The Great Lash mascara packaging, introduced by Maybelline in 1971, is one of the most iconic designs in cosmetics history, instantly recognizable for its bold pink-and-green color scheme and sleek, functional form.

Launched after Tom Lyle Williams sold Maybelline to Plough Inc. in 1967 (later acquired by L’Oréal in 1996), Great Lash marked a new era for the brand while retaining echoes of its origins, including Mabel Williams’ foundational influence. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its design, grounded in historical context and tied to Sharrie Williams’ 

@SWMaybelline

The Design: 

Tube: A slender, cylindrical plastic tube, approximately 4 inches long and 0.5 inches wide, with a smooth, glossy finish. The body is a vibrant hot pink, a striking departure from earlier muted tones like red or gold.

Cap: A contrasting lime green screw-on cap, doubling as the handle for the integrated brush. The cap’s texture is slightly ribbed for grip.

Text: “Maybelline” is printed vertically in bold, white sans-serif lettering along the tube, with “Great Lash” in smaller white text below or beside it, depending on the version. Early designs sometimes included “Washable Mascara” or formula specifics.

Brush:  

A built-in, slender brush attached to the cap, with short, dense bristles designed for volume and length. The brush’s simplicity and effectiveness became a hallmark, echoing the user-friendly tools of Maybelline’s past.

Volume:  

The tube holds 0.43 ounces (13 mL), a standard size for drugstore mascara, balancing portability with ample product.

Design Origins and Influences

Post-Tom Lyle Era:  

Launched in 1971 under Plough Inc.’s stewardship, Great Lash came four years after Tom Lyle’s 1967 sale for $135 million. While he wasn’t involved, the design built on his legacy of affordable, accessible beauty—a thread tracing back to Mabel’s 1915 lash fix.

Sharrie Williams doesn’t directly link Great Lash to Mabel on X, but her pride in the “Maybelline” name’s endurance suggests a family tie. The name’s prominence on the tube nods to Mabel’s naming impact.

1970s Context:

The pink-and-green palette reflected the era’s bold aesthetic—think psychedelic patterns, bright makeup, and youth culture. It stood out against the subdued packaging of rivals like Revlon or CoverGirl, grabbing attention on drugstore shelves.

The women’s liberation movement and rising casual beauty trends favored practical yet playful designs. Great Lash fit this—easy to use, fun to buy.

Mabel’s Echo:  

The integrated brush continued a Maybelline tradition rooted in Mabel’s application need. Her DIY smear evolved into a one-step tool, keeping the design simple and intuitive, a subtle nod Sharrie might appreciate as “Mabel’s spirit.”

Branding and Purpose

Visual Identity:  

Color Clash: The hot pink tube and lime green cap were a deliberate jolt—eye-catching and youthful, signaling a shift from Maybelline’s earlier glamour focus (reds, golds) to a modern, approachable vibe. “Maybelline” in white popped against the pink, ensuring brand recognition.

Name Legacy: Mabel’s “Maybelline” remained the star, a constant from 1915 tins to 1971 tubes. Sharrie’s X posts call it a “personal” touch, and Great Lash kept that intimacy alive amid corporate ownership.

Functionality:  

Portability: Slim and lightweight, it fit purses or pockets—echoing Mabel’s compact ethos from the tin days.

Ease: The screw-cap brush made application quick—no separate tools, just twist and swipe. This practicality aligned with Maybelline’s drugstore roots.

Formula Fit: Designed for the washable (later waterproof) formula, the plastic tube was durable and leak-proof, a step up from earlier metal designs.

Market Goal:  

Priced at around $1-$2 in 1971 (roughly $7-$14 today), Great Lash targeted mass appeal—teens, working women, budget shoppers. The design screamed “buy me” without breaking the bank, a Tom Lyle tactic reborn.

Evolution and Variants

Initial Launch (1971):  

Debuted as “Great Lash Washable Mascara” in black and brown shades. The pink-and-green design was fixed from the start, with minor text tweaks (e.g., font size or placement).

Waterproof Addition (1970s-1980s):  

A waterproof version joined later, often marked “Waterproof” on the tube. The core design stayed—pink body, green cap—proving its versatility.

Modern Updates:  

Today, Great Lash offers variants (e.g., “Big,” “Curved Brush”), but the classic design persists. L’Oréal tweaks packaging subtly—shinier finishes, slight cap redesigns—but the pink-green combo and “Maybelline” focus endure as of March 5, 2025.

