MAC Cosmetics Unveils Basquiat-Inspired Makeup Collection
MAC Cosmetics has released a special makeup collection, created in collaboration with the family and estate of the renowned artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. This unique line celebrates Basquiat's artistic vision, integrating his signature aesthetic into a range of cosmetic products. The collection, which is available directly to consumers and in select MAC retail locations, seeks to translate the artist's vibrant and expressive work into wearable art.
The collection features six distinct items, with prices varying from $29 for loose powder pigments to $120 for a four-piece brush set. The pigments are offered in shimmering gold, taupe, and white, reflecting the luminosity often found in Basquiat's paintings. The artist brush set is particularly noteworthy, designed to emulate the types of brushes Basquiat himself used, offering a tangible connection to his creative process.
According to Nicola Formichetti, MAC Cosmetics' global creative director, the collaboration is a heartfelt homage to Basquiat's work. Formichetti highlighted the parallels between Basquiat's ability to transform everyday objects into art and MAC's approach to makeup. A standout product is the Macximal Silky Matte Basquiat Lipstick, which incorporates Basquiat’s famous crown motif on its cap. This lipstick is available in shades like Ruby Woo-ster and Bowery Brown, names that pay tribute to Basquiat's New York roots and his use of bold colors.
The launch of this collection coincides with the upcoming release of a Netflix documentary about Jean-Michel Basquiat, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June. This film explores Basquiat's journey from a neo-expressionist street artist to a celebrated painter in the 1980s. The makeup collection further integrates elements from Basquiat's oeuvre, such as gold tones and vivid blues, which were prominent in his artworks. Other items in the collection include a multipurpose Eye + Face Chalk and an Oil Effect Eye Paint, both priced at $30, along with a pro-inspired Famous Bag designed to carry the products, retailing for $50.
This initiative continues MAC's history of artistic collaborations, following recent campaigns like the 2026 Viva Glam campaign featuring Chappell Roan and the brand's inaugural launch into Sephora earlier this year. Formichetti emphasized that while the collection is designed for professional artists to create stunning looks, it is also fun and accessible for everyone to experiment with. The partnership underscores MAC's commitment to innovation and artistic expression within the beauty industry, bringing Basquiat's enduring legacy to a new medium and audience.