Ep 15- Smashbox Co-Founder Davis Factor

When your great grandfather invented the term “makeup” as an Oscar-winning makeup artist during Hollywood’s golden age, you start a makeup line. That’s exactly what Davis and Dean Factor did, having grown up around the legendary cosmetics empire, Max Factor. But it wasn’t a clear path for the Hollywood playboys (heli-skiing, anyone?). Davis took to photography and Dean studied business before they formed Smashbox studios in L.A., where everyone from Angelina Jolie to Jack Nicholson have struck poses.

Just how did a happening photo studio lead to a makeup line though, best known for its famous Photo Finish Primer sold every 1.8 seconds around the world? (Hint: Madonna’s makeup artist, the late Paul Starr, may have something to do with it.) Plus, listen in to hear who’s surprisingly the best in the business to work with, and who Davis had the unfortunate luck of plowing down head-on in the studio hallway. And, we get the low down on what Davis has up his sleeve next—a business venture that strays from the world of cosmetics…

Over 20 years old, Smashbox is still a top seller in stores even as the Colour Pops, Anastasias and Urban Decays keep growing. (Fun fact! Max Factor was the first brand to sell makeup in drugstores, did ya know??) How do they keep the momentum going? We’ve got the insider insights, all on today’s Breaking Beauty.

Products mentioned in this episode: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer; Smashbox Always on Liquid Lipstick; Smashbox Drawn In. Decked Out. Shadow + Contour + Blush Palette; Milk Makeup

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