MAC Cosmetics

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Makeup Art Cosmetics, better known to most as M·A·C, is a brand of cosmetics.

In 1985, MAC was established in Toronto, Canada by its founders Frank Toskan and Frank Angelo.

Toskan was a make-up artist and photographer, while Angelo was a businessman. They both recognized the missing element of a versatile and reliable cosmetic to be used in fashion photo shoots. The intense lighting used and glare from it caused a lot of make-up to be lost in photography, so the two set to develop a line that was strong enough for these photoshoots and broad enough to provide new colours and products for make-up artists' creative use.

Co-founder Frank Angelo died on January 12, 1997.

M·A·C has 4 social initiatives, The M·A·C AIDS Fund founded in 1994, M·A·C Cruelty-Free Beauty and Back to M·A·C Recycling & "M·A·C Kids Helping Kids."

MAC is now owned by Estée Lauder Companies and based in New York City.

MAC PRO membership is exclusive to professionals in the industry. The program provides a forum for professional support, special pro-only benefits and discounts. Make-up artists receive a 40% discount. Aestheticians, Cosmetologists, Hairstylists, Fashion Stylists, Nail Technicians, Costume Designers, Models, On-Air Talent/Performers, and Photographers receive a 30% discount. International discounts may vary.

Spokespersons and models in the past have included: