The Artistry Series Vol 3 : MAC Cosmetics Interview and GIVEAWAY

“It’s better to focus on the positive features instead of trying to “fix” something that my client wants to change” 

– Caitlin Callahan, MAC Senior Pro Artist 

MAC {Makeup Artist Cosmetics} was founded in Toronto by Frank Toskan, a makeup artist and photographer, and Frank Angelo, a beauty salon owner in the early 80’s. Developed as a line to fulfill the professional makeup artists by adding a full spectrum of colour into the cosmetic world. Homegrown in their kitchen and sold out of the beauty salon until the brand grew a cult following, making a name for itself with its unisex black pots and fearless, colour vivid products. One of the most popular offerings that MAC had was an intensely pigmented matte red lipstick, that had been used on a photoshoot with up and comer named Madonna. From there, the company took the industry by storm!

MAC made a point of running their counters and stores differently than most cosmetic lines; Individuality and self expression through makeup was encouraged, and education of the art of makeup rather than just sales was mandatory. Traditional approaches to the beauty industry didn’t apply to MAC, which inevitably led the brand to carve its own path in the world of makeup that brands still emulate today. 

Then in 1994 when MAC was beginning to reach incredible successes, it did something that no beauty brand was doing. As the AIDS epidemic was spreading, the two co-founders reached out to their employees and brainstormed up the MAC AIDS Fund, and amongst the many charitable contributions the Viva Glam range was born, which 100% of the proceeds going to the cause. Living up to the mantra of ‘All Races, All Ages, All Sexes’, MAC has incredible icons like RuPaul, Sir Elton John, Pamela Anderson, Mary J Blige, Cyndi Lauper, Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin and Nicki Minaj head up the Viva Glam range.  To date the MAC AIDS Fund has raised well over $400 million with the sale of Viva Glam Lipsticks and Lipglasses alone.