The Max Factor Salon was originally the Hollywood Fire Safe Building before it was bought by Max Factor in 1928. The building was remodeled by renowned theater architect S. Charles Lee, and in 1935, it re-opened featuring a ground-floor salon, make-up manufacturing on the three floors above, and the Max Factor Make Up Studio in an added one-story wing.[1] 3000 people were invited to the re-opening but more than 8000 attended,[2] and after re-opening, the building earned the nickname the "Jewel Box of the Cosmetic World" and the make-up studio earned the nickname "The Pink Powder Puff."[1]
In the early 1990s, The Max Factor Museum of Beauty occupied the building, the building itself owned by Procter & Gamble. The museum closed in 1996.[4] In 2001, a Mel's Drive In opened in the building's one-story wing,[7] with the Hollywood Museum occupying the rest of the building in 2002.[1]
In 2011, the building held an I Love Lucy reunion to celebrate Lucille Ball’s 100th birthday and the 60th anniversary of the show. In attendance were Lucille Ball's daughter Lucy Arnaz as well as many of the filmmakers who worked on the show.[8]