MAC’s Sephora Debut Is Here — And Chappell Roan Just Delivered a 90s Supermodel Lip Moment

MAC’s Sephora Debut Is Here — And Chappell Roan Just Delivered a 90s Supermodel Lip Moment

If there was ever a way for MAC Cosmetics to make its Sephora entrance loud, proud, and impossible to ignore, this is it.

The beauty giant is officially landing in Sephora stores on March 2, and to mark the moment, they’ve tapped their newest global ambassador, Chappell Roan, for a campaign that feels both nostalgic and wildly current. And honestly? The glam is glamming.

Shot by Richard Burbridge, the campaign also stars It-girls Gabbriette and Quenlin Blackwell. The concept is simple but striking: each star appears nearly makeup-free before transforming into a bold, full-glam fantasy. It’s soft to statement in seconds. Minimal to maximal. Very MAC.

The video opens with Roan declaring, “MAC is culture.” Blackwell follows with “MAC is for everyone,” and Gabbriette adds, “MAC is sensation.” It’s dramatic. It’s moody. It’s set to Portishead’s “Teardrop.” And it works.

But let’s talk about the look.

Chappell Roan’s 90s Lip Revival

Makeup artist Andrew Dahling leaned into an iconic 90s MAC aesthetic for Roan’s Sephora campaign glam — and it’s unexpectedly neutral in the best way.

Instead of her usual punchy, theatrical color palette, Roan wears a sculpted two-tone lip that feels straight out of a supermodel backstage moment.

Upper lip: Lip Pencil in Auburn paired with Lipstick in Marrakesh

Lower lip: Lip Pencil in Stripdown with Lipstick in Taupe

The effect? Warm, dimensional, slightly overlined perfection. It frames her eyes beautifully and gives that sultry, editorial “M.A.C mug” energy. It’s timeless but still feels fresh on her.

And if you’ve been following Roan’s red carpet evolution — especially that sheer Mugler moment at the 2026 Grammys — you’ll notice this campaign glam shows a different side of her beauty range. At the Grammys, she leaned into high-drama, skin-baring couture. Here, the drama is all in the lip and the gaze. It proves she can pivot from avant-garde stage siren to stripped-back 90s bombshell without missing a beat.

Personally? I love this switch-up. It’s bold without being loud.

Gabbriette and Quenlin Blackwell’s Soft-Glaze Glam

Makeup artist Lilly Keys created equally striking looks for Gabbriette and Blackwell, leaning into MAC’s cult-favorite neutrals.

For Gabbriette:

• Lip Pencil in Greige
• Lipstick in Fleshpot
• Lipglass in Accolade

The result is that cool, barely-there nude that somehow still commands attention. Very model-off-duty, but sharper.

For Quenlin Blackwell:

• Lip Pencil in Chestnut
• Lipstick in Whirl
• Lipglass in Clear

Chestnut and Whirl together are basically a masterclass in rich, brown-toned 90s glam. Add gloss, and it feels current again. MAC knows exactly what it’s doing here.

Why This Sephora Move Matters

MAC has always been the brand of backstage artists, drag performers, beauty rebels, and supermodels. Now, stepping into Sephora in a bigger way feels like a strategic culture reset.

Global Creative Director Nicola Formichetti summed it up perfectly: the shift from minimal to maximal is MAC’s essence. It’s freedom. It’s range. It’s expression without apology.

Roan, who was announced as the brand’s ambassador in December (after Doja Cat joined the lineup in September), said partnering with MAC feels “full circle.” And you can see that energy in the campaign. It doesn’t feel forced. It feels personal.

There’s something refreshing about a beauty launch that doesn’t scream trend-chasing. Instead, MAC leaned into its own legacy. The 90s lip. The bold liner. The transformation moment.

And with Roan at the center? It feels culturally sharp, not nostalgic.

March 2 can’t come soon enough.