Update: 12/1/09 I originally made this post in June of 2008, but lately I've been getting questions about this particular subject so I thought to resurrect an old post.
Some new updates to take into consideration since the original post: MAC has changed their policies and you may now turn in the pro pans of eyeshadows and/or blushes. Although at the same time, they will not accept depotted eyeshadows and/or blushes without the metal pan.
But you may get around that depending on the store/counter location you visit. The MAC locations and counters I have visited have taken in my depotted eyeshadows and blushes with no problems. If they don't take it at your location, it may help to try a different location.
Otherwise most of the rules are the same....
Original post: 6/16/08 Since I went on a depotting craze last Saturday night, I was able to turn in those pots for some more eyeshadows using the Back 2 MAC Recycling Program. I had a few emails on this in the past so I'll post up what I know about it.
What is the Back 2 MAC Recycling Program? MAC cares about the environment and takes back it's primary packaging to recycle the plastic and materials to re-use for new packaging. In exchange, you get a freebie.
How does it work? You can go to your MAC store or counter or via snail mail and turn in six [6] empty or full primary packaging and you will receive either a lipstick, lipgloss or eyeshadow for free.
Sounds good right? So you spend all that money on MAC goodies, turn them in when they are empty and you get free MAC goodies.
Here are some FAQs on the program:
Will MAC accept depotted eyeshadow plastic pots? So far I've been to both MAC store and MAC counter and they accepted my depotted eyeshadow pots.
*Added: MissxMai asked a good question. This is for her and those that have the same question on their mind.
What is the actual depotted eyeshadow pot that MAC will take back? See image below.
How do you know what is acceptable as primary packaging? MAC does not consider the cardboard boxes, metal eyeshadow pans or things like sponges, make-up wipes packaging, applicators, plastic bags, sample containers, etc. as eligible for the program. Things like lipstick tubes, paintpots, foundation compacts and bottles, eyeshadow pots, blush pots, etc. are eligible. When in doubt, on the cardboard box flap you will see "Back 2 MAC" meaning that particular product in the box is eligible for the program. See below images for example.
Do you have a choice on what you get as a freebie? MAC counters, you only can choose a lipstick. MAC freestanding store, you may choose a lipstick, eyeshadow or lipgloss. If you mail in your B2M items to MAC, you may only choose a lipstick.
Are there any exceptions? The only exception they have is on Viva Glam products. 100% of the retail selling price of the Viva Glam products go to organizations that help people living with HIV/AIDS so it is excluded from the program. Although, you can turn in Viva Glam products for the program.
Does the item you're taking back need to be empty? It does not. They will take it back whether it is empty or halfway full or even full.
What if I don't have a MAC store or counter in my area? Have no fear, you can still participate in the Back 2 MAC program using regular snail mail. You will have to fill in this form, Back 2 MAC. On it you fill out your information and a list of 3 choices of lipsticks. They will fulfill your preference in the order you have stated based on inventory availability.
Is it worth it to buy eyeshadow pots, depot them and then turn them in to B2M? No it is not. 6 eyeshadow refills at $10.50 a piece is $63. 6 eyeshadow pots at $14.00 a piece is $84.00. That's a $21 difference, a lot more than a $14 lipstick or eyeshadow pot. That is of course if you have a MAC store available to get eyeshadow refills. If all you have is a Nordie's or Macy's counter then ok go for it.
Can I turn in the freebies I got from previous Back 2 MAC turn ins? Yes you can!
I think that's it. If I've missed anything or you have any other questions feel free to ask.
Now let's not throw away those primary packaging and bring it back to MAC. Not only are you helping the environment, you're also getting a freebie.
Related Entries: How To: Depot MAC Eyeshadows
15 comments:
thanks for this (:
i never knew you could bring back bottles or that it said so on the box.
can you take the sticker with the name off of the pot
@Anonymous Yes you can. I've turned in pots with no stickers on it. Here's a link on how to depot eyeshadows and how to take the sticker off easily http://www.jroseonline.com/2008/06/how-to-depot-mac-eyeshadows.html
Do you also take old compacts as well? i have like 6 or 7 old compacts do they give compacts too or just lipsticks and eyeshadows.
@Anonymous they take back old compacts for the recycling program, but the only thing you can pick out are lipsticks, standard lipglosses and eyeshadows (in the freestanding store) and lipsticks only (at the department store counters).
I just depotted about 18 eyeshadows and was planning on going to MAC later on today to exchange for 3 items. I read on other sites that a new policy is in place in which people need to have the metal pan in the eyeshadow case.. meaning the eyeshadows literally need to be entirely used without any damage to the packaging due to depotting. do you know if this is an exaggeration or can i simply turn in my empty packages sans metal pan?
@Stephanie Hi Stephanie, from what I know that is the new policy. Although after they implemented the new policy, I personally have turned in depotted eyeshadow pots. The SA did not really check my bag of B2M. If they won't take it back, try a different store or counter. It all depends on the SAs.
is this program still going on? 9/20/10
@Luisa Hi Luisa, as far as I know, this program is still ongoing. but double check with your local MAC store or MAC counter.
Can you empty out the concealers?? >.<
like the squeeze out ones???
If so, then is it a good idea to squeeze out all the product into a jar and use the container for the back 2 MAC program??
@Anonymous I'm sure you can empty the concealer tubes into a jar if you want and turn those tubes in for B2M. make sure the box that the concealer tubes come in has "Back 2 MAC" on the flaps.
do mac foundation bottles need to have lids? xox
@Anonymous I am not sure about that, but i'm assuming you should be able to. You may want to confirm with a MAC store or counter on that one.
Hi! i was just wondering if i can back2mac a damaged compact? i accidentally threw a cotton ball with acetone on it next to my studio fix compact and it stuck to it. so now it looks kinda melted where it touched along with cotton ball stuck to it. would they still accept it?
@Natasha i'm sure it should be ok, most of the time they don't inspect all the items you return, you can try though.
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