MAC Cosmetics is a brand we are all familiar with but what is it really like to, you know, work there? Working in beauty always seems glam, especially when the employees are dressed in chic all-black and always have a stand-out, almost unachievable and desirable makeup look going on. If you’ve ever been curious about what it’s like working at MAC Cosmetics, then keep on reading to find out all the secrets spilled by employees!

Keep reading for secrets revealed by MAC employees!

The Employees Are All Professional Makeup Artists

MAC only hires professional makeup artists to be on their team which means they were trained directly by the brand or they have their own credentials. MAC also has candidates applying for a position do a make-up test where they create a look and have to talk through it as if they would with a potential customer.

Employees Must Must Always Be In A Full Face Of Makeup 

The Jenners & Kardashians (Obviously) Have A Huge Influence

Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian West in particular have a huge influence on customers and sales. MAC’s “Soar” lip liner sells out extremely fast, ever since Kylie Jenner admitted to using the lip liner. Also, Kim Kardashian is the most requested celebrity makeup look that customers ask for. 

To no ones surprise, MAC employees are required to wear a full-face of makeup to work. Not only is a full face necessary but employees also have a minimum amount of products they’re told to wear.

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Samples Are Constantly Being Stolen 

Stolen product is unfortunately a common problem to have while working at MAC. Employees say that people will take lipsticks and other samples that are on display and steal them — even sometimes swapping them with their empty containers. It becomes an even bigger problem when products that sell out quick or are being discontinued go “missing.”

The Sanitation Rules Are Very Strict

This is one secret we’re glad is a thing. Hygiene in a make-up store is incredibly important and MAC employees sometimes have to clean upwards of 25 brushes per day, sometimes more.

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You Won’t Meet A MAC employee That Doesn’t Love Fix +

One of MAC’s most iconic products is the Prep + Prime Fix + and it’s one of the brands top sellers. Not only do everyday customers love it but so do employees. Fix + is a multi-use product that can be used for priming your face, setting makeup, and even making eyeshadows more pigmented. What’s not to love?

Experienced MAC Employees Get Jewellery

Once the employees are certified or have reached a level of seniority, they are gifted jewellery. So, although they don’t typically have name tags, you can tell how experienced someone is based on their accessories.

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The Job Is More Than Just Makeovers

MAC employees have more to do than just makeovers. In addition to keeping up with inventory, they also manage the cash desk, sanitize products, clean brushes, and do whatever else the shift calls for.

Employees Truly Love Giving Their Customers Makeovers

MAC employees love giving their customers a boost of confidence by using their skills and talent to enhance the beauty of their customers. The MAC artists do makeup for pretty much any occasion you can think of. They find it rewarding to see a customer leave with more confidence than they walked in with.

Buy The Refillable Palettes To Save

Purchase the refillable palettes and the refill pans in your fave shades. This way you get to enjoy the same products and get to save some coin since you’re not paying for the expensive packaging over and over again. The refillable items are all available at any freestanding MAC stores or online.

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It may be Christmas Eve but in case your holiday ensemble is missing a festive element, there’s still time to get out there and complete it with a red lip. While a red lip is on trend and in style all throughout the year, there’s something about it that just screams the holidays. What I love about a red lip is that there are so many shades available that will work with your skin tone and your outfit. If you thought that red lipstick wasn’t for you — think again!

Here are 8 festive red lipsticks to buy!

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Lipsticks seem to be that one makeup product that we all can’t have too much of. Even though it’s often one of the last steps in our makeup routines, it’s the step that ties our whole look together. Even if you’re not an everyday makeup wearer, there’s a good chance you have one go-to lipstick to swipe on and throw in your bag. Because there are millions and millions of lipsticks out there just waiting to be tried, it can be tricky to find which ones are actually worth it. These are the best selling lipsticks for a reason, from comfort and colour, to durability, and staying power, these lippies have it all, and tick all the boxes.

Here are 9 of the best selling lipsticks on the market right now!

Marc Jacobs Beauty Le Marc Lip Créme Lipstick, $42

best-selling-lipstick
Instagram/@myriskelashes

The best selling Marc Jacobs Le Marc Lip Créme lipstick is said to last 8 hours so it’s perfect for those of you who would prefer not to have to continuously re-apply your lipstick all day. As well as being longlasting, these lipsticks – as its name implies, are a creamy finish so it’ll be hydrating instead of drying.

NARS Lipstick, $34

best selling lipstick
Instagram/@satsukiii_s

If you haven’t already tried the best selling NARS Lipstick, you should definitely add it to your beauty wishlist. This lipstick comes in different formula options to better suit your ideal lipstick preference. The brand also has you covered regardless of what shade you’re looking for, whether you’re looking for a classic nude or a stand-out bold.

