People are only just realising what makeup brand MAC stands for and their minds are blown

PEOPLE are only just realising what the makeup brand MAC stands for - and their minds are blown.

MAC is actually an acronym for the Canadian brand's original name.

Photographer and makeup artist Frank Toskan and salon owner Frank Angelo launched the cosmetics range from their Toronto kitchen in 1984, under the name Makeup Art Cosmetics.

The matter-of-fact name signalled the brand's intended customer base of professional makeup artists, rather than ordinary women.

Many makeup fans were baffled to find out what the acronym stands for.

One wrote: "Surely I am not the only person that just found out MAC stands for Makeup Art Cosmetics."

Another added: "Today I learned that MAC stands for Makeup Art Cosmetics."

A third said: "Just realised MAC stands for Makeup Art Cosmetics. My whole life is a lie."

But Makeup Art Cosmetics branched out into high-street makeup after its models kept asking if they could give products to their friends and families.

Flogging makeup to the masses required a punchier name, so Makeup Art Cosmetics became MAC.

It has been named on of the top three global makeup brands, with 500 independent stores and an annual turnover of over £800million ($1billion).

But MAC has stayed true to its origins by continuing to produce special makeup for movie stars and singers.

Founder Frank Angelo died in 1997 from a heart attack during surgery, at the age of 49.

His death came three years after multinational cosmetics giant Estee Lauder took over MAC and moved its HQ from Toronto to New York.

Angelo's business partner Frank Toskan sold his remaining shares in 1998, giving Estee Lauder total control of the company.

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