It’s been a big month for beauty, Tom Ford Black Orchid turned 10, Fresh turned 25 and so many more updates I can’t wait to share! One of the biggest being Max Factor is back! As the original makeup artist brand they are available internationally but now on shelves in the US as August 1st. The brand that left us in 2006 only to available internationally is back with a 4-piece limited edition US Capsule collection.
Mr. Max Factor was a visionary makeup artist who didn’t just create makeup – he invented the word and was the first artist to start his own brand. The brand strikes a deep cord with makeup artists, especially given how many have launched their own brands since this one came about in 1909. Together with legendary Creative Design Director Pat McGrath, the brand has delivered an edit of essential products designed for a modern take on a classic glamour look: the sexy cat eye paired with a nude lip. The exclusive capsule collection includes: Masterpiece MAX Mascara, Masterpiece High Precision Liquid Eye Liner and two beautiful Max Factor Lipstick shades, Maroon Dust and Simply Nude.
So now that I’ve fan girl-ed out for how monumentous it is to see Max Factor at my local drugstore aisle lets down to the review. First off, I LOVE Pat McGrath! And Max Factor, just like COVERGIRL are both owned by P&G of which many of you know Pat is the Global Creative Design Director of for cosmetics. So I say this with no criticism because I LOVE COVERGIRL, but it feels very similar. The lipstick packaging is exactly the same except it’s gold. And the Masterpiece High Precision Liquid Eyeliner is better formula version (in my opinion) of COVERGIRL Intensify Me Liquid Liner. They both have the same packaging and wand, my issue with COVERGIRL’s was that I had a hard time getting the formula to consistently come out while applying. I haven’t had that issue with Max Factors. And I’m happy about that since I love the product and control. I can do a thin line by applying it from it’s side or across for a thicker line. I do sometimes use it with more flexible tip liquid liner, like Kat Von D’s Tattoo Liner, which I’ll apply first and then us Max Factors one for touch ups or if there are any spots along the water line that I missed. It has really great control for fill ins.
Swatched above is Max Factor Lipstick shades, Simply Nude (with the liquid liner swatched on it’s thick and thin side), followed by lipstick shade, Maroon Dust. Both are very pretty, easy to apply, hydrating shades. I’m personally in love with the Simply Nude (swatched left). It looks a little pink/purply in the swatch but somehow that color corrects my darker middle-eastern lips to create my perfect nude (I have a really hard time finding nudes that look good on me!).
The last product in the line was the Masterpiece MAX Mascara. You can see the plastic wand design in the first picture. It’s a nice product, didn’t flake, gave a nice, natural lift with one coat but can be built up. If you tend to use two mascaras, this is a good one to have on your radar since it doesn’t clump and the want lets you get the fine hairs that are sometimes hard to reach.
I hope this is the first of many more products to come and Max Factor is here to stay!
xoLara