Last week my adventures in Toronto led me and a group of fellow bloggers to the MAC production facility and Estée Lauder Companies Canadian Innovation Centre, where MAC and some of the other members of the ELC family create makeup magic. Both buildings are located right next to each other in the nearby city of Markham in Ontario, about an hour from Toronto.
The tour was only one of the reasons for my trip. I’ll share the others soon, but for now, help yourself to some steel-toe boot covers, safety glasses and a white lab coat — oh, and you’ll need to stow your jewelry in your purse — because where we’re heading, it’s safety first!
The inside of the production facility looks like a cross between a hospital and Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory (sans the Oompa-Loompas). The scent of vanilla fills the air, and you find yourself looking for MAC Lipsticks around every corner. As luck would have it, they are around every corner here. 🙂
Joining me on the tour: Aileen, Amber, Patrice, Lesley, Lianne, Christine, Wendy and Lily
With high ceilings, the huge rooms appear even bigger once you’re inside. Machines, some the size of trucks, crank out every conceivable kind of makeup, hissing from time to time like giant cats in a symphony of pumps and gears.
We stop by one machine as it brings a big batch of MAC Shy Girl Lipsticks to life. Steps away, other machines create Bobbi Brown Gel Liners and lipsticks for Origins, as the facility makes products for a number of Estée Lauder brands. Each gets its own TLC at the facility, and products are uniquely formulated for each brand.
At the Innovation Centre across the street from the production facility, a group of MAC chemists, including the gal who dreamt up MAC Acrylic Paints, discuss the science behind MAC’s Lipglasses and Eyeshadows. Apparently, it takes hydrogenated polyisobutene, pigments (some called flat; others called traveling) and carnauba wax, among other things, to make a Lipglass go.
They say that blenders make the world go ’round (isn’t that what they say?), and they certainly do here. In fact, they’re the same kind you make margaritas with, and they’re essential for properly mixing eyeshadow pigments.
Face o’ the day. And yes, that’s MAC Nymphette on my lips and Blushbaby on my cheeks.
And that brings us to the end of our little tour today. I hope you enjoyed yourself and learned something new. Please deposit your safety glasses in the receptacle on your way out, and have a wonderful day. 🙂 Gotta love science, right? Goooo science!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Since you’re here, it’s probably safe to assume that you like MAC Cosmetics as much as I do. 🙂 Have you seen my MAC Gallery? It’s a visual way to search for MAC reviews and looks on Makeup and Beauty Blog.
Ricquetta Francis says
April 19th, 2011 at 12:13 pmWow! That truly is like the WIlly Wonka factory for us makeup lovers 😀 You are one lucky lady!
Ricquetta Francis recently posted … Meek-n-Mild Giveaway –
Karen says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:11 pmIt did feel a little Willy Wonka, LOL! I would have been okay if a few Oompa-Loompas showed up!
Barb says
April 19th, 2011 at 12:13 pmI have to say that I am new to the Mac line and only have 2 lipsticks so far. I can easily see it turning into an addiction.
Did you get any type of feebies? That would be awesome 🙂
Oh, you look adorable too!
Karen says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:11 pmHi Barb,
What lipsticks do you have so far? 🙂
Barb says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:16 pmI have Brave and a Lip Lustre call Till Tomorrow (I think). I don’t have it on me today. I’m wearing my cheapie Revlon lipstick with a BE gloss over it today.
I saw your post on Syrup and that will be next on my list.
Karen says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:20 pmI looove the Lustres! They’re my favorite MAC Lipstick formula.
I think you’ll love Syrup. Also, consider adding Viva Glam V on your list. It’s another great one:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/mac-makeup/mac-viva-glam-v-an-unsung-makeup-hero/
Barb says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:35 pmOh, that’s pretty too! I forgot that I also have the Viva Glam Gaga Lipglass too.
Karen says
April 19th, 2011 at 2:26 pmOh, that’s one really pretty! I have to layer it with other things to make it work (it’s kinda pale for me), but I like it a lot.
I’ll turn you into a MAC addict in no time, girlfriend, LOL!
Katie says
April 20th, 2011 at 1:41 pmHaha be careful, I almost have 100 😐
I think they need to create a MAC Addict Anonymous.
