diff --git a/flatlaf-core/src/main/java/com/formdev/flatlaf/FlatLaf.java b/flatlaf-core/src/main/java/com/formdev/flatlaf/FlatLaf.java
index ae79de82..61ecf7db 100644
--- a/flatlaf-core/src/main/java/com/formdev/flatlaf/FlatLaf.java
+++ b/flatlaf-core/src/main/java/com/formdev/flatlaf/FlatLaf.java
@@ -191,8 +191,15 @@ public abstract class FlatLaf
 	private BasicLookAndFeel getBase() {
 		if( base == null ) {
 			if( SystemInfo.IS_MAC ) {
-				base = (BasicLookAndFeel) UIManager.getLookAndFeel();
-			} else {
+				// use Mac Aqua LaF as base
+				String aquaLafClassName = "com.apple.laf.AquaLookAndFeel";
+				try {
+					base = (BasicLookAndFeel) Class.forName( aquaLafClassName ).getDeclaredConstructors()[0].newInstance();
+				} catch( Exception ex ) {
+					LOG.log( Level.SEVERE, "FlatLaf: Failed to initialize base look and feel '" + aquaLafClassName + "'.", ex );
+					throw new IllegalStateException();
+				}
+			} else
 				base = new MetalLookAndFeel();
 			}
 		}