Brand Masterclass - M.A.C. Cosmetics

M.A.C. Cosmetics or Makeup Artist Cosmetics was created in 1984 by Photographer Frank Tostan and Salon chain owner Frank Angelo, seeing a gap in the market for specialised cosmetics for fashion photo shoots. Tostan was the idea and creative mind behind M.A.C. before partnering with Angelo, he experimented with formulas with his brother in law and chemist Victor Casale.  Original product lines were designed for Makeup artists who needed heavy cosmetics, cake makeup ad stage makeup needed for the heavy light of photography.

Already having connections in the industry, they spread the M.A.C. word through these contacts. The quality and durability of the products soon promoted the brand and won endorsements by stars like Pamela Anderson, Debbie Harry, and Boy George. They opened their first store in New York in 1991, with the first European in Paris in 1996. They now have 1,500 locations in 78 countries.

In 1994 the partners sold 51% of the business to Esteé Lauder with the full takeover being completed in 1998 after the passing of Frank Angelo. Esteé Lauder kept the original philosophy of the owners work as well as the continued VIVA Glam campaign that raises funds and awareness of AIDS through limited edition collections.

"All ages, All races, All sexes"