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.


If you don’t like change, you’re gonna be out of a job better yet a career. Point. Blank. Period. No explanation needed.

3. You don’t like sales.

Working at MAC is 70% sales 30% makeup. Your makeup artistry encourages sales. These are high-volume retail stores who gross millions of dollars each year. Selling has to come naturally. I am not a huge salesperson; but, I love makeup. If I believe in a brand, I will sell the hell out of it.

Think about this: When you freelance, you are selling yourself to potential clients. If you can’t sell makeup, how can you persuade someone to pay your day rate? #IJS

4. You’re lazy.

Being a MAC artist is not about coming into work being cute and wearing a brush belt. You will WORK. Yes, you see artists wearing heels but trust me, by mid shift, most of them are down to flats. Teamwork is a must! You will find yourself greeting 3 different customers, in between a makeover while pulling products and running to answer the phone by the third ring. Sounds easy huh???

Plus, who do you think reorganizes (schematize) the lipsticks and eyeshadows daily? Well, its definitely not the MAC fairies.

5. You suck at customer service.

Same premise as 2. If you don’t like customers/clients, then you’re in the wrong business. You can’t be mean to people (no matter how bad they get on your nerves). MAC is a universal brand with a price point that appeals to a broad range of clients. You never know who will sit in your chair so it’s best to be nice to everyone. Some of the clients who get under your skin, become your best customers and will only shop with you. Just smile and nod.

5½.  You Can’t Work on Weekends

Most MAC artists are scheduled to work at least 2 or 3 of the weekend days (Fri-Sun). It’s their busiest days.If you book a massive amount of weddings, then you better do them around your schedule or get chummy with your co-workers and switch shifts.

This is just my opinion from my personal experience. This message was not endorsed by Estee Lauder/MAC Cosmetics. I am no longer a Estee Lauder/MAC Cosmetics employee. I hung up my brush belt last year. I hope this helps someone make the best decision for their career in makeup.