Hello Margherita,
I believe I've found the article you seek.
Using the OPLIN Research Database through my local library, I built a
Boolean search in Magazines only, in The Economist only, between the
dates of 01/01/1990 and 01/01/2000 inclusive, for the terms "Max
Factor".
The search returned three hits for "Max Factor" in The Economist - one
detailing rival Shiseido's woes in 1995 (Max Factor was just barely
mentioned), one discussing the revitalization of Hollywood (again, Max
Factor was merely mentioned in passing) and this, the very detailed
obituary of company executive Francis Max Factor, son of Oscar winning
make-up artist and company founder Max Factor, Sr.:
Max Factor.(cosmetic executive Francis Max Factor)(Obituary). Vol.
339, The Economist, 06-15-1996, pp 82(1).
http://makeashorterlink.com/?B2D862003
In addition to memorializing Max Factor, the obituary discusses the
history of the company in some detail.
Additionally, I've composed a brief history of the Max Factor company:
According to the obituary, the company was founded by Max Factor Sr.
after the family moved to the United States from Czarist Russia. The
obituary notes that the Factors settled in Los Angeles, initially
selling wigs and perfumes in the theatrical district. By 1911, when
the first film was made in Hollywood, the Factors had already earned a
reputation as purveyors of good quality wigs and cosmetics, and were
called upon often to supply the studios.
According to Proctor and Gamble's official history of the Max Factor
company, it was founded on January 9th, 1909, and in addition to
selling wigs and perfumes, the Max Factor company was also the West
Coast distributor for Leichner and Miner, two highly regarded
manufacturers of greasepaint and theatrical makeup. Max Factor came
to be known as a makeup artist who knew his trade well, and was
credited with such wonderous signature looks as Clara Bow's "bee
stung" lips, Joan Crawford's "angry slash" mouth...and Bette Davis's
eyes!
Max Jr. worked first as a wig delivery boy to the studios, and later
took up chemistry, putting his skills to use with his father in the
family business. It's said that they developed the revolutionary
PanCake formula together. He remained in business with his father
until Max Sr's death in 1938, then took over the company and moved the
Max Factor line from the exclusive domain of the studios to shops for
purchase by the public.
Max Factor & Co. is credited with the following cosmetic innovations:
-- 1914: Created the first makeup made specifically for motion
pictures, a thinner greasepaint made in 12 shades. It was in cream
form and packaged in jars, as opposed to the thicker stick
greasepaints used for theater.
-- 1920: Developed the "Color Harmony" principles of makeup, which
held that "certain combinations of a woman's complexion, hair and eye
coloring were most effectively complemented by specific makeup
shades". Ever have your "colors done"? Thank Max!
-- 1925: Introduces "Max Factor's Supreme Nail Polish", a small pot
of powder used to buff nails to a nice shine.
-- 1927: Creates "Society Nail Tint"
-- 1928: Developed Panchromatic Makeup, made specifically for use in
black and white films. It's for this innovation that Max Sr. was
awarded an Oscar.
-- 1930: Invented Lip Gloss
-- 1932: Developed a line of "Television Makeup", made specifically
to meet the needs of television.
-- 1934: Introduces Liquid Nail Enamel, forerunner of today's nail
enamels.
-- 1935: Opened the unique Max Factor Makeup Salon in Los Angeles.
-- 1937: Created PanCake, forerunner of modern cake makeup,
originally developed for color films.
-- 1940: Created Tru Color Lipstick, the first smear-proof lipstick
-- 1948: Developed PanStik makeup
-- 1954: Created Erace, the original concealer, and developed a line
of cosmetics specifically for color television's needs. (This line
remains the standard for TV makeup).
-- 1971: Invented the first "waterproof" makeup
In 1973, Max Jr. retired from the active cosmetics business and sold
the company for some $480 million, staying on as an executive. The
company was sold several times since, and was acquired in 1991 by the
current owners, the Procter and Gamble Company.
The following sources were used in summarizing the company's history:
P&G History - History of Max Factor
http://makeashorterlink.com/?Q17E22003
Max Factor, Painter of Faces
http://www.goodbyemag.com/may/factor.htm
History of Nails
http://www.naildr.com/History.html
The Makeup Moguls
http://www.channel4.com/life/microsites/M/make_up/moguls_t.html
Max Factor.(cosmetic executive Francis Max Factor)(Obituary). Vol.
339, The Economist, 06-15-1996, pp 82(1).
http://makeashorterlink.com/?B2D862003
As a matter of curiosity, you can find a pair of photos of the
pioneering Max Sr. here:
FindAGrave - Max Factor
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=pif&GRid=1393&PIgrid=1393&PIcrid=8030&
It's interesting to note that Max Jr. is credited with the following
quotation:
"A woman who doesn’t wear lipstick feels undressed in public. Unless
she works on a farm."
Max Factor, Jr., as quoted in Time Magazine, 16 Jun 1958
http://www.bartleby.com/63/94/5994.html
For more information about Max Factor and the history of his company,
you might find the following books of interest:
Max Factor: The Man Who Changed the Face of the World by Marianne
Morino, Robert Salvatore
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?userid=19B7XXIG7T&isbn=0942139089
Max Factor's Hollywood: Movies, Make-up, Glamour by Fred Basten
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1881649067/qid%3D1042006386/202-9201853-3634268
I hope you've found this information helpful! If I can be of further
assistance, please don't hesitate to ask for clarification. I'll be
glad to help!
--Missy
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