Wet n Wild Mega Last Lip Colour, $3.52

best selling lipstick
Instagram/@carnesia.official

This extremely affordable lipstick from wet n wild has a semi-matte cream finish, allowing it to be both comfortable and durable, and it’s said to last 4 hours. You really can’t ask for more with a price tag that low, so if you’re looking for a new lipstick to try out, and don’t want to hurt your wallet, this is a great option!

MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick, $23

best selling lipstick
Instagram/@maccosmeticscanada

MAC Cosmetics has an extreme cult following on its lipsticks, with a seemingly never-ending shade range at a relatively affordable price tag, you’re sure to find something for you. MAC’s matte and retro matte lipsticks are definitely ones that you need to get your hands on. There’s a reason why these lippies are best selling and some shades, like Ruby Woo, are constantly selling out due to mega popularity.

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick, $26.50

best selling lipstick
Instagram/@cassydaraiche

If you’re looking for an extremely long lasting, kissable lipstick, Kat Von D has you covered with the Everlasting Liquid Lipstick. These liquid lipsticks will not budge, and are very pigmented while still being lightweight, compared to other long-lasting liquid lipsticks currently on the market. 

Chanel Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Colour, $52.18

best selling lipstick
Instagram/@mybestbrands1

Chanel is not only iconic in fashion, but in makeup and beauty as well! Chanel’s Rouge Coco Lipstick has been a cult favourite for ages, and the brand recently amped up the formula creating a new and improved Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Colour. The lipstick comes in 24 different shade options, all with the same comfortable, hydrating formula!

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick, on sale for $15

best selling lipstick
Instagram/@bitebeauty

Bite Beauty is known for hand crafting its lipstick to create an all-time perfect formula and the Amuse Bouche lipstick is said to be hydrating, creamy, and soft. This lipstick comes in an extensive shade range from wearable to bold, and they all have wicked staying power.

NYX Cosmetics Soft Matte Lip Cream, $9

best selling lipstick
Instagram/@beautifulshopmakeup

If you’re looking for an affordable liquid lipstick, this one is for you. NYX Cosmetics’ Soft Matte Lip Cream is super lightweight and durable. These lippies have a great shade range and NYX just added even more, further extending the line. You can’t go wrong with this lipstick at such a fair price point!

Glossier Generation G, $20

best selling lipstick
Instagram/@ivysavanah

Generation G by Glossier is the perfect lipstick for those of you who prefer a more subtle lip colour. This lipstick is intended to be sheer enough to let your natural lip colour shine through and has 6 different shade options. This is the perfect everyday, wearable lipstick that belongs in your bag at all times!

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10 Of The Best Selling Beauty Products At Sephora

Soon our favourite beauty retailer will become one iconic brand cooler. Starting this fall, all makeup lovers will be able to purchase a range of M.A.C. top products at sephora.ca.

According to Phillipe Pinatel, senior vice-president and global general manager at M.A.C., this partnership is a pivotal moment for both brands.

“M.A.C .is among the top brands we see requested by our Canadian Sephora clients and we hear them loud and clear. Our brands are like-minded in that artistry is at the forefront of all that we do, making this partnership a natural fit,” said Jane Nugent, vice president of merchandising at Sephora Canada. We know that our beauty community will be counting down until launch day.”

Are you excited that M.A.C. Cosmetics is coming to Sephora Canada? Tell us your answer in the comment section below.

Featured image: Instagram/ @maccosmetics

If you are currently crying over the state of your dull winter skin, grab a tissue and compose yourself. Thanks to a cosmetic technique called strobing, dewy sun-kissed radiant skin is possible. Even despite the cold temperatures and lack of sun.

Strobing – the cousin to contouring – will elevate your glow to full on Goddess status. I will give you that sought-after fresh-faced and healthy appearance. If you’re still wondering WTF strobing is, simply put it’s using illuminating products that reflect light; like a highlighter, but just a little more extra.

So if you’re looking to get your glow on, we’ve compiled a list of 14 dreamy Goddess products to keep your skin radiant this winter. Add one or more of these to your beauty routine and you can’t go wrong!

MAC Strobe Cream – $40

Beloved by all makeup artists, the MAC Strobe Cream is a staple in every pro’s makeup collection. The moisturizer boosts the look of dull skin with iridescent particles and can be used all over the face for a dewy radiance or strategically placed on the high points of the face.

Marc Jacobs Dew You Dew Drops – $44

This luminous, gel-cream highlighter is composed mainly of coconut water and instantly provides your skin with a healthy radiance. Highlight your skin directly or mix the concentrated fluid with primer or foundation.

Maybelline Studio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter – $8.99

Maybelline Studio Master Chrome highlighter might be one of the best budget finds out there. The soft powder application is perfect to finish off any look.