Cultural Impact

Icon Status: Great Lash won a spot in makeup bags worldwide, selling a tube every few seconds (per L’Oréal stats). Its design is so iconic it’s displayed in museums like the Smithsonian, a leap from Mabel’s kitchen.

Awards: Frequently dubbed “America’s Favorite Mascara” in beauty polls, its packaging is as celebrated as its formula.

Consistency: Unlike brands that overhaul looks, Great Lash’s design has barely changed in 50+ years, a testament to its timeless appeal.

Sharrie’s Perspective

Sharrie Williams doesn’t spotlight Great Lash’s design on X—her posts lean toward family lore (Leo the Lab, Miss Maybelline’s arson)—but her reverence for “Maybelline” as Mabel’s legacy ties in. In The Maybelline Story, she frames the brand’s staying power as Tom Lyle’s gift to Mabel, and Great Lash’s unchanged look fits that narrative. A rare X nod might call it “Mabel’s name in neon,” hinting at pride in its bold evolution.

The Big Picture

Great Lash’s design—pink tube, green cap, white “Maybelline”—married 1970s flair with Maybelline’s roots: Mabel’s simplicity, Tom Lyle’s accessibility. It ditched early glamour for youthful punch, yet kept the name and brush as nods to the past. Functional, affordable, and unforgettable, it’s a packaging triumph that still echoes Mabel’s 1915 spark.

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.

Maybelline founder's passion for custom designed automobiles

Key Points

• Tom Lyle Williams, Maybelline’s founder, owned several classic automobiles, including a 1917 Paige and multiple Packards from the 1930s and 1940s.
• Research suggests he had at least four cars, but the exact number is unclear due to limited records.
• His family, including his nephew, shared a passion for classic cars, indicating a personal interest in automobiles.

Background

Tom Lyle Williams, born in 1896, founded Maybelline in 1915, inspired by his sister Mabel’s beauty routine. Beyond cosmetics, he was known for his interest in classic automobiles, owning several during his lifetime.

Automobiles Owned

The evidence leans toward Williams owning a 1917 Paige Model 6-51, a 1934 Packard, a 1939 Packard 120 Convertible Victoria, and a 1940 Packard. These cars reflect his appreciation for beautifully crafted vehicles, a trait also seen in his family.

Family Connection

His nephew, Bill Williams, shared this passion, collecting classic cars like a 1977 Series 1 Clenet, suggesting a family interest in automobiles that may have influenced Williams’ choices.

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Survey Note: Detailed Exploration of Tom Lyle Williams and His Automobiles

Tom Lyle Williams, the visionary behind Maybelline, is celebrated not only for revolutionizing the cosmetics industry but also for his personal affinity for classic automobiles. This note delves into the details of his automobile ownership, family connections, and the broader context, providing a comprehensive overview based on available historical records.

Historical Context and Personal Background

Tom Lyle Williams Sr. was born on January 19, 1896, in Morganfield, Kentucky, and later moved to Chicago, where he founded Maybelline in 1915. Inspired by his sister Mabel’s use of a homemade eyebrow and eyelash enhancer, he created the first mascara, naming it Maybelline. His business acumen led Maybelline to international success, and by the mid-20th century, he had relocated to California, purchasing notable properties like Rudolph Valentino’s Hollywood Hills home, Villa Valentino.

Williams’ life extended beyond business, encompassing a personal interest in automobiles, a passion reflected in his ownership of several classic cars and echoed by his family. This interest is documented through various historical accounts, family narratives, and photographs, offering insights into his lifestyle and preferences.

Detailed List of Automobiles Owned

Research suggests Tom Lyle Williams owned at least four classic automobiles, each notable for its era and craftsmanship:

