Afterglow Cosmetics is among the cleanest makeup brands on the market, featuring an entire catalog of not only paraben-free products, but gluten-free, soy-free, fragrance-free, bismuth-free, cruelty-free, and vegan. They also feature a number of organic ingredients in their mineral makeup line. Juice Beauty focuses not only on natural.
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Last Updated on 07/05/2021
MAC Cosmetics needs no introduction. A well known name in the contemporary cosmetics world. Beauty enthusiasts have MAC in their kitty or bucket list! Today, let’s have a look at MAC’s cruelty-free status!
This Canada based makeup brand has now spread its wings all around the globe. MAC’s Ruby Woo is ‘the’ lipstick for all red lip lovers for a couple of decades now. You can’t ‘un-see’ the mesmerizing effects of Studio Fix Powder Compact, Fluid Foundation or Fix+ as well.
However, MAC has been criticized time and again for its shady cruelty policies. Should you buy a MAC product as a cruelty-free supporter or leave it for good? These are the facts to consider.
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Is MAC Cosmetics Cruelty Free? Is it Vegan?
MAC – Past & Present
1984 –Makeup Art Cosmetics Inc is popularly known as MAC Cosmetics. It was founded in 1984 by two photographers turned makeup artists. They’re Frank Toskan and Frank Angelo.
This Toronto based makeup brand wanted to fill up the ridge. This gap existed between long stay and photo-friendly makeup.
Initially, MAC was popular among focused audience of fashion & makeup world. Within a few years, its popularity reached to mass beauty users.
The brand started its journey with lip colors. Later, they ventured into face makeup.
1994 –In 1994, beauty giant Estee Lauder bought major stakes of this brand.
1998 – In 1998, there was a demise of one of the founder member. As a result, Estee Lauder became the sole owner of MAC.
MAC holds its position among top 3 makeup brands in world ranking. MAC has collaborated with several huge artists. For instance, Sia, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, & Elle Goulding.
What MAC Says about their Cruelty Free Outlook?
Is Mac Makeup Gluten Free
Here’s something interesting from MAC’s official website. It is under the tag of ‘Working Toward a Cruelty-free World”.
“M·A·C does not test on animals. We do not own any animal testing facilities and we never ask others to test on animals for us. While some governments conduct animal testing to prove safety before they will allow us to sell our products, M·A·C has never tested on animals and we continue to be a leader in the movement to end animal testing globally. To this end, we are proud to partner with IIVS (INSTITUTE FOR IN VITRO SCIENCES) to expand the use and acceptance of non-animal testing methods worldwide.”
This is the same old ambiguous statement. You can find it in every subsidiary of non-cruelty free Estee Lauder conglomerate.
The statement tries to convince you how animal-friendly MAC’s policies are. Sadly, the mention of exception breaks all the illusions MAC was trying to create.
Moreover, they do not share clear data about their ingredient testing policy. The above statement does not confirm how the suppliers treat the product ingredients.
PS: In cosmetic industry, animal testing is majorly performed at the ingredients level, not in the complete product level. Here is a detailed Cruelty Free Guide.
Cruelty free timeline
MAC used to be a biggest promoter of cruelty-free in cosmetic industry. They used to promote their products as ‘tested on models not on animals’.
But then the merger of MAC with Estee Lauder occured. (tragic!) As a result, this brought a huge change in their original policies.
Hence, MAC broke all their ethics promises towards their loyal cruelty-free consumers. And guess what?
2005 –MAC got launched in China in 2005.
They even brought changes in their testing policy. All done to entertain the mandatory animal testing practices by Chinese government.
2012 – In 2012, it was disclosed that MAC runs animal testing on their own. This news created lots of buzz among the users and beauty community.
There were urges and protests by various animal welfare organisations. For example, PETA’s youth chapter. However, MAC did not budge. No changes in any of its policies.
Is MAC Cruelty Free?
No. Nope. Nada. Nah. MAC is not a cruelty-free brand.
In fact, MAC’s parent brand is also an animal cruelty brand.
2005 – MAC used to be a cruelty free brand until 2005. In 2005 MAC started selling their products in mainland China.
Currently, they are in compliance to Chinese policies. Accordingly, all imported products have to go through mandatory animal testing step. This is the cosmetic product safety guideline over there.
2012 – MAC chose monetary gain over customer loyalty & animal welfare. Additionally, they started animal testing on their own since 2012.
Till this date, MAC funds the Chinese government to run cruelty test on their products.
Is MAC manufactured in China?
Not known. Majority of MAC’s color products are manufactured in US and Canada. Not adequate information is available to tell if MAC makes products in mainland China or not.
Is MAC currently being sold in China?
Yes. MAC has several standalone stores in China. Also, they sell their products through their own China website & Sephora.
MAC products are widely available both online and offline in mainland China. In fact, China is currently one of the major consumers of MAC.
Is it vegan?
No. MAC products are definitely not vegan.
MAC uses animal derived ingredients like carmine and beeswax to make their world famous makeup range.
Do we recommend MAC?
Not at all.
Sorry folks! We can’t recommend a shady brand like MAC.
MAC is neither cruelty free nor vegan. They aren’t even clean & green. Just like many other non-cruelty free brands MAC tries fool customers. They market their products as ‘never tested’ on animals.
On contrary, they allow and obviously ‘pay’ governing bodies to perform animal testing on their products.
PETA has even included MAC in their ‘brands to avoid’ list for this contrasting duality.
Alternatives to 5 Highly Recommended Products from MAC
Here are some cruelty free dupes of MAC.
Is Elf Makeup Gluten Free
- MAC Retro Matte Lipstick Ruby Woo
You saw this one coming. Obviously! This is one of the bestseller worldwide. A beautiful red lipstick with ultra matte finish. This blue toned red color never goes wrong with anyone. Perhaps the reason why so many celebrities swear by it?
The best cruelty free dupe of Ruby Woo is Colourpop Ultra Matte Lip in Creeper. Affordable & cruelty free, give me one please! (I am on a lookout for a better dupe though!)
- MAC Pro Longwear Concealer
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer is another star product from MAC. The wide shade range, blendable formula and superb staying power are some USP. Covergirl TrueBlend Concealer is the best cruelty free dupe of this amazing concealer. Find the list of the best cruelty free concealer here.
- MAC Prep+Prime Fix+
Fix+ is MAC’s all in one prep+set product. This watery liquid is originally a fixing spray but it doubles up as primer water. You can even use it as a base for eye shadows and shimmers. NYX Dewy Setting Spray is a good dupe for this.
- MAC Eyeshadow
Rich pigment, color variety & lasting power makes MAC Eye Shadows superior. You can get dupes of the cult favorite shades from this range (Carbon, Amber lights, etc.) in Colourpop cruelty-free eyeshadow collection.
- MAC Soft & Gentle Mineralize Skinfinish
One of the favorite strobe highlighter for many. ELF Baked Blush is an awesome substitute that comes with the same healthy glow and flawless finish.
PS:Before you go, do share any MAC dupes you’re found of in the comments below!
Gluten Free Meaning In English
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If you have Celiac Disease, food allergies or just want to eliminate gluten from your life, you’ve got to check out these gluten free cosmetics brands! Cutting out gluten from your diet might have seemed like a no-brainer but there are some pretty good reasons to use gluten free cosmetics also. Some people report not getting 100% relief just by going gluten-free in their diet and it is possible to ingest gluten from some of the cosmetic products we use. Luckily there are cosmetics companies who make quality gluten free cosmetics and are aware of the risks of gluten.
1. Ecco Bella Products
The first gluten free cosmetics company I want to mention is Ecco Bella. This beauty brand creates quality, gluten-free makeup, skin care, hair care and fragrances. They also have a variety of vegan products as well as cruelty-free, non-comedogenic and paraben-free products.
2. Bare Minerals
If you’re a fan of mineral makeup, you’ve likely heard of Bare Minerals or Bare Escentuals makeup. While most of their products are gluten-free, they have a disclaimer on their website stating that they cannot promise that each ingredient in their products was processed in a gluten-free environment. Check out their website FAQ page for a list of products that are free of oat, rye, wheat and barley here: bareescentuals.com.
3. Afterglow Cosmetics
Kraft Gluten Free Mac
Afterglow is the first certified gluten-free makeup line by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization. You can find tons of gluten-free beauty products on their website and if you sign up for their newsletter, you can get 10% off your first order! Some favorites include organic blush, lip gloss and mascara!
4. Zuzu Luxe
Zuzu Luxe is another fab gluten-free makeup company who specializes in creating luxury cosmetics inspired by European spas. Their products are vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, corn-free and their ingredients are all natural. Take a look at some of their beauty products like dual powder foundation or mineral bronzer, which all come in eco-friendly packaging!
5. Joelle Cosmetics
Joelle Cosmetics, which is also known as My Mineral Glitters, considers themselves the celiac friendly alternative for natural beauty and the largest gluten-free makeup and skin care solutions store! Browse their online store for tons of options in makeup, skin care and hair care. They’re also creating more gluten-free products for the baby!
6. Intuitive Color
Intuitive Color’s goal is to create quality beauty products formulated with natural, cosmetic-grade ingredients that are safer than traditional, and mineral makeup that doesn’t feel heavy or cakey on your skin. They currently only make foundation that is applied in three steps with three different products to smooth, color and set.
7. Monave Mineral Makeup
Gluten Free Makeup At Ulta
Monave makes gluten-free, cruelty-free, 95% vegan and organic makeup that is made of only the highest quality mineral makeup. Choose from a variety of gluten-free lipsticks, concealers, eye shadows and skin care products. Monave prides themselves on creating superior cosmetics that suit women of all ages, complexions and lifestyles!
8. Red Apple Lipstick
Judging from the name Red Apple Lipstick, one would assume that this company only creates lipstick, right? They do make a great lipstick but they also make lip balm, lip liner, lip exfoliator, lipstick and eye shadows. This gluten-free makeup company has a 100% money back guarantee and will even discount their prices if you send in your old makeup!
Gluten Free Foods
Now that you’ve been introduced to some amazing gluten-free cosmetics companies, will you try them out? Some people might say that going gluten-free with your makeup isn’t necessary, but if you’re very sensitive to gluten, it can’t hurt and it could help improve the condition of your skin!
What’s your favorite gluten-free makeup brand or product?