I haven’t paid much attention to the Max Factor brand until now, and I am not sure why. I just skipped past their stand anytime I went shopping, probably because they seemed to have pricey make-up products.

But I recently bought a Max Factor make-up kit that included 3 different products: a mascara, a powder and a foundation. I didn’t really need a new foundation or mascara, but when did that stop me from buying make-up?

The offer was great, and the price was very friendly for getting 3 full-size products. And this was just before New Year’s Eve. Since then, I have been using them constantly, and I’ve already made my first impression. They have both ups and downs, but I will definitely keep using them.

Would I buy them again? It depends. So let’s take them separately.

Mascara: 2000 Calorie Dramatic Volume (Black)

I really like this mascara, because it’s super black, very pigmented, so it’s perfect for defining your lashes. Also, it helps a lot with length and volume, and it’s very resistant (only a double-phased make-up remover can take it off). It has a classic brush and it’s fragrance-free. A big bonus goes to the classy, elegant packaging.

However, I find the formula slightly clumpy, and a bit difficult to apply. I noticed I have to spend a considerable amount of time getting to the results I want, which could be a minus if you’re in a hurry. I believe it’s better for an evening make-up, not so much for daily use.

All in all, it’s a great product, but I’m not sure if I would repurchase it. It’s kind of similar to the L’Oreal Volumissime mascara, when it comes to lenght, volume and color, and I think the latest is a lot better.

Full price: 30 RON (6 €) / Size: 9 ml

Powder: Creme Puff Pressed Powder (shade 05 Translucent)

Getting a new pressed powder was actually the reason why I went shopping that day, and my first choice was Rimmel London Stay Matte. But since the offer was so good, I decided to go with this one from Max Factor instead.

And I don’t regret my decision, since this is an amazing product. It’s perfect for mattifying your face, has a great coverage and resistance, which is basically all I want from a powder. If I apply it on top of my foundation in the morning, I only have to retouch it after like 9-10 hours, when I leave the office. Also, it protects your skin from UV rays, it doesn’t look cakey at all (it’s all natural and fresh, just the way I like it), and it feels very silky and smooth.

It only has a downside that’s hard to ignore, which is the smell. The list of ingredients includes Perfume and Alcohol, so that could be the reason for that strong chemical scent. I got used to it and I don’t mind it anymore, but if you have a very sensitive skin or if you don’t like make-up products that have a noticeable smell, maybe it’s not the product for you.

Full price: 35 RON (almost 8 €) / Size: 21 g

Foundation: Lasting Performance (shade 105 Soft Beige)

Leaving the best for last, in this case, the Max Factor Lasting Performance foundation is my favorite of all. I will definitely repurchase this product, and let me tell you why.

First of all, it perfectly matches my skin color, it’s long lasting, mattifying, and yet it looks natural and fresh. It has a medium to high coverage, and you can easily build up as many layers as needed. However, it’s also transfer-resistant, so you don’t need to worry about staining your clothes or phone anymore.

No more shiny face, no more touch-ups for at least 10-12 hours, no more imperfections. I think it’s one of the best drugstore foundations I have tried so far. So I do recommend it, if you have a normal, combination or even oily skin. This product can handle a lot, it’s very easy to apply and it’s not terribly expensive either.

Is there anything I don’t like about it? I don’t think so, maybe just the fact that it doesn’t have SPF included. Otherwise, I think it has a great value and high-quality.

Full price: 50 RON (11 €) / Size: 35 ml

So, I think I made a great deal, and I would love to try more Max Factor products in the future. It’s safe to say that this brand has got my attention now! 🙂

(P.S. Just found out that the actual word “make-up” was coined in 1914 by Max Factor, and the brand was associated with Hollywood movie make-up ever since. Interesting, right?)

What are your favorite products from Max Factor? Did you try any of these items I talked about, what do you think about them?

 

 

 

 

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