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 2:00 pmYeah they do! LOL
chanelChanel says
December 5th, 2012 at 1:37 pmHello karen. My question is how do i start my own makeup line. What are the steps i need tp take to make it happen. Having my own line has been a dream of mine
Brooke says
April 19th, 2011 at 12:16 pmThat is SO cool you went there! Thank you for sharing!
Karen says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:10 pmYou’re welcome, Brooke. It’s kinda neat to see where stuff gets made, isn’t it?
Gina says
April 19th, 2011 at 12:21 pmWhat a fun post! I’m looking forward to hearing more about your trip 😀
Karen says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:10 pmGlad you liked this post, Gina! I’ll have more info in a bit…
Christy says
April 19th, 2011 at 12:27 pmawesome! I bet you and the other beauty bloggers had a BLAST! Can’t wait to hear more about the trip 😀
Christy recently posted … Chanel Mimosa- Morning Rose & Beige Petale from Sumer 2011 Collection- Swatches
Karen says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:09 pmHope you enjoyed the mini “tour,” Christy! 🙂
Bing says
April 19th, 2011 at 12:31 pmAwesome yellow clogs!!!
Karen says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:09 pmLOL, they do feel like clogs once you have ’em on. I was tempted to start tap dancing.
Tiffany says
April 19th, 2011 at 12:31 pmthis was so cool to see! I am so jealous of your life, lol.
your pics are amazing, as always 🙂
Karen says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:08 pmSpeaking of pics, have you had the chance to play with your camera lately? I bet you and the hubs are taking a ton of pics of the little one. 🙂
Tiffany says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:18 pmYou know it! I’m taking lots of pics! There’s another lens I really want but it’s so expensive 🙁
I’m also interested in learning more about editing (e.g., photoshop). Just need more hours in the day!
Karen says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:21 pmGIRL, welcome to my world. I am always in some sort of state of lens lust!
Have you ever heard of BorrowLenses.com? It might be a good way for you to explore different pieces of equipment. That way you can really figure out what you want before investing.
Tiffany says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:31 pmThat site is awesome but they don’t have the lens I’m interested in 🙁
Karen says
April 19th, 2011 at 2:25 pmThat’s a bummer. 🙁 Well, I’m sure the lens you have now is good. I totally understand the temptation to keep upgrading though!
Sarah says
April 19th, 2011 at 8:50 pmTiffany – you could try lensrentals.com. We used them to try a macro.
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:50 amI’ve never heard of them — thanks for the rec!
Leah says
April 19th, 2011 at 12:40 pmKaren,
This blog is in my favourite bar, I check it every single day (or maybe twice!)
And…I just love it.
Tabs is soo sweet and your articles (and the guests ones..especially Sam) always have to make me laugh so hard 🙂
Keep goin’, it always puts a little bit more sunshine in my little house in Switzerland!
xoxo
Karen says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:07 pmHi Leah,
So glad to hear you enjoy the site. Tabs is especially thrilled to know he has a fan (he’s sitting on my lap right now).
Sending you good vibes from California!
Jessica Allison says
April 19th, 2011 at 12:47 pmYou even look adorable in a labcoat & boot covers 😉 sounds very intersting, can’t wait to hear more about your trip!
Karen says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:07 pmThanks, Jessica. 🙂 I hope to have more info on it soon!
Have a great Tuesday!
Erin M. says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:05 pmWhy isn’t the tech wearing gloves? That really disturbes me. That’s completely unsanitary. That shadow wasn’t going to be sold, was it?
Karen says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:13 pmHi Erin,
It was a special demonstration just for the bloggers. Nope, the shadow wasn’t going to be sold.
sarahc says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:05 pmWhoa! That looks like it was so much fun. I want to go!
Karen says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:14 pmIt was pretty neat! 🙂
Crystal says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:09 pmThat was so cool, your pictures are excellent. I felt like I was there:)
Crystal recently posted … Urban Decay Apocalyptic Nail Kit
Karen says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:14 pmSo glad you enjoyed this, Crystal!
Vijaya says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:13 pmZOMG, that’s so cool Karen!
Vijaya recently posted … Bokeh Face Wants To Know- What Would YOUR Collection Be Called
Karen says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:15 pmHope you enjoyed the tour, Vijaya!
