MAX FACTOR! VIVID IMPACT LIPSTICK!
Gigi here!I am most grateful to Tantejoan for the extraordinary review which she once again penned in my absence. The woman is an enigma—the epitome of charm, style, and grace, Joan is also a stunningly beautiful, cornflower blue-eyed perfect fusion of Shakespeare, Dostoyevsky, Woody Allen, Robin Williams, and Seinfeld. She is now romping in the ocean with sea shells and men at her feet (I suspect more of the latter) . . .
Joan was correct; I spent time with Conan. My favorite part was the ability to watch as he was prepped for the show. And what brand was used? “The” brand—Max Factor, named after a Polish-born immigrant who created makeup himself for actors performing for the Russian nobles, entertainers at the 1904 World’s Fair, and then for movie stars in 1914. He learned to make it long-lasting, free of flakes and creases. Thus began a legendary line of products, many of which have no equal.
Conan sat as his favorite shades were used. First came concealer under his eyes in “Cyanotic Celebration.” Cheekbones were contoured with “Ashes to Ashes,” a grey-indigo blush. A touch of a repugnant purple named “Love That Livid” was added to his lips, followed by the famous pancake foundation in “Snowflake.” To set the makeup for hot studio lights, he was dusted with loose powder in “D.O.A.” When the makeup artists turned toward me, I tried to run, but I was outnumbered. What to do?
I breathed a huge sigh of relief. In their hands I saw products I love, including their “2000 Calorie Mascara” and “MAXeye Shadows.” Unfortunately, one shadow palette was “Queen Bee” (blinding yellow, vibrant orange and deep lime green). Were Max himself to climb out of his tomb and beg me to wear it, I would refuse. Nor would I permit my dog to leave the house with these shadows on her ecru fur. Despite the fact that these palettes have garnered awards from beauty magazines, always remember: Much like the armed forces, you are one of the few, the wise, the Megheads! You do not fall for slogans and promises.
One artist began to try to apply the same foundation and lip color as Conan sported; I said in my most charming voice, “Oh, surely you jest.” She dismissed me until I put my hand in my hoodie as if I carried a gun and said, “Go ahead—make my day.” Point taken. From that time on, I chose all of my own products and gravitated toward trios of more natural colors.
Ah, I digress. My focus was actually on the new Vivid Impact Lipstick. This has received a lot of positive press, but I tell it as I see it. I was drawn to it because this line has hues that are simply beautiful, utterly feminine, and daringly “edgy.” I chose a matte shade called “Vegas, Baby.” It is a muted merge of mauve and taupe, a lipstick that most women could wear. Artists began with a natural hair lip brush to outline and keep color in place (a lipliner and/or primer will also do the job). Warning, Will Robinson: Don’t create a new mouth shape unless it is Halloween! Work with what you have; if need be, extend your lines just slightly beyond their natural ones. You don’t want your pout to appear as if it has been inflated by Helium gone wrong.
The formula glides on smoothly and is delightfully comforting. There is no heavy, waxy scent. Vivid? Oh, heirs of Max Factor, you are doing him wrong. It imparts a gentle, delicate look, not a dramatic appearance of any sort. How long does it last? Just an hour or two if you sit still and do not move, breathe, blink, talk, eat, or drink (okay, so I exaggerate here to make a point). A primer doesn’t add much staying power. I was stunned and dismayed. The results were the same no matter how many times I tried. Trials with other colors in this line replicated my findings.
Procter and Gamble now owns Max Factor (along with most of the universe) and will begin pulling products from shelves in 2010. Stock up on your favorites, but lose this lipstick, please. Did you hear a noise? That’s Max himself turning over in his grave because he, too, is disappointed.
Anyone else less then pleased with Max Factor Vivid Impact Lipcolor or am I missing something here? I mean, Conan is late night!
