MAC was founded in 1983/84 in Toronto, Canada, by Frank Toskan and Frank Angelo. One was a MUA, the other a Photographer. Frank Toskan was the MUA who realized that there was nothing on the market that was neutral, addressed a range of skin tones, stood up to studio conditions, colors that were matte texture and not heavily frosted etc... and so he started making makeup just to use for his kit. Make a long story short, the models/talent started to swipe things from his kit, and he realized that this was a huge area to be addressed, and in essence MAC cosmetics was born. He basically got his chem. textbook from High School and started whipping together colors in Frank Angelos kitchen. The other Frank, (Frank Angelo) owned a chain of hair salons where they first started selling MAC at retail. They were one of the first brands ever created by and for the professional MUA. That is why today, they still maintain heavy industry ties As word spread, they opened up at the Bay and soon spread to other locations such as Bloor St. in Canada. The first US location to carry MAC was Henri Bendels in the city, and the first freestanding store in the US was on Christopher St. in NYC. MAC was the only cosmetics company to grow and have increases unlike any other cosmetic company, and they grew at such a rate that there were times when it was hard to supply product to keep up with the demand as well as points of distribution. For this reason in the end of 1998, Frank Toskan sold the company to Estee Lauder. Although many of the formulations have been enhanced and/or changed since the buyout, MAC would not have been able to be available internationally, or in many tinier markets in the US. Partnering with Lauder allowed them to be able to produce products in much higher quantities to be able to reach the masses while still keeping true to the companys mantra: "all races, all ages, and all sexes." MAC is still one of the most cutting edge companies out there, and in the prestige market they are the top seller of lip sku's. They also have one of the lowest turnover rates as far as staff, as you will find many of the MUA's that work for them have since the very beginning. They promote mainly from within, but there is very little shifting around (i.e. some people have kept their same positions since the company started) and this is why it can be hard to get a job with them, as there are usually not many vacancies. It should be noted that MAC does not advertise, they have grown to what they are today by word of mouth and have become a huge force in setting and creating the trends. They are and always have been rule breakers and have introduced many firsts to this business: first to offer a discount program to professionals, first to celebrate diversity, not only in their product offerings, but in the staff that work for them, first to have a 7' drag queen as their first spokesperson, first to create conciousness programs, first to really get out there and support the 'arts' etc....There is really so much to MAC, it is not only a brand of makeup, but a lifestyle. Rachel Goodwin, Polly Osmond, Lady Bunny, and Jeanette Jacobucci (aka JJ) the MUA for Ruff Ryders, Eve, Little Kim etc... all got their start with MAC and worked with them for many years to just name a few....

Now that this completley sounds like a book report...:lol . I hope this information is useful, and if you need any more, just let me know.
Good Luck!
-K