About MAC Cosmetics
Few cosmetics brands are as well-known and beloved as MAC. Founded in 1984 by makeup artist and photographer Frank Toskan and salon owner Frank Angelo, MAC (which stands for Make-up Art Cosmetics) has grown from a small brand based out of a Toronto kitchen into a global beauty powerhouse.
Today, with over 500 stores worldwide, 24.3 million Instagram followers, and write-ups in top fashion magazines like Allure, Glamour, and Harper‘s Bazaar, MAC has solidified its place in the makeup hall of fame. The brand is known for its bold, highly-pigmented colors, long-wearing formulas, professional-quality products, and inclusive shade ranges for all skin tones.
But MAC is about more than just great makeup. The brand has always stood for artistry, individuality, and social progress. Its mission is "to enable limitless self-expression by turning makeup into art for ALL." Over the years, MAC has championed important causes like HIV/AIDS research and LGBTQ+ rights. It has also collaborated with diverse pop culture icons and celebrities ranging from RuPaul to Barbie.
So what makes MAC stand out in a crowded beauty market? Is the brand really worth the hype? As a makeup artist obsessed with finding the best formulas and colors, I decided to put MAC to the test. In this ultimate guide, I‘ll share my honest thoughts on the brand‘s top products, customer reviews, and overall shopping experience. Let‘s dive in!
Overview of MAC Products
One thing that impresses me about MAC is the sheer breadth of its product catalog. The brand truly has something for every part of your face, including:
- Lipsticks, glosses, and liquid lipcolors in a rainbow of shades
- Foundations, concealers, and powders for every skin type and coverage level
- Eyeshadows, eyeliners, brow products, and mascaras to create any eye look
- Blushes, bronzers, and highlighters to sculpt and define
- Makeup brushes and tools to apply it all like a pro
Beyond color cosmetics, MAC also offers skincare staples like makeup remover, cleansing oil, and lip balms. It‘s a one-stop shop for your entire beauty routine.
While MAC‘s pricing is higher than drugstore brands, it‘s still relatively affordable compared to luxury labels. Most MAC lipsticks, eyeshadows, and blushes are priced at $19-24, while foundations average $35-40. I think this is a fair price point given the quality you get. MAC also offers many discounts and deals, which I‘ll cover later in this review.
Top MAC Products
With so many raved-about products, it was hard to narrow down which ones to test for this MAC Cosmetics review! But based on best-seller lists, awards, and customer feedback, here are the items that made my must-try list:
MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation
No MAC Cosmetics review would be complete without mentioning Studio Fix Fluid. This medium-to-full coverage liquid foundation is a staple in countless pro makeup kits and has over 5,000 reviews on the MAC website with a 4.4-star average. It‘s easy to see why once you try it.
The oil-free formula applies smoothly and blends out to a flawless matte finish that looks like your skin, but better. It stayed put through a sweaty summer wedding and didn‘t oxidize or separate after 12+ hours. The SPF 15 is a nice bonus for everyday sun protection.
My only complaint is that the texture felt a bit heavy after a while. However, I was testing the full coverage version. MAC also makes Studio Fix in a lighter "Soft Matte" formula that I‘d recommend for everyday wear.
With a whopping 63 shades, this foundation can match virtually any skin tone. As a MAC artist told Byrdie, "Studio Fix is a favorite because of its broad shade range and its ability to cover without looking cakey." I definitely agree!
MAC Matte Lipstick in Velvet Teddy
Matte lipsticks are a MAC signature, and the brand‘s hallmark bullet lipsticks have a cult following. None are more popular than Velvet Teddy, a matte deep-toned beige that‘s universally flattering. This shade has over 2,200 loves on Sephora and a 4.5 average from over 350 MAC reviews.
Described as "the perfect everyday neutral," Velvet Teddy is a staple for many celebrities and makeup artists. In a Vogue interview, Meghan Markle said it was one of her "go-to" MAC lipsticks.
I can see why this shade is so iconic. It‘s bold yet wearable, with a gorgeous matte finish that doesn‘t dry out your lips. The denser, more opaque formula means you get rich pigment without having to layer it on. While $19 is pricier than a drugstore lipstick, one tube lasts forever and the quality is worth it in my opinion.
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer
Rounding out my top picks is the Pro Longwear Concealer. This waterproof liquid concealer claims to provide full matte coverage for up to 24 hours. Those are big claims, but judging from the 4.1-star average from nearly 1,000 MAC Cosmetics reviews, it lives up to the hype.
I put Pro Longwear to the test on a beach vacation and was impressed by how well it held up to humidity, sweat, and even a dip in the pool. The concentrated formula masked my dark circles and blurred imperfections without creasing or fading. A little goes a long way, so one tube lasts for ages.
Like most of MAC‘s base products, Pro Longwear Concealer comes in an extensive 30 shades. It layers well over foundation or can be worn on its own for lighter coverage days. If you‘re looking for a budge-proof, full coverage concealer, give this a try.
Other top-reviewed MAC products include:
- Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
- Strobe Cream Hydrating Moisturizer
- Prep + Prime Fix+ Setting Spray
- 217S Blending Brush
- In Extreme Dimension 3D Black Lash Mascara
- Powder Kiss Lipstick
Customer Reviews of MAC
Of course, you don‘t have to just take my word for it when it comes to MAC Cosmetics. The brand has thousands of reviews from makeup lovers around the world. On MakeupAlley, MAC has an average rating of 3.8 out of 5 from over 12,000 reviews. On Influenster, it has a 4.6 average from over 30,000 reviews.
