MAC
WHAT MAKES UP M·A·C
M·A·C
is the world’s leading professional makeup authority because of our unrivalled expertise in makeup
ARTISTRY.
M·A·C
celebrates diversity and
INDIVIDUALITY
– we are for All Ages, All Races, All Genders.
M·A·C
is a proud
COMMUNITY
of professional makeup artists working together to bring our vision to life.
M·A·C
is at the forefront of fashion
TRENDSETTING, collaborating with leading talents from fashion, art and popular culture. Our Artists create trends backstage at fashion weeks around the world.
M·A·C
believes in
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, with initiatives such as VIVA GLAM at the heart and soul of our unique culture
BIRTH OF A CULT:
FROM WOW TO NOW!
All Ages, All Races, All Genders… A professional makeup brand setting trends backstage at fashion weeks around the world. Today, M·A·C means so many things to its
millions of fans in every corner of the planet, but a global beauty phenomenon has to begin somewhere.
Make-Up Art Cosmetics started life in Toronto, Canada. Makeup artist and photographer Frank Toskan and salon owner Frank Angelo became frustrated by the lack of makeup that photographed well, so they decided to create their own. At first, they made the cosmetics in their kitchen and
sold them straight from the salon to fellow makeup artists, as well as models and photographers. Soon, stylists and fashion editors got in on the action. As the magazine credits racked up and word-of-mouth popularity grew, the duo launched M·A·C in March 1984 from a counter in a Toronto department store.
Their approach was chic utility, with the makeup coming in black pots rather than compacts. While other major makeup brands at the time were predominantly skincare companies, M·A·C chose instead to
establish itself as the ultimate colour authority.
Professional makeup artists manned the counter, an industry first. One of the most popular offerings was an intense matte red lipstick, which got a boost with an appearance in a photo-shoot of the fast-rising Madonna, later seen wearing a M·A·C T-shirt.
The company took the industry by storm, offering a wide range of products that blended street savvy with glamorous style and panache. Behind the counter, the M·A·C approach was notably different. Rather than driving sales through traditional promotional techniques, M·A·C relied on the integrity of its carefully formulated product line. Adding to the image was a touch of outrageousness. A company that honours individuality and self-expression above all else, it brought a brilliant sense of drag and theatre into the sleek M·A·C stores and department store counters.
In 1994, as HIV and AIDS continued to spread across the globe, M·A·C made
HIV/AIDS organizations the beneficiaries of the company’s charitable focus
and the M·A·C AIDS Fund was created. To date, the
campaign has raised over $450
million for the fight against HIV/AIDS, with spokespeople such as Lady Gaga, Pamela Anderson and Nicki Minaj.
Part of the Estée Lauder Companies since 1994, M·A·C is
sold today in over 120 countries around the world. It remains committed to developing new categories, products and over 50 collections each year, all of which continue to serve the demand of consumers and professional makeup artists alike.
