Results 1 to 13 of 13

Thread: How can I work for MAC Cosmetics?

  1. #1
    Senior Member pr317's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2004
    Posts
    199
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts

    How can I work for MAC Cosmetics?

    Hey,
    So, I'm interested in taking a makeup/cosmetology course (in Canada) soon, and it'd be awesome if it could lead to a job at MAC. I'm just wondering if anyone here has had any experience working for them or knows anything about it?
    Like, is the pay/discounts on products worth it? What qualifications do you need for a job like that? I'd be willing to work for another brand, too.......
    Thanks in advance!!
    You are Betty Grable



    The ulitmate girl next door
    You're the perfect girl for most guys
    Pretty yet approachable. Beautiful yet real.

    What Famous Pinup Are You?

    http://www.blogthings.com/whatfamouspinupareyouquiz/

  2. #2
    God/dess
    Joined
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Temporary Lurkmode...
    Posts
    12,609
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 79 Times in 35 Posts

    Default Re: How can I work for MAC Cosmetics?

    you live like an ivy vine
    you can only survive by clinging onto trees
    that's your flaw
    put down some roots so you can stand on your own
    -Kenpachi



  3. #3
    Banned LatinaRose's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Toronto 4 now...
    Posts
    4,876
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: How can I work for MAC Cosmetics?

    MAC doesn't require a makeup artist certificate. Remember that it is first a retail position. If you have some retail experience and some makeup talent, you have a good shot at getting hired.

    They do receive new collections entirely free and I believe its 60% off anything you want to buy. I don't think the pay is that great b/c it is a retail job.

    This forum has a ton of info on working for MAC.

  4. #4
    ever7
    Guest

    Default Re: How can I work for MAC Cosmetics?

    Many times mac will hire freelancers, and promote from these positions.
    Resume portfolio, or sometimes they will just have you bring in a model to apply makeup.
    They also like for you to have counter/sales experience. (like working at a not as cool line for a while) Back when mac started it was more about the artistry, but more and more they are pushing employees to be more on the selling side.
    Stlll I think one of the harder companies to get a job at.

    Employees get a 60% discount on products. You can if you are a professional makeup artist, apply for their ppid program where you pay 35 american dollars a year and get a 40% discount off for the year.
    Pay is somewhere around 17-22 per hour, depending if you are comissioned or not, then when you get mac certified your rate goes up.

  5. #5
    God/dess
    Joined
    Oct 2003
    Posts
    3,083
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 7 Times in 5 Posts

    Default Re: How can I work for MAC Cosmetics?

    Ok so I have extensive knowledge with some of the leading cosmetic companies and getting hired is not that difficult...however the MAC interview process differs slightly from most other companies.

    MAC conducts an interview and a demo session (you will be required to bring your own model for the demo) you will need to demonstrate some product knowledge and it will help you tremendously if you familiarize yourself with the various MAC programs and charity campaigns - Viva Glam aids fund, back2mac, MAC pro discount, kids helping kids and cruelty free beauty. For the demo you will more than likely be asked to complete a day to night look and/or you may be given a theme (sunsets, for example) and you will be asked to produce a look based on the theme. During the demo they are looking to see how well you communicate with your model (so I am applying the prep and prime which is a base that I apply before the foundation... this product will act as a barrier between the foundation and your face and also even out the skin. Prep and prime also blots away excess oil thus helping the foundation to last longer through out the day... etc etc...). They will also be taking note of your working area.... is it tidy? are you sanitizing products correctly etc.


    You do not need to have any formal makeup artistry training or certification to work at MAC. However it is important to remember that MAC is a business and the sales targets are more important than anything else. You are also encouraged to link-sale; so they like to see you sell not only a Lipglass but a lip pencil with that or foundation with a base and some blusher.. you get the picture. Image is also very very important and of course good make skills are a huge plus.

    As for the perks and discounts; it all depends on whether or not you are a permanent or freelance employee. Freelance allows you more flexibility. A counter or store will usually call you when they are in need of extra staff and you basically choose if you want to work or not, however you are not entitled to gratis, update/training classes and employee discounts . As a permanent employee you will be given set hours and you will receive gratis plus the employee discount (60% off)

    When you apply for MAC.. go to a store or counter and ask for the manager and let them know that you are interested in applying for a position or if not one of the workers. Just make sure you look dapper (I would wear black) and that your makeup is FIERCE.. trust me they take notice


    PS. I'm super duper exhausted so I apologize if it all doesn't make sense.
    Last edited by seraya; 05-15-2008 at 10:00 PM.

  6. #6
    God/dess Miss Jessica's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2004
    Location
    Funktown, East Oakland, Califas.
    Posts
    2,142
    Thanks
    162
    Thanked 27 Times in 19 Posts
    My Mood
    Amazed

    Default Re: How can I work for MAC Cosmetics?