MAC‘s website also features tons of authentic customer feedback on each product, which I always appreciate. For example, the Studio Fix Fluid Foundation currently has over 5,100 reviews with an average 4.4 out of 5 stars. Many reviewers rave about the full coverage yet natural matte finish.
"I was blown away by how good this made my skin look," one customer writes. "It covered all my acne scars and dark spots but still looked breathable. My HG foundation for sure!"
That matches my experience with Studio Fix—it‘s a great option if you want serious coverage that stays matte and lasts all day.
The Matte Lipsticks are another cult favorite, with most shades hitting at least a 4-star average. The Velvet Teddy shade I tried has over 350 reviews and a 4.5 average. Many call it their "holy grail" nude and praise the comfortable matte texture.
"I finally figured out what the hype was about," says one 5-star MAC Cosmetics review. "Velvet Teddy is described as a deep-tone beige and that‘s exactly what it looks on my medium skin. Obsessed with the formula too, it glides on so smooth and doesn‘t dry out my lips."
Of course, no brand is perfect, and some MAC products definitely perform better than others. A few recurring critiques I spotted were complaints about certain lipstick shades being patchy, mascaras flaking, and foundations oxidizing.
The Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, for instance, only has a 3.8 average from about 950 MAC reviews. Some critics say the texture looked "cakey" or emphasized fine lines. That seems to be a common issue with powder foundations in general, so I usually steer people towards MAC‘s liquid foundation formulas instead.
Overall though, the vast majority of MAC reviews are positive, with many customers declaring their loyalty to the brand for decades. It‘s clear that MAC has earned its positive reputation through consistent quality, performance, and shade variety.
Is MAC Cruelty-Free?
A common question that comes up in MAC Cosmetics reviews is, "Is MAC cruelty-free?" The short answer is no. MAC itself does not conduct animal testing, and it doesn‘t own any animal testing facilities.
However, MAC products are sold in countries like China that legally require animal testing for imported cosmetics. So while MAC itself isn‘t doing the testing, its products are still tested on animals in certain markets.
For some consumers, that‘s a deal breaker. Personally, I wish MAC would stop selling in China to be completely cruelty-free. It would be great to see such an influential brand fully commit to ending animal testing. However, MAC does support many other important causes, which I‘ll highlight next.
MAC‘s Social Initiatives
One thing I admire about MAC is its long history of giving back and supporting social justice. Since 1994, the MAC AIDS Fund has raised over $500 million for HIV/AIDS organizations around the world. MAC was also one of the first major beauty brands to feature LGBTQ+ models and artists in its campaigns.
Through its Viva Glam line, MAC donates 100% of the selling price (minus taxes) of designated Viva Glam lipsticks and glosses to the MAC AIDS Fund. Over the years, it has collaborated with diverse celebrities and influencers on these giving-back products, including drag queens, musicians, and actors.
MAC also supports racial justice and gender equality through initiatives like its Racial Equity Grant program, partnership with the Marsha P. Johnson Institute, and donations to Planned Parenthood. While no brand is perfect, I appreciate MAC using its platform to further important causes.
Where to Buy MAC Cosmetics
If you‘re ready to shop, you can find MAC products at multiple retailers, both online and in-store. MAC has over 500 freestanding stores globally, plus counters inside many department stores like Macy‘s, Nordstrom, Saks, Selfridges, and more.
Online, MAC‘s full range is available on its official website, maccosmetics.com. You can also find a selection of top sellers at beauty retailers like Ulta, Sephora, Lookfantastic, and Feelunique.
I prefer shopping directly on MAC‘s site since you can access the full shade ranges, read reviews, and get personalized foundation matching. MAC offers free shipping on orders over $25, plus free returns on all US orders. It also has good sales and deals, which I‘ll cover next.
MAC Coupons and Discounts
While MAC is a prestige brand, you don‘t always have to pay full price. The brand regularly offers discounts and gifts with purchase on its website. At the time of this MAC Cosmetics review, there were promotions like:
- 15% off your first purchase with email sign-up
- Free mascara with $45 purchase
- Free shipping on $25+
- "Goodbye" section with discontinued products up to 40% off
- 10% off when you sign up for auto-replenish
MAC also participates in most major Ulta and Sephora sales if you prefer shopping at those retailers. Following MAC on social media is a good way to stay on top of current deals.
Final Thoughts
So, is MAC Cosmetics worth the hype? After rigorously testing the brand‘s bestsellers, reading thousands of customer reviews, and learning about its history and values, my answer is a resounding yes.
While no brand is without flaws, MAC is the real deal. Its formulas truly perform, with pigmented color payoff, long wear times, professional-level coverage and finish. Unlike some beauty brands that are all marketing and no substance, MAC backs up its claims.
What I love most is that MAC keeps its finger on the pulse of the professional beauty industry. Its products are designed with artists in mind and can stand up to stage lights and long video shoots. At the same time, MAC offers such a wide shade and formula range that anyone can find their perfect match, from beginners to experts.
As a makeup artist, I know I can always rely on MAC products to deliver in my kit. The brand has earned its positive reputation through decades of consistency, inclusion, and innovation. While it may not be the most affordable option out there, I believe MAC products are worth the price for the quality you get.
If you‘re new to the brand, I recommend starting with iconic products like MAC‘s Matte Lipsticks, Studio Fix Fluid Foundation, and Pro Longwear Concealer. But really, you can‘t go wrong with any of the top sellers I covered. Sephora and Nordstrom also offer MAC mystery boxes and kits that let you sample bestsellers for less.
I hope this ultimate MAC Cosmetics review was helpful! Let me know in the comments if you‘ve tried MAC and what your holy grail products are. Until next time, happy shopping!
