- The Academy For Makeup Artists
- Mar 29, 2015
Ever wondered how to become a retail makeup artist for MAC cosmetics? This article gives advice for seeking work at MAC, the level of makeup experience expected, job interview presentation and expectation, resume preparation and portfolio.
In summary MAC is more likely to hire a makeup artist with experience, all applicants should have a portfolio of his or her work available and when applying for a position as a MAC retail artist, it is of the utmost importance to arrive to the store with flawless makeup, especially during the interview.
In a MAC store, applicants are usually hired by the store's manager. Some counter jobs will consider strong customer service skills if a person does not have much professional experience applying make-up.
There may be many applicants however, who do have cosmetic experience and/or counter experience. Therefore, consider the competition for the position. People who are experienced makeup artists with good customer service skills are probably more likely to get an interview.
RESUME PREPARATION
Some counter positions that are advertised require a resume. When creating a resume or polishing up an existing one, any previous make-up artist experience, beauty courses, and certificates should be highlighted. Customer service experience should also be described in the resume. People who do not have make-up artist experience should at least try to take courses at an acadmey or beauty school to learn basic or advanced makeup application techniques. A make-up artist certificate from a MAC recognised training academy may also help.
PORTFOLIO OF WORK
All makeup artist's resume's should include their portfolio of work. Not all MAC stores and counters will ask for a portfolio but showing a few recent professional photographs of work demonstrates that you have experience as a working makeup artist. If you are just starting out and don't have any professional photographs to show then a close up of makeup that you have done is still going to be better than presenting your resume without any pictures at all. It might be the difference between getting an interview and not getting one so make sure you take lots of photos of your work and network as much as possible to get those great TFP jobs.
PERSONAL PRESENTATION FOR THE INTERVIEW
Make-up should be well-blended. There should be no visible lines, and eyes should be phenomenal. Clothes should be stylish and professional. It may be a required to spend at least an hour on a makeover, so dress with that in mind.
DURING THE INTERVIEW
During the interview, it is highly likely that applicants will be asked to demonstrate. It may be necessary to demonstrate on a friend or a person that the MAC representative has arranged to participate in the demonstration. Sometimes applicants are asked to create different looks on the same person within a given period of time.
Prior to the interview practice applying MAC makeup on friends, family members, and anyone else who is willing to have a makeover. Be experienced in applying makeup on people of various skin tones, skin types and style. Applicants should also know how to correct a variety of facial flaws and create different looks that are in tune with MAC's style.
THE MAC PHILOSOPHY
Definitely read and be ready to answer questions regarding the MAC philosophy and think about
your own beauty philosophy.
For more information on MAC products and their philosophy visit the website www.maccosmetics.com.au
The Academy For Makeup Artists is a MAC college partner. Find out more about our Makeup For Retail 4 Day Intensive here.
- The Academy For Makeup Artists
- Dec 12, 2014
We are very proud to introduce one of our senior educators Lilybeth Pineda.
Lilybeth is a unique and passionate training professional who is an excellent mentor and instructor.
At The Academy For Makeup Artists we strive to be an industry leader in delivering the highest quality training and education to our students. Lilybeth offers a very dynamic and motivating learning environment where students are inspired and gain the confidence to seek work or start their own business as a makeup artist.
With over nine years experience as a professional makeup artist, Lilybeth has been involved in all facets of the industry including music videos, special effects, advertising and commercials, bridal, runway shows, photography, editorial and fashion. Lilybeth has worked with top photographers, directors and producers, actors/actresses, models and industry professionals.
Lilybeth completed her Diploma at The Art & Technology of Makeup College (3 Arts) whilst working as a retail artist for prestige cosmetics brands such as Bobbi Brown and MAC cosmetics.
Over the last four years, Lilybeth worked as a Makeup Educator in one of Australia's leading and highly awarded VET organisations.

Lilybeth currently teaches the 4 Hour Personal Makeup Masterclass, the 2 Hour Makeup Masterclass , the 3 Day Makeup Artist Career Course for teens and the Foundation Course
For more information or to book into her next course please call 02 8007 5776
- The Academy For Makeup Artists
- Dec 4, 2014
AIRBRUSH MAKEUP
Is a light-weight makeup applied through an air gun machine that produces a thin, even layer of makeup and creates a very matte finish.
How it’s used: A small amount of a very thin makeup designed for air brush use is put into a chamber of a gun. When the machine is turned on and the gun trigger pulled, a light spray of makeup comes out of the gun in a fine mist.
The fine mist of color covers the skin and gives the appearance of a flawless complexion. Your MUA will mix foundation colors for a perfect blend to match your skin tone. Since it’s such a fine mist your true skin tone shows through which makes it look more natural and not so much caked on. It will not transfer onto clothing, In professional photographs it looks amazing! Airbrush makeup is waterproof and it won’t go anywhere until you wash it off. Be sure you don’t wipe away sweat/tears and instead ‘blot’. This will help guarantee your 16 hours of wear.
TRADITIONAL MAKEUP
A Liquid, cream, or pressed powder that is usually applied with a sponge, brush or finger tips. Traditional makeup comes in the widest variety of any other makeup, with every shade available. It’s also the most versatile of all the makeup; it can be as basic as a sheer tint of coverage, or combined with other properties to create a makeup that targets specific problems. How it’s used: This particular makeup is the only makeup that, given the appropriate formula is chosen, can be used in any situation at any given time. It can be applied many different ways, from brush methods used with thicker foundations, to finger tips used for light and well blended applications. This makeup is typically not waterproof, will rub off on clothing and will need the occasional touchups throughout the evening. If applied incorrectly you can get a sloppy cake-like finish. Any makeup with SPF will make your face white in pictures. Traditional makeup is known for being the most versatile. It can be used as a simple, basic sheer tint of coverage or used to target specific needs.
























































