MAC Cosmetics Enters Sephora US Stores After Years of Declining Sales

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2.26.2026

Quick Facts

MAC Cosmetics launches in 105 Sephora US stores and all 855 Sephora at Kohl’s locations on March 2, 2026
The brand posted a $15 million operating loss in its most recent earnings cycle despite North American business returning to growth after 11 years
MAC already operates in Sephora Canada, UK, Latin America, Europe and Asia-Pacific markets

MAC Cosmetics will enter Sephora US stores on March 2, 2026, marking the first time the 40-year-old makeup brand will be available through the beauty retailer in the United States.

The Estée Lauder-owned brand will launch in 105 top-performing Sephora stores with plans to expand nationwide throughout the year. MAC will also offer curated products at all 855 Sephora at Kohl’s locations.

The move comes as MAC posted a $15 million operating loss in its most recent earnings cycle. However, the brand’s North American business has returned to growth for the first time in 11 years, driven partly by sell-in shipments to Sephora North America and strong lip product performance.

‘The reality is we didn’t move to new channels fast enough in some geographies where the consumers were shopping,’ said Estée Lauder President and CEO Stéphane de La Faverie.

MAC has maintained a presence in Ulta Beauty since 2017, operates 88 freestanding US stores, and joined TikTok Shop in July. The brand already sells through Sephora in Canada, UK, Latin America, Europe and Asia-Pacific markets.

‘Sephora has a very diverse consumer. They do over index in a younger consumer, and so this is going to be a great opportunity to go after them,’ said Cori Reinartz, senior vice president and general manager of MAC North America.

The partnership reflects Estée Lauder’s broader Beauty Reimagined strategy aimed at reversing years of declining performance. The company has expanded distribution for several brands, including deals with Amazon Premium Beauty to sell Origins, Estée Lauder, Clinique, The Ordinary and Too Faced.

‘While MAC remains a popular brand with pulling power, the cosmetics market has become significantly more competitive, and it is highly saturated with brands. MAC cannot risk being squeezed out so it is looking to bolster its presence in the market,’ said GlobalData Managing Director Neil Saunders.

As part of the Sephora launch, MAC will offer exclusives including its new Multisculpt Matte Liquid Colour for Eyes and Face, which Sephora will carry two months before other retailers.

A global campaign featuring brand ambassador Chappell Roan, model Gabbriette and creator Quenlin Blackwell will coincide with the launch, created by global creative director Nicola Formichetti.

The expansion comes after leadership changes at MAC, including the January departure of senior vice president and global general manager Aïda Moudachirou-Rébois, who had championed recent marketing campaigns featuring Doja Cat.