M·A·C Cosmetics
M·A·C Cosmetics is a wholly-owned prestige makeup brand of The Estée Lauder Companies, selling professional-grade color cosmetics across lips, face, and eyes to consumers, licensed makeup artists, and Gen Z enthusiasts through owned e-commerce, branded retail, and Sephora U.S. distribution.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1984
- HeadquartersColumbia, United States
- Headcount5,001–10,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What M·A·C Cosmetics does
M·A·C Cosmetics (legal name: Make-Up Art Cosmetics), founded in 1984 and headquartered in Columbia, United States, is a wholly-owned prestige color cosmetics brand of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE: EL). The brand sells professional-grade makeup across lips, face, eyes, and a growing skincare-infused line, with product price points ranging from $24 for lipsticks to $46 for foundations. Core product franchises include M·A·Cximal Silky Matte Lipstick (40+ shades, 12-hour wear), M·A·CStack Mascara (24-hour stackable volume), Studio Radiance Serum-Powered Foundation, and the Glow Play complexion line. The brand serves three primary segments: prestige beauty consumers seeking professional-quality results, licensed makeup artists (via M·A·C Pro membership), and Gen Z / Millennial enthusiasts targeted through creator collaborations and cultural partnerships.
M·A·C generates revenue through a multi-channel model: direct-to-consumer e-commerce (maccosmetics.com) and branded retail stores provide full-margin sales; third-party prestige retail (department stores, and as of March 2026, Sephora U.S. and Sephora at Kohl's) provides scale; and recurring revenue is layered through the M·A·C Lover Rewards loyalty program (Bronze/Silver/Gold tiers at $150 and $500 annual spend thresholds) and the M·A·C Pro Membership for industry professionals. The brand also operates paid in-store makeup services and virtual artist consultations. Distribution has historically spanned 90+ countries via owned retail and department stores; the September 2026 Sephora rollout materially expands U.S. physical availability into 100+ stores initially with nationwide expansion, connecting the brand to Sephora's 3,200+ global locations.
The brand's strategic agenda centers on recapturing Gen Z relevance (Chappell Roan Global Brand Ambassador appointment, Depop resale platform collaboration, TikTok-leaning creator campaigns), professionalizing the artist pipeline (first M·A·C Pro Classroom at The Makeup Academy NYC), and leveraging charitable marketing (VIVA GLAM, with 100% of proceeds directed to HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ+ organizations). Product innovation is concentrated in skincare-makeup hybrids and shade expansion, with new launches in 2026 including Lustreglass Sheer-Shine Lipstick (34 shades), FaceGlass Hydrating Skin Gloss, Glow Play Bouncy Highlighter, and Skinfinish Colourstruck. M·A·C does not disclose standalone financials; revenue is consolidated within The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
M·A·C Cosmetics firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- M·A·C Cosmetics
- Legal name
- Make-Up Art Cosmetics
- Website
- https://maccosmetics.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1984
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 5,001–10,000 employees
- Short description
- M·A·C Cosmetics is a wholly-owned prestige makeup brand of The Estée Lauder Companies, selling professional-grade color cosmetics across lips, face, and eyes to consumers, licensed makeup artists, and Gen Z enthusiasts through owned e-commerce, branded retail, and Sephora U.S. distribution.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
M·A·C Cosmetics industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Prestige Color Cosmetics
- NAICS
- Cosmetics, Beauty Supplies, and Perfume Retailers (456120)
- SIC
- Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Lip Makeup (Lipstick, Lip Gloss, Lip Liner, Lip Stain, Lip Balm-Tint) (CRABACAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Face Makeup (Foundation, Concealer, Powder, Blush, Bronzer, Highlighter) (CRABACAA), Eye Makeup (Eyeshadow, Eyeliner, Mascara, Brow Products, Eye Primer) (CRABACAB), Makeup Primers & Setting (Face/Eye Primer, Setting Spray, Setting Powder, Fixers) (CRABACAE), Makeup Palettes & Sets (Curated Palettes, Gift Sets, Multi-use Kits) (CRABACAF), Body & All-Over Color (Body Makeup, Leg/Body Tint, Glitter, Shimmer Oils) (CRABACAG)
Keywords
Where M·A·C Cosmetics is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Columbia
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
M·A·C Cosmetics business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Cosmetics Product Sales: Primary revenue from direct-to-consumer sales of prestige color cosmetics through owned e-commerce (maccosmetics.com) and branded retail stores. Products include lipsticks ($24-$34), mascaras ($28-$29), foundations ($39-$46), eyeshadows, blushes, and accessories. Revenue is generated through one-time product transactions with no recurring subscription component for standard products.
- Professional Services: In-store makeup services and appointments offered at M·A·C retail locations. Services include makeup application, consultations, and artistry sessions, driving both service revenue and product sales.
