MAC Cosmetics Price Tracker

MAC – Make-up Art Cosmetics – was founded in Toronto in 1984 by makeup artist and photographer Frank Toskan and Frank Angelo, originally for professionals. Estée Lauder Companies took a majority stake in 1994 and full ownership in 1998. Best known for Ruby Woo lipstick and Studio Fix foundation, the brand sells through maccosmetics.com in the US and maccosmetics.co.uk in Britain, its own stores and department store counters; in the US its products have also been available online at Ulta Beauty since 2017.

In the US, the M·A·C Lover Rewards programme has three tiers – Bronze, Silver and Gold – based on calendar-year spending; members collect points towards rewards and get a birthday gift and insider offers. Points only count at MAC's own US stores and maccosmetics.com, not at department stores, airports or other retailers. The UK site gives a discount on your first order when you sign up for emails and has a student discount, but some products are excluded from offers. Holiday sets and an advent calendar arrive each autumn.

MAC prices are fairly stable, so reductions tend to be limited to certain products, sets or retailer promotions. Lipsticks and foundations come in dozens of shades, and each shade can sell out or be discontinued on its own. Set your alert on the exact shade and size you use, and SaleAlarm emails you when that page gets cheaper – handy for a foundation you rebuy regularly or a limited collection you want before it disappears.