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A Makeup Brand Defined by appreciation of Individuality, Artistry and Self Expression

M·A·C Cosmetics is recognized as one of the most revolutionary and influential companies in the global cosmetics industry. Founded in 1984 to support the creative needs and high standards of professional makeup artists, today M·A·C stands at the epicenter of fashion, beauty and popular culture. The company's extraordinary ability to create innovative products and cultivate new markets has led to its unparalleled growth and expansion, with more than 750 locations in 48 countries around the world.

The M·A·C philosophy stems from its commitment to provide professional quality cosmetics - universally - with a colour, shade and finish that's right for everyone. The company's credo, All Races, All Sexes, All Ages, reflects the brand's unique appreciation of individuality, artistry and the virtues of self expression. A brand that believes in "giving back," M·A·C has opened its heart to the world. The company's social consciousness initiatives - especially its incomparable efforts on behalf of the fight against AIDS - are the core of M·A·C's distinctive culture.

Makeup Art Cosmetics (M·A·C) was established in Toronto when makeup artist and photographer Frank Toskan and beauty salon owner Frank Angelo brainstormed a makeup line. Frustrated because of the lack of colours that would shoot well with photography, their aim was to develop a studio line makeup line that would fulfill their professional needs. M·A·C was homegrown in Canada - literally. The two entrepreneurs cooked up the cosmetics in their kitchen and sold them from the hair salon. Their first customers: fellow makeup artists, models, photographers. Then came stylists and editors. With every colour, and every magazine credit, word-of-mouth popularity grew.

In March 1984, the duo officially launched the line from a single counter in the basement of Simpson's department store in Toronto. It was heavily staffed with professional makeup artists, an industry innovation. Package-wise, it stood out too: it was chic utility. Everything came in black pots rather than compacts, without mirrors or sponge applicators. One of the most popular new offerings was an intense matte red lipstick that was used on a photo shoot with a New York cabaret star named Madonna. Later photographed wearing a M·A·C t-shirt, the revolution was on.

While other major makeup brands were predominantly skincare companies that periodically dipped into colour cosmetics for added sales, M·A·C chose instead to establish itself as the ultimate color authority. The company took the industry by storm, offering a wide range of products that managed to blend street savvy with glamorous style and panache. Behind the counter, the M.A.C approach was notably different. It was the first brand in cosmetic history to invest in the training and education of its staff as well as the customer's point-of-sale experience.

Rather than driving sales through traditional advertising, gifts-with-purchase promotions and heavy sampling, M·A·C relied on the integrity of its carefully formulated product line. Adding to the image was a touch of outrageousness. A company that honored individuality and self-expression above all else, this leaning inevitably brought a brilliant sense of drag and theater into the sleek M·A·C stores and department store counters.

In 1994, as AIDS spread across the globe, M·A·C's co-founders searched for a way to respond to the epidemic. Encouraged by input from employees, they decided to make HIV/AIDS organizations the beneficiaries of the company's charitable focus: the M·A·C AIDS Fund was born. To date, through various fundraising initiatives such as VIVA GLAM, "Kids Helping Kids Greeting Cards" and the "M·A·C Deck of Cards," and with the help of celebrity spokespeople from the entertainment and fashion industries, the M·A·C AIDS Fund to date has raised more than $32 million.

The company's strong bond with its customers, intimate relationships with professional makeup artists, hip and irreverent attitude and impressive array of award-winning products did not go unnoticed by the cosmetics industry. In 1995, The Estee Lauder Companies purchased 51 percent of M·A·C, effectively extending the brand's distribution across the globe. Freestanding stores and counters at the world's leading retailers opened at a record pace. With its enhanced profile, M·A·C teams began working backstage at international fashion collections.

The untimely death of Frank Angelo in 1997 set the stage for a new chapter in M·A·C's history. In 1998 Estee Lauder acquired the remaining shares of the company, and John Demsey was named president of M·A·C. Under his leadership, the link between fashion, beauty and culture has been strengthened, allowing M·A·C to stay on the edge. Mr. Demsey has also spearheaded M·A·C's participation at prestigious film festivals worldwide and in support of the M·A·C AIDS Fund has also encouraged the sponsorship of pop music concert tours for such Viva Glam spokespeople as Mary J. Blige. In addition, he has been instrumental in collaborating with celebrities such as Sandra Bernhard, Linda Evangelista, Boy George, Missy Elliott, Liza Minnelli and more to endorse the M.A.C Viva Glam and Beauty Icon programs.

Moving forward, M·A·C continues to satisfy the needs of its customers. Recently launched categories include a fragrance and skincare line, each of which grew out of a demand from professional makeup artists, M·A·C's ultimate ambassadors. Equally important as the growth of its worldwide business is the company's ongoing involvement in fundraising efforts and social awareness programs. Besides its commitment to the M·A·C AIDS Fund, the "heart and soul" of M·A·C, the company recycles its plastics through the "Back to M·A·C Recycling" program and supports animal-free testing.

M·A·C Cosmetics is owned by The Estee Lauder Companies, one of the world's leading manufacturers and marketers of quality skincare, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. M·A·C is based in New York City and maintains an office in Toronto, Canada.

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