Who first made foundation? Why is it orange?

lanfranco

I think Max Factor (b. 1872) invented the first modern foundation cream or liquid, though I couldn't find a truly good website on this. However, various substances have been used since antiquity to make the face look paler, smoother, or more even-toned. Chalk and led-based creams were common, as was powder made with arsenic. I recently read of a jar of what more or less seems to have been a foundation cream found in the vicinity of a Roman temple in Britain within the past year. As for the orange color, that depends on the ingredients, and I'm no expert on the chemistry of cosmetics. Someone else can take a shot at this. Apr 10 05, 2:16 PM

SOTHC

I agree with Ianfranco. In the 1950s colour films made an enormous impact on cosmetics. The huge cinema screens illuminated the unblemished appearance of stars and caused the make up artist Max Factor to invent an everyday version of the foundation he used called “Pan Cake”. This was a makeup to gloss over skin imperfections. He also brought out a range of eye shadows and lipsticks. Later in the 50s titanium was added to tone down the brightness of products and this resulted in lips with a pale shimmering gleam. The idea was extended to create frosted nail varnishes of pink, silver and a host of other colours. http://www.fashion-era.com/make_up_part_2.htm Apr 10 05, 2:43 PM