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How sad! I had hoped they were in fact clear vivid colors -- Max Factor always seems to do interesting colors, but the quality seems to have suffered in recent years. :(
Whew--I am relieved at your remark! This was one of those items where everyone on the planet said it was the perfect lipstick, and I truly tried to make myself like it but couldn't. You could always use a stain underneath, but doesn't that defeat the purpose? I agree; Max Factor's quality and quantity has been deteriorating. Some of their "High Intensity Pigment" dual shadow pots cannot be used as they come in bizarre circus hues. They had been a maverick and there was a time when I owned nearly everything they made. They are leaving the US because they are learning that customers feel they're too expensive; then lower your prices and widen your line! In business, it's called competition . . . Thanks and God Bless, Gigi (Kindly check your guest book)
Great post! While I'm not a fan of Max Factor, I must say that I love the names of the colors that were used on Conan: “Ashes to Ashes,” “Snowflake,” and “D.O.A.” Way too funny. I mean, I know he is pale and all (like me), but I don't think I would want to buy a loose powder called "D.O.A" unless maybe I were a goth...It is sad to see a former industry leader/pioneer disappear from the U.S. market.
Gigi, that was a great review! And I'm so glad you're back :) You are just too hilarious, with your hand in the hoodie and "go ahead--make my day" remark, as well as your "Nor would I permit my dog to leave the house with these shadows on her ecru fur"! I laughed out loud.Well, I'm very disappointed to hear about the Max Factor lipstick. I've never actually tried a single Max Factor product, but am still disappointed that they will no longer be sold in the US as of next year. I will be looking for their products on clearance, and will avoid this particular lipstick. Have you tried their pan cake and pan stik makeup? I'm tempted to try them...
♥ Lipgloss and Spandex: a blog for gals who look good and run fast
In the late 90s, one of my friends used the pan cake makeup. Back then it was still the same formula as the original (I don't know if it still is). It was beyond heavy coverage, you couldn't see a freckle on her skin. However, the formula may have changed by now.
We don't have the MAX factor brand in France that sucks cause I hear so much good thing about their products =(
Hollywood http://thehollywoodheels.blogspot.com
Thank you for the honest review. I had been looking as those lipsticks as a possible present for my little sister who loves vivid colours, but now I know not to get her one of those at least.Anyhow, honestly, if the products are not up to scratch any longer it is just as well the company is disappearing into memory land. A pity, though, when something that used to be great ceases to be great (here Body Shop comes to mind). It seems that when a company is sold out to the giants, then we'd better move on and find new favourites.
Gigi, you're a delight. I truly love your sense of humor. I love the way you describe colors, like "cornflower blue". You're the best! I haven't tried this product. With all of my dental issues I have found myself shying away from lip color. I do, however, like sheer color and stay on color. I will not be trying this product however. Thank you for the 411.
Your giving away all conans beauty secrets here-you dont want him turning into conan the barbarian and coming after you(anyone sit through that film-how did it never get the oscar nod)-anyway thanks for being honest-they really dont seem to be keeping up with the competition.Your a dangerous woman-when it comes to someone messing with your face.A "friend" once gave me a dubious makeover before we went out-orange-lipstick,blush and eyeshadow-needlesss to say I had to do a redo.
PotionPrincess♥
Oh Gigi - so nice to see you reviewing. The Queen Bee palette sounds like something you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy. Sometimes I wonder if sometimes they aren't sniggering back at the make-up companies, wondering what idiot is going to wear this, actually out on the street. One of my younger cousins has taken to sporting a burgundy eye shadow - because it's in. I though she had 2 black eyes and was ready to take her to the doctor. I must say, I never thought I'd ever be privy to Conan's fantasy beauty secrets. I watch when I have time - now I'll be carefully looking to see how the make-up sits on him. Perhaps you can clue us in on what Larry King is using, if you have the time :) Too bad about the lipstick - it seemed to have potential...Much Love rie
Rie
Not sure who I'm a bigger fan of,Conan or my girl Gigi...this is a topic we'll have to chat about at length when we get together!!!LOVE our Joan as well,her self-depreciating NY humor is dead-on and what a generous spirit she has! I love these ladies...:)I remember being young n' poor and for me,a Max Factor "splurge" meant that I was applying the "makeup of the stars..." It was used "in the day" on every gorgeous starlet out there where there WERE real "stars" and not just publicity-mongering wanna' be's.Pan Stick in a tube went on smoothly and quickly and held up under those hot disco lights.The mascaras had real brushes that helped me learn how to make the most of my lashes and the lippys were greasy and lush and again,held up through a night of working in bars/dancing in them after closing! :)In recent years though,it's becomea sort of "neither here nor there" line with stiff competition from Rimmel and other cutting-edge/less pricey drugstore lines and even Carmen Electra's ads for the "Impact" line couldn't lure me in.I've tried the shadows and lippys and like GiGi,tossed them after a few wearings either due to texture or permormance.I am always sad to see an "icon" in the beauty-world pass on BUT we love (and I personally LOVE!) "Smashbox" which carries on the family-tradition in style...LOVE the review and tell me: do you really think some of us DON'T carry our guns in our hoodies????? LOLROF!!! Come to Texas and I'll teach you how!!!You are the best and I love that you're writing again! :)
There's no Max Factor where I live anymore and I really wish there was. They seem to do such great products :/ I don't really know but every company has good and bad products...
Ive never been a lip stick girl!! Just gloss for me all the way!! Excellent review!!!! <3 <3 <3 Big KiSs3s!!!
Max Factor has always been difficult to come by in my home town. I guess that I have not missed out on much. Thanks Gigi for a delightfully creative, hilarious, and as always informative piece! We love you! Too bad about the lipstick though, the color sounds nice.
Max Factor has the most stylish exhibit, in downtown Hollywood. Too bad the new colors seem to fall a bit flat. No lasting power? For shame. The Queen Bee pallette does have a good use - remember, Halloween is approaching. Stock up before it's gone!
Oh man I have been dreading the max factor shelf pull for months now. hopefully walgreens will have a mega max factor clearance when it gets closer to that time! I will be stocking up on 2000 calorie mascara!
Great review Gigi!! Welcome back :) I love alot of Max Factor's products, but have never tried any of their lip products. Too bad that it doesnt have staying power!!! I may try it anyway :)
I am not a fan of this lipstick, very sad :( Welcome back, Conan rocks!
Gigi, I enjoyed reading about your time with Conan. I love his show! I have never tried any of Max Factor's products, so I don't really know much about their lines.
I have to wonder if some people aren't realizing that this was satire and that Gigi really didn't hang with Conan. Just wondering? Thanks Joan for starting this rumor!!LOL
Haha, yes, I definitely picked up on the satire. Although, our wonderful Gigi was quite convincing with her descriptions. I could envision her rendezvous with Conan quite clearly. :)
Sometimes Gigi, I think you must have lived 1000 lives to have such depth in your ability to tell a story, and make us laugh! You are truly talented. We have missed your presence immensely! And, she's back in the saddle again! I too grew up on Max Factor, mascara and lippies for me. I admit I hardly ever purchase from that line anymore for the same reasons Gigi didn't like this lipstick. It became.....ehhhhhh. Why settle for ehhhhh when we can have pow, bang, pop, and blam! As for me darlin' Conan, can you imagine an interview with all of the Megheads and him? Wouldn't that be hilarious? I love Conan and his 87 foot long gangly legs, he rules!
Thanks for the warning about how long the lipstick stays on. The last thing I need is another tube of lipstick that isn't very good. I still keep going back to the Beute' (Bo-tay) that was reviewed earlier this year. It has great color, is long lasting and does plump. What more could you ask for?
Beste Hilsin
Oh Gigi! You had me laughing so hard. :) I'm so glad to see your humor back on the screen. (Though Joan did an excellent fill in)I personally haven't used Max Factor since I was about 13. I don't really agree with some of the "practices" they do when testing their products. I do remember that back when I was a teen they had awesome quality makeup. I have heard from multiple people that they overpaid for an ehhh product within the last couple years, though. Glad to know that I'm not missing much.
I don't know who is funnier - Gigi or Joan! Poor Conan comes in 3rd...Thanks for the heads-up on the lipstick. Sorry it didn't work out. The only Max Factor products I've used in recent years have been the mascaras. They are pretty darn good, especially for drugstore brands. I'm waiting for the close-out sales. And then... when we have to go to Europe to get MF, it'll become terribly chic again!
Carole
I love Mac, just wish that they weren't so expensive!
what? Max Factor is shutting down? That is so sad, but you better believe I'll be stalking the close-out sales.
