Max Factor Collection

1928-1935


Descriptive Summary

Title: Max Factor Collection
Dates: 1928-1935
Collection Number: GC 1292
Creator/Collector:
Extent: (Boxes: 1 letter; 1 ov folder)
Repository: Seaver Center for Western History Research, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Abstract: Booklets and clippings for motion picture make-up and its application, including one for the consumer market, 1928 - 1935. Also a greasepaint sketch portrait of Factor from the 1930s. See also P-239
Language of Material: English

Access

Research is by appointment only

Publication Rights

Permission to publish, quote or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder

Preferred Citation

Max Factor Collection. Seaver Center for Western History Research, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Biography/Administrative History

Maksymilian Faktorowicz, Max Factor, (1877-1938) was a Jewish cosmetician from Poland. He immigrated with his family to Los Angeles in 1904 to provide made-to-order wigs and theatrical make-up for the growing film industry. In 1914, Max Factor improved upon the early greasepaint formula that was typically used for the stage by creating a lighter compound that was to be used exclusively for the film medium. Max Factor developed pancake face powder in 1918, and by 1927 began to market his cosmetics to the general public as make-up.

Scope and Content of Collection

Booklets and clippings for motion picture make-up and its application, including one for the consumer market, 1928 - 1935. Also a greasepaint sketch portrait of Factor from the 1930s. See also P-239

Indexing Terms

Film makeup.
Factor, Max, 1872?-1938

Additional collection guides