Hey gorgeous! Welcome back to my blog, where we spill all the tea on the latest beauty trends.
In today’s post, I will do a full-on review of the Max Factor Miracle Pure Skin Improving Foundation. You know the one I’m talking about – the one that’s been flooding your Instagram feed with Priyanka Chopra looking flawless AF. Well, I’m here to give you the lowdown on whether it’s worth the hype.
So, let’s explore what makes this foundation stand out, how it treats acne-prone skin, and why it’s not available everywhere just yet.
History of Max Factor Cosmetics ?
But before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a trip down memory lane and talk about the OG behind the brand: Max Factor himself.
In Hollywood’s golden era, where the silver screen stars where serving looks left, right, and center. Mr. Max Factor was the man behind the magic, creating makeup masterpieces. Talk about iconic!
Born in 1872, Lodz, Russia (which is now part of Poland) Max started his journey as a beautician and wig maker for none other than the Russian Imperial Family – yep, the Romanovs! He even had his own hair and beauty shop in Razan, Russia.
Fast forward to 1904, when things took a drastic turn. With attacks on Jews intensifying and Czar Nicholas ordering pogroms, Max and his family decided to pack their bags and hightail it to the USA. They settled in LA because, hey, it was closer to the glitz and glamour of the budding film industry. And you know what? Max had a knack for sniffing out opportunity. He opened up a shop selling cosmetics and wigs, catering to the stage actors who were starting to make it big in Hollywood.
As the film industry evolved from silent flicks to technicolor wonders, Max was right there, leading the charge. He invented the first makeup for film – Flexible Greasepaint – to give actors a more human look on screen, ditching the heavy stage greasepaint of yore. Soon enough, word spread like wildfire, and Hollywood’s elite were lining up to get a taste of Max’s magic like Joan Crawford, Ava Gardner, Katherine Hepburn – the whole shebang!
Max didn’t stop there, he was just getting started. In 1916, he introduced eye shadow and eyebrow pencils to the masses, making Hollywood glam accessible to everyday folks like you and me. Then came the game-changer: “Color Harmony.” Max coined the term when he dropped a range of face powder that let you customize makeup shades for each actor or actress. Talk about revolutionary!
By 1920, Max had launched a full-blown cosmetics range, bringing “Society Makeup” to the public and invented the word “Makeup”. Rightly so he is called the Father of Makeup
From mascara to foundation, eye shadow to lip gloss, Max had everything. And boy, did he know how to make a splash. He won an Oscar for his groundbreaking makeup techniques.
But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Max passed away in 1938, leaving his legacy in the hands of his son, Frank Factor, aka Max Factor, Jr. The company went public in the ’60s, but family feuds and corporate shuffles saw Max Factor eventually merge with Norton Simon in 1973. Then, in 1986, Revlon swooped in and snagged the brand for a cool $500 million. But even Revlon couldn’t turn the tide, and by 1991, Max Factor was in the hands of P&G for $1.5 billion.
P&G tried to revive it, but by 2010, they’d had enough. Enter COTY, who scooped up Max Factor for $12.5 billion in 2015 and gave it a fresh start in 2018. And that, my friends, is the rollercoaster ride of Max Factor.
Review of Max Factor Miracle Pure Skin Improving Foundation
Packaging
The tube is a standard size of 30 ml and pretty lightweight. I love how travel-friendly it is, and the nozzle is thin to ensure you don’t dispense more than necessary. I just wish they would make the cap twist tighter to ensure it won’t leak, but perhaps that would increase the cost.
Once I placed it in my bag, the plastic cap just came off. So, I always prefer foundations that have a twist lock, as it prevents oxidation of the foundation as well.
Fragrance
As for fragrance, there’s a subtle scent to the Max Factor Miracle Pure Skin Improving Foundation but you’ll barely notice it unless you’re really sniffing around.
Texture
Texture-wise, Max Factor Miracle Pure Skin Improving Foundation is like silk on your skin. It’s super lightweight and non-greasy, sinking in like a dream. It’s seriously one of the most hydrating foundations I’ve ever come across – no joke.
Is it a full coverage Max Factor Miracle Pure Skin Improving Foundation?
Now, let’s talk coverage. Max Factor claims this baby is full-coverage, but in my experience, it’s more of a light to medium situation, even with two layers. It definitely smooths out your skin and blurs imperfections, but you’ll still need a concealer to cover up acne marks or discoloration. For me, it’s more like a BB cream.
Sebum Control: Ideal for Acne-Prone Skin
While Max Factor Miracle Pure Skin Improving Foundation claims to be suitable for all skin types, I find it particularly well-suited for dry skin, especially in winters. For acne-prone skin, it is good due to its lightweight and breathable texture, but the ingredients in it can be either a boon or a bane, especially if you have sensitive skin. Long-term daily use might clog those pores. Additionally, I have yet to try it on a hot, sunny day.
