M.A.C is NOT Where It's At in Cosmetics!
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Thu May 17, 2007 11:55 pm

I was a devout user of M.A.C 10-14 years ago. I was wearing the stuff in 1993, during my final year of high school, when no one had ever heard of the company. Some of my high school pics. bear evidence of this, with my lips heavily laden in "Chili" or "Russian Red" matte lipsticks. I have brushes (old school) which are about 12 years old, and no longer available.

I do not buy M.A.C anymore, nor have I in a very, very long time. Having worked for Estée Lauder, I saw what the Lauders have done to my one beloved, Canadian company. It's not been pretty.

Please DO NOT buy into the idea that M.A.C is "the best", and "what the pros use", for this is simply not the case anymore.

Professional Makeup Artists, Photographers, Designers and Models all over the world are boycotting M.A.C makeup because of changes that have been made to the line since Estée Lauder’s multi-million dollar take-over in 1996.

Before Lauder, M.A.C. artists went through extensive training and, in turn, were hired and paid well for freelancing positions (e.g. photo shoots, runway shows). Their products were advanced and the quality suitable for expert makeup artists.

Since 2000, these makeup artists have been replaced with low-wage retail clerks, trained to care more about their ‘Items Per Transaction’ than their makeup artistry skills. The skilled artists that still work for the company are being paid less and are forced to accept lower wages for their freelancing positions. The products now are mainstream, less original, and virtual copies of other Lauder products and, worst of all, they cost more! Mad

Explore make-up outside of M.A.C. There is a world of products and colors out there that professional makeup artists are using – and they deserve your attention! These products are not only easier on your budget and work better, but will also help send the message to Lauder that makeup artists, models, photographers, designers, and artists are not going to take it anymore.

An excerpt from the blog written by make-up artist K.J. Bennett

SAG Supports IATSE Union Local 798 in their MAC Cosmetics Boycott
December 28th, 2006

In the most recent IATSE Local 798 Newsletter (January 1, 2007 - Volume 2, Issue 1) a number of correspondances with MAC Artists Relations and our union president have been reproduced as well as correspondence with NY SAG (Screen Actor’s Guild).

It seems that MAC Cosmetics and Estee Lauder Co. (owner of MAC) have REALLY been caught with their hand in the cookie jar and an entire union (which I am a proud member of) is boycotting them with support from one of the largest actor’s unions in the US.

The first of a few quotes from the Local 798 president, Kelly Gleason:

“SAG alerted me that MAC is creating seminars with them to promote their products and employees. As you will read, NY SAG has declined the offer because of our boycott of MAC cosmetics.

To those members who are new and/or unaware of the MAC situation: MAC cosmetics has offered union signitories free product and, in some cases, hired MAC employees (instead of working with 798 members) to execute the work in exchange for credit and publicity. Many union members have lost employment to MAC artists - We should thank NY SAG for upholding union solidarity and respect for the 798 members.”

A portion of a correspondence sent by Kelly Gleason, President IATSE Local 798 to MAC Artists Relations:

“…unfortunately, MAC has undercut many 798 union workers on Broadway, in television and on film sets. I can actually list jobs, such as Superhero X, where MAC representatives convinced producers or designers to use their employees for a fashion show that took place in the film - after sending them a makeup package. As President, the Executive Board and I are in place to guard union jobs when signitories try to hire non-union. In the case of Superhero X, we were able to ‘match’ the MAC workers with union makeup people to appease our members employed on the film. There are also many Broadway shows that are “designed by MAC” and employee MAC personal to execute the makeup designs - MAC then offers a discount on makeup or free makeup for the run of the show - an enticing offer to any production. Many artists are also offended that MAC sends makeup directly to the actors on productions they are working on without consulting them first…

Not to speak for Local 706 (California), but I understand that they were surprised when they found out that their members had been pushed out of Red Carpet events by MAC employees…
I’m sure you can understand that learning about the SAG seminars only makes us more wary as to what back door MAC will try to use to push their products and workers into our positions. I really don’t know what to do about this situation, except to boycott MAC products and have other Locals refuse to use MAC products in set design as product placement. I’m sure you understand that I am obligated to to represent union personnel and I am concerned for the members of Local 798. Thank you for all of your help in the past, but, in good conscious, I no longer use your company’s products.”

