What’s better than loving a beauty product so much that you use every last drop? Getting a free replacement just for recycling it. A makeup recycling program is one of the smartest ways to control makeup-related waste. For years now, MAC Cosmetics has been encouraging customers to send back used packaging and score a free lipstick in exchange as part of the Back to MAC program.
Makeup brands like Lush, Kiehl’s and Origins have also come up with makeup recycling programs to reduce toxic waste and involve their users in the process. The Back to MAC program is very simple. Customers need to send six used product packages over to the company and get a free lipstick for their efforts. You can send it over via mail or turn it in at your nearest MAC outlet.
In case you want to be a part of the revolution (and score some free product), here’s exactly how Back to MAC works.
[ Next: The Mother Earth-Approved Beauty Products You Need for a Zero-Waste Routine ]
MAC will give you free makeup for recycling responsibly
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What to Send Back
The Back to MAC program just requires primary packaging — the actual casings of the products, like eyeshadow pots, lipstick tubes, glow sticks, foundation bottles. The cardboard or the box in which it came is the secondary packaging and does not qualify as part of the program.
Image: @maccosmetics
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Send in Your Six Pack
Customers need to collect six MAC primary packages and turn them over at MAC counters or to the company's shipping address. In return, you'll receive a free lipstick in your desired shade — the environment wins and so do you.
Image: @maccosmetics
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What's MAC Select?
If you are part of the MAC Select loyalty program, you get some added perks and are eligible for the Back to MAC expanded program. In which case you can choose between an eyeshadow, lipstick or lip gloss worth up to $18.50 after turning in your six empties.
Image: @maccosmetics
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No Hoarding Required
You don’t have to send in all six containers at once. You can use the Back to MAC tracker, which keeps a record of every item you've returned. So you can send in packages at intervals and once the number hits six, you score the reward.
Image: @maccosmetics