- Loyalty Program Revenue: M·A·C Lover Rewards loyalty program drives repeat purchases through points-based rewards. Members earn points on purchases, reviews, and promotional occasions, with tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold) unlocking progressively valuable perks including 15% welcome discounts, birthday gifts, early access to products, and exclusive events.
- M·A·C Pro Membership: Professional membership program for eligible industry professionals offering product discounts, Pro-only events, and access to professional-grade products. Creates a B2B revenue stream alongside consumer sales.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Standard Product Pricing |
| Subscription | Monthly | M·A·C Lover Rewards Loyalty Program |
| Subscription | Annual | M·A·C Pro Membership |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
M·A·C Cosmetics product offering
Product offeringCore offering
M·A·C Cosmetics develops and sells prestige color cosmetics for the lips, face, and eyes, including long-wear lipsticks, foundations, powders, blushes, bronzers, mascaras, eyeliners, setting sprays, and related makeup. The company also offers professional products, in-store makeup services, loyalty programs, and professional memberships, with a portfolio extending into makeup-oriented skincare and charitable VIVA GLAM products.
Product overview
M·A·C Cosmetics is a prestige makeup brand owned by The Estée Lauder Companies, offering professional-grade color cosmetics across lips, face, eyes, and skincare. The portfolio centers on iconic core products including the M·A·CXIMAL Silky Matte Lipstick (12HR comfortable wear), M·A·CStack Volumizing Mascara (stackable, 24HR wear), and Studio Radiance Serum-Powered Foundation. Recent additions include the Glow Play line (Bouncy Highlighter, Cushiony Blush, TenderTalk Lip Balm), FaceGlass Hydrating Skin Gloss, Skinfinish Colourstruck and Sunstruck blushes/bronzer, and Lustreglass Sheer-Shine Lipstick. The brand maintains professional offerings through M·A·C Pro Products and Pro Membership, while charitable initiatives through M·A·C VIVA GLAM direct 100% of proceeds to HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ+ organizations. Distribution expanded in 2026 with entry into Sephora U.S. and Sephora at Kohl's retail networks.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- VIVA GLAM: Charitable initiative of M·A·C that donates proceeds to organizations advancing trans equality and healthy futures worldwide.
- M·A·C Pro
- M·A·CZINE
- M·A·C Lover Rewards
- Club M·A·C
Products and services
- M·A·Cximal Silky Matte Lipstick M·A·C's next-generation matte lipstick provides 12 hours of full-coverage color, 8 hours of moisture, and pigment-rich color in more than 40 shades. Its formula contains coconut oil, organic shea butter, and organic cocoa butter, and the case contains at least 30% post-consumer recycled material.
- M·A·Cximal Sleek Satin Lipstick M·A·C's satin lipstick is part of the M·A·Cximal collection and provides pigment-rich color with comfortable wear. It is offered alongside Silky Matte Lipstick and mini sizes.
- Powder Kiss Hazy Matte Lipstick
- M·A·C Locked Kiss 24hr Lipstick M·A·C Locked Kiss 24hr Lipstick provides rich matte color, 24-hour comfort, kissproof wear, and transfer resistance.
- Lustreglass Sheer-Shine Lipstick Lustreglass Sheer-Shine Lipstick combines sheer lipstick coverage with a tinted lip-balm texture and glossy, high-shine finish. It is available in 34 shades, including Signature Move and Business Casual.
- Lipglass Lipglass provides a high-shine, non-sticky glossy finish in clear and tinted varieties.
- Lip Pencil Lip Pencil provides precise lip definition and extended lipstick wear and is available in an extensive shade range.
- Glow Play TenderTalk Lip Balm Glow Play TenderTalk Lip Balm uses pH-activated, color-shifting tints and provides all-day moisture while strengthening the lip barrier.
- FaceGlass™ Hydrating Skin Gloss FaceGlass Hydrating Skin Gloss is a lightweight face gloss and glowy primer that provides a glass-skin glaze and 24-hour hydration. It is available in six shades.
- M·A·CStack Volumizing Mascara M·A·CStack Volumizing Mascara provides buildable, clump-resistant volume and instant length with 24-hour wear. It includes a Superstack Mega Brush for longer or upper lashes and a Superstack Micro Brush for shorter or lower lashes and is ophthalmologist tested for contact-lens wearers.
- M·A·C Kajal Excess Longwear Smoky Eye Liner M·A·C Kajal Excess Longwear Smoky Eye Liner provides 24-hour wear on the lids and 12-hour wear on the waterlines. It has a velvety kajal formula and is available in 16 shades.
- Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base is a crease-proof and fade-proof eye primer that extends eyeshadow wear for up to 24 hours.
- Studio Radiance Serum-Powered™ Foundation Studio Radiance Serum-Powered Foundation is a serum-infused foundation with medium buildable coverage, skincare actives, and a lasting radiant finish.
- Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation provides a natural soft-matte finish, oil control, and a 24-hour matte finish.
- Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation provides a blur-matte finish and medium-to-full buildable coverage, controls oil, and helps set cream or liquid foundations.
- Studio Fix Tech Cream-to-Powder Foundation Studio Fix Tech Cream-to-Powder Foundation is a creamy foundation that transforms to a natural matte finish upon setting and provides medium coverage.
- Studio Radiance Face and Body Radiant Sheer Foundation Studio Radiance Face and Body Radiant Sheer Foundation provides sheer-to-medium buildable coverage and a glowing finish for the face and body.
- 24HR Luminous Lift Concealer 24HR Luminous Lift Concealer provides 24-hour luminous wear, lifts and brightens the under-eye area, and offers buildable coverage.
- 36HR Smooth Angles Concealer 36HR Smooth Angles Concealer provides 36-hour wear, a smooth finish, and coverage that blurs and perfects the skin's appearance.
- Glow Play Bouncy Highlighter Glow Play Bouncy Highlighter is a creamy, cloud-like putty highlighter that provides a light-shifting glow and buildable shimmer in eight shades.
- Glow Play Cushiony Blush Glow Play Cushiony Blush is a lightweight, creamy, buildable blush containing skin-conditioning ingredients and is available in multiple shades.
- Skinfinish Colourstruck Blush Skinfinish Colourstruck Blush is a blurring powder blush with 12-hour color-true wear, offered in matte and radiant finishes across 29 shades.
- Skinfinish Sunstruck Bronzer Skinfinish Sunstruck Bronzer is a buildable and blendable bronzing powder with 24-hour wear, offered in matte and radiant finishes across 15 shades.
- Mineralize Skinfinish Mineralize Skinfinish is a sheer-coverage setting powder with a luminous finish, designed to provide skin glow and luminosity.
- Extra Dimension Skinfinish Highlighter Extra Dimension Skinfinish Highlighter is a hybrid highlighter providing high shine and 10-hour wear.
- Fix+ Setting Spray Fix+ Setting Spray refreshes and extends makeup wear throughout the day, with multiple variants including Fix+ Stay Over.
- Hyper Real Skincare Line Hyper Real is a makeup-oriented skincare line that includes Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil and SKINCANVAS Waterlight Cream HA3 Moisturizer.
- M·A·C Pro Products M·A·C Pro Products are professional-grade makeup products and Pro-only offerings for eligible industry professionals, including Pro Palettes, Makeup Bags, and Pro Palette refill pans.
- M·A·C Pro Membership M·A·C Pro Membership is a professional membership for eligible makeup artists and industry professionals, providing product discounts, Pro-only events, and access to professional-grade products.
- M·A·C Lover Rewards M·A·C Lover Rewards allows members to earn points and receive tiered Bronze, Silver, and Gold benefits, including a 15% welcome discount, birthday gifts, early product access, and exclusive events.
- M·A·C VIVA GLAM M·A·C VIVA GLAM is a charitable lipstick and makeup line that directs 100% of proceeds to organizations supporting HIV/AIDS research and LGBTQ+ equality.
- M·A·C VIVA GLAM x Conner Ives 'Protect the Dolls' Collection The Protect the Dolls collection is a limited-edition VIVA GLAM collaboration with fashion label Conner Ives, featuring a T-shirt and lipstick. Proceeds support organizations advancing trans equality and healthy futures.
- In-Store Makeup Services M·A·C offers professional makeup application and consultation services by appointment at its retail locations.
Quantifiable outcome
- Original Protect the Dolls T-shirt sold over 17,000 units and raised over $600,000 for Trans Lifeline and Not a Phase in the UK
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use M·A·C Cosmetics
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
M·A·C Cosmetics technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration7 records
Feature3 records
M·A·C Cosmetics partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Conner IvescoreM·A·C VIVA GLAM and fashion label Conner Ives launched limited-edition Protect the Dolls T-shirt and lipstick collection available March 31, 2026 in honor of Trans Day of Visibility. The original Protect the Dolls T-shirt sold over 17,000 units and raised over $600,000 for Trans Lifeline and Not a Phase in the UK. All proceeds from the new collaboration support organizations advancing trans equality and healthy futures worldwide.
- Sephora U.S.coreM·A·C launching at Sephora U.S. and Sephora at Kohl's on March 2, 2026, initially in over 100 stores with plans for nationwide expansion throughout the year. Launch accompanied by global campaign featuring Chappell Roan, Gabbriette, and Quenlin Blackwell. Marks M·A·C's first entry into Sephora's U.S. network after years of successful global collaborations. Sephora operates more than 3,200 stores globally as part of LVMH Group.
- Sephora at Kohl'scoreM·A·C launching at Sephora at Kohl's concurrent with Sephora U.S. launch on March 2, 2026. Partnership extends brand's physical retail presence to Kohl's store network as part of nationwide expansion strategy.
