My Experience Working for MAC Cosmetics: Its Not For Everyone

Aspiring artists and clients always ask about my experience working for MAC Cosmetics. Over the years I've heard tons of varying opinions about products, the level of artistry, hiring issues and customer service. What I will say may surprise you but this is strictly my opinion based on my experience. I have worked for MAC for several years in various locations so I have seen it all.

If you are a person who does not like change, then working in fashion/beauty/entertainment business is not for you. Professions in this industry require a great amount of flexibility and innovation.

Working for MAC Cosmetics has been one of the best experiences in my career as a makeup artist. Yes, I said it and lemme repeat: Working for MAC Cosmetics has been one of the best experiences in my career as a makeup artist.

Five Attitudes You Should Eliminate If You Plan to Work for MAC Cosmetics (or any other makeup brand)

As a MAC alumni, I get a lot of calls from aspiring makeup artists asking if they should work for MAC. It’s not an easy conversation. For one, MAC is not the easiest job to land. There are countless interviews (at least 3). You have to have something special to be a MAC artist. It’s not for everyone; yet, everyone thinks they can do it...NOT! Call me what you want, but I love that company. They have strong branding and they never compromise. Their products are always evolving.

I am a MAC girl. I love other brands too, but I don’t know of one artist who does not have a MAC product in their kit. 

Enough of the sappy-ness, here are my 5ive Attitudes You Should Eliminate If You Plan to Work for MAC Cosmetics (or any other makeup brand)

1. You don’t like teamwork.

Being a makeup artist involves a considerable amount of collaboration and teamwork. On counter, we also share products and knowledge. You will always hear “Who has a Blacktrack or Spiked?” by artists searching for products at one of their colleagues work stations. Artists always ask each for help during foundation matching. Every artist sees something different. Someone is always there to offer tips and tricks on new products. At the end of the night, everyone has to assist with cleaning the store. So, it’s never just about YOU! You have to work as a unit. Working at MAC will prepare you for working on set with other creatives (photographers, hairstylists, manicurists, wardrobe stylist, etc.)

2. You don’t like change.