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

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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.)

Read the rest at bit.ly/14DOeuK

Freelance Notes: You Can’t Shovel Someone Else’s Snow Until You Shovel Your Own

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I was involved in an accident on the light rail during early spring. I suffered from whiplash and a  few sprains. I started seeing Doc for physical therapy 3 times a week. Doc is a springy, energetic, guy in his early 50’s. One day I asked him if he was a hippie back in Woodstock.

I loved visiting his office.His optimism always invigorated my day. The atmosphere was inviting and I felt like I was in a Cheers episode. Whenever I called the office, they always answered the phone “Hey Ms. Moore”. They have caller id but it still felt so personal.

Unlike other therapy offices, I actually saw Doc everyday.  It was amazing watching someone follow their passion and build a career from it. His patients definitely feel the love (I did!) Continue reading →

The Art of Contour at Make Up Forever

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Over the weekend I attended MakeUp Forever’s “The Art of Contour” Seminar instructed by Erin Mc Carthy. Erin is also a sculptor who attended the Make Up Forever Academy in France with Dany Sanz.

She really approached her model from an artists’ perspective; applying her base shades with dot and slash strokes to focus on defining specific facial planes. She made tons of references to Plato, Michelangelo and Picasso when measuring symmetry and balance.

I took so many notes on my phone. I learn best by being present during classes, taking notes and hands-on practice. I’ll try to summarize some of the highlights below:

  • To Elongate areas use vertical strokes
  • To Widen areas use horizontal strokes
  • Best to work while in front of a mirror. Keep looking at model straight ahead. Step back. Really take time to evaluate the face
  • Fill in/highlight for volume
  • Better to use extreme contrast than medium shades
  • Medium shades will be used to blend after base
  • Anywhere you put a highlight, contour
  • Tap products into the face with a brush or sponge don’t blend. Blending will move the contour/highlight
  • She used the pan stick for base; but, blended with Face & Body
  • Everything was set using the Sculpting Kit and Loose Matte Powders

Main Products Used (all Make Up Forever Products)

  • Pan Stick Foundations (Oil based)
  • Lift Concealers
  • Face and Body
  • Sculpting Kit #2 (Most Neutral)
  • Aqua brow (for eyebrows and eyeliner)
  • HD Primer (blue for brightening)
I remember a long-time ago someone told me that male makeup artist are often sought after because they are better at contouring. You are more than welcome to disagree; but, I think that can be a fair statement. Contouring and highlighting are theater makeup techniques; but, when done in moderation can offer a slight but impactful change to a face.

To say the class was great, would be an understatement. I observed Erin transform her model by using some new approaches to contouring. After class, I started researching art classes in my area. Studying balance, symmetry and shadows will definitely aid me in becoming a better professional contour-er.

 

Freelance Tip: Ask the Right Questions

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Ask the right questions upfront to gain a better understanding of the goal for a project. This can also alleviate harboring additional stress.

Some questions need a definitive yes or no; while, others can give you all the information you need about a person or opportunity.

Be inquisitive.

Seek out what motivates and drives people.

Ask what they expect from you.

Evaluate your options and the information you have learned, then make your decision.

Remember, everything isn’t for everybody. Make sure the opportunity is for you.

Don’t work from a place of unknowns and assumptions. Just ask.

Eyebrow Junkies: Save Your Old MAC Dipdown!

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MAC’s Dipdown Fluidline gel eyeliner has many uses. Its a deep-chocolate shade which has multiple uses as an eyeliner, shadow base, shadow and eyebrow enhancer.

Over time, air begins to seep into the
Fluidline pot and dry out the product. This tends to happen with most cream products. You can extend your cream shadows by placing a piece of wax paper inside the lid to keep out the air.

One day, as I was sifting through my dingy ‘Back to MAC’ bag (all makeup junkies have them), I saw my old dipdown. It was half full; but, really thick and tacky. Cream products expire after a few months so don’t try this with your Fluidline from 2 years ago (yuck)!

I decided to take my angle brush and see what it would do….Wowsers! Its aged like fine wine. My brows are amazing! Not overly done, but just right. I have more control over the fluid line. I can mimic my brow hairs without feeling like someone can see my strokes.

If you are a brow beginner or expert, give it a try. Let me know how you like it. Its only makeup. Nothing is permanent!