Does Mac Cosmetics Have Sales? Everything You Need To Know

Discover when MAC Cosmetics offers sales - Black Friday, holidays, and more. Find discounts in their "Sale" section and via exclusive email promotions.
Written by: 
Ash Read
Last updated: 

Yes, MAC Cosmetics does have sales, but they are more occasional than constant. The best deals pop up during major events like Black Friday and seasonal holidays. Outside of those key shopping times, you can still find discounts in the permanent "Sale" section of their website and through promotions sent to email subscribers.

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Types of MAC Cosmetics Sales & Promotions

Holiday & Seasonal Sales

MAC's biggest sale events happen around major holidays. Look out for the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale in late November and other holiday promotions in December. Discounts during these times typically range from 10% to 25% off, with some special bundles discounted up to 30%. You'll find deals on makeup, brushes, and even some limited-edition collections, though brand new launches are usually excluded.

Ongoing Website Promotions

The "Sale" or "Last Chance" section on the MAC website is a great place to find year-round deals. This is where older collections and overstocked items are discounted anywhere from 10% to 40%. Keep in mind that many of these products are marked as final sale. MAC also occasionally runs flash sales that last 24-48 hours, which are typically announced to email subscribers and social media followers first.

First-Time Customer Offers

If you're new to shopping on their website, you can often get a welcome discount of 10-15% off your first online order just by signing up for their email newsletter.

Bundle Deals & Gift with Purchase

During promotions, particularly around the holidays, MAC often offers a free gift with a qualifying purchase (e.g., spending over $50). You can also find specially curated sets and kits that are discounted, offering a better value than buying each item individually.

Professional Discounts

While MAC doesn't offer a traditional loyalty points system for everyday consumers, it does have the MAC Pro program. This membership is for professional makeup artists, cosmetologists, and students in the field, giving them exclusive discounts and early access to new collections and sales.

Where to Find MAC Cosmetics Sales

The Official Website

Your first stop should always be the official MAC website. Look for a "Sale" or "Clearance" tab in the main navigation menu. It's a good habit to check this section regularly, as stock turns over quickly. Also, keep an eye on the homepage for banners promoting any current deals. Visit maccosmetics.com to see what’s on sale now.

The Email Newsletter

Signing up for the MAC email list is one of the best ways to get ahead of a sale. Subscribers get early announcements for upcoming promotions, exclusive discount codes, and sometimes even a special birthday offer. You can sign up via the footer on their website.

Social Media Channels

For real-time updates, follow MAC on their social media channels like Instagram (@maccosmetics), TikTok, and Facebook. They often announce flash sales and limited-time offers in their posts and stories.

Retail & Department Store Partners

Don't forget to check MAC's major retail partners. Stores like Macy’s, Nordstrom, Sephora, and Ulta often include MAC products in their own store-wide sale events. Sometimes these partner sales have different deals than what's available on the MAC website, so it pays to compare.

Third-Party Deal Sites

You can occasionally find deals on MAC products through partners like Gilt or 260 Sample Sale during special online sample sales. Additionally, using a browser extension or app like Rakuten or Honey can sometimes get you cashback or automatically apply a working coupon code to your order.

Tips for Maximizing Your Savings at MAC

Shop During Black Friday and Cyber Monday

If you can wait, the absolute best time of year to shop is the week between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This is when MAC typically offers its deepest discounts, often with sitewide promotions that apply to a huge range of products.

Combine Sales with Other Offers

Look for opportunities to get more for your money. During a sale, check if you can use a promo code you received via email on top of sale prices. Also, see if the sale coincides with a gift-with-purchase offer, so you can score a free product while saving on your main purchase.

Know What to Wait For

Staples like foundation, concealer, and popular lipstick shades rarely see big spontaneous discounts. It's best to wait to stock up on these items during major seasonal or holiday sales to get the best price.

What You Should Know About MAC Sales

  • Exclusions often apply: Don't be surprised if brand new product launches and some high-demand limited collections are excluded from general sales and promotions.
  • Check the return policy: Items purchased from the "Sale" or "Clearance" section are frequently marked as final sale, meaning they cannot be returned or exchanged. Always double-check before you buy.
  • Beware of fake coupons: Only use coupon codes that come directly from official MAC channels (like their email list) or trusted partners. Codes from third-party sites are often invalid or expired.