International photographer (Jan-Dec 1934)

Eight The INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER July, 1934 The Max Factor Make-up Factory By Earl Theisen Honorary Curator L. A . Musew (Associate Editor of International Photographer and Member of the Faculty of the University of So. California as Lecturer in the Dept. of Cinematography.) My first impression when I visited the Max Factor Make-up factory was one of whiteness. Everything is painted white and everything is spotlessly clean. The janitors there must be busy men ; in fact, the one I saw busily polishing a corner had a virtuous expression as he jealously rubbed away. The employees, too, leave the same impression. They wear spotless smocks and there is a clean cut and clearness of complexion that one would expect in a factory where make-up is made. Each morning before the employees are permitted to start their tasks, a trained nurse inspects each individual for any illness or skin disease. This inspection is surprisingly detailed. The nurse, by the way, has a three room hospital in which is much scientific looking equipment. The day I was there the nurse was proudly showing the latest acquisition to her hospital, an infra-red heat lamp. The lamp was set over a bed which seemed rather inviting until I looked at the nearby cases of instruments. Lining these containers is indicative of the detailed care given each operation. The container is first inspected, then the bottom paper is inserted ; it is then inspected again and adhesive added to the walls. After another inspection the wall paper is put in place, then it is again inspected and the wall papers secured in place. Two persons again inspect the can and it is ready for filling. Each of these inspections and operations is conducted by a different person. It seems that at least half the employees are inspectors. The grinding of the powder is done in a separate room by a machine especially made for Max Factor. The fineness and weight of the powder is controlled by gravity. Air under definite pressure is forced into the grinder at a certain point which sorts the powder grain and eliminates the grains of undesirable weight. Similar care is given the mixing and making of unguents. The pigment and other coarse material is first ground between polished rollers in a machine that is some Left to Right: Filling powder boxes; grinding face powder; filliing collapsible tubes. The Circular Inserts: The application and experimental room. Max Factor shown in center of right circular insert. The factory is laid out efficiently, so that an article starts at one place and progresses through various stages until it is packed and sealed ready for the consumer. In no place during the process is the make-up material touched by the hand. In the packing of face powder, the empty boxes are first inspected and then put on a device where each boxis vacuum cleaned before being put on a conveyor belt which takes it to a filling machine. After the filling machine, the box is inspected by a girl, who looks at each box as if it were her first biscuit. The box is then sealed by a label applied under pressure. In the meantime it has gone through four inspections. It is then ready to be put into a cellophane container. In another part of the factory the tin outer protectors are being lined with paper. what similar to those used in ink factories. After the material is ground sufficiently fine it is taken to vats where it is mixed with the desired waxes and oils. These oils, by the way, are not animal fats, but natural vegetable oils. The vats are heated to a correct temperature by electricity. The heat is controlled for the reason that in mixing a series of chemicals, such as would compose a facial cream, the compounds are affected by variation or too high temperature. The compounds are heated to a liquid form, then continuously stirred by a mechanical arm for a period of time to insure thorough mixing. Max Factor has developed a number of special machines to handle his make-up. For this purpose he has a mechanical department whose sole purpose is to develop Please mention The International Photographer when corresponding with advertisers.