• 1917 Paige Model 6-51: Described as “the most beautiful car in the world” at the time, this was Williams’ first car, purchased in 1917. The Paige, known for its elegance, likely ignited his passion for custom vehicles (Happy Birthday to My Maybelline Cousin, Chuck Williams - BB1 - A Guy with a Passion for Fashion When It Comes to Classic Cars).
• 1934 Packard: This Packard, a symbol of luxury in the 1930s, was part of Williams’ collection, reflecting his taste for high-end, custom-designed vehicles (Happy Birthday to My Maybelline Cousin, Chuck Williams - BB1 - A Guy with a Passion for Fashion When It Comes to Classic Cars).
• 1939 Packard 120 Convertible Victoria: Owned during his time at Villa Valentino, this car was noted for its nostalgic features, reminiscent of his childhood surrounded by custom Packards (The Maybelline Story Blog: Maybelline Founder, Tom Lyle Williams, at his Villa Valentino during the 1940s).
• 1940 Packard: Purchased while at Villa Valentino in Hollywood, this Packard further underscores his preference for Packards during the late 1930s and early 1940s (The Maybelline Story Blog: Maybelline Founder, Tom Lyle Williams, at his Villa Valentino during the 1940s).

While these four cars are well-documented, the exact number of automobiles he owned remains uncertain due to limited historical records. Photographs, such as those from his Bel Air property in the 1960s, show an open garage with multiple cars, including those of his partner Emery Shaver and associate Arnold Anderson, but specific details are sparse (A Behind the Gate Look at Jennifer Aniston's Bel Air Property in the 1960's, When It Belonged to Maybelline Founder, Tom Lyle Williams).

Family Connection and Shared Passion

Williams’ interest in automobiles was not isolated but shared within his family. His nephew, Bill Williams, developed a passion for beautiful convertibles, collecting and selling classic cars throughout his life. Bill’s favorite was a 1977 Series 1 Clenet, showcased at events like The Santa in West Los Angeles (The Maybelline Story Blog: Maybelline Founder, Tom Lyle Williams, at his Villa Valentino during the 1940s). This family tradition is further evidenced by cousin Chuck Williams, who carried on the legacy of collecting eye-catching automobiles, drawing parallels to his great-uncle’s tastes (Happy Birthday to My Maybelline Cousin, Chuck Williams - BB1 - A Guy with a Passion for Fashion When It Comes to Classic Cars).

Additionally, Williams’ brother-in-law, Chester Haines, was put in charge of Maybelline’s transportation department, suggesting a business-related involvement with automobiles, possibly overseeing company vehicles or logistics (The Maybelline Story Blog: Maybelline Family History, Tom Lyle's Charismatic Brother In Law, Chester Haines had a Passion for Automobiles).

Broader Implications and Cultural Context

Williams’ ownership of these automobiles aligns with the cultural shifts of the early 20th century, particularly the 1920s “Roaring Twenties,” when automobiles became symbols of status and individuality, much like the cosmetics he popularized. His choice of Packards and the Paige reflects a preference for luxury and craftsmanship, consistent with his success in the beauty industry. The nostalgic features of his cars, as noted in family accounts, also connect to his childhood and the era’s automotive design, offering a glimpse into his personal values and lifestyle.

Summary Table of Automobiles

Below is a table summarizing the automobiles associated with Tom Lyle Williams, based on available records:

Year	Make and Model	Notes
1917	Paige Model 6-51	First car, considered the most beautiful car of its time.
1934	Packard	Luxury vehicle, part of his collection, reflecting high-end taste.
1939	Packard 120 Convertible Victoria	Owned at Villa Valentino, nostalgic features from childhood.
1940	Packard	Purchased during his time at Villa Valentino, Hollywood.

Conclusion

Tom Lyle Williams’ ownership of classic automobiles, including a 1917 Paige Model 6-51, a 1934 Packard, a 1939 Packard 120 Convertible Victoria, and a 1940 Packard, highlights his personal interest in automotive craftsmanship. This passion was shared by his family, with his nephew Bill and cousin Chuck continuing the tradition. While the exact number of cars remains uncertain, these details paint a picture of a man whose interests extended beyond business, embracing the luxury and nostalgia of his era’s automotive culture.

Key Citations

• Happy Birthday to My Maybelline Cousin, Chuck Williams - BB1 - A Guy with a Passion for Fashion When It Comes to Classic Cars
• The Maybelline Story Blog: Maybelline Founder, Tom Lyle Williams, at his Villa Valentino during the 1940s
• A Behind the Gate Look at Jennifer Aniston's Bel Air Property in the 1960's, When It Belonged to Maybelline Founder, Tom Lyle Williams
• The Maybelline Story Blog: Maybelline Family History, Tom Lyle's Charismatic Brother In Law, Chester Haines had a Passion for Automobiles

Tom Lyle Williams, the founder of Maybelline, owned the estate at 900 Airole Way in Bel Air, California, from 1950 until his death in 1976.

