By popular demand, we sat down with legendary co-founder Frank Toskan, to hear every detail about how the mother of all beauty companies,  M.A.C Cosmetics, came to be. With its unforgettable, original tagline: "All Ages, All Races, All Sexes," M.A.C was waaay ahead of its time, tapping into a culture completely foreign to the stalwart beauty brands lining store shelves when it launched in 1984.  Jill and Carlene recall the M.A.C beauty products that helped form their youths (hands up if you wore Twig Lipstick!). Plus, we remind you of the brand's ultimate best-sellers like Ruby Woo Lipstick (2,900 of their made-in-Canada lipsticks are sold everyday around the world) and their epic foundations, which offered nearly 40 shades decades before Fenty Beauty came along. 

 

Then, Frank takes us way back, on coming to North America as a young immigrant, with little more than a children's suitcase and a few small trinkets inside. Beauty history buffs will want to hear the story of Frank Toskan and Frank Angelo ("Frank & Frank" as the two founders would become known) partners in life and business until Frank Angelo's passing in the 1990's. And finally, the origin story on how Frank Toskan came to compose early M.A.C prototypes using nothing more than craft store supplies in his Toronto kitchen. 

 

Plus, we got alllll the juicy celebrity moments that helped catapult M.A.C to household name status (a young Lady Gaga, Madonna and Linda Evangelista were all involved). Don't miss the rebellious acts that had department stores up in arms, like giving out condoms at beauty counters (mon dieu!) We also go deep on VIVA Glam, the unparalleled giving-back program that's earned a whopping $480M for M.A.C's AIDS Fund, including a sneak peek on an academic book on the topic (launching just in time for VIVA Glam's 25th anniversary next year). So, what's Frank Toskan up to now? We've got the scoop on his next indie startup, called Impact Kitchen, that tastes as good as it is for you. 

*Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, all products reviewed are gratis media samples submitted for editorial consideration.*

 

Hosts: Carlene Higgins and Jill Dunn

Theme song, used with permission: Cherry Bomb by Saya


For any products mentioned in this episode, check out our blog: www.breakingbeautypodcast.com/blog

 

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