MAC Is Opening Up Its First Makeup Studio

Beauty counters are excellent for trying out a new foundation shade or getting a free mini-makeover, but fending off the sales pitches and crowds can be a pain. Blow dry bars and other easy-access services help us get our glam on, and now MAC is catching on. MAC Cosmetics is opening its first makeup studio in New York, and we hope its as amazing as it sounds.

At 63rd and Lexington, the 950-square-foot space will feature a six chair salon (with two extra V.I.P seats) and will open in two weeks, according to The New York Times.

“It’s about the intimacy the studio provides,” said Karen Buglisi Weiler, global brand president of MAC Cosmetics. The counter will offer everything from à la carte services like winged liner ($15, 15 minutes) to an entire face, complete with skin finishing, contoured cheeks and lip color ($60, 60 minutes).

This is new, bold territory for MAC, which might explain why they're opening the first (and hopefully not the only) store on the Upper East side: New Yorkers seem to always be in a rush with somewhere to go, and they need to look fabulous before, during, and after.

Because people are looking to look flawless all hours of the day and any night of the year, the salon will be open seven days a week, starting at 7 am. “It’s not just for special events or weddings or Halloween anymore,” Ms. Weiler said.

For me, I'd much rather spend my money getting my makeup done professionally versus spending it at the nail salon. I also have the tendency to trust the quality of work done at the salon versus the makeup counter - at this new spot, MAC will have its makeup line on display but won't be pushing product. Instead, customers will simply pay for the service and be on their way without the shopper's guilt after buying an expensive lipstick because the nice lady did an okay job on your makeup. Score.

MAC Makeup Salon at 825 Lexington Avenue will open July 15. Bookings can be made online.