MAC stands for Make Up Art Cosmetics. It is widely known as MAC. It is a brand of cosmetics that is sold internationally. It became famous because originally it was passed through word of mouth or make up artists and other professionals in the beauty industy. The company represents the best in fine cosmetics. It has a huge presence in the fashion industy. It is also cruelty free. It has many celebrity endorsements.
Mac was started in Toronto, Canada. The founders were Frank Toskan and Frank Angelo. Toskan was a photographer and makeup artist and Angelo was the owner of a chain of hair salons. Both recognized that standard make ups weren’t standing up to professional photography. There needed to be a better cosmetic used for fashion photography. In fashion photography, intense lighting is used and conventional cosmetics just didn’t hold up under it
They wanted to create a makeup that would do a better job, and MAC was it. They wanted this line to be for all ages, all races and all sexes. That was their motto. The brand was also helped to some publicity when it was mentioned in the popular rap group TLC’s song, Unpretty. This should give you an idea of it’s popularity.
Estee Lauder acquired MAC in 1998. Unfortunately, A year before, one of the original founders Frank Angelo had complications from an operation and passed on. After Estee Lauder purchased the company, Frank Toskin left the company to found an AIDs charity. The MAC Aids fund was continued after he left, the funds for it come from the sale of the Viva Glam products. There are six shades of lipstick and two shades of lip gloss. All of the sales generated go directly to benefit this charity. To this date, it has raised over $100 Million dollars!
MAC has something called the MAC PRO program which is for professionals in the service industry. There is an annual fee, and it provides professional support and special pro-only benefits and discounts. Makeup artists can get a 40% discount. Other professionals can get a 30% discount and international discounts vary.