Oh no I hope this isn't true about Max Factor leaving the US! Anywho Gigi I completely agree about this lipstick line- I personally own the color "Ms. Understood."It's bold sure but man does it bring so much color to my face. LOVES IT!
I read that they were leaving the US too, I use to use their panstick a long time ago to cover my really red acne as a kid, but don't even wander down that way anymore.
Letitahttp://letitaslogic.blogspot.com/
Wow, it is so refreshing to read a review that speaks openly and honestly about products like this one! I love that you haven't pretended this was a great lipstick - and rest assured, I will make sure *not* to put this in my shopping bag.Thank-you for the warning!
Very informative review, I really like it and yes I agree with you about the Lipstick...I did'nt like it , no staying power... it left an off taste in my mouth too (no pun intended) like a soapy taste.
Sounds like you had a great time with Conan. Yeah, lipstick needs staying power and should create a dramatic look.
That's why i prefer lipgloss
Sad that the brand has been around so long and is having to close up shop in the US. It will still be sold in Europe though. I read that Covergirl is more popular and outsells MaxFactor by leaps and bounds so P&G decided to drop the MaxFactor in the US. I never tried any of it and unless I find a "sock knocker" in the clearance bin, I probably won't bother. Especially hearing about the poor quality of this lipstick. I think Covergirl is mostly crap too. The shadows have no pigment, the mascara doesn't do anything, the lipstains are reportedly horrible, the foundation is cakey and maskey. I'm don't think I'm going to bother trying anything any more. I've become a stuckup makeup snob. I blame you all for it. And I love ya for it.
Didn't one of the Max Factor heirs get in some major trouble a few years back... I am sure that isn't helping things any... Poor Max...Build an emipire only to have it torn down...
I love Max Factor. I wear panstick, mascara, and their lipfinity lipsticks. I have worn Max Factor since I was in high school.BTW, I am loving that pink colored lipstick shown in the pic. I am a HUGE fan of pink and makeup. So when makeup comes in pink I am all for it. :-)
A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.
-Coco Chanel
I've tried that exact Max Factor trio that you mentioned in this review. Utter diappointment !.. It looks so cool in the pan but comes off chalky at best. Honestly i just swapped it away because looking at it just made me sad. Ever since then i tend to stay away from the Max Factor brand.. haven't heard anything that made me what to give it another try.
I go pretty natural for lip and just use Everyday Minerals Glosses...They feel light and airy and look lovely and natural. Love Love Love them!
I just love max factor eye shadows but I don't wear lipstick just lip gloss
All the way......
PASSION 4 FASHION...
I am really not a lipstick kinda girl but i have just bought avons ultra colour rich lipstick in frozen rose ( my mum got it and i love it) its the only lipstick i have ever bought! i kissed my fieance when i had just applied it and he didnt said it didnt feel like i was wearing anything (he hates kissing me when i have lip balm/gloss on!)
great review :) i enjoyed learning more about Conan's makeup- what a funny man! i really liked my 200 calorie mascara from MF. however, i read that MF is discontinuing operations in US, so if you have favorite products from that brand, it is best to stock up now
Oh no! I hope its not true.
Better start stalking up on Max Factor! It's kind of sad; Max Factor has been around forever.
Oh, dear. I'll be raiding my local drugstore come 2010!Gigi, you are hilarious! I loved reading this!
Are they going to stop making everything, you mean the line will be totally lost, what a shame! Oh well, I am sure we will find things to replace it with, still too bad, they have been around forever.
Max factor is so old brand very vintage !!!
Thanks for the review. I don't usually wear lipstick...but that doesn't mean I don't buy them hoping that I will one day find one that looks good on me. I am glad I don't have to waste any money on this one.
Thanks, Gigi, for the heads up. I love MF 2000 Calorie mascara but haven't tried any lipstick. I'll avoid this one and appreciate your saving me the moolah.
Moema....always a Mom first
Thanks for the heads up on this. This is one impulse purchase I can avoid lol.
~~Christy
Gigi, you are humorous! I love it :) Well, I'm not a fan of Max Factor. Good review though! Some extra info here, I read a news article awhile back, it said MF is much more popular in Asia than in US/EU. Their total profits/sales mainly came from Asia. So they decided to concentrate their business over here.
I am what I shop