MAC Cosmetics, makeup for professionals that went global

You may not know Makeup Art Cosmetics Inc., but you do know its MAC cosmetics brand. In fact, MAC responds to those acronyms. After all, this company is specialized in makeup and cosmetics. The company emerged as a response to the need for makeup for professional purposes (although it later became popular). This was because one of its founders, Frank Toskan, was a professional makeup artist and photographer. Given his profession, he needed more durable products in order to achieve better results in his creative work. Hence, he decided to join the businessman Frank Angelo, owner of a chain of beauty salons.

Both created Makeup Art Cosmetics Inc. in 1985, which was originally only aimed at professionals. The chosen place was Toronto (Canada). However, Toskan had previously been experimenting with makeup formulas with the help of his brother-in-law, Víctor Casale, who was also a chemist.

A makeup only for professionals and celebrities

MAC Cosmetics products are characterized by their durability. Through their formulas, they ensure that makeup supports the work that is done in the studios and backstage. Hence, they are oriented to professional needs, such as, for example, withstanding intense sunlight or spotlights. At first, these cosmetics were used only by celebrities. The main reason was that the founders of MAC Cosmetics themselves worked directly with celebrities. Obviously, this fact gave greater prestige to the company.

@NikkiInsana mine can't even figure out how to use a damn smartboard without screwing the settings up and she teaches physics ffs

— ray Fri Mar 13 14:52:59 +0000 2020

Thus, in the 1980s, many stars of the time used the cosmetics of this company. Some of these celebrities were Pamela Anderson or Boy George, among others. This caused the cosmetic company to have more publicity and achieve rapid sales growth.

This circumstance, together with the quality of the products, made the firm begin to acquire a certain fame. Although, yes, that professional base, to which we have referred, is still noticeable in its range of colors and finishes. However, it was not until 1991 that they opened their first store in New York. In 1996, Paris was the location chosen for the first store in Europe. Later, there would be more shops in other European countries and in China. They would also sign distribution agreements with other stores in the United States and Canada.

Sale of MAC to Estee Lauder

In 1994, another cosmetics company, Estée Lauder buys MAC Cosmetics. And four years later she would gain complete control of the company. The reason was that one of the partners, Frank Angelo, passed away in 1997. At that time, the other partner decided to leave the company to dedicate himself to activities related to the MAC Aids Fund, which is financed by the sale of lipsticks. Viva Glam and promoted by the famous themselves.

Today, MAC Cosmetics products continue to retain their name and continue to be a benchmark in the film industry, as well as in professional photography. So much so that even Wonder Woman (currently played by Gal Gadot) uses these skin care items. In fact, in 2011 a Wonder Woman makeup line was made. Things like this have made MAC Cosmetics one of the most prestigious brands in the world.