    I'm currently a freelance artist for MAC (the PRO stores and the kiosks). I got in relatively easily, since I have a decent portfolio and have been freelancing on my own for awhile now. You do not need a portfolio to work for them however. Your "interview" consists of bringing in your own model (makeup free, of course) and doing a full makeup application while the manager who is debating on hiring you watches. Don't count on getting hired at a PRO store unless you build some senority first and/or you're really fucking good. I work both, since I'm freelance I go where they need me so I work at different MAC's all over the Bay Area. Also you don't get as many perks being freelance as you do if you're hired as an employee. But I needed more control over my schedule and can only allow them to book me twice a week since I book myself w/my own personal clients as well.
    "We all must suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons. In order to achieve what others don't, you have to do what others won't."


  7. #7
    Curious Guest Ashley M.'s Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2008
    Location
    San Francisco
    Posts
    2
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: How can I work for MAC Cosmetics?

    Jess, you work for MAC now?! I was wondering where the hell you went. Its been a year since I've seen you on Broadway hasnt it.

  8. #8
    Senior Member pr317's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2004
    Posts
    199
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts

    Default Re: How can I work for MAC Cosmetics?

    Wow!! I wasn't expecting such detailed and HELPFUL responses!!!! Thank you all so much! I am excited that I don't need to waste time/money on a cosmetology course to work there.
    It sounds a bit nervewracking to do the interview... Thanks for all the tips, seraya! It made total sense.
    This sounds so nerdy, but I'd love the "coolness factor" of working for MAC, even freelancing like you said.... dancers would be sucking up to me left and right. lol. I think it would be sorta fun to "HAVE TO" get dressed up in sexy/classy black outfits and look your best (hair makeup, but not strippery!) I know there would be many crappy parts of the job as well.
    I'm reading those Spektra boards now, WOW they're helpful!
    Thanks again!
    You are Betty Grable



    The ulitmate girl next door
    You're the perfect girl for most guys
    Pretty yet approachable. Beautiful yet real.

    What Famous Pinup Are You?

    http://www.blogthings.com/whatfamouspinupareyouquiz/

  9. #9
    God/dess Miss Jessica's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2004
    Location
    Funktown, East Oakland, Califas.
    Posts
    2,142
    Thanks
    162
    Thanked 27 Times in 19 Posts
    My Mood
    Amazed

    Default Re: How can I work for MAC Cosmetics?

    Quote Originally Posted by Ashley M. View Post
    Jess, you work for MAC now?! I was wondering where the hell you went. Its been a year since I've seen you on Broadway hasnt it.
    I quit dancing awhile ago hun. Is this Ashley from Hustler? You were a cocktail waitress while I was there, right?
    "We all must suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons. In order to achieve what others don't, you have to do what others won't."


  10. #10
    Curious Guest
    Joined
    Jun 2008
    Posts
    2
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    soso..

    //(*o*) //
    by A.F.I

  11. #11
    God/dess CKXXX's Avatar
    Joined
    May 2008
    Location
    in my head
    Posts
    3,467
    Thanks
    20
    Thanked 300 Times in 181 Posts

    Default Re: How can I work for MAC Cosmetics?

    ^^WTF???

  12. #12
    God/dess
    Joined
    Aug 2006
    Posts
    5,170
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 16 Times in 11 Posts

    Default Re: How can I work for MAC Cosmetics?

    This is all great information! Thanks ladies! I just grabbed an application from them today, and I am applying for a position... either retail or freelance. I need something else to keep me busy when I'm not dancing, plus if 60% off is really what we get-- you can't beat that!



  13. #13
    God/dess
    Joined
    Aug 2006
    Posts
    5,170
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 16 Times in 11 Posts

    Default Re: How can I work for MAC Cosmetics?

    Okay, I have a few questions. I probably should've asked specktra, but I'm sure someone from SW can help a little.

    What supplies do I need to get started to become a Freelancer? Does all of the makeup that I use have to be from MAC (most likely a dumbass question)? Basically, what all do I need to have a decent beginner MAC Makeup Artist Kit.



Similar Threads

  1. Mac Cam on Skin Video? why wont it work?
    By Postmodern Cinderella in forum Other Work
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 03-15-2011, 09:49 PM
  2. How can I work for MAC Cosmetics?
    By pr317 in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 05-15-2008, 08:22 PM
  3. if you love cosmetics, look here.
    By Corgan in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 09-06-2006, 08:10 AM
  4. Kryolan cosmetics
    By 80olivia in forum Body Business
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 08-15-2005, 06:17 PM
  5. PC or Mac ror webcam work?
    By madgrad in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 03-27-2004, 02:39 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •