News

Goodbye, Max Factor

giseleinmaxfactorad.jpegAt least in the US, that is. Procter & Gamble is going to stop selling the brand domestically, though it will continue to globally.

We haven’t paid much attention to the brand over the past few years, and apparently, we are not alone. It seemed a bit schizophrenic lately, signing Carmen Electra to a contract one minute, but then a year later seeming to shift gears back toward fashion by hiring makep superstar Pat McGrath as a spokesperson and most recently Gisele for the ads.

The brand’s disappearance might not impact our daily lives, but we’re sad to see a company with such a rich history say goodbye to the country where it started. It is the original makeup artist brand and was once the epitome of old Hollywood.

It’s also a bit of a shock to hear about the downsizing of a major beauty brand, as that industry is usually able to withstand economic downturns better than most. Hence the term “lipstick index” where in tough times, cosmetics sales often improve. Though that doesn’t seem to be the case with this recession.

Here’s hoping there won’t be more closings to come.

Comments

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1

posted by guest

Jun 05, 2009 10:12AM

Wasn't the Max Factor heir involved in some bizarre murder and subsequently fled to Mexico, where he was pursued by bounty hunters?

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2

posted by guest

Jun 05, 2009 11:35AM

That bounty hunter was Dog the Bounty Hunter. He was a serial rapist.

One of the other heirs founded and runs Smashbox cosmetics

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3

posted by guest

Jun 05, 2009 11:57AM

It WAS Dog the Bounty Hunter?! That's just too good to be true!

4

posted by Abby Gardner

Jun 05, 2009 12:15PM

Andrew Luster was the great-grandson who was on the lam and tracked down by Dog. There was even a Lifetime movie!

Dean and Davis Factor are also great-grandsons of Max who run Smashbox Cosmetics and Smashbox Studios. Davis is also a photog.

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5

posted by guest

Jun 05, 2009 12:20PM

I def. have to see that Lifetime movie!

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posted by Abby Gardner

Jun 05, 2009 12:22PM

It's called A Date with Darkness: The Trial and Capture of Andrew Luster. And as far as Lifetime movies go, it's just about perfect.

7

posted by Jac

Jun 05, 2009 4:11PM

they have great mascara. i loved the brand until carmen (trash at it's finest), and was glad they brought on Gis. Sad sad.

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posted by guest

Jun 05, 2009 4:37PM

well before its off the shelves, I'm buying all of the volume couture mascaras

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posted by guest

Jun 06, 2009 8:28PM

CRAP!!! I'm buying all the mascaras too!! They are the best and the only ones I use.

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