M.A.C. Cosmetics

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 Estée 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 Estée 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 Estée 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.

M·A·C COSMETICS ARTIST RELATIONS: BACKSTAGE AND BEHIND THE SCENES

M·A·C Cosmetics, founded in 1984 to support the needs of professional makeup artists, is one of the most influential and successful companies in the global cosmetics industry. In accordance with that ethos, M·A·C Artist Relations is the direct link between M·A·C and the community of professional makeup artists. By providing the company’s most updated products, colours and textures to highly skilled freelance makeup artists working in television, theatre, film, editorial and music, M·A·C generates brand awareness and fosters important relationships.

Artist Relations was established to reinforce M·A·C’s reputation for supporting the behind-the-scenes needs of the professional community. This dedication to the makeup artist – M·A·C’s ultimate ambassador – defines the company’s identity and place within the industry.

Building longstanding ties with makeup artists and other key decision makers in the entertainment industry – prop masters, stylists, designers, agents and publicists – is the cornerstone of Artist Relations’ enormous success. Besides offering M·A·C’s extensive product line to makeup artists around the world, Artist Relations conducts educational Master Classes and Pro-to-Pro events, that ensure artists continue their education and growth, refining their skills and perfecting their techniques with the latest and greatest M·A·C products. A team of Senior Artists is always on-call to help create a specific look for a musician on tour or an actor making a major public appearance. In addition, the division provides customized products to makeup artists who work in the television and movie industries. Members of Artist Relations work closely with young, emerging talent, encouraging them to use M·A·C as a resource for makeup ideas, tips and suggestions.

Over the years, M·A·C Artist Relations has provided its services to a wide range of entertainment productions. Makeup artists for a variety of important awards shows, movies, television shows, music tours and Broadway productions have all looked to the division’s specialized expertise and comprehensive resources. From the Grammy’s and the International Indian Film Academy Awards to the Presidential Inauguration and the Olympics, M·A·C is never far from sight or set.

FILM AND TELEVISION

Supporting film and television is a priority for the Artist Relations Department, which provides product support to the makeup department and the props department for set dressing. The vast range of M·A·C products has been instrumental in the creation and execution of some of Hollywood’s most memorable characters. For example, M·A·C products were used by Peter Robb-King, the makeup department head for Batman: The Dark Knight. Over the past 10 years, M·A·C products have been a staple of makeup departments and used on hundreds of looks – from the most elegant period makeup to the most fantastical creations – in a wide variety of 1500 productions.

REGIONAL TELEVISION TUTORIALS

In addition to blockbuster films and television shows, Artist Relations works closely with regional television stations across the country. Very often the on-air talent is responsible for applying their own makeup for local news broadcasts. Artist Relations works with stations to offer a full range of services, from scheduling makeup seminars for the on-air talent to Providing M·A·C Pro Membership Cards to the talent for discounted M·A·C products. For many local news stations, M·A·C is more than just a cosmetics company – it’s an educational resource and partner.

Artist Relations is busy zig-zagging the country, teaching anchors how to apply their makeup for the unforgiving lens of the high definition camera. HDTV brings everything into crystal-clear focus, giving pores, pimples and imperfections nowhere to hide. The precise quality and detail of HDTV magnifies flaws and discolourations that were previously disguised by piling on pancake makeup. It’s all about application, and a well-edited makeup arsenal stocked with the right tools, textures and colours. Think lightweight, skin-mimicking foundations that practically melt into skin. M·A·C Cosmetics is leading the HDTV makeup charge with tried and true, classic products such as Face and Body Foundation, Blot Powder, Mineralize Skinfinish Natural and Prep + Prime Skin.

