In the mid-1980s, Victoria Jackson, armed with unwavering confidence and a revolutionary idea, faced a room full of skeptical male executives. Her mission: to convince them that women would buy makeup without physically testing it, a concept unheard of at the time. Jackson’s vision was to sell her makeup line, Victoria Jackson Cosmetics, through television infomercials. Despite initial doubts, Jackson’s persistence paid off. She not only proved her concept viable but also revolutionized the beauty industry.
A Billion-Dollar Beauty Empire Built on “No Makeup Makeup”
Jackson’s first infomercial generated a staggering $1 million in sales in its first week, shattering expectations and solidifying her place in cosmetics history. This initial success catapulted her to a decade-long career on QVC, where she launched over 600 products and amassed a billion dollars in sales. Her success was even more remarkable considering her lack of a high school diploma. Jackson’s journey, as Gloria Steinem aptly describes, is “unbelievable,” a testament to her resilience and innovative spirit.
Jackson’s “no makeup makeup” philosophy, which she later trademarked, challenged the prevailing trend of heavy, overly saturated makeup looks that dominated the 80s. Her approach emphasized enhancing natural beauty, a concept that resonated deeply with women seeking a more subtle and effortless aesthetic. This philosophy became the cornerstone of her brand and her hugely successful infomercials, which focused on educating and empowering women. Her best-selling beauty survival kit, a complete face of makeup in a single compact, epitomized her less-is-more approach.
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From Beauty to Medicine: A Mother’s Fight Against a Rare Disease
In 2008, Jackson’s life took a dramatic turn when her daughter, Ali, was diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica (NMO), a rare autoimmune disease, and given a grim prognosis of four years to live. Faced with this devastating news, Jackson embarked on a new mission: to save her daughter’s life. She immersed herself in the world of medical research, teaching herself molecular immunology and establishing the Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation to fund research for NMO.
Jackson’s tireless efforts led to the creation of the world’s largest biorepository for NMO, enabling groundbreaking research that resulted in three FDA-approved treatments for the disease. She also developed the NMO Resources app to provide patients with vital information and support. To date, Jackson has personally contributed $80 million to the cause. Thanks to her unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of a cure, Ali, now 31, has defied the odds and continues to thrive.
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The Return of No Makeup Makeup and a New Chapter
In a triumphant return to the beauty industry, Jackson relaunched her brand as No Makeup Makeup, capitalizing on the resurgence of the natural beauty trend. The brand’s revival was further fueled by the minimalist bridal look created by her friend, Daniel Martin, for Meghan Markle’s royal wedding in 2018. Jackson’s reformulated No Makeup Makeup foundation, a 4-in-1 product that acts as a color-corrector, redness-corrector, concealer, and foundation, quickly became a best-seller, selling out upon its reintroduction on QVC.
Beyond Beauty: Author, Bookstore Owner, and Advocate
Jackson’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond the realms of beauty and medicine. She recently released her fifth book, We All Worry, Now What?, a guide to overcoming fear and anxiety. The book features personal essays from prominent figures like Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda, Monica Lewinsky, and Kris Jenner, sharing their own experiences with worry. Jackson also co-founded Godmothers, a bookstore in Summerland, California, with literary agent Jennifer Rudolph Walsh, creating a community space for storytelling and connection.
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As Jackson approaches her 70th birthday, her journey continues to inspire. From revolutionizing the beauty industry to spearheading groundbreaking medical research and fostering community through literature, Victoria Jackson’s remarkable life is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and unwavering determination. Her story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, one person can make a profound difference in the world.