Appu says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:22 pmGreat Post! Was so much fun reading it, Karen 🙂 Thanks for the tour 😉
Appu recently posted … Stila Convertible Color in Lillium
Karen says
April 19th, 2011 at 2:24 pmYou’re welcome, Appu! 🙂
Jill says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:23 pmOh my gosh, look how cute you are!!! I used to do factory tours all the time with my former sales job, but never looked so cute 🙂
It’s so neat to get a behind-the-scenes glance at their facilities…. what a dream!
Jill recently posted … Support for a fellow MilSpouse
Karen says
April 19th, 2011 at 2:23 pmAw, thanks Jill. I certainly didn’t feel cute in those boot covers, LOL! 🙂
Tass says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:24 pmGreat post Karen! I love seeing how things are made x
Karen says
April 19th, 2011 at 2:22 pmGlad you liked it, Tass!
Rae says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:29 pm!!! That sounds so, so cool, Karen! And of course, you looked absolutely adorable ^^
Thanks for sharing the adventure with us! I can’t wait to hear what else you were up to during your trip 😉
Karen says
April 19th, 2011 at 2:21 pmI’ll have more info up very soon! Sorry to be all secret squirrel, but it’ll come, I promise!
Jessi says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:32 pmThis is so neat! One of my favorite shows is “How It’s Made” because I love seeing behind the scenes things and production lines. Thats nice that they let you take pics too!
Jessi recently posted … I Heart This Blush- Stila Make Me Blush Cheek Color and swatches
Karen says
April 19th, 2011 at 2:20 pmYeah, me too! 🙂 I love those kinds of shows.
Jay says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:44 pmWow! Is that what makeup heaven look like?! Did they let you mix your own eyeshadow color?
Karen says
April 19th, 2011 at 2:19 pmHi Jay,
Nah, I just got watch! It was still neat, though.
Trina J Makeup says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:47 pmHow cool is this?! You are living the DREAM!! This is so awesome thanks for sharing your experience!!
Trina J Makeup recently posted … NARS SUMMER COLLECTION 2011
Karen says
April 19th, 2011 at 2:17 pmGlad you liked this post, Trina!
saby says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:48 pmwow karen your body is tight ! nice work baby 🙂 i just went to a makeup factory in poland, willy wonka moment 🙂 good luch !
Karen says
April 19th, 2011 at 2:16 pmHi Saby,
LOL, that’s the Spanx working its magic.
shelby says
April 19th, 2011 at 1:55 pmso jealous right now
Karen says
April 19th, 2011 at 2:15 pmHey Shelby,
I hope you enjoyed the tour. 🙂 Have a good rest of your Tuesday!
Nina says
April 19th, 2011 at 2:04 pmKaren!!!! you are so gorgeous! and you would make a cute lab tech!
this is such a fun post! <3
Karen says
April 19th, 2011 at 2:14 pmAww, thanks Nina. LOL… the last time I kicked it in a lab was 1996 (?). Chemistry class was a loooong time ago. They have much cooler safety glasses than we did back in the day.
Nina says
April 19th, 2011 at 6:09 pmiono about you but Chem class kicked my tootsie!
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:52 amUgh, I barely made it through Chem by the skin of my teeth. I did sorta enjoy o-chem in a weird way.
jana says
April 19th, 2011 at 2:16 pmvery cool! and you make a lab coat look sexy!
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 2:15 pmGlad you liked this post, Jana. 🙂
dani@callitbeauty says
April 19th, 2011 at 2:17 pmLOVE <3!
i bet this would be a dream come true for many of us beauty bloggers!
p.s.
your makeup looks lovely 🙂
dani@callitbeauty recently posted … Collection Spotlight- Giambattista Valli – Spring 2011
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 2:14 pmThanks, Dani. 🙂
Michelle says
April 19th, 2011 at 2:21 pmHow fun to learn the science behind the beauty! You look great in all the pics 🙂
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:58 amThanks, Michelle! 🙂
Kayvid says
April 19th, 2011 at 2:30 pmMy guess is there is some sort of Blogger Collection that MAC is planning on with items specific to each blogger…but I guess I will find out soon enough 🙂
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:57 amI can’t say yet why I was there, but you’ll get the deets soon!