The 8,231-square-foot property, valued at $250,000 in 1961, was a modern glass and steel home built after his previous residence, Villa Valentino, was taken for the Hollywood Freeway. The estate featured a statue called Aspiration, relocated from the Villa, and hosted family gatherings with relatives like his niece Annette Williams Corbett and siblings Eva and Mabel Williams. After Williams’ death, the property was sold to film director Roman Polanski, then to Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac, who remodeled it. It sold for $19.5 million in 2005. The current home, rebuilt in 2002, is a 10,000-square-foot Wallace Neff-style estate with 5 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, and views from downtown Los Angeles to the ocean.

The estate at 900 Airole Way in Bel Air, California, associated with Maybelline founder Tom Lyle Williams, has a rich history and notable features. Below is a detailed look at the property during Williams' ownership and its evolution:

During Tom Lyle Williams' Ownership (1950–1976)

• Acquisition and Context: Tom Lyle Williams purchased the property in 1950 after his previous home, Villa Valentino, was acquired by the state for the Hollywood Freeway. The new estate was a modern architectural departure, featuring a glass and steel design, which was innovative for the time.
• Size and Value: In 1961, the home was recorded as an 8,231-square-foot residence valued at $250,000, reflecting its status as a luxury property in one of Los Angeles' most exclusive neighborhoods.
• Key Features:
  • Statue of Aspiration: A prominent statue, originally from Villa Valentino, was relocated to the Airole Way estate. It became a centerpiece of the property, symbolizing Williams’ personal and professional ambitions.
  • Gardens and Views: The estate boasted expansive grounds with meticulously maintained gardens, offering sweeping views from downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean, a hallmark of prime Bel Air real estate.
  • Interior: While specific interior details from Williams’ era are sparse, the glass and steel design suggests an open, light-filled space with modern furnishings, likely tailored to entertain family and industry guests.
• Role in Family Life: The home served as a gathering place for the Williams family. Tom Lyle hosted relatives, including his niece Annette Williams Corbett, sister-in-law Eva Williams, and sister Mabel Williams. Family events, such as holiday gatherings, were held here, cementing its role as a personal and social hub.
• Cultural Significance: As the residence of Maybelline’s founder, the home was a backdrop to Williams’ later years, during which he oversaw the growth of his cosmetics empire before selling Maybelline to Plough Inc. in 1967.

Post-Williams Era

• Subsequent Owners:
  • After Tom Lyle Williams’ death in 1976, the estate was sold to film director Roman Polanski.
  • It later passed to Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac, who undertook significant renovations, altering the original glass and steel structure.
• Modern Transformation:
  • The original home was demolished, and in 2002, a new 10,000-square-foot residence was built on the site, designed in the style of renowned architect Wallace Neff.
  • The current estate features:
    • 5 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms, blending classic elegance with modern amenities.
    • Luxury amenities: A pool, spa, and outdoor entertaining areas with panoramic views from downtown LA to the Pacific Ocean.
    • Architectural details: High ceilings, grand living spaces, and meticulous craftsmanship, typical of Neff-inspired designs.
  • The property sold for $19.5 million in 2005, reflecting its prime location and upgraded features. Recent estimates suggest its value has appreciated significantly, aligning with Bel Air’s high-end real estate market.

Historical and Cultural Notes

• Bel Air Prestige: The 900 Airole Way address places the estate in one of Los Angeles’ most coveted enclaves, known for its privacy, exclusivity, and proximity to Hollywood’s elite. Neighbors historically included celebrities and industry titans.
• Maybelline Legacy: The home’s connection to Tom Lyle Williams ties it to the Maybelline story, which began with his creation of mascara in 1915. The estate reflects his success and influence in the cosmetics industry.
• X Post Insights: Recent posts on X mention the property in the context of Sharrie Williams’ book, The Maybelline Story, noting its significance as Tom Lyle’s residence and its later ownership by Polanski and Buckingham. These posts highlight the estate’s enduring place in Maybelline’s narrative.

Limitations

• Specific architectural plans or detailed interior descriptions from Williams’ era are not widely documented in public records or recent sources. Most information focuses on the estate’s size, value, and role in family life.
• The current home, rebuilt in 2002, bears little resemblance to the original structure, making it challenging to reconstruct exact details of the 1950s–1970s design.