Response from Karen, MAC Artist Relations:

“I have to say that I am genuinely surprised at the rather harsh decision you communicate below…My original message to you was an effort to open the lines of communication and instead I feel blindsided by a decision made based on inaccurate statements and misinformation…
My understanding of the situation you addressed regarding the production My Super X Girlfriend is this: The personal makeup artist working with the lead actress, placed a request for a particular selection of products which we accommodated. One of the scenes in the film called for the re-creation of the backstage area during a Heatherette fashion show. Over the years M*A*C has provided support to these designers and we were asked by the production directly tp accomodate a request for both product and Artists in this scene in order to reflect an accurate backstage environment. At no time did we “convince producers or designers” to use our product and it was never brought to our attention that this caused bad feelings…”

Clarification by the Local 798 President, Ms. Gleason:

“As far as films, such as Superhero Ex, (as you stated) MAC was asked by “production” (not a makeup person) to help recreate the look from a particular fashion show. It was 798 members on that film that repeatedly called the office to complain that jobs were being taken away from other 798 members and given to MAC employees. Joe Cuervo represented 798 in this matter and, after much arguing and negotiating, was able to have production hire some 798 members to “match’ the MAC artists.
From our point of view, MAC would have helped the membership best by consulting the makeup department on this matter, providing photos or videos of the fashion show and, perhaps, offering 1 person to consult the union workers during the recreation of the show.
The complaints about MAC have arose from the membership - not from myself or any member of the Executive Board. The Board, however, is beholden to the membership and we must represent them when complaints are filed.

We have received repeated complaints from Florida about music videos and other venues, from Broadway members, from California members, and from the freelance film workers in NYC. These are valid complaints - not “inaccurate statements or misinformation” and, as a representative, I am responsible to address complaints. As far as addressing the membership, if you would like to submit a formal letter to be published in our newsletter, I would need it by Monday 12/18 to be approved by the board.
Respectfully, Kelly Gleason - President Local 798″

No response so far, December 19, 2006………..

Hmmmmmmm….”no response”. I wonder why? Could it be that there’s no good excuse for any of this and that having such unethical behavior exposed is quite embarrassing? That’s sounds about right to me, what about you?

I have to give MAC Makeup & Estee Lauder Co. some kind of acknowledgment for the sinisterly covert way they did this.
The MAC ‘goodwill’ seminars offered to SAG were brilliantly underhanded. MAC sets up seminars with the SAG members (ACTORS) and romances them with free makeup and tells them how ALL the REAL pro makeup artists use only MAC makeup (the others must be hacks if they don’t have tons in their kits). Then they introduces the idea that MAC makeup artists are always available for their projects, FREE of charge or at a very reduced rate… in exchange for promotional or screen credit. With this subtle brainwashing in place, when the actor books a movie or tv show where they have the power to make requests, they request that the production use MAC products and ask they to use the “complimentary” MAC makeup artists.
MAC was trying to take advantage of a well known flaw in the union contract that grudgingly allows “Talent Request” (if the star is large enough and has enough clout). The union has to allow the non-union artist ‘requested’ to work on that production. Fortunately, the SAG Executive Board saw how MAC was trying to backdoor it’s way in and blew the whistle on them to Local 798.

