Everything to Know about the MAC Cosmetics x Stranger Things Collection
Explore the MAC Stranger Things makeup collection blending 80s-inspired technicolor and supernatural glamour, inspired by Netflix’s hit series.
Why the MAC Cosmetics x Stranger Things Collection Is a Must-Have for Fans and Beauty Lovers
The worlds of television and beauty converge in the most thrilling (and supernatural) way with the MAC Cosmetics x Stranger Things collection. Drawing inspiration from Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things, this limited-edition release celebrates both the everyday charm of Hawkins High and the eerie allure of the Upside Down. If you’re a fan of bold makeup, ‘80s nostalgia, or just want a beauty kit that feels straight from your favorite show’s universe, this collection delivers vibrant shades, playful packaging, and instant pop culture cred.
The Story Behind the Collection
Announced alongside new episodes of Stranger Things, the collaboration is MAC’s ode to the show’s dual themes—friendship and supernatural intrigue. MAC, renowned for their collectible collaborations, partnered with Netflix to create makeup inspired both by Hawkins’ sunlit hallways and the ominous world lurking beneath it. The result? A standout lineup of eye shadows, blushes, lip glosses, and brushes, all adorned with details fans will notice instantly.
- Dual Worlds: Products capture Hawkins High School’s 1980s Americana and the dark, mysterious vibe of the Upside Down.
- Collector’s packaging: Each item comes in themed designs, featuring school crests, monster motifs, and neon typography.
- Emphasis on Color: Expect classic MAC pigment with a Stranger Things twist—think electric greens, deep reds, bold purples, and eerie metallics.
Collection Overview: What’s Inside
From lush eyeshadow palettes to iconic lip glass, the collection’s offerings are divided into Hawkins High and the Upside Down, each with its own mood and palette. Here is a complete breakdown of the MAC x Stranger Things collection:
1. Hawkins Class of 1986 Eye Palette
This palette takes its inspiration from the energetic halls of Hawkins High, brimming with school-spirit shades. It features eight velvety, blendable shadows in greens, browns, oranges, and yellow—echoing the high school’s emblematic palette.
- Shades: Names nod to high school classics, like Starcourt Mall, Dungeons & Dragons, and Hawkins High.
- Best For: Daytime looks, subtle glamour, and recreating the series’ 80s energy.
2. The Void Eye Palette (Upside Down)
Dark and moody, this palette plunges you into the Upside Down with eight shades of deep reds, eggplant, magenta, charcoal, and shimmering blue. The colors evoke the show’s supernatural antagonist environment.
- Shades: Named after monsters and locations, including Mortal Danger, Creel House, The Void, and The Mothergate.
- Best For: Smoldering night looks, dramatic statements, and Halloween transformations.
3. Lip Glasses
The iconic MAC Lipglass gets the Stranger Things treatment with a spectrum of glassy lip shades, each themed either for Hawkins High (bold and bright) or the Upside Down (brooding and mysterious).
| Hawkins High Lipglass | Upside Down Lipglass |
|---|---|
| Pink, coral, and melon shades | Wine, plum, and high-shine blackened hues |
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Each gloss features a high-impact shine with the classic MAC vanilla scent.
4. Powder Blushes
Two pressed powder blushes anchor each side of the collection:
- Friends Don’t Lie (Hawkins): Fresh, soft pink for a natural flush, inspired by Eleven’s signature style.
- He Likes It Cold (Upside Down): Muted berry, delivering a hint of gothic drama or a winter-ready glow.
5. Brushes
The range includes specially designed brushes featuring bright green or black handles. They’re perfect for applying both palettes and blush, and of course, look extra cool on your vanity.
Swatches: See the Collection On Skin
MAC is known for their bold color payoff, and this collection is no exception. Swatch photos (as seen in official MAC promos and unboxing videos) reveal pigmented payoffs on a range of skin tones, ensuring every fan can achieve their favorite character’s look or create their own supernatural style.
- Shadows apply with a soft, blendable texture—true to MAC artistry standards.
- Lipglasses layer for sheer tint or a knockout glossy finish.
- Blushes build from subtle flush to dramatic color with a few sweeps.
Packaging Details: 80s Nostalgia Meets Supernatural Cool
The MAC x Stranger Things collection excels in collectible packaging. Every product comes wrapped in custom artwork, designed to be kept and displayed.
