Ever wonder what M.A.C stands for in the MAC Cosmetics name?  Here’s a hint – MAC Cosmetics are popular on movie sets, runways, television shows and among celebrities and makeup artists.  Give up?  MAC stands for “Make-up Art Cosmetics, Inc”.   MAC Cosmetics, one of the world’s top cosmetics companies for more than 25 years, was established in Canada in 1984 as “Make-up Art Cosmetics” by Frank Angelo (owner of a hair salon) and Frank Toskan (a make-up artist and photographer).

Frank and Frank wanted to create products for the specific demands of professional photo shoots.  Shortly after being introduced in grand style, Make-up Art Cosmetics, Inc., quickly became a mainstream success.  MAC used its success to lend a hand with the fight against AIDS.  The two Franks created the MAC AIDS fund in 1994.  MACs current line called “Viva Glam” help men, women and children living with HIV and AIDS.  The company donates 100% of the selling price of Viva Glam products to the AIDS cause.  The company has raised more than $128 million for AIDS research since 1994.

In addition to an intense effort to help fight aids, MAC is also devoted to manufacturing cruelty-free makeup, stopping child abuse and protecting the environment through sustainable practices.  MAC features more than 160 shades of lipstick, 150 shades of eye shadow and dozens of liquid, powder and matte foundations, concealers and cover-ups.  Most MAC products are safe for vegans, vegetarians, and individuals with sensitive skin.  This cruelty free make-up line includes mostly vegan products, with the exception of several formulations that include lanolin, beeswax and carmine.  Animal Rights MAC Make-up Safe for Vegans includes:

• Brow finisher, some colors
• Brow pencils, some colors
• Cream colour base, some colors
• Eye pencils, some colors, including glitter
• Eye shadows, some colors
• MAC Pro Lash Mascara
• Powder blush and blush reme, some colors
• Some concealers
• Some foundation products, including full coverage
• Some matte lipstick colors
• Synthetic makeup brushes

MAC does not publish ingredients lists or specific lists of vegan and vegetarian friendly products on their official website.  What you can do is contact MAC customer service at 1.800.588.0070, or visit the official MAC website and request a live chat with a customer service agent at www.maccosmetics.com.

MAC Cosmetics Contact

Private Company
Headquarters Location
7 Corporate Ctr. Dr.
Melville, NY 11747
United States
1.800.588.0070
www.maccosmetics.com

How to Get Involved

MAC has a special recycling program to encourage customers and clients to bring in their used makeup containers for recycling.  The “Back to MAC” program allows customers to bring six containers to any MAC Store or MAC Counter.  In exchange, the customer receives one free MAC Lipstick of their choice.