THEATRE

Did you know the famous green face of the Wicked Witch of the West in the Broadway hit “Wicked” was designed using M·A·C Chromacake in Landscape Green? And the legendary red lips of the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes are painted with M·A·C Lipstick in Russian Red and Ruby Woo? Artist Relations provides Product to the makeup designers on Broadway, London’s West End, and Las Vegas. M·A·C Senior Artists are also available to provide their expertise in teaching cast members how to apply their individual looks. M·A·C can be found on the dressing tables of musicals and dramas including:

MUSIC EVENTS & TOURS

M·A·C Artist Relations is present in the music industry, where we have assisted with everything from designing makeup looks for tours and videos to Providing artistry and Product support to established and up-and-coming talent. Artist Relations offers on-call services for high-Profile music events and festivals and can be found backstage at international music awards such as The Grammy Awards and the MTV European Music Awards. Past music tours supported by M·A·C include:

FILM FESTIVALS

By popular request, the skilled M·A·C PRO Team provides on-call makeup services for the talent attending global film festivals and supplies products to freelance makeup artists traveling to the festivals. Below are just some of the festivals at which M·A·C has a presence:

AWARDS SHOWS

Artist Relations provides backstage makeup artist and Product support to the freelance makeup artist overseeing high-Profile awards shows. M·A·C Senior Artists are also available to provide makeup touch-ups to any celebrities attending an awards show. Previous award shows M·A·C has participated in include:

ATHLETICS AND DANCE

Similar to the support Artist Relations lends to film festivals and awards shows, M·A·C has also been a secret part of some of the biggest dance teams and sporting events in recent memory, including providing the makeup for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Olympics.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL + M·A·C

M·A·C is the official global supplier of cosmetics to Cirque du Soleil® Touring Shows. With over 1,800 artists and 20 shows around the world, the decision of the Quebec-based entertainment company to use M·A·C products is a testament to the staying power, enormous shade range and diverse textures of the products. Show after show, the many theatrical, athletic and dramatic Cirque du Soleil performers can rely on M·A·C to perform to their high standards and strenuous conditions. Shows that embody the relationship between Cirque du Soleil and M·A·C include:

OVO(TM), KOOZA(TM), Corteo(TM), KÀ(TM) and Zumanity(TM).

ARTIST RELATIONS NURTURES EMERGING TALENT

In addition to the vast amounts of product and celebrity makeup services Artist Relations provides, we are also committed to nurturing emerging makeup talent. Whether it be through Master Classes, Pro- to-Pro events or networking opportunities, M·A·C is always on the quest to find the next star makeup artist.

M·A·C PRO MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

M·A·C Pro Membership program is a paid for membership program open to makeup professionals (makeup artists, aestheticians, cosmetologists, hairstylists, fashion stylists, nail technicians, costume designers, models, actors, on-air talent/performers, and photographers). M·A·C Pro Membership enables the makeup professional to look to M·A·C for more than simply satisfying all of his or her product needs. Through the program you can count on M·A·C to provide the highest level of service, unique educational experiences and the most comprehensive selection of professional makeup.

The Program offers the makeup professional a direct link to the M·A·C world, benefits exclusive to Members, as well as the following:

- Master Classes

- Pro-only events

- Industry nights/networking opportunities

- Password-Protected website MacPro.com

- Complimentary shipping for orders over $150

- Discounts from select industry publications

- Discounts from select makeup schools

Pro Members gain an insider perspective on the beauty industry, as well as much needed career- building advice at M·A·C’s new agency talk events. These events feature panel discussions with industry leading publicists, agents, magazine editors and booking agents, and include portfolio reviews as well as a Q&A period.

Pro-to-Pro events are one-night gatherings of explosive creativity and inspiration that bring together some of the industry’s top professionals, makeup artists, stylists, agents, models, performers and more. These events offer up-and-coming artists the chance to meet the makeup mavens who have influenced countless others, and take place at M·A·C Pro locations around the world including the Pro Flagship store in New York.

M·A·C Pro Membership has become the industry's leading preferred customer program for the make-up professional. Benefits are available at more than 100 M·A·C locations in more than 30 countries around the world. From Tokyo to New York, London to Los Angeles, M·A·C Pro is the link that binds the world's community of artists together.

