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Go Behind the Scenes at the MAC Cosmetics Production Facility and Estée Lauder Companies Canadian Innovation Centre

April 19th, 2011 by Karen 149 Comments

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.

Go Behind the Scenes at the MAC Cosmetics Production Facility and Estée Lauder Companies Canadian Innovation Centre / Originally published April 19th, 2011

There are 149 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: MAC Makeup Keywords: mac, travel

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ricquetta Francis says

    April 19th, 2011 at 12:13 pm

    Wow! 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 –

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 19th, 2011 at 1:11 pm

      It did feel a little Willy Wonka, LOL! I would have been okay if a few Oompa-Loompas showed up!

      Reply
  2. Barb says

    April 19th, 2011 at 12:13 pm

    I 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!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 19th, 2011 at 1:11 pm

      Hi Barb,

      What lipsticks do you have so far? 🙂

      Reply
      • Barb says

        April 19th, 2011 at 1:16 pm

        I 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.

        Reply
        • Karen says

          April 19th, 2011 at 1:20 pm

          I 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/

          Reply
          • Barb says

            April 19th, 2011 at 1:35 pm

            Oh, that’s pretty too! I forgot that I also have the Viva Glam Gaga Lipglass too.

          • Karen says

            April 19th, 2011 at 2:26 pm

            Oh, 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 pm

      Haha be careful, I almost have 100 😐

      I think they need to create a MAC Addict Anonymous.

      Reply
      • Karen says

        April 20th, 2011 at 2:00 pm

        Yeah they do! LOL

        Reply
        • chanelChanel says

          December 5th, 2012 at 1:37 pm

          Hello 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

          Reply
  3. Brooke says

    April 19th, 2011 at 12:16 pm

    That is SO cool you went there! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 19th, 2011 at 1:10 pm

      You’re welcome, Brooke. It’s kinda neat to see where stuff gets made, isn’t it?

      Reply
  4. Gina says

    April 19th, 2011 at 12:21 pm

    What a fun post! I’m looking forward to hearing more about your trip 😀

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 19th, 2011 at 1:10 pm

      Glad you liked this post, Gina! I’ll have more info in a bit…

      Reply
  5. Christy says

    April 19th, 2011 at 12:27 pm

    awesome! 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 &amp Beige Petale from Sumer 2011 Collection- Swatches

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 19th, 2011 at 1:09 pm

      Hope you enjoyed the mini “tour,” Christy! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Bing says

    April 19th, 2011 at 12:31 pm

    Awesome yellow clogs!!!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 19th, 2011 at 1:09 pm

      LOL, they do feel like clogs once you have ’em on. I was tempted to start tap dancing.

      Reply
  7. Tiffany says

    April 19th, 2011 at 12:31 pm

    this was so cool to see! I am so jealous of your life, lol.

    your pics are amazing, as always 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 19th, 2011 at 1:08 pm

      Speaking 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. 🙂

      Reply
      • Tiffany says

        April 19th, 2011 at 1:18 pm

        You 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!

        Reply
        • Karen says

          April 19th, 2011 at 1:21 pm

          GIRL, 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.

          Reply
          • Tiffany says

            April 19th, 2011 at 1:31 pm

            That site is awesome but they don’t have the lens I’m interested in 🙁

          • Karen says

            April 19th, 2011 at 2:25 pm

            That’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 pm

          Tiffany – you could try lensrentals.com. We used them to try a macro.

          Reply
          • Karen says

            April 20th, 2011 at 8:50 am

            I’ve never heard of them — thanks for the rec!

  8. Leah says

    April 19th, 2011 at 12:40 pm

    Karen,

    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

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 19th, 2011 at 1:07 pm

      Hi 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!

      Reply
  9. Jessica Allison says

    April 19th, 2011 at 12:47 pm

    You even look adorable in a labcoat & boot covers 😉 sounds very intersting, can’t wait to hear more about your trip!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 19th, 2011 at 1:07 pm

      Thanks, Jessica. 🙂 I hope to have more info on it soon!

      Have a great Tuesday!

      Reply
  10. Erin M. says

    April 19th, 2011 at 1:05 pm

    Why isn’t the tech wearing gloves? That really disturbes me. That’s completely unsanitary. That shadow wasn’t going to be sold, was it?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 19th, 2011 at 1:13 pm

      Hi Erin,

      It was a special demonstration just for the bloggers. Nope, the shadow wasn’t going to be sold.

