Francis "Max" Factor Jr., who followed in the footsteps of his legendary father and became a makeup artist and cosmetic company executive, has died of congestive heart failure. He was 91.
He died Friday at his West Los Angeles home, publicist Warren Cowan said Saturday.Factor collaborated with his father, the legendary Max Factor Sr., to invent pancake makeup in 1935, a beauty aide that kept actors' faces from appearing green in Technicolor films.
But when actors began taking the stuff home, and sharing it with friends, the elder Factor began mass-producing it. Any woman could now buy the same cosmetics as Hollywood stars.
After his father's death in 1938, Francis changed his name to Max, and together with his brother, Davis, assumed leadership of Max Factor & Co.
The company was sold in 1973 and is now owned by Procter & Gamble Co.
A chemist like his father, Factor Jr. invented Tru-Color lipstick in 1940, an indelible lip rouge that, unlike other products of the day, did not smear or change color.
Factor Jr. was born in St. Louis, the same year his parents emigrated from Russia. His father had been the czar's personal cosmetician.
Four years later, the Factors moved to Los Angeles and opened a theatrical makeup and wig shop.
Factor Jr. is survived by his son, Donald, brother Sidney, and two grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Devereaux Foundation in Santa Barbara.
Funeral services were pending.