- DepopminorM·A·C partnered with resale fashion platform Depop on a creator-led collaboration featuring curated shoppable edits by influencers Jordyn Woods and Leah Kateb around the Powder Kiss and MACximal Matte lipstick ranges. The partnership includes in-app styling tools on Depop and an in-person pop-up activation in New York City's Union Square. Collaboration aims to position M·A·C at the intersection of beauty and circular fashion.
- The Makeup Academy NYCminorM·A·C Cosmetics partnered with The Makeup Academy NYC to establish the first official M·A·C Pro Classroom at the academy in New York City. This collaboration aims to enhance professional makeup education by integrating M·A·C's product line and curriculum into the academy's programs.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
M·A·C Cosmetics competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Fenty Beauty: Rihanna-founded prestige color cosmetics brand with industry-leading shade inclusivity. Operates through Sephora and directly competes with M·A·C for the same Gen Z and multicultural consumer.
- Bobbi Brown Cosmetics: Sister brand within The Estée Lauder Companies portfolio. Professional-artist-heritage color cosmetics with overlapping foundations, lip, and complexion franchises and shared retail channels.
- Charlotte Tilbury Beauty: Prestige color cosmetics brand founded by a celebrity makeup artist. Strong Sephora U.S. footprint with iconic lipstick and complexion franchises directly comparable to M·A·C's positioning and product categories.
- Rare Beauty: Selena Gomez-founded beauty brand with prestige color cosmetics positioned through Sephora. Targets younger digitally native consumers with celebrity-led brand building analogous to M·A·C's ambassador strategy.
- NARS Cosmetics: Prestige pro-grade makeup brand owned by Shiseido. Competes head-to-head in lipsticks, foundations, and complexion across Sephora and department stores with a similar artist-driven brand identity.
- Urban Decay: Prestige edgy color cosmetics brand, now within L'Oréal portfolio. Competes heavily in eye palettes, liners, and primers with strong Sephora presence.
- Pat McGrath Labs: Artist-founded prestige cosmetics brand with cult lip and complexion franchises. Comparable ultra-prestige positioning and strong Sephora distribution.
Broad incumbents
- Maybelline New York: Mass-market color cosmetics leader owned by L'Oréal. Competes in the same product categories (lipsticks, mascara, foundations) but at dramatically lower price points with broader global reach.
- Estée Lauder (Brand): Flagship brand of the parent conglomerate with a heritage across fragrance, skincare, and color cosmetics. Operates in overlapping prestige retail channels, including Sephora-adjacent department stores.
Emerging players
- Glossier: Direct-to-consumer beauty brand focused on minimal, skin-forward color cosmetics and skincare. Targets the same digitally native Gen Z consumer with a strong community-led brand model.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
M·A·C Cosmetics social profiles
Digital presenceM·A·C Cosmetics financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
M·A·C Cosmetics leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
M·A·C Cosmetics funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
M·A·C Cosmetics M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about M·A·C Cosmetics
What does M·A·C Cosmetics do?
M·A·C Cosmetics develops and sells prestige color cosmetics for the lips, face, and eyes, including long-wear lipsticks, foundations, powders, blushes, bronzers, mascaras, eyeliners, setting sprays, and related makeup. The company also offers professional products, in-store makeup services, loyalty programs, and professional memberships, with a portfolio extending into makeup-oriented skincare and charitable VIVA GLAM products.
Is M·A·C Cosmetics a public or private company?
M·A·C Cosmetics is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was M·A·C Cosmetics founded?
M·A·C Cosmetics was founded in 1984. It employs 5,001 to 10,000 people.
Where is M·A·C Cosmetics based?
M·A·C Cosmetics is headquartered in Columbia, United States, in the North America region.
How does M·A·C Cosmetics make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Cosmetics Product Sales are the primary driver. The others are professional Services, loyalty Program Revenue and M·A·C Pro Membership.
Who are M·A·C Cosmetics's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Fenty Beauty, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Charlotte Tilbury Beauty, Rare Beauty, NARS Cosmetics, Urban Decay and Pat McGrath Labs. Broad incumbents are Maybelline New York and Estée Lauder (Brand). Glossier is listed as an emerging player.
Does M·A·C Cosmetics have an API?
No public API is recorded for M·A·C Cosmetics.
What industry is M·A·C Cosmetics in?
M·A·C Cosmetics's product category is Prestige Color Cosmetics. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRABACAC, Lip Makeup (Lipstick, Lip Gloss, Lip Liner, Lip Stain, Lip Balm-Tint), with a secondary code of CRABACAA, Face Makeup (Foundation, Concealer, Powder, Blush, Bronzer, Highlighter). Its NAICS code is 456120 and its SIC code is 2844.