Make-up_Art_Cosmetics

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Make-up Art Cosmetics

Make-up Art Cosmetics, better known to most as MAC Cosmetics, is a manufacturer of cosmetics, originally known famous through word-of-mouth endorsements by professional makeup artists, models and celebrities.

The company has become synonymous with glamour due to its ever-growing presence in the fashion industry, continued use of celebrity endorsements and commitment to cruelty-free products and universal diversity.

History

In 1984, MAC was established in Toronto, Canada by founders Frank Toskan and Frank Angelo. Toskan was a make-up artist and photographer, while Angelo was the owner of a chain of hair salons. Both recognized the missing element of a versatile and reliable cosmetic to be used in fashion photography. The intense lighting conditions often employed created conditions under which conventional makeup either photographed badly or didn't hold up, so the two set out to create a line that would hold up to these types of challenges. They envisioned a makeup company that would be for All ages, all races, all sexes. This later became the company motto.

Acquisition by Estee Lauder

The Estee Lauder Companies, who acquired controlling interest in MAC in 1994, finished their acquisition of the company in 1998

One year prior to the acquisition, original founder Frank Angelo passed away in 1997 due to complications during surgery. Shortly following the buy-out, Frank Toskan left the company to found another AIDS Charity, with brother-in-law, Vic Casale, an original MAC Chemist. The MAC AIDS Fund has been continued by the new owners. Money for the fund is raised by the sale of Viva Glam products (currently available in six lipstick colors and two glosses) There is also a limited edition gloss that was co-designed by Fergie. 100% of the sale price of Viva Glam products is donated to help men, women and children living with HIV and AIDS. Since its inception in 1994 to the present date, the fund has raised over $128 million US Dollars

MAC PRO

The MAC PRO Program is provided to professionals in the industry. An annual fee must be paid for this service. The program provides 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.

Promotion and Advertising

Spokespersons in the past have included:

Sandra Bernhard
Dita von Teese
Christina Aguilera
Pamela Anderson
Liza Minnelli, MAC Beauty Icon 2005
Debbie Harry
Shirley Manson
Catherine Deneuve, MAC Beauty Icon 2006
Lisa Marie Presley
Amanda Lepore, starred in a feature length MAC lipstick and *Heatherette bag ad
Rupaul
Jeffree Star
Dresscamp
Raquel Welch, MAC Beauty Icon 2007
Paulina Rubio
Barbie, as part of their 2007 line "Barbie Loves MAC"
Eartha Kitt, for their 2007 pre-fall "Smoke Signals" color *
Marilyn Manson

collection

Alexander McQueen, collaborated with MAC to create "MAC for McQueen" collection for his fall runway collection
A-mei, collaborated with MAC to create "MAC for A-MEI" collection 2008
Fergie
Fafi, collaborated with MAC to create "MAC Fafi!" collection 2008
Heatherette, collaborated with MAC to create "Heatherette" collection 2008
Wicked, uses MAC Chromacake in Landscape Green for character Elphaba
Mary J Blige
Eve
Missy Elliott