As far as the movie set sited by Ms. Gleason (”My Super Ex-Girlfriend”). Both the film’s producers and MAC management were fully aware of what they were doing by bringing in MAC makeup artists to perform work that should have gone to union members. It is stated in the most basic union contracts (IATSE International) that for every non-union person “working” on a union shoot, you have to hire a union member (”match” the booking). This is what Joe Cuervo was fighting for on that movie. This is not simply a makeup issue, it’s a TEAMSTER issue. They were negating a basic IATSE contractual agreement to suit themselves and save money by accepting free makeup artists from MAC instead of hiring (paying) union members to do the work.
The producers could have hired as many MAC makeup artists as they wanted as paid extras and used them to “dress up” the scene so it looked like the original runway show.
BUT…
The free, NON-union (MAC) makeup artists were doing actual makeup applications on the “models” for the film’s runway show. The only artists allowed to apply makeup on a union shoot are union makeup artists…end of story!
Although production and MAC management were aware of the infraction, they still tried to pull it off. This is why the union members working on the production filed a complaint and exposed the illegal behavior.

MAC Cosmetics have further pissed off and frustrated MANY freelance makeup artists working on film & tv productions by sending packages full of free makeup to actors (not at home, but at the production’s location), who in turn ask their makeup artist to use the stuff on them onscreen. Completely undermining what the Key Artist has designed and any other product choices they had made.

SO…
To those of you who STILL insist that MAC Cosmetics and Estee Lauder Co. are NOT undermining the freelance makeup artist community’s ability to make a living…

I guess a good old fashioned “I TOLD YOU SO” would be in order now?

Get with the program folks…
THIS IS REAL and freelance makeup artists worldwide are losing work and the income needed to support themselves and their families to people who are already employed by MAC. People who already have a source of income are being used as a leverage tool to take employment away from freelance artists…for the sake of big business marketing and promotion.
Let’s hope that in 2007 MAC Cosmetics & Estee Lauder Co. end this disrespectful, unethical behavior towards the community of freelance artists that made MAC the icon it is today.

Happy New Year,
KJ"

P.S. Yes, I did note in a thread that I was at their store several weeks ago. However, I was there to return a LOT of unused, old, expired make-up (some stuff: over 8 years old), and send the containers to their "Back to MAC" recycling program.

free skin care · Fri May 18, 2007 4:03 am

Caspers Mum I agree completely about MAC not being the same!

I used MAC back in '91 and loved everything they sold. The shadows were amazing and the brushes were the best you could find on the market.

The same thing happened to the Bobbi Brown as soon as they were sold to EL the quality of the brand went right into the toilet!

Caspers Mum what brands do you use now?

free skin care · Fri May 18, 2007 5:57 am

I stopped using MAC years ago, at about the time EL bought the company I think. Back then, the reason was simple. It was a Canadian company with great prices..$8 for a lipstick, I think. The minute EL bought it, prices nearly doubled. The explanation was they wanted to keep prices in line with what others in U.S. were paying Rolling Eyes

Since then, the quality isn't the same anyway..and I refuse to fall for yet another 'limited edition'.

free skin care · Fri May 18, 2007 6:44 am

I understand these concerns, perhaps even more so now that my mom-and-pop company has been engulfed by a shark. However, I do use and like MAC. I've never thought they were the best but I like them, and Bobi Brown as I can find colors to suit my complexion (NC 42-45). For countless years I have been running around with lipsticks and blushes that were just too pink or blue eyeshadows...Trust me, not pretty! When I discovered MAC and BB, it was like coming to an oasis after the desert.

I use and love, MAC fluidlines, eye shadow (strom? I think specially), blushes and lipsticks. Also the concealer - I have NEVER beena ble to find something that works 75% on my very dark eye circles and I have tried A LOT. I'm not devoted to MAC but will be thankful to their artists, and those of BB, who have helped me immensely. If in the future I can find a small company that will work for me, I'd be happy to change (and UGlo girl might be it).

Peace!

free skin care · Fri May 18, 2007 7:22 am

o?
the MAC quality isn't the same between Canada and USA?
i like the mac eyeshadow. it is beautiful!

free skin care · Fri May 18, 2007 8:23 am

Caspers Mum, Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I always hated big corporation takeover. But, even with the price increase, MAC is still cheaper than most cosmetic counters like Laura Mercier, Dior, Chanel, etc.

free skin care · Fri May 18, 2007 9:21 am

I used to be an avid user of MAC cosmetics in the early to mid-90's. I switched when I noticed a change in their product quality, selection, and customer service! Since then, I have branched out to other brands (i.e. NARS, Lorac, Laura Mercier).