      Reply
  11. sarahc says

    April 19th, 2011 at 1:05 pm

    Whoa! That looks like it was so much fun. I want to go!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 19th, 2011 at 1:14 pm

      It was pretty neat! 🙂

      Reply
  12. Crystal says

    April 19th, 2011 at 1:09 pm

    That was so cool, your pictures are excellent. I felt like I was there:)
    Crystal recently posted … Urban Decay Apocalyptic Nail Kit

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 19th, 2011 at 1:14 pm

      So glad you enjoyed this, Crystal!

      Reply
  13. Vijaya says

    April 19th, 2011 at 1:13 pm

    ZOMG, that’s so cool Karen!
    Vijaya recently posted … Bokeh Face Wants To Know- What Would YOUR Collection Be Called

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 19th, 2011 at 1:15 pm

      Hope you enjoyed the tour, Vijaya!

      Reply
  14. Appu says

    April 19th, 2011 at 1:22 pm

    Great Post! Was so much fun reading it, Karen 🙂 Thanks for the tour 😉
    Appu recently posted … Stila Convertible Color in Lillium

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 19th, 2011 at 2:24 pm

      You’re welcome, Appu! 🙂

      Reply
  15. Jill says

    April 19th, 2011 at 1:23 pm

    Oh 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

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 19th, 2011 at 2:23 pm

      Aw, thanks Jill. I certainly didn’t feel cute in those boot covers, LOL! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Tass says

    April 19th, 2011 at 1:24 pm

    Great post Karen! I love seeing how things are made x

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 19th, 2011 at 2:22 pm

      Glad you liked it, Tass!

      Reply
  17. 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 😉

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 19th, 2011 at 2:21 pm

      I’ll have more info up very soon! Sorry to be all secret squirrel, but it’ll come, I promise!

      Reply
  18. Jessi says

    April 19th, 2011 at 1:32 pm

    This 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

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 19th, 2011 at 2:20 pm

      Yeah, me too! 🙂 I love those kinds of shows.

      Reply
  19. Jay says

    April 19th, 2011 at 1:44 pm

    Wow! Is that what makeup heaven look like?! Did they let you mix your own eyeshadow color?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 19th, 2011 at 2:19 pm

      Hi Jay,

      Nah, I just got watch! It was still neat, though.

      Reply
  20. Trina J Makeup says

    April 19th, 2011 at 1:47 pm

    How 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

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 19th, 2011 at 2:17 pm

      Glad you liked this post, Trina!

      Reply
  21. saby says

    April 19th, 2011 at 1:48 pm

    wow karen your body is tight ! nice work baby 🙂 i just went to a makeup factory in poland, willy wonka moment 🙂 good luch !

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 19th, 2011 at 2:16 pm

      Hi Saby,

      LOL, that’s the Spanx working its magic.

      Reply
  22. shelby says

    April 19th, 2011 at 1:55 pm

    so jealous right now

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 19th, 2011 at 2:15 pm

      Hey Shelby,

      I hope you enjoyed the tour. 🙂 Have a good rest of your Tuesday!

      Reply
  23. Nina says

    April 19th, 2011 at 2:04 pm

    Karen!!!! you are so gorgeous! and you would make a cute lab tech!

    this is such a fun post! <3

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 19th, 2011 at 2:14 pm

      Aww, 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.

      Reply
      • Nina says

        April 19th, 2011 at 6:09 pm

        iono about you but Chem class kicked my tootsie!

        Reply
        • Karen says

          April 20th, 2011 at 8:52 am

          Ugh, I barely made it through Chem by the skin of my teeth. I did sorta enjoy o-chem in a weird way.

          Reply
  24. jana says

    April 19th, 2011 at 2:16 pm

    very cool! and you make a lab coat look sexy!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 2:15 pm

      Glad you liked this post, Jana. 🙂

      Reply
  25. dani@callitbeauty says

    April 19th, 2011 at 2:17 pm

    LOVE <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

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 2:14 pm

      Thanks, Dani. 🙂

      Reply
  26. Michelle says

    April 19th, 2011 at 2:21 pm

    How fun to learn the science behind the beauty! You look great in all the pics 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:58 am

      Thanks, Michelle! 🙂

      Reply
  27. Kayvid says

    April 19th, 2011 at 2:30 pm

    My 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 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:57 am

      I can’t say yet why I was there, but you’ll get the deets soon!

      Reply
  28. Phyrra says

    April 19th, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    How neat! Thank you for sharing pictures of your trip!
    Phyrra recently posted … MAD Minerals Review

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:56 am

      Sure, Phyrra!

