MAC Cosmetics is known for its chic packaging that has stayed true to its brand DNA for decades with its signature look for its packaging. But don't mistake consistency for dull—the brand often collaborates with celebrities and fashion designers to launch limited edition designs.

MAC's latest collab with fashion designer Richard Quinn is shown above. Palettes, compacts, lipstick and mascara are all adorned with Quinn's signature floral polka-dot prints. (Photo via @maccosmetics on Instagram).    

An interview with MAC's Drew Elliot

We spoke to Drew Elliot, who joined MAC's team as senior vice president and global creative director in 2019. (Shown above, photo via @drewpsie on Instagram).

Elliot tells Beauty Packaging: “In approaching packaging at MAC, there is a huge responsibility, both historical and around modernization."

Elliot continues, "First, there is a tribute to the brand heritage. MAC Black is iconic and the packaging was historically made for ease of use for professional artists."

So how does Elliot make design changes while staying true to MAC's iconic look?

"Our approach to packaging is to keep the elements you love from MAC, the color codes and the ease of use, while bringing modernity," he says. “We want the packaging to be as eye-catching as the color payoff," he adds. 

Elliot explains the design process. "When we start designing a package, a powder design, or the shape of a lipstick bullet, there are two things that we balance," he says. "First, it must perform, but also it needs to look amazing."

"We want people to share these with friends and their social media audience," he adds. "In all of the projects we take on, we want you to fall in love with the product from the outside, in."

Elliot talks about sustainable design

Last, Elliot discusses sustainability. “Our commitment to sustainability is not a trend, we have the longest-running in-store recycling program in the industry, Back-To-MAC."

MAC recently expanded its Back-to-MAC recycling program to include additional countries. 

"What people don’t know is that we are also pioneering many technologies to continue our legacy in sustainability. Our products use recycled materials, sustainable cartons, new forms of mylar, and chemically recycled clear components," he says.

Elliot stresses the importance of sustainable design, saying, "Sustainability is at the start of every design process.”

Read about MAC's last holiday collection in the feature story, Color Cosmetics Packaging Shines.