History of M.A.C.

MAC was founded in Toronto, Canada in 1984 by makeup artist/photographer Frank Toskan and hairdresser/entrepreneur Frank Angelo. The company's products were originally designed for professional make-up artists, but are now sold to consumers worldwide.The original company motto was “All age all races, all sexes,” demonstrating their desire to make each unique and diverse person the ability to look better. The first U.S MAC store opened in 1991, located in Greenwich Village, New York.

William Lauder, of Estee Lauder Companies, discovered MAC and saw it's tremendous potential as a leader of a new category of cosmetic brands. In 1994, Estee Lauder bought 51% of MAC Cosmetics for $38 million, with the intent to purchase the other 49% eventually. With the death of Frank Angelo in 1997 of a sudden heart attack, Frank Toskan sold the remainder of the company to Estee Lauder in 1998, for approximately $60 million, and subsequently resigned from the company. Estee Lauder has done a fantastic job keeping Toskan and Angelo’s unique vision at the forefront, and MAC remains one of the top rated, loved and successful cosmetics brands in the world today.

M.A.C. CHARITIES:

MAC Cruelty-Free Recycling: Principal that prohibits animal testing and the policy is extended to ingredient supplies as well.

Back To MAC Recycling: Offers free lipstick with the return of six empty plastic or glass MAC containers to MAC counters

MAC Kids Helping Kids: Started in 1994 where kids living with HIV/AIDS create images that are reproduced as greeting cards.

100% of the proceeds goes back to participating organizations.

MAC Aids Fund: Supports community organizations providing direct services to people living with AIDS. (Viva Glam Program)