The MAC Lover program proves yet again, why it’s the best beauty loyalty program around right now. After spending $150 in 2019 to renew my Devoted status, I got to pick up my birthday gift this year which is the most/best value (based on MSRP) of their gifts to date since 2017!
Read More: MAC Birthday Gift 2018 and What You Need to Know.
I’ve written what was included as for the 2017 gift (at the time the brand was only giving out anniversary gifts – the birthday gift perk started in 2018 but for completion, I’ve included the gift which was a full-sized MAC Patentpolish), 2018 gift (a full-sized Fix+) and I skipped writing the 2019 as it included a member-exclusive tote and an eyeliner of your choice: either the Technakohl Liner ($24, available here) or the Powerpoint Eye Pencil ($24, available here).
For those of you who aren’t a member of the MAC Lover program, when you create an account, you can use WELCOME15 to get 15% off your first online order!
As of 2021, MAC also has a new points program which I share further below in this post. Similar to Sephora, you earn 1 point for every $1 pre-tax purchase that can be redeemed for 100, 200, 500 points perks. Unlike Sephora, the redemption products include a few full-sized items as well! I’ve taken a screenshot from my most recent MAC order!
This year, we’re looking at two full-sized mascara as gifts – the email I received (I shared the screenshot at the bottom of this post) indicated you also get an exclusive MAC Lover hairtie. I didn’t get it when I picked up the gifts in store, but not too big of a deal.
The two gifts for Devoted Members this year are: the MAC In Extreme Dimension 3D Black Lash ($31, available here) and the MAC False Lashes Maximizer ($25, available here). The total value of both gifts is $56, which is roughly a third of what you need to spend during the year. Makes it a great return on your purchases during the year all things considered!
Previous years’ gifts include:
- 2017 – full-sized MAC Patentpolish (labeled as anniversary gift; you can pick the shade from 6 options) – $24 value
- 2018 – full-sized Fix+ Original – $30 value
- 2019 – member-exclusive tote and an eyeliner of your choice: Technakohl Liner or the Powerpoint Eye Pencil – $24 value
- 2020 – the MAC In Extreme Dimension 3D Black Lash and the False Lashes Maximizer – $56 value
- 2021 – pick your own MAC Eyeshadow 4pc + Palette. Shades include: Omega, Ricepaper, Orb, Antiqued, Expensive Pink, Satin Taupe, Jest, Brulée, Naked Lunch, Espresso – $40 value
Compared to previous years, the 2020 MAC birthday gifts include not just 1 but 2 full-sized popular/best-selling items and their best value based on MSRP! I have been so, so thrilled with this MAC Loyalty program and will go out of my way to shop for MAC instead of other brands. MAC’s range of lipsticks, eyeshadows and blushes are iconic – you cut your teeth in the beauty blogging world by whether you know the range and various “iconic” shares in the MAC range. I’ve never really became a full convert to MAC mascaras as I have several brands that I turn to by default but these would be great to try out.
The good news is that all the gifts received to date, are not skin-tone specific, so you don’t have to worry about picking up a gift that won’t work with your skin colour!
MAC Lover Member Tiers
The Devoted (second) tier of the membership scale seems to be the best “in-between” – you spend $150 a year – which isn’t too hard as there were good incentives to spend with multiple 25%-30% sale (including the holiday season) for MAC loyalty program members throughout the year on top of any Black Friday/boxing day/holiday promotions as well, that also gives you the full benefit of membership including birthday gifts.
In any case, I’m glad MAC kept their loyalty program during this troubled year and birthday gifts consistent to what we’ve come to expect from the brand! The process of picking it up in-store hasn’t changed – you just need to let them know you’re picking it up and give them your email to look you up! I didn’t have to make a purchase in-store and just walked out with these freebies!
MAC Lover Points Program
Updated Jan 14, 2021
I made my first 2021 online order on Jan 13 and noticed a new feature of the MAC Lover program and that is their points system. Unlike Sephora’s mini-, sample-sized 100, 200, 500pts gifts, as you can see below, the list includes a few full-sized products in select shades!
This points program appears to be a 2021 feature as none of my purchases from previous years counted towards this points system. From what I can tell, you earn 1 point for $1 purchase (pre-tax)
The Fineprint
Based on the details from the email, birthday gifts can be picked up in store (without any purchase) which is what I did or via the maccosmetics.ca website. If redeeming via the website, purchase is required (though there is no minimum) and you must be logged in (otherwise it won’t show). The offer is available during the birthday month (in my case, I had until Oct 31 to pick it up!)
Did you pick up your MAC Lover birthday gift this year?
