From Lipstick to Personal Style: How MAC Cosmetics x Depop Proves Beauty Is More Than a Product

Braving the cold on a frigid February day isn’t for the faint of heart, yet a line wrapped around Union Square Plaza proved that even winter couldn’t keep beauty lovers away. More than a product launch, it was an experience celebrating the collaboration between Gen Z–loved resale platform Depop and legacy makeup brand MAC, built around self-expression, community, and personal style.

At the center of the pop-up sat an old-fashioned hotdog cart, reimagined with lipstick and clothing in place of condiments. The setup leaned into a playful salty-and-sweet theme: strawberry-filled, sugar-coated donuts nodding to the sweet side of the collaboration, while hotdogs embodied the savory. It was an unexpected pairing that mirrored the spirit of the event itself – beauty meeting fashion, nostalgia meeting youth culture, and products meeting personality.

Love Island USA star Leah Kateb partnered with influencer Jordyn Woods to bring the collaboration to life, blending beauty with personal style. Together, they curated 12 shades from MAC’s new Powder Kiss and MAXimal lipstick collections, while also selecting 25 pieces from their own wardrobes to sell on Depop, reinforcing the idea that makeup, fashion, and self-expression all live in the same space.

The partnership was intentionally creator-led, allowing fans to shop not just products, but the personal style of the women behind the campaign. It’s a model that feels native to Depop, a London-founded resale platform that operates more like a community than a traditional shopping app.

“We’re so excited to partner with M·A·C, a brand that has long been a cultural force at the intersection of beauty and fashion, which makes this collaboration feel like a natural fit for Depop,” said Steve Dool, Senior Director of Brand and Creative at Depop. “Through our collaborative creator-led shop drops and an immersive IRL moment, it’s great to invite a new audience to resale and celebrate personal style in a fun and playful way for both of our communities.”

Meanwhile, MAC sees the collaboration as an opportunity to meet Gen Z where they already are,  in spaces that value authenticity over perfection. Known as more than just a beauty brand, MAC has long positioned itself as a culture brand rooted in fashion, artistry, and community.

“MAC has always been known as more than a beauty brand, it’s a culture brand rooted in fashion, artistry, and community,” said Rachel Lockett, Vice President of Marketing & Consumer Engagement for M·A·C North America. “So, it was a no brainer for us to partner with Depop, a brand so well known for its grasp on youth culture and empowering self-expression, to meet today’s consumers in a new place with an authentic beauty meets fashion experience.”

In 2026, consumers no longer gravitate toward products alone – they’re drawn to experiences that create emotion, connection, and community. Shopping is less about owning something and more about finding a vibe, a point of view, or a sense of belonging. For legacy brands, staying relevant means meeting new generations where they already are and adapting to how they engage with culture.

The Depop x MAC collaboration does exactly that. By centering creators, personal style, and resale, the partnership invites consumers to connect with the brand on a deeper level, not just through lipstick shades, but through identity and self-expression.