What is Magic About MAC?

[cno64]

Yesterday, my dental hygienist and I were talking makeup.
Naturally I mentioned MAC, and the hygienist replied, "I've heard of MAC, but I've never tried it; what's so special about it?"
I said, "Their quality is very high, and they offer lots of colors that nobody else does."
I had a difficult time pinpointing just what it is that makes MAC so addictive.
What do you all think it is?

 

[Indigowaters]

I think it’s because they have a wider range of colors and textures than any brand I’ve seen. The quality is good. The pigments are awesome on all types of skin colors and the MA’s are just cool.

 

[cno64]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indigowaters I think it’s because they have a wider range of colors and textures than any brand I’ve seen. The quality is good. The pigments are awesome on all types of skin colors and the MA’s are just cool.

I especially had a hard time trying to explain the mystique of the pigments. I rattle so much about the MAC pigments that several people have asked me what they are. When I tell them that pigments are loose-powder eyeshadows, the reaction is often a wrinkled nose and, "OOh, that sounds messy!"
And they *are* messy, but.......

 

[geeko]

their colours are very vibrant...and are more vibrant than the usual eyeshadows.

 

[OnaFyre]

For me, a major talking point is the "All races, all sexes, all ages" motto of MAC. And the attempts they've made to live up to that.

 

[ebonyannette]

^ I agree, they appeal to everyone, they carry the widest range of colors I have seen. Most companies only have 2 or 3 colors for dark skin tones but MAC really has the best range I have seen.

Also the colors are alot brighter. Especially for African American skin its hard to find colors that POP or dont turn ashy or powder when on the skin.

Also its just fun, there is so much to play with and they are always coming out with something new, MAC has really raised the bar for other companies because they are constantly re-inventing themselves. And its fun to keep up with the new stuff MAC puts out.

 

[cno64]

Quote:

Originally Posted by macnatic their colours are very vibrant...and are more vibrant than the usual eyeshadows.

True; you won't find a color like "Coco" or "Sunnydaze" in the drugstore.
That wonderful shimmer that many pigments feature is also a big selling point for me.

 

[a914butterfly]

i think its because there are so many colors, textures, finishes, and products avail., the cost is lower compared to other high end brands, also beacuse they are always putting out new collections and the packaging changes sometimes with special collections. drugstore brands dont really do that and the staying power (pigmentation) sucks and other high end brands cost more and dont come out that often with other colections or LE.

 

[devin]

agreed!

Quote:

Originally Posted by a914butterfly i think its because there are so many colors, textures, finishes, and products avail., the cost is lower compared to other high end brands, also beacuse they are always putting out new collections and the packaging changes sometimes with special collections. drugstore brands dont really do that and the staying power (pigmentation) sucks and other high end brands cost more and dont come out that often with other colections or LE.

 

[Sanne]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indigowaters I think it’s because they have a wider range of colors and textures than any brand I’ve seen. The quality is good. The pigments are awesome on all types of skin colors and the MA’s are just cool.

I also love mac for bringin out so many collections, it's just so much more fun than just 2 or 4 a year!

 

[queenofdisaster]

for me it's because mac appeals to everyone and they live up to their motto "all races, ages and sexes" and their products are so versatile. the collections are funky, the names of their product colors are different and their products last longer and look better on than anything else i have ever tried! im hooked for life!

 

[k_im]

well, before MAC i mostly wore revlon, maybelline, l'oreal, etc. but once i got turned on to MAC, i see things in a whole new light. MAC is awesome. packaging, quality, pigmentation. and it's not super overpriced like most other brands you see at the dept. store. i'm so shocked that i don't balk at paying $14 retail for a lip gloss or $13.50 for a single eyeshadow now because the fact that MAC puts it out makes it seem worth it-- a steal even!

 

[theraindrops]

I think it's the pro image that MAC exudes that people are drawn to. They began with no ads at all and used word-of-mouth advertising. All people would read and hear was that it was used by the real pros for fashion shows and movies and then got suck into. The packaging looks so pure and professional and the names of the colors are something people love to memorize. It also helps that the prices are lower than other dep. store brands. It's overall great marketing.

 

[llucidity]

MAC's awesome because it has got a huge variety of products under which, each category has huge range. There's always something to buy but I dont know if that's a good thing LOL

 

[caffn8me]

Here's my take on it;

• The ethos of makeup for all races, all sexes, all ages (as OnaFyre says)
• Viva Glam - the fact that the full retail price of the products goes to AIDS research - not just the profit element
• Back 2 M·A·C
• M·A·C's philosophy and training that makes sure that people who work at counters and stores are makeup artists first and sales assistants second.
• The quality of the products (although increasing comercialization is eroding some of this advantage)
• The range of the products.
• The provision of Pro products and stores which are particularly useful to professional makeup artists
• Viva Glam - yes, it's so important I've mentioned it twice.
• Value for money in that the products are very high quality but cheaper than other high end brads
• Did I mention Viva Glam?

That's what I can think of rright now.

 

[MAChostage]

^^^RIGHT ON!! Very well put, caffn8me!

 

[YvetteJeannine]

What's so special about MAC, you ask???

How much time do you have!

 

[laa_cat]

Well said Caffn8me!

To me MAC offers really unique colors with dimensions that no company can offer at that price range. Also it's a very fun brand that's constantly coming out with new stuff, shaping new trends. Their MA are more knowledgable about makeup than other makeup counters, and they are very open-minded about trends.

 

[ellemarie]

On a surface level, the brand seems very chic without costing an obscene amount of money. I really like the socially conscious message of VG and of course, the "All races, sexes and ages" slogan makes me like the company. Nothing about NARS, Stila, Benefit, etc. makes me like the brands themselves. Also, the color ranges are amazing and all the new collections keep me on my toes.

 

[veilchen]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebonyannette ^ I agree, they appeal to everyone, they carry the widest range of colors I have seen. Most companies only have 2 or 3 colors for dark skin tones but MAC really has the best range I have seen.

For me it's the same - just the other way round. I'm really pale and have never ever found a foundation or powder that wasn't too dark for my light skin. MAC is the only company that carries really light colours (think NC or NW 15) and that's one of the reasons I love them so much.

Plus the fact that they have hundreds of colours and textures to choose from: everyone will be able to find something they like. Besides, MAC is still less expensive than Chanel, etc.

And the various new collections are just so much fun. Other brands have new collections only for spring/summer and fall/winter. MAC has one almost each month (ok, not that good for one's wallet *lol*). Chanel, Guerlain, etc are elegant in my eyes, but MAC is ... mhm ... I don't know whether that's the word I really want to use, but "funky".

Does that make sense?