The origin of lip gloss is often attributed to Max Factor, a Polish-American makeup artist and entrepreneur. In 1930, he developed and marketed “X-Rated,” a lip product designed for use in film to give actresses a glamorous, shimmering sheen on screen. This product is widely considered the precursor to modern lip gloss.
Prior to the development of commercially available lip gloss, various homemade concoctions and theatrical makeup techniques were employed to achieve a similar effect. The introduction of a dedicated lip gloss product marked a significant shift in the cosmetics industry, offering a convenient and accessible way to enhance lip appearance. This innovation paved the way for the vast array of lip gloss formulations available today, catering to diverse preferences for color, shine, texture, and added benefits like moisturization or plumping.