Phyrra says
April 19th, 2011 at 2:31 pmHow neat! Thank you for sharing pictures of your trip!
Phyrra recently posted … MAD Minerals Review
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:56 amSure, Phyrra!
Rebecca says
April 19th, 2011 at 2:47 pmi am packing this weekend for my move from Michigan to Hawaii
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:56 amGood luck! What island are you moving to?
mkdallas says
April 19th, 2011 at 2:58 pmSo interesting! Thanks for sharing your tour, Karen.
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:56 amYou’re welcome, MKdallas.
Christina says
April 19th, 2011 at 2:58 pmWooooooow!! That’s so amazing!! <3 I'm taking an undergrad lab class right now but it would be so much more awesome if we were making MAC makeup! X3
For the record, you and your blog totally turned me into a MAC addict 😛
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:56 amSo true! I think chemistry would’ve been infinitely more interesting if we made eyeshadows. I just remember doing a LOT of titrations… booooring!
Kajal Couture says
April 19th, 2011 at 3:08 pmI love your dress! Where is it from? As for the lab coat, that takes me back to my biotech lab days….those labs would have been way more fun if we were making lipstick instead of bacteria.
Kajal Couture recently posted … Makeup Tip Monday- A Natural Way to Bronze
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:55 amHere ya go!
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/beauty-tips/tuesday-beauty-tips-step-up-your-style-game-with-a-nordstrom-personal-stylist/
Vera says
April 19th, 2011 at 3:13 pmI wish there was more. That just combined my love for science with my love for makeup. lol Would you happen to know if they would allow non-bloggers to tour the facility?
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:55 amHi Vera,
Hmm, I don’t know, but I doubt it. This was a tour set up for the bloggers by the company, and from what I heard it didn’t sound like it was something they do everyday.
Gotham Polish says
April 19th, 2011 at 3:29 pmOh my goodness this is the kind of tour we all dream of taking… thank you for sharing!!!
Gotham Polish recently posted … Rickys NYC has a Wall of Nail Polish
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:54 am🙂 You’re welcome!
alyssa says
April 19th, 2011 at 3:35 pmi would love to go on a tour there. haa
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:54 amIt was pretty neat! Glad you were able to make this “tour,” LOL!
marisol says
April 19th, 2011 at 3:38 pmThat is so freaking cool Karen! I can’t wait to hear more about your adventure.
Did ya get the keep those steel-toe boot covers? That would be hawt. 🙂
marisol recently posted … Today is a new day
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:53 amLOL, I wish! I also wish they made those for kitties. Tabs would so rock those hard!
Adria says
April 19th, 2011 at 3:44 pmKaren, you look FIERCE in that purple top! WERK!!!
Awesome lab tour…..
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:53 amLOL, thanks Adria! The funny thing is I would’ve NEVER picked that out for myself. Thank goodness for the Nordstrom Personal Stylists!
Heidi says
April 19th, 2011 at 3:45 pmWhat a fun experience that must have been. Thanks for sharing!
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 9:02 amHi Heidi!
How was your trip to Vintage Oaks with your friend? Did you end up getting anything good at Sephora?
Mandy says
April 19th, 2011 at 3:58 pmHey, Karen! I don’t normally comment on blogs but thank you so much for this post. I’m starting University this year to read Chemistry, and working in the Cosmetics Industry is my dream! Seeing pictures like these make me happy 🙂
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 9:01 amHi Mandy,
Thanks for popping in to say hi. That’s so great that you’re studying to do this type of thing! 🙂
LOLBeauty says
April 19th, 2011 at 4:09 pmOmg! Thanks so much for posting this! This is what I am going to school for ! Formulation chemistry !
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 9:01 amThat’s so cool! I wish I knew about that job back in the day.
Tracy says
April 19th, 2011 at 4:09 pmPretty Cool! You look great in that lab coat!
Tracy recently posted … LashControl Mascara Is Genius In a Tube!
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 9:00 amThanks, Tracy! 🙂
Chris25 says
April 19th, 2011 at 4:35 pmWow, that is so cool! It is fun to see how makeup is made.
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 9:00 amIt is! 🙂
tzu says
April 19th, 2011 at 5:16 pmLove the color blocking outfit!
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:59 amThanks, Tzu!
