MAC Cosmetics Return Policy: 30 Days, $7 Mail Fee & In-Store Returns

This guide covers returns of MAC products you bought on MACcosmetics.com, including orders an artist placed for you in a MAC store through MAC's in-store app ². If you bought MAC at a department store or another retailer, MAC's policy doesn't cover that purchase: MAC only accepts returns of products bought on MACcosmetics.com ¹.

How long do you have to return MAC products?

You have 30 days from the date your order is delivered to return products bought from MAC Online ¹. They have to be in new or gently used condition ¹. Refunds for returns that arrive after 30 days aren't guaranteed and are up to MAC ¹.

All returns are inspected when they reach MAC's warehouse ¹. MAC monitors return activity and can deny returns that don't meet the policy, look like abuse, or involve items it already re-sent for free after a report that a package never arrived ¹.

What MAC won't take back

• Engraved items, and anything marked "final sale" or "not returnable" ¹
• Gift Cards and eGift Cards – they can't be returned or exchanged ², and an eGift Card can't be returned or canceled once it's received ¹
• Products bought anywhere other than MACcosmetics.com ¹
• Promotional items and final sale items, which aren't eligible for return online ¹

If your order earned a free promotional item, you need to send that item back along with the products you return ¹. Be careful about what you put in the box: ineligible items sent back to MAC Online won't be mailed back to you ¹, and if part of a return falls outside the policy, MAC doesn't have to ship it back or refund any part of the order ¹.

Returning by mail

Start the return on MAC's site; you can create a QR code or a shipping label and track your return in one place ¹. A non-refundable $7 shipping charge is deducted from your refund ¹. On top of that, shipping, delivery and return fees, including state-imposed shipping fees, are not refunded ¹.

Returning in a MAC store

Store returns are free of charge ¹. You can return items at any free-standing MAC store in the United States, but not at department stores or airport locations ¹. A few limits apply:

• Items bought with a MAC Pro Membership can't be returned in stores ¹.
• MAC stores currently can't accept gift returns ¹.

Bring the items and show the artist your order number from your order or shipping confirmation email ¹. MAC's FAQ adds that you can also give the store associate your email address as proof of purchase ².

When and how you get your refund

Returns are processed within 3 business days of reaching the warehouse, and you'll get an email confirming the refund amount ¹. The purchase price goes back to your original form of payment ¹. Refunds to a credit card, MAC gift card, Alipay, or for Instagram orders can take up to 7-10 business days to post ¹. For other payment methods, MAC points you to your payment provider ¹.

If you paid partly with a gift card, the refund goes to the gift card first, up to the amount charged to it, and the rest goes to your other payment method ¹. In cases MAC flags as outside the policy or abusive, any refund it does issue may come as an electronic gift card or a refund check ¹.

FSA/HSA-eligible products follow the standard return policy and are refunded to your original payment method; if you already filed for reimbursement, check with your benefits provider ².

Exchanges

MAC doesn't swap products directly. Return the eligible item you don't want, and the refund is processed within 3 business days of receipt; you can place a new order for the replacement at any time ¹. Because an exchange is a credit plus a new order, you'll see two transactions on your card, and your bank may take up to 10 business days to post the credit ².

Returning a MAC gift

If you received a MAC product as a gift, chat with MAC to return or exchange it ¹. Gift returns can't be done in MAC stores right now ¹.

Damaged, wrong or missing items

Report lost, missing, wrong or damaged items within 30 days of delivery; MAC can deny claims received after that ¹. For damage, keep the box, all packing materials and the items, and contact MAC right away; you'll need to share photos of the damaged items to qualify for a refund or replacement ¹. If your order simply isn't what you expected, message MAC for help ¹. MAC's customer service number is 1-800-588-0070 ¹.

Changed your mind right after ordering? An order placed less than 60 minutes ago can be canceled from your account or the link in the order confirmation email ².

Recycling empties is not a return

The Back to MAC program takes back empty primary packaging for recycling, in store or online, but its free product incentive has ended ². It doesn't refund anything.

Quick tips

• Mark your calendar for 30 days after delivery, not after you ordered ¹.
• If a free-standing MAC store is nearby, return there and skip the $7 mail charge ¹.
• Keep your order or shipping confirmation email; stores ask for the order number ¹.
• Returning part of a promo order? Include the free gift you received with it ¹.
• More beauty and retail return rules are in our returns guides, and store details are on the MAC Cosmetics page.