Thanks for the info, CaspersMum. It's a shame what's happened the MAC that once was.

R.I.P.

Fri May 18, 2007 11:25 am

marina wrote:

It was a Canadian company with great prices..$8 for a lipstick, I think. The minute EL bought it, prices nearly doubled. The explanation was they wanted to keep prices in line with what others in U.S. were paying Rolling Eyes

Since then, the quality isn't the same anyway..and I refuse to fall for yet another 'limited edition'.

Yup. $8 for a lipstick. Remember when the rolling mechanisms of M.A.C lipstick tubes were made out of metal, not plastic? They'd kinda grind when I'd twist them up, sometimes getting stuck Laughing

Oh, and they were wrapped in black tissue paper, inside the boxes which they came in.

RE: "Caspers Mum what brands do you use now?"

I don't wear a lot of make-up, to be honest, and if I do, it's a mishmash of brands. Like I've noted before: I

FACE atelier Ultra Foundation! I don't do make-up professionally anymore, so my personally used products are few & far between.

free skin care · Fri May 18, 2007 11:40 am

I remember the black tissue paper in the box, LOL!!

Caspers Mum I received my samples of FACE altelier foundation and they were lovely. I had ordered 4 shades and they were virtually all the same color you really could not tell them apart so it would be difficult to order just one!
The consistency of the Ultra Foundation is beautiful, very similar if not identical to Chanel's Pro Lumiere which I keep coming back to!

I really wish FA was available in Toronto so I could sit down and really find the best shade for me!

Fri May 18, 2007 11:51 am

mishie wrote:

I remember the black tissue paper in the box, LOL!!

Caspers Mum I received my samples of FACE altelier foundation and they were lovely. I had ordered 4 shades and they were virtually all the same color you really could not tell them apart so it would be difficult to order just one!
The consistency of the Ultra Foundation is beautiful, very similar if not identical to Chanel's Pro Lumiere which I keep coming back to!

I really wish FA was available in Toronto so I could sit down and really find the best shade for me!

I believe that the closest one to the GTA is in Dundas, and for what it's worth, you might as well call F.A., and order samples of the pigments for lightening/deepening foundation.

I have their lightest shade, Porcelain.

free skin care · Fri May 18, 2007 12:01 pm

I did get the both the lightening and darkening pigments with the order but didn't have to use them.
I am actually happy to have them to add to some of the foundations that I have bought before but ended up being either a little too light or a little too dark!

Thanks for letting me about the retailer in Dundas!

free skin care · Fri May 18, 2007 6:34 pm

I really love MAC, though I never got a chance to see what it was like back then! Still, some of my HG products are from there and the color selection is great. I feel like MAC is still pretty comparable to most companies these days anyways

free skin care · Sat May 19, 2007 5:27 pm

i have been using MAC products for 6years. i think by the time i started using it, the brand already falls under estee lauder.

most of my HG stuffs are from MAC and i especially love their eyeshadow and lip-gloss. however, i just felt that over the years their so-call new launches are no longer innovative. most of the colors are just putting together 2 colors from the previous launch or they might be pretty close in shade to the previous launch.

they are no longer special and doesnt qualify for the so-call Limited Edition. i do agree that their pricing seems to be going up and getting more expensive. and i have since started trying out other Japaneses brands cosmetics, which are just as good in texture.

i am not sure about the MAC MA from other countries but over at my side, quite a large number of them are more sales oriented. they care more about closing the deal then sincerely suggesting/recommending products or colors that are suitable for the customers.

free skin care · Sat May 19, 2007 5:38 pm

i think MAC is overrated. they just provide a wider range of colors and shades than some of the other cosmetic companies.

free skin care · Sat May 19, 2007 7:00 pm

displaced wrote:

i think MAC is overrated. they just provide a wider range of colors and shades than some of the other cosmetic companies.

totally second that.
I was really tempted by the colorful choices and the hype some time ago, and decided to try out some of the popular products. My experience with the SA at the counter was never good. they are all either pushy or uninterested once they detect you are a new comer to the brand. besides the various color choices, I really don't think the quality of the products is anymore superior than some of the drugstore brands.

free skin care · Sun May 20, 2007 12:11 am

I always wondered why customer service at MAC sucked!