Julie says
April 19th, 2011 at 5:37 pmLOVE this post!!!
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:52 amGlad you liked it, Julie!
Jen says
April 19th, 2011 at 6:31 pmI work as a scientist in real life, so seeing science + makeup in the same photos is pretty awesome! Thanks for sharing. Very cool stuff.
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:51 amThat’s so cool, Jen! What kind of work do you do?
Kathleen says
April 19th, 2011 at 8:00 pmYou totally won the “Gold Ticket” to the MAC factory. So awesome. Wow! I am so glad that they let you take pictures. I love to see the behind-the-scenes operation of how anything I really love is made. Did they send you off with any sort of samples?
Kathleen recently posted … Sanrios Hello Japan- support our friends
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:51 amNah… I got to see the process, but they have to quality control stuff so nope, none that day.
singrsling says
April 19th, 2011 at 8:50 pmThanks for sharing this insider look at how MAC makes makeup!
Very interesting and informative, Karen. And kiss Tabs for me!
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:50 amWill do, Singrsling. I’ll give him a big squeeze for ya, too. 🙂
Elle says
April 19th, 2011 at 9:11 pmThe lab worker in me is dying for a job there…thanks for sharing K!!
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:49 amIt was the COOLEST lab I’ve ever been too, seriously!
Kristine says
April 19th, 2011 at 10:10 pmI just love your purple dress! 😀
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:49 amThanks, Kristine! I got that at Nordstrom. If you want the designer name just let me know…
Mary says
April 20th, 2011 at 1:02 amZOMG you’re so close!!!
Have funsies 😀
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:49 amHi Mary,
I was there last week — back in California now!
Kim says
April 20th, 2011 at 6:08 amThat is so cool! It’s like being in one of those episodes of How It’s Made. 🙂 I love the purple dress; that Nordstrom guy was right on the money. Btw, you look super cute in the “Visitor” lab coat and accoutrements. You would have made a very stylish doctor. Oh, I hope your parents don’t see the pic! hee hee!
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:48 amLOL! You’re right… my mom might get all misty eyed!
I am SO asking that Nordstrom guy for help next time I need a dress. Homeboy saved me from myself!
Leah says
April 20th, 2011 at 7:24 amThanks for sharing! I love a good field trip!
Leah recently posted … Battle with the Sun
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:47 amMe too! 🙂
Iren says
April 20th, 2011 at 7:40 amEek! They mix the pigments WITHOUT gloves?!
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 8:04 amThat was just a special demonstration for the bloggers. The eyeshadow wasn’t for production — just to show how it’s made.
lulu says
April 20th, 2011 at 9:38 ami was wondering if you had any sugestions for MAC lipsticks for me. im only 13 so something school appropriate would be good. I look like an average chinese girl ahaha (but american) and my skin is lmedium light olive. By the way..loved this post1
Lulu
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 2:12 pmHi Lulu,
Check out MAC Viva Glam V. It looks great on everyone! Here’s a review with swatches:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/mac-makeup/mac-viva-glam-v-an-unsung-makeup-hero/
Liz G. says
April 20th, 2011 at 10:30 amTotally cool!
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 2:09 pm🙂
Sarah says
April 20th, 2011 at 11:41 amI’m so jealous! How great you were able to check out the behind the scenes for MAC.
Your outfit is SO cute too! You look great
Sarah recently posted … MAC Pro Longwear Concealer – Where Have You Been All My Life
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 2:08 pmAww, thanks Sarah. I wish I could say I whipped up the outfit myself… I had a little help, LOL!
Kerri says
April 20th, 2011 at 11:47 amWhat an amazing opportunity! Thank you for sharing the adventure with us!
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 2:07 pmThanks for reading and coming along on the “tour,” Kerri! 🙂 Have a great Wednesday.
lexi says
April 20th, 2011 at 11:58 amThat’s so awesome!
This is much more fun and exciting than the fruit/vegetable and pet food plant tours I do!
lexi recently posted … The Day That I Gained a Major Holiday Date For Life!
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 2:07 pmLOL, I would kinda be excited to take a fruit tour. I like fruit!
lexi says
April 21st, 2011 at 9:00 amfruit plant tours are fun and smell much nicer than the pet food facilities I’d have to visit!
lexi recently posted … The Day That I Gained a Major Holiday Date For Life!
