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Max Factor

The Man Who Changed the Faces of the World

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Max Factor

By: Fred E. Basten
Narrated by: Samantha Worthen
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About this listen

Nice women never wore makeup. Even the word was taboo in polite society—until Max Factor entered the scene. Born in Poland in 1877, Factor worked as a beautician for the Russian royal family, the Romanovs. In 1904, he fled to America, where he opened a cosmetics store in Los Angeles. Creating makeup originally for silent films, then the talkies, and, ultimately, color motion pictures, Factor designed looks for Katharine Hepburn, Rita Hayworth, Bette Davis, and countless other beauties of the day. Soon women everywhere wanted to look like their favorite glamorous stars, and Factor was there to help, bringing his innovative cosmetics to the general public.

He revolutionized the world of beauty by producing many firsts: false eyelashes, lip gloss, foundation, eye shadow, the eyebrow pencil, concealer, wand-applicator mascara, and water-resistant makeup. A true innovator, he also introduced the concept of color harmony and the celebrity-endorsed cosmetics advertising that forms the glamorous backbone of the modern industry. Max Factor was the father of modern makeup. This is his extraordinary story.

©2008, 2011 Fred E. Basten (P)2012 Audible, Inc. Art Beauty, Grooming & Style Business Entertainment & Celebrities Professionals & Academics Celebrity Funny

Editor reviews

Fred Basten, many of whose books have featured Hollywood and the entertainment industry, explores the biography of the "father of modern makeup". Born in Poland, Max Factor worked on first Russian and then Hollywood royalty. With the friendliness and openness of a favorite cosmetician, Samantha Worthen reads the story of a cosmetics innovator who created the looks of Romanov women as well as stars such as Pola Negri, Katharine Hepburn, Rita Hayworth, and Bette Davis. Additionally, he proved himself a great salesman and only-in-America entrepreneur by bringing that glamour to the women of Main Street.

Critic reviews

“Fascinating . . . you won’t be able to put it down.” (Glamour)
All stars
Most relevant
’if you’re interested in hair and make up and movies, and history, this is for you. Thoroughly absorbing and interesting.

Very interesting story

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loved it, it's a facinating story and you will be surprised in the background of him

very interesting

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Into Max Factor, the origins of the cosmetics industry and early Hollywood.

I had thought I knew a little of the influence of Max Factor on the world of make-up,
infact I knew very little.

The impact of this man was instrumental and unrivalled. Few can claim to be a true 'Godfather' of generations, as this man.

Biographies of all kinds, are by far my favourite read. Over many years I have read and listened to hundreds.
This book is now within my top three.

So well written and incredibly enjoyable.

The reader is exquisite, she brings flavour, passion and character.

A symphony of a listen.

I hope you to experience the magic of this audio.

5/5

An Amazing Insight ...

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I thought Max Factor was just unfashionable makeup for my Nana but lesring about the man behind the brand the History was very interesting

very interesting

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… however, I found the narration…. a ….. little ….stilted. It struggled to flow at time, and almost felt robotic. Tried not to let it affect me listening to the story, which is absolutely fascinating

Such an interesting story

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