I can empathize with the inherent stresses of working as a clerk in a retail establishment; however, whether or not he or she receives commission, a clerk is obligated to be polite, helpful, and honest to to us, the patrons of the shop--regardless of how "upscale" we appear to be.

I'm always running around like crazy. Modern life is hectic! Sometimes I'm dressed to the nines and pop into the mall for something en route to an event. Sometimes I'm covered in greasy white sunscreen, nighttime hairgrowth serum under a baseball cap, and slightly grubby from work. Either way, I expect clerks to be polite, helpful, and honest. No matter what I look like, I still have the same amount of money in my purse and the same need to spend it!

I get a perverse thrill of looking especially ratty when I need to make an expensive purchase at a snobby store Very Happy

The snobbiest clerks will rudely ignore me, and tell the newest/lowest status clerk to go wait on me. Ha! They all come rushing over frantically when I open my purse and start counting out cash like it's "The Price Is Right!" but it's too late, the commission goes to their coworker, and I hope they learned a lesson, "Never judge a customer who looks a bit ratty!" because she may have money to spend!!!

Anyway, MAC salespeople are the WORST! They ALWAYS ignore me when I'm ratty! Sometimes they whisper to each other under their breath and laugh at me! Soo...I ask for their manager on duty, complain, and make the manager ring up my purchases, just so I can open my purse and flash huge wads of cash to make them feel bad and yell at the clerk!

P.S.: I'm not rich by any means, I'm just eccentric and keep a special "get bad sales clerks in trouble" wallet. Plus, it teaches me self-discipline with spending. Kind of like training a dog to not eat a steak in front of them. Laughing

P.P.S.: Pretty much the only MAC product I use is "Pervette" lipstick, and have bought their big makeup case because it's indestructible and could be used as a weapon in a pinch. Razz

I don't use their base because it makes me break out, their shadows don't blend well, and their lip pencils give me chapped lips.

free skin care · Sun May 20, 2007 12:44 am

Estée Lauder has taken over the cosmetics world. Same products, different packaging, different target audiences. I'm trying to support small, environmentally sound, natural approach, forward thinking skincare and cosmetics companies.
That is why I love this forum. I've learned so much!

We have the power!

And I agree, MAC salespeople are rude and...frightening looking Rolling Eyes

free skin care · Sun May 20, 2007 5:54 am

EL people in particular scare me. There's one (when I used to buy EL) who was particularly hard sell.. I used to hold my purse tight in case she shoved her hand in there & grabbed my wallet!

free skin care · Sun May 20, 2007 8:47 am

After reading this about MAC,I had to throw this in there. Last year, I decided I needed something new...a different look, and boy did I get it. I went into the store, and told them I was trying their products for the first time, and wanted to try a foundation, have my eyes done, and find a nice lipstick. I thought it would be a good description when I told the girl I wanted something v. subtle... I wanted a natural, ever so-slightly done look. The make-up of the girl who worked on me looked fine, maybe just a bit heavier than I would have liked, so I figured I would come out decently. Well, about 20 minutes later, she smiled and handed me a mirror and said, "what do you think?" Shock

The foundation was "orangey" and not a good match, and since I had some red spots on my neck from a couple of prior pimples, she had brought the foundation to the middle of my neck...what a great line showing orange against natural skin! My eyes were lined inside and outside w/black, with a v. dark brown eyeshadow. Only the lipstick was......decent. To complete the picture for you, I am blonde, green eyes, fair to medium complexion, and 36. Needless to say, I was horrified to even walk to the car and have people see me....I LOOKED SCARY!! Went home and washed it all off. My one and only experience w/MAC at the cosmetic counter. I have purchased the lipstick, and a few LIGHTER shades of eye-shadows...some of the colors are really nice. But I shall NOT return to their store counters...too scary!

free skin care · Sun May 20, 2007 8:58 am

msaries1 wrote:

Needless to say, I was horrified to even walk to the car and have people see me....I LOOKED SCARY!! Went home and washed it all off.

