11 Interesting Facts About MAC Cosmetics That You Might Not Know

Akinwalere Olaleye
Oct 05, 2023 By Akinwalere Olaleye
Originally Published on Mar 11, 2022
One of the MAC Cosmetics facts is that it was established in 1984.

MAC Cosmetics is one of the top cosmetic brands in the world.

It had gained international attention in only a few years from its inception. Professionals and the general public use MAC products.

The creation of MAC is a notable moment in cosmetic history. It is considered responsible for shifting and creating a new perspective towards makeup. Starting from the kitchens at the back of the salons, the company now has stores in most developed and developing countries worldwide.

MAC is ultra-inclusive and creates products for everyone irrespective of social constructs such as gender, age, and race. It also has products being created in a vast range of shades suitable for various kinds of skin tones as well as individual creativity. Read on to explore more amazing facts about MAC Cosmetics.

Origin And Historical Facts

MAC is one of the top makeup brands in the world. With its unique perspective, the makeup brand has been able to become popular all around the world rapidly. Some of the facts about the history and origin of MAC Cosmetics are mentioned as follows.

MAC Cosmetics was founded by Frank Angelo and Frank Toskan in Toronto, Canada, in 1984.

Toskan and Angelo created the brand after getting frustrated with how the makeup of the models would look in photographs.

The two men began making makeup in their kitchen with their own hands. This is what inspired the brand's signature packaging, called 'black pots.'

The original intention of the brand was to create products for makeup professionals.

While makeup artists and models initially used the products, they soon became popular among the rest of the population.

The Estee Lauder Companies in 1994 acquired 51% shares of MAC Cosmetics and used them to control the business end of the brand while the creative control was in the hands of the founders.

With the death of Frank Angelo in 1997, Estee Lauder finished its acquisition of the MAC brand by 1998.

After selling his company shares, Frank Toskan also left the company by the end of 1998.

Popularity

MAC Cosmetics is recognized as one of the top three global-level makeup brands. In addition to being used by almost every prominent makeup artist, the brand's products are also used by the general public.

MAC Cosmetics started to gain fame only a few years after its establishment in 1984.

The brand had opened stores worldwide by the '90s and earned a lot of money.

MAC got a big break when Madonna wore a MAC matte lipstick for a photoshoot in the late '80s and later wore a MAC t-shirt.

MAC products are used by professional makeup artists worldwide for fashion weeks.

A few of the most popular products of MAC include Pro Longwear Concealer, Retro Matte Lipstick, and Prep+ Prime Fix+ Finishing Spray.

The most famous shade in the Retro Matte Lipstick line is Ruby Woo.

MAC AIDS Fund

MAC Cosmetics is an influential company that focuses on beauty products and spreads awareness about specific social and healthcare issues. One of the programs focused on healthcare issues is the MAC Aids Fund. Some facts about this initiative by the beauty brand are listed below.

Established in 1994, the MAC Aids Fund offers support to women, men, and children affected by the disease of HIV or Aids on a global level.

The initiative focuses on the link between HIV or Aids and poverty.

The beauty brand donates 100% of the sale money of MAC's Viva Glam Lipsticks and Lipglosses to support and fight against HIV or Aids.

MAC has carried out several collaborations for the Viva Glam line to support the initiative with different celebrities like Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga.

There is a different spokesperson for Viva Glam every year.

The first Viva Glam spokesperson of MAC in 1994 was RuPaul, a famous drag queen from Atlanta.

The Viva Glam Lipstick of RuPaul was also the first MAC product advertised through a campaign.

Other Miscellaneous Facts

MAC is considered to be a unique brand of makeup products. Below are some more interesting facts about the brand.

The makeup products of MAC are also used for movie actors on sets.

The two founders of MAC belonged to different professions. While Toskan was a photographer, Angelo was a makeup artist.

Angelo was the marketing director, and Toskan was the creative director when the MAC company was established.

In 1982, the first MAC Pro store was opened in Toronto.

After the acquisition of MAC by Estee Lauder, James Gager was appointed for the position of creative director in 1999.

He is considered the person who introduced all the now-popular concepts and colors of the brand's products.

All the stores of MAC, including the international ones, are managed by professional makeup artists.

FAQs

How is MAC Cosmetics different from other brands?

MAC Cosmetics is different due to its ultra-inclusive sensibility, which is depicted in all its products that come in shades and colors so vast that no other brand has created the same.

 

What is MAC known for?

MAC has more shades for its beauty products than any other brand and is an ultra-inclusive company that also supports humanitarian causes.

 

Why is MAC Cosmetics so popular?

MAC is popular because it not only focuses on making makeup better but also on making a better world.

 

What does MAC Cosmetics stand for?

The 'MAC' in MAC Cosmetics stands for Make-up Art Cosmetics.

 

Where is MAC makeup made?

MAC makeup had originated in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Today, its products are made in Italy and other countries too.

 

Who makes MAC makeup?

The cosmetics company MAC Cosmetics create MAC makeup.

 

Who invented MAC Cosmetics?

Frank Angelo and Frank Toskan are the founders of MAC Cosmetics.

 

What is the slogan of MAC?

The slogan and motto of MAC Cosmetics are the same: ' All ages, all races, all sexes.'

 

When did MAC Cosmetics get popular?

MAC Cosmetics became a popular brand when it got endorsed by celebrities, and its products started to have an international market in the '90s.

 

When did MAC Cosmetics come to the UK?

There were shops of MAC Cosmetics in the United Kingdom by the '90s.

 

Is MAC Cosmetics a French brand?

MAC Cosmetics is an American cosmetic brand that was founded in Toronto.

We Want Your Photos!
We Want Your Photos!

We Want Your Photos!

Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Email your photos

More for You

See All

Written by Akinwalere Olaleye

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

Akinwalere Olaleye picture

Akinwalere OlaleyeBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

As a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and energetic individual, Olaleye's expertise lies in administrative and management operations. With extensive knowledge as an Editor and Communications Analyst, Olaleye excels in editing, writing, and media relations. Her commitment to upholding professional ethics and driving organizational growth sets her apart. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature from the University of Benin, Edo State. 

Read full bio >