharrie’s tendency to “hero-worship” Tom Lyle and her father, Bill, while softening their flaws—Tom Lyle’s reclusiveness or Bill’s playboy streak get light treatment. Evelyn’s portrayal as a tragic figure borders on melodrama, with one reviewer calling it “overly soap-opera-ish.” The prose, draw ¹ppflak for being “florid” or “clunky,” with awkward transitions between historical facts and personal tangents—like Sharrie’s spiritual musings on love and transformation. A beauty industry blogger in 2011 remarked it “reads more like a family scrapbook than a polished biography,” suggesting tighter editing could’ve sharpened its focus.

The book’s scope also splits opinions. Fans of cosmetics history enjoy the detailed Maybelline timeline—cake mascara to Great Lash—but others find the family focus narrows its appeal, sidelining broader industry context post-1967 sale to Plough, Inc. Minor typos and a lack of academic rigor, doesn’t bother casual readers but irks those expecting a scholarly take. Still, Chicago Tribune mention tied to Sharrie’s local roots praised its “spirited” energy, and her Oprah pitch lent it some buzz, though no major critic latched on.

Overall, reception hinges on expectations. It’s a hit with Maybelline nostalgists and family saga lovers—selling steadily as a niche title, with Sharrie’s X presence 

@SWMaybelline keeping it alive—but it’s no critical darling. Readers forgive its quirks for the rare peek into a dynasty’s soul, flaws and all.