Makeup artist and amateur photographer Frank Toskan, along with master hairdresser Frank Angelo, were inspired to create M-A-C ("Make-up Art Cosmetics") after being dissatisfied with the quality of makeup used in their photoshoots in Toronto. Starting in their own kitchen, they crafted their first cosmetics and later established New York as the headquarters for their brand. Originally targeting mannequins and models, M-A-C quickly gained popularity among young women who shared the products with friends and fans. By the mid-1990s, over 100 stores worldwide had been opened. The brand's collection was tailored to fit specific country and cultural norms, leading to a partial acquisition by the "Estée Lauder Companies" in 1994. Staying true to their roots, M-A-C products continue to pay homage to famous artists and models. Furthermore, the brand established the "M-A-C AIDS Fund" in 1994, dedicated to raising funds for HIV-infected individuals facing poverty through various events and celebrity involvement. M-A-C products are available in department stores, drugstores, and online, catering to a diverse customer base worldwide.