How to apply Max Factor Miracle Pure Skin Improving Foundation?
When it comes to applying this stuff, I’m all about using my fingers. It saves product (and money – hello, frugal queen over here), and gives killer coverage right off the bat. Then, I’ll grab a damp beauty blender to blend it all in seamlessly.
Pro tip: If you’re dealing with acne like yours truly, a bit of color correction and concealer works wonders.
But if you’re in a rush, slap it on and add some bronzer or blush for that natural, no-makeup makeup look
Price
Now, let’s talk price. Max Factor Miracle Pure Skin Improving Foundation won’t break the bank, especially if you catch it on sale. But even at full price, it’s a steal considering the skin-loving ingredients it’s packed with.
However, for developing markets, it could be considered high-end if retailers are not passing price advantages to customers. For example, I found prices cut down to 50%, which indicates the kind of margins some retailers keep.
Availability
Seriously, COTY needs to step up their game and make Max Factor more widely available if they want to keep the brand alive. It’s a real shame that it’s not accessible in the USA or most parts of Asia and South America. Even though it’s fairly well-known in South Asia, it could really soar if it improved its distribution channels to compete with L’Oréal and Maybelline.
SPF in Max Factor Miracle Pure Skin Improving Foundation
Oh, and did I mention it’s got SPF 30? But don’t get it twisted – this isn’t a substitute for sunscreen. Always slather on that SPF before you reach for the makeup!
Photo Focus Dewy Foundation- Soft Beige
So, is Max Factor Miracle Pure Skin Improving Foundation matte or dewy? It’s dewy! As the name suggests, it gives your skin a natural, dewy finish that’s oh-so-glowy. I’ve got the Warm Golden shade, and it’s an exact match for my skin color. It’s like a second skin (BTW, Max Factor has another line called Second Skin) – you’ll forget you’re even wearing makeup. I really need to try their concealer and pair it with the foundation to see how much of a difference it makes.
Controversial Ingredients in Max Factor Miracle Pure Skin Improving Foundation
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the controversial ingredients. Max Factor Miracle Pure Skin Improving Foundation packs a few surprises
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone and PEG-10
PEG compounds are commonly used as emulsifiers and surfactants in skincare. However, they can raise concerns due to potential contamination with carcinogens like 1,4-dioxane or ethylene oxide.
Mica: a mineral used in cosmetics for pigment and shimmer, is generally safe but may be contaminated with heavy metals like lead, raising concerns.
Urea: found naturally in the skin and synthetically produced for cosmetics, is used for its moisturizing and exfoliating properties in skincare products. While generally well-tolerated, it may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.
Chemical SPF Ingredients
a. Homosalate: A chemical UV filter in sunscreens to absorb UVB rays. There are concerns about its potential hormone-disrupting properties when absorbed into the body, especially in higher concentrations or with frequent use.
b. Ethylhexyl Salicylate: Also known as octyl salicylate. It is used to absorb UVB rays, but may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
c. Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane: Also known as Avobenzone, this chemical is commonly used in sunscreens to absorb UVA rays but may degrade in sunlight potentially leading to skin irritation or allergic reactions.
d. Octocrylene: A chemical UV filter used in sunscreens to absorb UVB and some UVA rays. There are concerns about its potential to produce free radicals when exposed to sunlight, but overall it’s considered safe for use in sunscreens at low concentrations.
Aicha’s Recommendation : Is Max Factor Miracle Pure Skin Improving Foundation worth it
So, here’s the scoop on whether Max Factor Miracle Pure Skin Improving Foundation is worth your hard-earned cash.
Full disclosure: I was initially all about this foundation, but after delving into its ingredients, I got a reality check. Turns out, there are some elements in there that I’m not a fan of. Not cool, Max Factor, not cool
I’m sorry to anyone I’ve recommended Max Factor Miracle Pure Skin Improving Foundation to.While it does give impressive results, I’ve come to realize that not all that glitters is gold – or should I say, MICA and tin oxide.
First off, Max Factor didn’t need to include chemical sunblock ingredients. We’ve got sunscreen for that job. And for those who skip sunscreen for makeup, let’s rethink! We don’t apply makeup as frequently as sunscreen, and sunscreen needs to be reapplied regularly. Can we say the same for makeup? Nope.
In my humble opinion, Max Factor needs to revamp its formula ASAP. Out with the unnecessary additives and in with some skin-loving goodness. How about some Niacinamide or Papin?
Bottom line: If you’re all about that smooth coverage and don’t mind playing ingredient detective, go ahead and give it a shot. But until Max Factor cleans up its act, I’ll be giving this one a pass. Peace, love, and flawless skin, babes!