Note on naming: MAC’s consumer loyalty program launched as MAC Select and today is known as M·A·C Lover Rewards in many markets. The core idea remains the same—tiered benefits that unlock early access, samples, birthday perks and invitations to special experiences.
What the membership is—and why it matters
MAC’s loyalty membership is designed for two audiences at once: makeup lovers who want dibs on limited editions and pro artists who need reliable access to product, education and events. As a consumer member, you earn points on purchases, get surprise gifts and samples, and—at higher tiers—receive pre-shop access to select launches before the public. As a pro, you can apply to M·A·C PRO for industry-only discounts and masterclasses. Together, these tracks create a true insider ecosystem for testing, learning and shopping.
How the current tiers work (consumer loyalty)
Most countries now show three consumer tiers aligned to annual spend. Names vary by region (traditionally Bronze, Silver, Gold), but the thresholds are consistent:
- Entry tier (join free): start earning points and seasonal offers right away.
- Mid tier (from roughly $150 annual spend): adds a birthday gift and early access to select collections and collaborations.
- Top tier (from roughly $500 annual spend): layers on complimentary 2‑day shipping with a qualifying minimum, exclusive event invites, and an upgraded birthday reward.
You keep the status you earn for the rest of the year you qualify plus the full following year. After that, you re‑qualify based on your new year’s spend.
The point system at a glance
- Earn: typically 1 point per $1 on eligible purchases when you’re signed in online or give your member email in store. Select actions (like approved product reviews) can grant bonus points.
- Redeem: use points for rewards (products or offers) visible in your account; some sites also run Points for Dollars Off promotions at checkout.
- Reset: points and tracked spend reset on January 1, while your tier remains through the following calendar year before you need to re‑qualify.
How to qualify and sign up
Enrollment is free and takes a minute online or with a MAC Artist in store. Provide your name, email and location; add your birthday in your profile so the system can surface your birthday perks at the right time. Once enrolled, shop signed in so your points post automatically. If you buy in store, confirm the cashier has your loyalty email attached to the transaction.
What benefits you actually get
Everyday perks that start at sign‑up
Even at entry tier, members see perks like free samples at checkout on every online order, tracked returns, periodic email‑only offers and early heads‑ups about new collaborations. These are simple wins you’ll feel on your first purchase.
Early access privileges
At Silver and Gold levels, members often receive email invites to pre‑shop select collections and collabs ahead of the public launch. Quantities are limited, timing is short, and you must be logged into your account to unlock the event page. This matters for ultrahyped drops—shades and limited packaging can sell out in hours.
Birthday perks
Birthday month benefits scale by tier. Silver members typically receive 2× points while Gold members receive 3× points, plus an exclusive birthday gift for Gold (and selected gifts for Silver). Because the multiplier applies for the whole month, it’s worth timing a restock or a larger purchase for maximum reward gain.
Samples and mini experiences
MAC consistently offers choose‑your‑sample options at checkout online, so every order comes with a little extra. These rotate—from skincare minis to lipstick or fragrance samples—so it’s worth checking the cart page each time. During promotional windows, sample bundles or value kits appear, letting you test across categories before committing to full sizes.
Insider shopping & artist access
MAC pairs commerce with artistry. You can book an appointment in store for a service or shade match, or chat live with a MAC Artist online to talk through undertones, textures and wear‑time. Members also receive invitations to select in‑store and virtual events—from trend demos to launch parties—especially at the top tier.
Exclusive product launches you can realistically expect
Limited editions and collabs are MAC’s signature. Loyalty members frequently see them first via pre‑shop links. A few tangible examples of the sort of collections that generate these insider moments:
- Lunar New Year capsules (including recent Luxe Luck editions) featuring dragon‑embossed highlighters, special‑pack lipsticks and limited shades in Dazzleshadow Liquid. These drops are classic early‑access candidates.
- MACnificent Me and other themed collections that package core favorites in limited‑edition designs. Even when formulas are familiar, packaging and shade curation make them collector‑worthy.
Use these patterns to anticipate what will go fast: embossed highlighters, artist‑curated eye palettes, and any cult lipstick in seasonal packaging.