I can relate about the bad makeover! I haven't had one at MAC and after reading this thread, I never will. Laughing

But I have had them done at different counters at the department stores and they always end up using too much product, too dark and like you, I'm embarrassed to be seen! Most of the time I had intended to do more shopping, but looking like that ... I quickly make my exit too and rush straight home to wash it all off. I think that should be a sign for me to say "no thanks" to the "would you like me to try it on you?" question. Smile

However, there are some MAC products I like. I quite like their lipsticks (my fav lately is Syrup) and I think their eye shadows and blush are pretty good. BUT, now I'm in a huge Bobbi Brown stage (mixed in with a little bit of Laura Mercier) so I've moved all the MAC out of my current makeup case, with the exception of the lipsticks. Smile

free skin care · Sun May 20, 2007 10:50 pm

i dont think thier is a reason to say like "ohhh MAC is bad now, i don buy things from there ne more but i tend to buy from Channel"..i think thats silly...
i think ppl should be relaxed about this, if i see nice lip gloss that i like from MAC i get it, if i see a nice eye shadow from Channel i will buy it, or a nice blush that i saw at walmart I WILL BUY IT!..lol...relax guys

free skin care · Sun May 20, 2007 10:53 pm

but i do have to agre that the ppl work there have NO IDEA what they are talking about, thier make-up skills are horrid and they are mean and arogant most of the time, i have to agre with that

free skin care · Mon May 21, 2007 2:36 am

msaries1 wrote:

After reading this about MAC,I had to throw this in there. Last year, I decided I needed something new...a different look, and boy did I get it. I went into the store, and told them I was trying their products for the first time, and wanted to try a foundation, have my eyes done, and find a nice lipstick. I thought it would be a good description when I told the girl I wanted something v. subtle... I wanted a natural, ever so-slightly done look. The make-up of the girl who worked on me looked fine, maybe just a bit heavier than I would have liked, so I figured I would come out decently. Well, about 20 minutes later, she smiled and handed me a mirror and said, "what do you think?" Shock

The foundation was "orangey" and not a good match, and since I had some red spots on my neck from a couple of prior pimples, she had brought the foundation to the middle of my neck...what a great line showing orange against natural skin! My eyes were lined inside and outside w/black, with a v. dark brown eyeshadow. Only the lipstick was......decent. To complete the picture for you, I am blonde, green eyes, fair to medium complexion, and 36. Needless to say, I was horrified to even walk to the car and have people see me....I LOOKED SCARY!! Went home and washed it all off. My one and only experience w/MAC at the cosmetic counter. I have purchased the lipstick, and a few LIGHTER shades of eye-shadows...some of the colors are really nice. But I shall NOT return to their store counters...too scary!

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. Let's just say I don't go to MAC counter for a makeover and never consult them about a new "look". Plus I ALWAYS had to carry some makeup remover wipes in my handbag whenever I went to buy something from MAC in case they'd try something on me!

free skin care · Mon May 21, 2007 2:38 am

lipglossbaby wrote:

but i do have to agre that the ppl work there have NO IDEA what they are talking about, thier make-up skills are horrid and they are mean and arogant most of the time, i have to agre with that

I totally agree with you. You should see the ones here in Thailand. They're rude, arrogant and so superficial. My mom was treated badly simply because she didn't dress all posh. They all talked down to her which sent me in a flying rage.

free skin care · Mon May 21, 2007 3:49 pm

it seems like estee lauder owns EVERYTHING.

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