Origins & Early Life

Max Factor Sr. (September 15, 1877 – August 30, 1938), born Maksymilian Faktorowicz, was a Polish-American businessman, beautician, entrepreneur and inventor. As a founder of the cosmetics giant Max Factor & Company, he largely developed the modern cosmetics industry in the United States and popularized the term "make-up" in noun form based on the verb. He is also known for doing makeovers for starlets and giving them their signature looks; his most iconic works include Jean Harlow's platinum hair, Clara Bow's bob, Lucille Ball's false lashes and red curls, and Joan Crawford's "Hunter's Bow", or overdrawn lips.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Factor, of Polish-Jewish descent, was born in Zduńska Wola to Abraham Faktorowicz (1850/52 – before 1938) and Cecylia Wrocławska. His father, a hard-working grocer, rabbi, or textile mill worker (depending upon the source), could not afford a formal education for his four children. By the age of eight years, Factor was working as an assistant to a dentist and pharmacist. At the age of nine, he was apprenticed to a wig maker and cosmetician in Łódź. That experience enabled him to gain a position at Anton's of Berlin, a leading hairstylist and cosmetics creator...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Aubrey Beardsley — Contemporary (Born in 1872) (1872): Pioneering English illustrator known for decadent, erotic black ink drawings.
• Benito Juárez — Contemporary (Died in 1872) (1872): Pioneering Indigenous President of Mexico, champion of Liberal reforms and the Republic.
• Bertrand Russell — Contemporary (Born in 1872) (1872): Pioneering philosopher and logician, known for analytic thought and social commentary.
• Alan Bond — Contemporary (Born in 1938) (1938): Australian businessman known for high-profile dealings, the America's Cup, and founding Bond University.
• Albert Fert — Contemporary (Born in 1938) (1938): Pioneering physicist known for the discovery of giant magnetoresistance.
• Behrouz Vossoughi — Contemporary (Born in 1938) (1938): Esteemed Iranian actor, celebrated for his intense performances across film and theatre.
• Agatha Christie — Shared historical date (09-15 · Born) (1890): The 'Queen of Crime,' a master of the mystery genre, best-selling author of all time.
• André Le Nôtre — Shared historical date (09-15 · Died) (1700): Master French landscape architect, famed for the formal gardens of Versailles.
• Antonio da Correggio — Shared historical date (08-30 · Born) (1489): Master of the Parma School, known for sensuous, dynamic High Renaissance painting.
• Cameron Diaz — Shared historical date (08-30 · Born) (1972): American actress known for comedy and drama, with films grossing over $3 billion.
• 1872 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1872
• September 15 (09-15) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on September 15
• 1938 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1938
• August 30 (08-30) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on August 30