      Reply
  29. Rebecca says

    April 19th, 2011 at 2:47 pm

    i am packing this weekend for my move from Michigan to Hawaii

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:56 am

      Good luck! What island are you moving to?

      Reply
  30. mkdallas says

    April 19th, 2011 at 2:58 pm

    So interesting! Thanks for sharing your tour, Karen.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:56 am

      You’re welcome, MKdallas.

      Reply
  31. Christina says

    April 19th, 2011 at 2:58 pm

    Wooooooow!! 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 😛

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:56 am

      So true! I think chemistry would’ve been infinitely more interesting if we made eyeshadows. I just remember doing a LOT of titrations… booooring!

      Reply
  32. Kajal Couture says

    April 19th, 2011 at 3:08 pm

    I 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

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:55 am

      Here ya go!

      https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/beauty-tips/tuesday-beauty-tips-step-up-your-style-game-with-a-nordstrom-personal-stylist/

      Reply
  33. Vera says

    April 19th, 2011 at 3:13 pm

    I 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?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:55 am

      Hi 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.

      Reply
  34. Gotham Polish says

    April 19th, 2011 at 3:29 pm

    Oh 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

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:54 am

      🙂 You’re welcome!

      Reply
  35. alyssa says

    April 19th, 2011 at 3:35 pm

    i would love to go on a tour there. haa

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:54 am

      It was pretty neat! Glad you were able to make this “tour,” LOL!

      Reply
  36. marisol says

    April 19th, 2011 at 3:38 pm

    That 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

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:53 am

      LOL, I wish! I also wish they made those for kitties. Tabs would so rock those hard!

      Reply
  37. Adria says

    April 19th, 2011 at 3:44 pm

    Karen, you look FIERCE in that purple top! WERK!!!

    Awesome lab tour…..

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:53 am

      LOL, thanks Adria! The funny thing is I would’ve NEVER picked that out for myself. Thank goodness for the Nordstrom Personal Stylists!

      Reply
  38. Heidi says

    April 19th, 2011 at 3:45 pm

    What a fun experience that must have been. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 9:02 am

      Hi Heidi!

      How was your trip to Vintage Oaks with your friend? Did you end up getting anything good at Sephora?

      Reply
  39. Mandy says

    April 19th, 2011 at 3:58 pm

    Hey, 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 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 9:01 am

      Hi Mandy,

      Thanks for popping in to say hi. That’s so great that you’re studying to do this type of thing! 🙂

      Reply
  40. LOLBeauty says

    April 19th, 2011 at 4:09 pm

    Omg! Thanks so much for posting this! This is what I am going to school for ! Formulation chemistry !

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 9:01 am

      That’s so cool! I wish I knew about that job back in the day.

      Reply
  41. Tracy says

    April 19th, 2011 at 4:09 pm

    Pretty Cool! You look great in that lab coat!
    Tracy recently posted … LashControl Mascara Is Genius In a Tube!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 9:00 am

      Thanks, Tracy! 🙂

      Reply
  42. Chris25 says

    April 19th, 2011 at 4:35 pm

    Wow, that is so cool! It is fun to see how makeup is made.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 9:00 am

      It is! 🙂

      Reply
  43. tzu says

    April 19th, 2011 at 5:16 pm

    Love the color blocking outfit!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:59 am

      Thanks, Tzu!

      Reply
  44. Julie says

    April 19th, 2011 at 5:37 pm

    LOVE this post!!!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:52 am

      Glad you liked it, Julie!

      Reply
  45. Jen says

    April 19th, 2011 at 6:31 pm

    I work as a scientist in real life, so seeing science + makeup in the same photos is pretty awesome! Thanks for sharing. Very cool stuff.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:51 am

      That’s so cool, Jen! What kind of work do you do?

      Reply
  46. Kathleen says

    April 19th, 2011 at 8:00 pm

    You 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

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:51 am

      Nah… I got to see the process, but they have to quality control stuff so nope, none that day.

      Reply
  47. singrsling says

    April 19th, 2011 at 8:50 pm

    Thanks for sharing this insider look at how MAC makes makeup!

    Very interesting and informative, Karen. And kiss Tabs for me!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:50 am

      Will do, Singrsling. I’ll give him a big squeeze for ya, too. 🙂

      Reply
  48. Elle says

    April 19th, 2011 at 9:11 pm

    The lab worker in me is dying for a job there…thanks for sharing K!!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:49 am

      It was the COOLEST lab I’ve ever been too, seriously!