Karen says
April 21st, 2011 at 10:32 amEww, I can imagine the pet food tours being pretty darn stinky!
maxi says
April 20th, 2011 at 11:58 ami never liked labcoats as i wear it on duty in hospital but these pictures and mac and labcoat ..wow its like giving value to labcoat 😀
and MAC ohhh i love it and i m glad u got chance to visit ,u truly deserve it 🙂
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 2:06 pmThanks, Maxi. There were a bunch of us bloggers invited. May I ask what you do at the hospital?
Vonvon says
April 20th, 2011 at 1:25 pmThis is amazing! Lucky you, Karen! 🙂
Vonvon recently posted … MAVALA The Little Pink Box
Karen says
April 20th, 2011 at 2:03 pmGlad you enjoyed the tour, Vonvon!
Helena says
April 20th, 2011 at 3:25 pmUm, can I PLEASE work there?
Karen says
April 21st, 2011 at 8:38 amLOL, I was thinking the same thing the entire time I was there.
marcy says
April 20th, 2011 at 6:19 pmthat’s pretty fascinating! it’s so cool to see the science that goes on behind a cosmetics line. thanks for sharing!
Karen says
April 21st, 2011 at 8:38 amYou’re welcome, Marcy!
Instant Karma (formerly L) says
April 20th, 2011 at 9:07 pmOMG, SO JEALOUS. On top of the whole “makeup overload” thing, there’s science everywhere! In college, I minored in chemistry (majored in physics and politics but not particularly related to this, lol). I love cosmetic chemistry; hell, the whole reason I even started reading beauty blogs years ago was because I started to read the Beauty Brains. Ahhh, touring that facility sounds so fun!
Sorry, I had to nerd out there for a second :D. It looks like you had a lot of fun! Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Karen.
Karen says
April 21st, 2011 at 8:39 amNerding out is totally encouraged!! So glad you enjoyed this. 🙂
Rhapsode says
April 21st, 2011 at 11:03 amLove your outfit, that dress is fabulous and I’m just happy to see that someone else does bold colored tights with bold colored dresses! 🙂 One of my favorite ways to pep up the day.
I would’ve been very worried if there were Oompa Loompa’s at the facility. They give me nightmares, and I would never be able to wear MAC or Estee Lauder or anything again. Although it would’ve certainly been…. interesting.
Anyways, so glad to know what your top secret mission was about! I was dying of suspense there. 🙂 That is one happy mission.
Diane K. says
April 24th, 2011 at 3:52 pmHi Karen, I’d like to thank you for making me a complete MAC addict. I have over 200 lipsticks and over $100 Limited Edition palettes not to mention all the other things they sell. I was just wondering, can anyone take a tour of the MAC factory? Thanks. Love your Blog. Diane
Theresa says
April 25th, 2011 at 11:40 amOMG this was so interesting! I just love that you are such a big makeup fanatic! Besides going to Med School, while in college I was thinking of being a makeup chemist for MAC (I just never outwardly told anyone that, hahaha)! How cool would that be? Thank you so much for sharing your visit with us! You ROCK!
Theresa recently posted … Review- ELF Cosmetics
lorraine says
May 3rd, 2011 at 7:52 pmoh my gosh, i’ve been off the internet for a couple of weeks, coz been too sick with strep throat to get out of my bed…but i can’t believe you were here in markham, where i live! funny enough, i didn’t know estee lauder had labs here…..just know that i live very close to the estee lauder warehouse sales they have quarterly, all held in markham!!
too bad, could have met up and treated you to some bubble tea and condensed milk toast -yum!
Maryam Nakhostin says
January 18th, 2016 at 1:47 amHi my name is maryam and im currently a life sci student at university of Toronto and its my dream to work for a cosmetic company especially mac. I was wondering if I could speak with you about the ways one can apply and join the research and lab team within cosmetics companies. Thank you.
Sarah Jenkins says
February 4th, 2018 at 1:04 pmHi Karen,
Do you have any advice for how to get a tour of MAC Cosmetics? How do we contact HQ there? I’m hoping to take my teen daughter on a trip to Canada from the Sacramento, California area this Spring and she would LOVE to take the tour as she is a make up fanatic.
Many thanks,
Sarah