- Hawkins High: Features green and yellow varsity motifs, locker tags, and retro font styles—reflecting the pep of an ’80s American high school.
- Upside Down: Embraces horror themes, with shadowy colors, tentacle graphics, and red lightning overlays recalling the show’s sinister otherworld.
Where to Shop the Collection
The MAC Cosmetics x Stranger Things collection is limited edition. It debuted online and in select stores at the beginning of the show’s corresponding season. Given the hype around both the brand and the series, products often sell out quickly.
- Primary retailers: Official MAC Cosmetics site, Ulta Beauty, select department stores, and Netflix’s official shop.
- Restocks may happen, but true collectors tend to act fast for exclusive drops.
Fans are encouraged to join mailing lists and loyalty programs for early access notifications to future similar collaborations.
Inspiration: Bringing Hawkins and the Upside Down Into Your Beauty Routine
MAC’s artistry team crafted the Stranger Things collection to be playful and versatile. Whether you’re embracing Eleven’s sweet innocence or Vecna’s villainous vibes, each product can be worn for subtle homages or full-on cosplay looks.
- Pair the Hawkins palette with pastel lips for an everyday retro feel.
- Layer Upside Down shades for haute-goth drama at night or on weekends.
- Experiment with mixing Hawkins and Upside Down palettes for custom, dimensional effects.
- Use themed brushes to level up your precision and keep the display-worthy handles on your desk.
Cultural Impact: Why Brands Love TV Collaborations
MAC’s collaboration with Stranger Things taps into a larger beauty industry trend: merging pop culture phenomena with cosmetics. These partnerships are more than just marketing — they let fans wear their favorite fandoms, spur viral makeup looks, and fuel nostalgia-driven buying. The collection also highlights the ability of beauty brands to turn TV references into artistic, usable, and collectible products.
- Driving demand through exclusivity and themed packaging.
- Inspiring social media makeup trends (“soft Hawkins glam,” “Upside Down smoke,” etc.).
- Bridging generations of fans: enticing new beauty-lovers and die-hard collectors alike.
Expert and Fan Reactions
Beauty editors, influencers, and fans have embraced the collection for its combination of quality, nostalgia, and playfulness. Swatch videos, transformation tutorials, and unboxing posts flooded TikTok and Instagram soon after launch. Many praised:
- MAC’s classic formulas—reliably pigmented, blendable, and long-wearing.
- The authentic Stranger Things details in packaging and shade names.
- The ability to transition between soft and dramatic, TV-inspired looks.
Some reviewers noted that the collectible packaging and limited-edition status make this a true beauty collector’s item, even for those who aren’t everyday makeup wearers.
How to Recreate Iconic Stranger Things Looks with MAC
- Everyday Hawkins High: Sweep green and gold shadows across lids, pair with the Friends Don’t Lie blush, and finish with a peachy Hawkins Lip Glass.
- Classic Eleven: Opt for minimal base, add the soft pink blush, and dab on a rosy gloss for an innocent, wide-eyed effect.
- Upside Down Night Out: Smoke out lids with eggplant and blue hues from The Void palette, add blackened Lip Glass, and intensify blush for drama.
- 80s Mashup: Mix bright Hawkins colors with metallic Upside Down shades for multidimensional, editorial looks—perfect for parties and Instagram.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where can I buy the MAC x Stranger Things collection?
The collection is exclusively available at MAC Cosmetics’ official website, Ulta Beauty, selected department stores, and through Netflix’s official online shop while supplies last.
Are the products in this collection limited edition?
Yes, all the items in the MAC x Stranger Things collection are strictly limited edition and may not restock once sold out.
Are the shades suitable for all skin tones?
Yes. The pigments and finishes are designed to work beautifully across a diverse range of skin tones, in both eyeshadow palettes, blushes, and lip products.
Can I recreate show-inspired makeup looks with these products?
Absolutely. The shades, textures, and tools included make it easy to remix soft 80s glam, bold supernatural looks, and character-inspired transformations at home.
Final Thoughts: Transform Your Makeup Routine with a Pop Culture Phenomenon
The MAC Cosmetics x Stranger Things collection bridges the gap between nostalgia and modern artistry. Whether you want to relive your favorite Hawkins moments, get creative with bold new colors, or simply add a striking collectible to your vanity, this collaboration is a celebration of everything that makes both MAC and Stranger Things icons in their fields. Don’t wait—the limited-edition lineup is bound to become as legendary as your favorite TV scenes.
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