Artist events and masterclasses
For consumers, invited events range from store demos to livestreamed look‑builds with MAC Artists. For working pros, the separate M·A·C PRO program offers pro‑only masterclasses, backstage‑style education and networking. Think deep dives on complexion for HD, editorial eye techniques, Halloween SFX, and more. If you freelance, applying to PRO can complement your consumer membership nicely.
Sample programs and value testing
Sampling at MAC isn’t an afterthought—it’s part of the shopping flow. Expect at least one free sample option in the cart on every online purchase. Fragrance discovery kits and value sets also pop up seasonally, making it cheaper to test across finishes and shades. Keep an eye on the Offers page: this is where you’ll find “add a mini” deals, refer‑a‑friend credits, and occasional stacked promos that pair perfectly with your birthday multiplier.
Insider shopping scenarios
- Pre‑shop a collab at Silver/Gold: you receive an email, log in, and a hidden collection page unlocks for 24–48 hours. You add hero items—say a limited Face Palette and a special‑pack lipstick—before the public drop.
- Use birthday month points multiplier: you plan a restock of Studio Fix and Hyper Real skincare, redeem a points‑for‑dollars offer, and walk away with extra points banked for future rewards.
- Leverage samples for shade testing: you add a foundation sample and a skincare mini to your cart to trial alongside your purchase, then circle back for the full size if it’s perfect.
What professional artists should know (M·A·C PRO)
M·A·C PRO is a separate, application‑only membership for verified industry professionals and artists‑in‑training. Benefits vary by region, but typically include significant product discounts, pro‑only education and events, early access to pro assortments and dedicated communications. If you rely on MAC in your kit, the combination of price breaks and education can pay for itself quickly. Consumer perks like samples and early access pair nicely with PRO’s career‑focused tools.
Real examples: past exclusives and member‑only moments
- Lunar New Year “Luxe Luck” limited editions spotlight classic formulas in seasonal packaging (think dragon‑embossed Extra Dimension highlighters and special‑pack lipsticks). These are exactly the kinds of collections that appear in pre‑shop invites and sell out quickly.
- Value and discovery sets often show up around holidays and special events, bundling bestsellers at a discount—ideal for testing ranges like M·A·CStack Mascara or curated lip trios.
- Masterclass tie‑ins: MAC regularly hosts education blocks—from consumer‑friendly virtual demos to PRO‑only masterclasses (e.g., Halloween/SFX sessions). Loyalty and PRO communications are where invites land first.
Requirements for feedback and community
While MAC’s consumer program doesn’t require formal product diaries, members can earn bonus points for published product reviews, and are routinely invited to rate purchases. If you attend an event or masterclass, expect post‑event surveys; these help shape future topics and guest artists.
How to maximize MAC Select/Lover as a beauty enthusiast
- Join, then set your birthday right away so the system recognizes your month.
- Shop logged in so points and purchases track accurately; keep your receipts if you shop in store.
- Aim for Silver quickly with a couple of planned purchases so you unlock pre‑shop and a birthday gift.
- Save big buys for your birthday month to take advantage of 2× or 3× points multipliers.
- Use samples and value kits to shade‑match and texture‑test before committing; the right mini can prevent returns and wasted spend.
- Watch your email for pre‑shop windows. If a collab is on your wishlist, jump early—limited packages go first.
- Leave reviews on products you truly tested to earn extra points and help other artists and enthusiasts.
- Book an Artist for technique refreshers (wing liner symmetry, complexion prep, kit sanitation). The pro‑grade tips you take home are a hidden value of the ecosystem.
How to maximize if you’re a working artist
- Apply to M·A·C PRO and maintain your credentials so you don’t miss pro discounts and education.
- Calendar big kit refreshes during your birthday multiplier month to bank points while saving via PRO.
- Monitor store event calendars for masterclasses tied to runway seasons, holidays or film festival cycles; these often spotlight new formulas you’ll want to test on clients.
The bottom line
Whether you remember it as MAC Select or you know it today as M·A·C Lover Rewards, the membership lives up to its reputation: reliable free samples, meaningful birthday perks, and truly useful early‑access windows for the brand’s most anticipated limited editions. Add M·A·C PRO to the mix if you’re an artist, and you have one of the most robust insider ecosystems in beauty—equal parts shopping, education and community.
