Fragrance house

MAC M.A.C.

M·A·C began in Toronto in 1984, founded by makeup artist and photographer Frank Toskan and salon owner Frank Angelo after they created makeup for photography. They initially made the products in a kitchen and sold them to makeup artists, models, and photographers, then launched the brand at a Toronto department-store counter in March 1984. Black pots, a focus on color, and professional makeup artists serving customers shaped its early presentation. Its founding credo, “All Ages, All Races, All Genders,” places artistry, inclusion, diversity, and limitless self-expression at the center of the brand. In 1994, an advertising campaign featuring RuPaul established M·A·C as an unconventional makeup line and helped propel the brand and RuPaul to worldwide fame. That same year, Toskan and Angelo created the M·A·C AIDS Fund and launched VIVA GLAM, directing every cent of the original lipstick’s selling price to support people affected by HIV/AIDS. Estée Lauder Companies completed its acquisition of M·A·C in 1998. In 2024, VIVA GLAM expanded to support healthy futures and equality across environmental, gender, racial, and sexual-equality pillars. In fragrance, Turquatic is a classic sea-inspired M·A·C scent and a listed best seller.