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder – $60.18

While it’s definitely not cheap, Estee Lauder’s Bronze Goddess Illuminating powder is praised by a number of beauty bloggers as being ah-mazing. The super-luxurious bronzer will give you an all-year-round beach glow, that doesn’t look orange and is perfectly natural.

Sephora Perfection Mist in Nude Glow – $25

If you’ve never tried a finishing spray before, Sephora’s Perfection Mist in Nude Glow will have you hooked. The translucent base has subtle rose gold-coloured micro pearls for a warm glow that works on any skin tone.

NARS Illuminator – $39

This multi-functional illuminator from NARS gives skin a refreshed luminosity and can be used all over the face, only on the high points or mixed with foundation and makup. However glowy your feeling, this baby has got all your bases covered.

Wet n Wild MegaGlo Liquid Highlighter -$5.99

It may come in a small package, but Wet n Wild’s MegaGlo Liquid Highlighter packs a powerful punch. The buildable liquid delivers a multi-shimmer glow and has soothing Vitamin E to moisturize your skin too. Who doesn’t love a multi-tasking beauty product?!

Essence Strobing Highlighter – $5.49

This strobing highlighter is best suited for those looking for a natural lit glow from within. The compact powder will complement any day look and has just the right amount of shimmer to perfect that “no makeup” makeup look.

E.L.F. Baked Highlighter  – $1.60

No word of a lie, E.L.F.’s baked highlighter is only $1.60. The longwear baked highlighter comes in shimmering nude, blush or a light tan that can even be used as a glowy bronzer.

E.L.F. Illuminating Palette – $6.00

This palette is great for those looking to contour AND sport an all-over shimmer. The compact includes four illuminating shades to blend or use alone; they can even be used as eyeshadows to create a monochromatic look.

Urban Decay Liquid Aura Illuminating Mix-in Medium – $39

We love Urban Decay’s Liquid Aura Illuminating Mix-in Medium because it lets you use the foundation products you already love, but with a nice added shimmer. Your level of glow is completely customizable.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil – $42

If you’re wanting to achieve a more effortlessly radiant look rather than glowed up, Smashbox’s Photo Finish Oil is the next product you should try. The oil does double duty as a primer and moisturizer giving any look a dewy finish.

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Beauty Light Wand – $50

Cult beauty brand Charlotte Tillbury is pricey, but it is one of the best luxury products out there. Treat yourself to the Hollywood Beauty Light Wand with its megawatt shine and red carpet-inspired radiance.

BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid – $23

BECCA’s Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid is the perfect compromise if you don’t want to dish out more than $40 on a luxury product. Sitting at a nice $23, the liquid luminizer can be blended all over the face or used strategically on the high points.

CoverFX Custom Enhancer Drops – $52

CoverFX Custom Enhancer Drops is another one we love since you are in total control of the amount of shine added to your favourite cream products. Available in nine universal shades that include seven illuminators and two matte bronzers, it’s definitely a staple product.

What’s your favourite illuminating product to keep your skin glowing this winter?

Featured image: @maccosmetics

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Counterfeit makeup. You’ve likely never heard of it and you’re probably wondering why you should care. The answer may not be so obvious. From MAC compacts to Kylie Lip Kits, some of the copies are so darn convincing you wouldn’t even bat a (mascaraed) eye. While the packaging may be pretty, you’d be shocked to learn what’s inside.

The majority of the counterfeit cosmetics are being produced in China, in filthy conditions. “If you took the most disgusting frat house bathroom, it looks like a surgical suite compared to these conditions. It’s filthy, there’s bacteria everywhere,” Gregg Marrazzo, Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel of the Estée Lauder Companies told Refinery29.

According to the DailyMail, bacteria and chemicals like E. coli, mercury and paint stripper have also been found inside many of the products. The FBI has even reported rat droppings and horse urine!

What’s even scarier is that beauty bloggers/vloggers Sarah Tanya, Jordan Byers and Missy Chrissy, who were included in the Refinery29 article, stated they purchased the products online from popular marketplace sites. Thinking they were getting an unbelievable bargain, they ended up instead with horrible reactions like skin rashes, chemical burns and eye infections from the toxic ingredients.

The reach of counterfeit goods is spreading too. Downtown Los Angeles’ infamous Santee Alley shopping district used to be bursting with fake designer bags, but now many of the tables are lined with Kylie Lip Kits, Anastasia Beverly Hills highlighters, and MAC lipsticks.

For the uneducated consumer it’s pretty darn tempting, but for the beauty industry it’s creating an even bigger problem. Flagging the counterfeit goods is one thing, but stopping the supply chain is near impossible.

Watch as Refinery29 goes undercover in this shocking video and reveals the dangers of counterfeit cosmetics. You’re not going to want to put this makeup anywhere near your face!

Featured image: Refinery29

Do you think counterfeit makeup is a problem right now? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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