The quest to enhance lip appearance dates back centuries, but the creation of a dedicated lip-gloss product is often attributed to Max Factor, a Polish-American cosmetician, in 1930. His product, called X-Rated, aimed to provide a glamorous sheen for actresses on black and white film.
This innovation marked a significant shift in cosmetics. Prior to specialized glosses, achieving shiny lips often involved applying petroleum jelly or other less aesthetically pleasing substances. Factor’s creation offered a dedicated, easy-to-use product designed specifically to add shine and allure to the lips, paving the way for the massive lip gloss market we see today. This advancement allowed for greater expressiveness in makeup artistry and provided everyday individuals with a convenient tool for enhancing their appearance.