Max Factor Jr., Makeup Creator, Dies At Age 91

LOS ANGELES - Francis "Max" Factor Jr., who followed in the footsteps of his legendary father and became a makeup artist and cosmetic company executive, has died of congestive heart failure. He was 91.

He died Friday at his West Los Angeles home, publicist Warren Cowan said yesterday.

Mr. Factor collaborated with his father, the legendary Max Factor Sr., in 1935 to invent pancake makeup, a beauty aide that kept actors' faces from appearing green in Technicolor films.

But when actors began taking the stuff home, and sharing it with friends, the elder Factor began mass-producing it.

After his father's death in 1938, Francis changed his name to Max, and together with his brother, Davis, assumed leadership of Max Factor & Co. The company was sold in 1973 and now is owned by Procter & Gamble Co.

A chemist like his father, the junior Mr. Factor invented Tru-Color lipstick, an indelible lip rouge, in 1940.

He was born in St. Louis in 1905 after his parents emigrated from Russia. His father had been the czar's personal cosmetician.

Mr. Factor is survived by his son, Donald, brother Sidney, and two grandchildren.

Funeral services were pending.