      Reply
  49. Kristine says

    April 19th, 2011 at 10:10 pm

    I just love your purple dress! 😀

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:49 am

      Thanks, Kristine! I got that at Nordstrom. If you want the designer name just let me know…

      Reply
  50. Mary says

    April 20th, 2011 at 1:02 am

    ZOMG you’re so close!!!

    Have funsies 😀

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:49 am

      Hi Mary,

      I was there last week — back in California now!

      Reply
  51. Kim says

    April 20th, 2011 at 6:08 am

    That 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!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:48 am

      LOL! 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!

      Reply
  52. Leah says

    April 20th, 2011 at 7:24 am

    Thanks for sharing! I love a good field trip!
    Leah recently posted … Battle with the Sun

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:47 am

      Me too! 🙂

      Reply
  53. Iren says

    April 20th, 2011 at 7:40 am

    Eek! They mix the pigments WITHOUT gloves?!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 8:04 am

      That was just a special demonstration for the bloggers. The eyeshadow wasn’t for production — just to show how it’s made.

      Reply
  54. lulu says

    April 20th, 2011 at 9:38 am

    i 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

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 2:12 pm

      Hi 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/

      Reply
  55. Liz G. says

    April 20th, 2011 at 10:30 am

    Totally cool!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 2:09 pm

      🙂

      Reply
  56. Sarah says

    April 20th, 2011 at 11:41 am

    I’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

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 2:08 pm

      Aww, thanks Sarah. I wish I could say I whipped up the outfit myself… I had a little help, LOL!

      Reply
  57. Kerri says

    April 20th, 2011 at 11:47 am

    What an amazing opportunity! Thank you for sharing the adventure with us!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 2:07 pm

      Thanks for reading and coming along on the “tour,” Kerri! 🙂 Have a great Wednesday.

      Reply
  58. lexi says

    April 20th, 2011 at 11:58 am

    That’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!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 2:07 pm

      LOL, I would kinda be excited to take a fruit tour. I like fruit!

      Reply
      • lexi says

        April 21st, 2011 at 9:00 am

        fruit 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!

        Reply
        • Karen says

          April 21st, 2011 at 10:32 am

          Eww, I can imagine the pet food tours being pretty darn stinky!

          Reply
  59. maxi says

    April 20th, 2011 at 11:58 am

    i 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 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 2:06 pm

      Thanks, Maxi. There were a bunch of us bloggers invited. May I ask what you do at the hospital?

      Reply
  60. Vonvon says

    April 20th, 2011 at 1:25 pm

    This is amazing! Lucky you, Karen! 🙂
    Vonvon recently posted … MAVALA The Little Pink Box

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 20th, 2011 at 2:03 pm

      Glad you enjoyed the tour, Vonvon!

      Reply
  61. Helena says

    April 20th, 2011 at 3:25 pm

    Um, can I PLEASE work there?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 21st, 2011 at 8:38 am

      LOL, I was thinking the same thing the entire time I was there.

      Reply
  62. marcy says

    April 20th, 2011 at 6:19 pm

    that’s pretty fascinating! it’s so cool to see the science that goes on behind a cosmetics line. thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 21st, 2011 at 8:38 am

      You’re welcome, Marcy!

      Reply
  63. Instant Karma (formerly L) says

    April 20th, 2011 at 9:07 pm

    OMG, 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.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 21st, 2011 at 8:39 am

      Nerding out is totally encouraged!! So glad you enjoyed this. 🙂

      Reply
  64. Rhapsode says

    April 21st, 2011 at 11:03 am

    Love 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.

    Reply
  65. Diane K. says

    April 24th, 2011 at 3:52 pm

    Hi 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

    Reply
  66. Theresa says

    April 25th, 2011 at 11:40 am

    OMG 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

    Reply
  67. lorraine says

    May 3rd, 2011 at 7:52 pm

    oh 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!

    Reply
  68. Maryam Nakhostin says

    January 18th, 2016 at 1:47 am

    Hi 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.

    Reply
  69. Sarah Jenkins says

    February 4th, 2018 at 1:04 pm

    Hi 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

    Reply

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Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog
Hi there! I’m Karen, your friendly neighborhood beauty addict, and I’m a Bay Area girl who hoards brown eyeshadow and covets coral lipstick. Every morning, I wake up and say, “I’m going to do something other than a smoky eye today.” Then…I end up doing a smoky eye anyway (most days). When I’m not putting on makeup, taking pictures of makeup or writing about makeup, which I’ve been doing daily since 2007 (!), you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my four-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my torbie girl cat (Pretty Girl Rosie, a.k.a. PGR).

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