MAC Cosmetics has become one of the most popular and influential makeup brands in the world. A big part of MAC’s success has been its collaborations with top influencers and celebrities who help promote the brand. Over the years, MAC has partnered with famous faces like Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande, and Patrick Starrr just to name a few. These influencer collaborations allow MAC to connect with new audiences and stay on top of makeup trends.
Top 10 MAC Cosmetics Influencers
Here are 10 of the biggest influencers that have worked with MAC Cosmetics:
| Influencer | Followers | MAC Collaborations |
|---|---|---|
| Patrick Starrr | 4.7 million Instagram | Patrick Starrr Collection (2018) |
| Manny MUA | 4.9 million Instagram | Manny MUA Collection (2017) |
| Gabriel Zamora | 2.5 million Instagram | Gabriel Zamora Collection (2018) |
| NikkieTutorials | 14.4 million Youtube | NikkieTutorials Collection (2016) |
| James Charles | 25.1 million Youtube | James Charles Palette (2018) |
| Ariana Grande | 279 million Instagram | Ariana Grande Viva Glam (2016) |
| Nicki Minaj | 163 million Instagram | Nicki Minaj Collection (2010) |
| Ruby Rose | 20.5 million Instagram | Ruby Rose Collection (2016) |
| Amrezy | 2.6 million Instagram | Amrezy Palette (2018) |
| Alissa Ashley | 3.5 million Youtube | Alissa Ashley Collection (2019) |
This table shows some of MAC’s biggest influencer collaborations and the massive followings these influencers have. Patrick Starrr, Manny MUA, and James Charles are some of the most prominent male beauty influencers that have worked with MAC. NikkieTutorials was one of the first major YouTube beauty gurus to collaborate. Music superstars like Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj have brought MAC to wider mainstream audiences.
Why Influencers Are Key for MAC
There are several reasons why influencer marketing is so important for MAC Cosmetics:
Influencers Share the Brand with Their Followers
MAC is able to tap into the expansive audiences of top influencers. A makeup collaboration with someone like James Charles provides enormous exposure to MAC products. The influencer does the marketing work, showing off MAC to their millions of engaged followers.
It Helps MAC Stay Relevant
The makeup world is fast-moving. Partnering with trendsetting influencers allows MAC to stay on the cutting edge. Influencers help MAC anticipate and set beauty trends rather than just react to them. It makes the brand seem fresh, youthful and forward-thinking.
Influencers Shape Consumer Decisions
Makeup lovers look to their favorite influencers for advice on what products to buy. When an influencer collaborates with MAC, it builds trust and sways purchase decisions. Fans want to buy the MAC products that their favorite influencer helped create.
The Value of Authenticity
Successful collaborations require choosing influencers who genuinely love MAC products. Their authentic enthusiasm comes through and is more believable to their audience. Patrick Starrr had been a devoted MAC user for years before working with them.
Examples of Successful MAC Influencer Collaborations
Patrick Starrr
In 2018, MAC collaborated with male beauty influencer Patrick Starrr on a makeup collection. Patrick had over 4 million Instagram followers at the time and a hugely popular YouTube channel. The collection included products like:
- Patrick’s Powder – A setting powder
- La Perfecta Powder – A creamy powder foundation
- Mamastarrr Powder – A bronzing powder
- Decoded – A nude lipstick
The collection drops sold out within hours. Patrick’s devoted fans were thrilled to buy makeup created by their favorite influencer. The collaboration cemented Patrick Starrr’s status as a top influencer and gave MAC a bestselling collection.
James Charles
19 year old James Charles partnered with MAC in 2018 to create an eye shadow palette. At the time, James had over 5 million YouTube subscribers captivated by his talent for bold eye makeup looks. The palette featured vibrant shadows in pinks, greens, blues and purples.
The James Charles x MAC palette was a huge hit. It achieved wide appeal among both James’ very young audience and older makeup buyers. The collaboration helped further boost James’ fame and exposed MAC to new Gen Z consumers.
The Impact on Brand Image
Beyond sales, influencer collaborations also enhance MAC’s brand image in these key ways:
Makes the Brand seem More Relevant
Staying ahead of trends is crucial for a makeup brand. Influencers make sure MAC maintains a modern, relevant brand image.
Connects with Younger Consumers
Teen influencers like James Charles help MAC resonate with Gen Z audiences. This builds long-term loyalty with younger generations.
Increased Brand Awareness
Partnering with top influencers expands MAC’s reach to new demographics. Manny MUA helped MAC connect with male audiences. Ruby Rose exposed MAC to her young LGBTQ following.
Positive Brand Associations
Influencers boost MAC’s brand image by infusing it with their own personal images. NikkieTutorials brought her signature warmth and glamour to her MAC collaboration.
Best Practices for Influencer Collaborations
MAC has developed effective strategies for collaborating with influencers. Brands looking to work with influencers should consider these best practices:
- Select influencers who authentically love your brand – it creates true enthusiasm.
- Give the influencer creative input to add their personal touch.
- Develop products suited to that influencer’s audience and strengths.
- Have influencers leverage their social channels to reveal and promote the collaboration.
- Align the influencer’s image with your brand values and aesthetics.
- Measure sales and engagement metrics around the collaboration.
Conclusion
Influencer marketing has become a vital component of MAC Cosmetics’ success. Partnering with the right influencers helps MAC stay at the forefront of the makeup industry. It provides huge exposure to new audiences and demographics. Collaborations also enhance MAC’s brand image and authority in the beauty world. As consumers increasingly look to influencers for advice, these kinds of collaborations will only grow in importance.
