Starting out as a humble makeup artist in Hollywood, Max Factor turned his artistry and innovation into a glamour revolution. Using leading actresses as his canvas, he crafted legendary, high-glam looks for Clara Bow, Jean Harlow, Katharine Hepburn, Rita Hayworth, Bette Davis, Claudette Colbert and countless others.

He brought his innovative cosmetics to the general public, helping launch an industry that thrives today.

• Born Max Faktor in Lodz, Poland, in 1877
• After working as a makeup artist for the Royal Ballet in Czarist Russia, immigrates to the United States in 1904; name is Americanized to "Max Factor"
• Opens a perfume and cosmetics enterprise in St. Louis for the World's Fair, 1904
• Moves his family to Los Angeles and opens a cosmetics store in the theater district, 1904
• Begins working with movie studios and stars as a makeup artist and consultant
• Creates the first pancake makeup especially for motion pictures, 1914
• Begins selling his unique cosmetics in the 1920s to the general public, launching the retail makeup industry
• With the advent of color motion pictures, begins experimenting with makeup formulas to keep actors from looking washed out or reflecting the colors of their costumes
• After months of testing and research, perfects the formula for the first professional pancake makeup, a solid block of foundation that is applied to the face with a moistened silk sponge, 1937
• Generated numerous breakthrough makeup products and crafted unique looks for the leading Hollywood actresses of the era
• Dies August 30, 1938, leaving a legacy of innovation and glamour that continues today with the New MAX Factor