Inspiring Makeup Artists: Max Factor

Hello everyone!

To learn more about the lives of those artists who inspire us for our art, today I’ll bring you a little bit of the history of Max Factor, a make-up artist who revolutionized Hollywood with his makeup techniques and products.

Photo: Maxfactor-international

Beginnings

Max Factor was born in Poland in 1877, but in 1904 he moved with his family to America where he started as a salesman of stage products (wigs and cosmetics).

Over time the actors who bought his products began to ask him advice on makeup, it’s where Max sees an opportunity to start a career so he settled in Los Angeles to stay close to the “Hollywood business”.

Photo: Newyorker

Max Factor and Makeup

By the year 1916 he had created a whole method of makeup for film, including new products that enhanced the features of the actors on screen. In addition, these products were suited to the different skin tones he had to work with. Also, for him was mandatory to use false eyelashes, eyebrow liner and lipgloss.

Photo: Georginagraham

Some of his regular customers were: Mary Pickford, Jean Harlow, Bette Davis, Joan Crawford and Judy Garland; who used his products not only on the big screen but in their daily lives. Also, the general public became interested in Max products to get the “movie stars like” look; this made him create a suitable makeup line for everyday use, which eventually became the Empire of Max Factor products.

Max Factor died in 1938 and at that moment his son continued the family business.

Many people think that Max Factor is the father of modern makeup, thanks to all his contributions. Today the company is owned by Procter & Gamble, who develop and distribute its products.

Photo: Hello Magazine

Here’s a brief video showing Max Factor in action (video by Glamourdaze)

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Until the next post!