Max Factor
The Man Who Changed the Faces of the World
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Max Factor
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Narrated by:
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Samantha Worthen
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By:
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Fred E. Basten
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.Listeners also enjoyed...
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
What listeners say about Max Factor
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Narguesse Stevens
- 18-06-22
A truly great story, but badly read
Max Factor had an impressive "rags to riches" life story and Fred Basten wrote it well. However, the reading was really very poor, with the reader mispronouncing so many words and famous names as well as over-emphasising the meaning time and again. I kept flinching as yet another word or name was mangled.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- GB
- 30-11-22
very interesting
loved it, it's a facinating story and you will be surprised in the background of him
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Stephen
- 08-01-23
An Amazing Insight ...
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
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Linda T
- 17-01-22
Lovely
Lovely little story to listen to on a cold winter day. Good hearing how the company began
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- kennethevell
- 12-03-23
Fascinating history, awful narration
This is a fascinating insight into the history of one of the most recognised beauty brands.
Whilst there are too many examples/names mentioned at times, it is really interesting to hear more about the brand development.
Narration is awful. I initially thought it was read by an AI voice! Really stiles and un-engaging. Needs re-recording.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 25-02-23
Dreadful narrator.
My title says it all. Interesting biography but very annoying to listen to. Determined to finish it but couldn’t wait for it to end.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Federica Bresciani
- 03-09-22
Amazing!
it's incredible to think that behind you day to day make up there is a genius who made it possible in such an easy way!! thank you!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- PinkyPonky
- 05-06-22
Such an interesting story
… 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
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 28-04-22
Very interesting story
’if you’re interested in hair and make up and movies, and history, this is for you. Thoroughly absorbing and interesting.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Shell3y
- 02-02-23
very interesting
I thought Max Factor was just unfashionable makeup for my Nana but lesring about the man behind the brand the History was very interesting
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