M·A·C PRO

M·A·C Pro is a line of cutting-edge, professional-class, performance-tested products developed exclusively for professional makeup artists. M·A·C’s longstanding commitment to the specialized needs of the professional artist community sustains our unique heritage and defines our identity in the marketplace.

M·A·C PRO PRODUCTS

Consisting of a range of 300+ products, the M·A·C Pro collection provides makeup artists with the high-quality formulations, colours and finishes needed to unleash their creativity at fashion shows, photo shoots and on television and film sets. To respond to demand, a selection of M·A·C Pro offerings is integrated into M·A·C’s comprehensive product roster and made available to all customers. The extensive M·A·C Pro product line is sold exclusively in M·A·C Pro stores around the world.

MASTER CLASSES

As part of its service to the professional makeup artist community, M·A·C Pro conducts Master Classes to convey the latest trends, styles and fashions. The Master Class Program offers makeup professionals the opportunity to participate in events designed to foster the growth of the artist community. These cover a wide range of topics and providing attendees with the opportunity to interact with high-Profile M·A·C and non-M·A·C artists. Guest speakers have included a range of talent, from Emmy® Award-winning television artists to experts in body painting and special effects.

Presented by highly trained artists representing various genres of makeup design, each Master Class consists of demonstrations, explanations of application techniques and theories, as well as insider tips and tricks. Master Classes are integral to the philosophy of the M·A·C culture.

M·A·C PRO STORE: NEW YORK FLAGSHIP

In January 2008, M·A·C unveiled an entirely new concept for the Pro Store, unparalleled in the cosmetic retail industry. The contemporary Pro Store caters to the professional makeup artist, who embodies the “art and soul” of M·A·C. It serves as a destination for M·A·C Pro products, a hands-on resource for professional makeup artists, an educational training facility, and a retail store open to industry pros and regular M·A·C customers alike. The visually stunning 6,000 square foot space is located at 7 West 22nd Street in the Flatiron District of New York City.

This is truly an amazing new step for M·A·C. The space utilizes state-of-the-art materials to emphasize that this is a design laboratory, where artists can create and build their own makeup kit. The store design is a juxtaposition of styles and textures; it combines materials such as unfinished wood, glass, steel and stone slabs with a signature M·A·C acrylic to create a unique look and feel. The overall neutral palette is punctuated by a playful, colourful wall displaying an array of mason jars filled with vivid paints and pigments that communicate M·A·C’s commitment to colour cosmetics. The new Pro Store is a hub to support and engage Professional makeup artists and their artistry.

M·A·C PRO TEAM: THE ART OF M·A·C COSMETICS

Individually creative, self-expressive and technically astute, each M·A·C Pro Team Artist provides the artistic vision, support and training for M·A·C worldwide. There are over 250 M·A·C Artists, from Taiwan to Toronto and LA to London. They are actively involved in the development of dazzling new products, colours and techniques and are the spirit and living embodiment of M·A·C culture.

At fashion shows in New York, London, Milan, Paris and other cities throughout the world, the experienced M·A·C Pro Team works with internationally acclaimed designers to create each season’s top runway trends. These highly accomplished artists attend photo shoots and awards events, creating the on-screen looks for renowned celebrities and supplying tips and techniques to fashion and beauty magazines across the globe. In addition, they provide a wide range of makeup services and support for the music, film, television and theatre industries.

ARTIST RELATIONS 2008

M·A·C provided support to the following:

216 film Productions: including 4 out of the 5 films nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture in 2008 and 7 of the Top 10 box office blockbusters including: Twilight, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Gran Torino and Quantum of Solace

381 television Productions: 8 of the top 10 Nielsen-rated shows (excluding football), including American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, Desperate Housewives and CSI

90 theater Productions, including: Wicked, The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins, In the Heights and Mamma Mia!

161 music Projects, including the two top-grossing tours of the year: Miley Cyrus, Celine Dion and Tina Turner

Competitions

Programmes