MAC Makeup Return Policy: Simplified
MAC Makeup return policy made simple! Get all the information you need for hassle-free returns and exchanges.
MAC Cosmetics is a globally loved beauty brand known for bold colors and high-quality makeup. But sometimes, even the best products don’t work out. Whether it’s the wrong shade or a change of heart, here’s everything you need to know about how to return items to MAC.
MAC Makeup Return Policy At a Glance
| Return Window | 30 days from delivery date |
| Return Condition | New or gently used items only |
| Return Method | Online return by mail or in-store (some limits) |
| Free Returns | Yes, for eligible online orders |
| Refund Timeframe | Within 3 business days after item is received |
| Refund Method | Original payment method (with some exceptions) |
| Major Exclusions | Final sale, engraved items, eGift cards, promo items not returned with purchase |
Return Eligibility: What You Can and Can’t Send Back
If you bought something from MACcosmetics.com and you’re not happy with it, you can return it—but only if:
- You return it within 30 days of the delivery date.
- The product is new or gently used (yes, lightly used items are OK).
- It wasn’t marked final sale, engraved, or an eGift card.
Important: Returns are only accepted for purchases made on MACcosmetics.com. If you bought something in-store or at another retailer, follow their policy instead.
What Happens If You Return After 30 Days?
If you try to return something after 30 days, MAC might still accept it—but it’s not guaranteed. If they do, they may give you a gift card or refund check instead of sending the money back to your original payment method.
- Only products bought from MAC’s official website, maccosmetics.com, can be returned.
- Returns should be in new or gently used condition.
- You must return items within 60 days of purchase.
How to Return Items Bought Online
Returning items to MAC is pretty straightforward. Here’s how it works:
- Visit the Returns Page: Go to the MAC cosmetics returns page: MAC Returns Page.
- Fill in Order Details: Enter the order number and email ID to generate a return label as shown in the screenshot below.
- Pack the Product: Make sure your return includes:
- The item in new or gently used condition.
- Any free promotional items that came with your order (you must send these back too).
- Ship It Back: Send the return to the MAC warehouse using the return label provided in your online order or by contacting customer support. Once MAC receives your return:
- It’ll be processed within 3 business days.
- You’ll get a credit confirmation email once the refund is completed.
Tip: Refunds for credit card, gift card, or Alipay purchases may take 7–10 business days to show up in your account.
Exchange Policy: Want Something Different Instead?
MAC doesn’t do straight swaps. If you want to exchange something:
- Return the item following the usual steps.
- Once your refund is processed, just place a new order for what you want.
If you paid with PayPal or Afterpay, contact customer service to help with the process. You’ll need a credit card to complete the exchange.
In-Store Returns: Can You Walk It In?
Yes—but there are limits.
You can return eligible online purchases to any freestanding MAC store in the U.S. (not in department stores or airports).
To do this:
- Find a Store: Use the MAC Store Locator to find a location near you.
- Bring It In: Take the item and your order number (from your order or shipping confirmation email) with you.
You cannot return gift items or MAC Pro Membership purchases in-store. For gift returns, chat with their team online.
Refund Process:
- Refunds go to the original payment method.
- If the order was paid with both a gift card and another form of payment, the other form of payment will be refunded first.
Return Processing Time:
- Returns are processed within 3 business days of receipt at the warehouse.
- A credit confirmation email will be sent once the return is processed.
Items You Cannot Return
MAC is very clear about what can’t be returned under any circumstances:
- Engraved products
- Final sale items
- MAC eGift Cards
- Promotional items not returned with your order
- Items not purchased at MACcosmetics.com
- Gift returns (unless coordinated through online support)
Also, return shipping costs and delivery fees are non-refundable.
What Happens If You Send Back Something Ineligible?
If MAC gets a return that doesn’t qualify, they will not send it back to you. So double-check that your item:
- Is within the 30-day window
- Isn’t a final sale or engraved item
- Is gently used at most
And don’t forget to include all promotional freebies that came with your order.
Refund Details: When and How You’ll Get Your Money
Refunds are usually processed fast—within 3 business days of MAC getting your return.
- If you paid by credit card, MAC gift card, Alipay, or ordered through Instagram, expect your refund to show up within 7–10 business days.
- If you paid using something else, you’ll need to contact that provider directly.
Special Case: Split Payments
If you used a MAC gift card and another payment method:
- The refund goes first to the non-gift card method (like a credit card).
- If there’s any leftover amount, it’ll go to a MAC eGift card.
Damaged or Incorrect Items:
If your order arrives broken, missing, or wrong, don’t toss anything out! Here’s what to do:
- Keep the box, packing materials, and everything inside.
- Contact MAC within 30 days of delivery.
- Use the “Message Us” feature on their website to start a claim.
MAC may deny your request if you wait too long or if the claim seems suspicious. They do track abuse, so be honest and prompt.
How to Contact MAC for Help
Need help with a return or exchange? MAC has a few easy ways to reach out:
- Chat Support: Click “Message Us” on MAC’s website.
- Phone Support: Call 1-800-588-0070.
- Exchange Help (PayPal or Afterpay): Message or call support—they’ll walk you through it.
For gift returns or complicated issues, chat is usually the fastest and most helpful.
For any other query related to returns, you may visit returns on maccosmetics.com.
Pro Tips for Hassle-Free Returns
Here are a few smart moves to avoid any return drama:
- Open your package right away. If something’s wrong, you have just 30 days to report it.
- Take a picture of your item before sending it back. Just in case.
- Include promotional freebies or your refund could be delayed or denied.
- Don’t push the 30-day limit. Give your return enough time to reach MAC before it’s too late.
- Check the fine print on items labeled final sale, engraved, or gifted—most can’t go back.
Common Questions
Final Thoughts
MAC’s return policy is pretty shopper-friendly—especially if you bought online and are within that 30-day window. Just remember: gently used is okay, final sale is final, and gift returns need special handling. If in doubt, their online chat support is super helpful.
Still unsure about a product you want to return? Reach out quickly. Waiting too long could cost you that refund.
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– Can customers return makeup products that have been opened and used, or are all sales final once the product has been opened and used?
MAC Cosmetics’ official return policy states that they accept returns of products purchased from their website (Maccosmetics.com) if they are in “new or gently used condition” and returned within 60 days of purchase . This policy suggests some leeway for returning opened and used products, as long as they are not excessively used or damaged. It’s important to note that if the original purchase included any promotional items, those items must also be returned with the product .
However, it’s crucial to understand that MAC’s return policy can differ significantly depending on where you purchased the product. While products purchased from MAC’s website or through their in-store mobile app can be returned to any freestanding MAC store (excluding department stores and airport locations), items purchased at a MAC counter within a department store are subject to that specific department store’s return policy . For example, if you bought a MAC lipstick at Macy’s, you would need to follow Macy’s return policy, not MAC’s. Currently, MAC stores cannot accept gift returns .
While no official statements or press releases from MAC specifically address their return policy for opened and used products, their general return policy emphasizes customer satisfaction . They state, “Your satisfaction is important to us. If you are not satisfied with your online purchase, we are happy to refund your purchase price if the return complies with our return policy.” . This suggests a willingness to accommodate returns, even for opened items, as long as they meet the “gently used” condition.