People are only just realising what makeup brand MAC stands for and their minds are blown
PEOPLE are only just realising what the makeup brand MAC stands for – and their minds are blown.
MAC is actually an acronym for the Canadian brand’s original name.
Photographer and makeup artist Frank Toskan and salon owner Frank Angelo launched the cosmetics range from their Toronto kitchen in 1984, under the name Make-Up Art Cosmetics.
The matter-of-fact name signalled the brand’s intended customer base of professional makeup artists, rather than ordinary women.
But Make-Up Art Cosmetics branched out into high-street makeup after its models kept asking if they could give products to their friends and families.
Flogging makeup to the masses required a punchier name, so Make-Up Art Cosmetics became MAC.
It has been named on of the top three global makeup brands, with 500 independent stores and an annual turnover of over £800million ($1billion).
But MAC has stayed true to its origins by continuing to produce special make-up for movie stars and singers.
Founder Frank Angelo died in 1997 from a heart attack during surgery, at the age of 49.
His death came three years after multinational cosmetics giant Estee Lauder took over MAC and moved its HQ from Toronto to New York.
Angelo’s business partner Frank Toskan sold his remaining shares in 1998, giving Estee Lauder total control of the company.
It comes after people realised the meaning behind the iconic Michelin Man logo – and it turns out the tyre firm’s mascot has a bizarre history.
The reason why the Chelsea badge has a lion in it has also been revealed.
And people are just realising that Haribo’s name has a secret meaning – and that early gummy bear fans included one of history’s greatest boffins.