Brand Story

ABOUT THE BRAND

Davis Factor

Founder & Photographer

In 1990, acclaimed photographer Davis Factor and his brother Dean, founded Smashbox Studios to give beauty and creativity a home in L.A.

“I wanted to create a culture. Not just a studio. I didn’t want to exclude anybody. I wanted to plant a seed so people could grow, and that meant everyone was welcome.”

The new studio quickly became a hub for world-class photographers, actors, models and musicians. The creative energy on set showed no signs of slowing down except when the team had to stop for makeup touch ups. In 1996, Davis started Smashbox Cosmetics, and shortly after debuted the now cult-favorite Photo Finish Primer. It made makeup look flawless, feel better and lasts longer on set and way after the shoot wrapped. Smashbox Cosmetics was born, and a new era began.

Lori Davis in 5 Facts

Global pro lead artist

1. She got into beauty because of her grandmother: “She was a complete beauty junkie—had wigs, lashes, everything. I used to play with her vanity instead of dolls.”

2. Leading artistry at fashion shows from L.A. to Europe has led to some, er, wild adventures: “Once they asked me to put lipstick on a llama. A live llama! I was like, ‘Are you serious?!’”

3. She actually wouldn’t mind being a cocktail waitress. Her drink of choice? A dirty martini with 3 blue cheese-filled olives.

4. Her favorite part of L.A. is downtown:
“It’s almost a hidden treasure, super chic, very urban and smart.”

5. She can’t stand it when people say beauty is superficial: “Makeup has a healing element.
There’s something about making people feel great that’s more emotional than material.”

BRAND STORY

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