Max Factor invented lip gloss in 1930. A Polish immigrant to the USA, he established Max Factor & Company in 1909 and created the first lip gloss specifically for use by Hollywood film stars to achieve a glossy, shiny look on screen.
The Evolution of Lip Gloss
While Max Factor is credited with the invention of lip gloss in 1930, the product has evolved significantly over the years.
- Early Days (1930s): The initial lip gloss was designed for the demands of film, providing a radiant shine for actresses.
- Mid-20th Century: The development of new formulations and ingredients expanded the possibilities of lip gloss, with changes in texture, color, and added features.
- Bonne Bell's Lip Smackers (1960s): This brand revolutionized the market by introducing flavored lip glosses, particularly appealing to younger demographics. These glosses often included ingredients like lanolin.
- Modern Era: Today, lip gloss comes in countless variations, including different finishes (high shine, subtle shimmer), colors, and added benefits like moisturizing ingredients.
Ingredients and Formulation
Lip gloss is primarily a polymer-based cosmetic. The polymer creates a film on the lips that provides the glossy sheen. Additional ingredients contribute to moisturizing properties, color, and flavor.
Impact on the Beauty Industry
Max Factor's invention significantly impacted the beauty industry. Lip gloss became a staple makeup product, contributing to the larger trends in cosmetics and helping shape beauty standards throughout the decades.
