How Difficult Was It Getting Hired by MAC?

It took me 5 months to finally become a MAC makeup artist. 

My hiring process began in March 2013 and in July 2013 they were telling me when I start. I was soo excited because for as long as it took I just knew I was not going to get the job. I felt pretty confident in my interviews but when days turned to weeks and weeks turned into months and my family was asking me "whats up with MAC?" I started to get discouraged. 
So let me walk you through what I went through in pursuit of my position....

I went to the mall dressed very cute, of course I had my makeup done. I wanted them to see that I was capable of doing edgy looks so I remember having my eyes smoked out more so under my bottom lash line...Im curious of what I'd think of my makeup from then based on my current level of artistry..

I go into the store asking to speak with a hiring manager, I speak with her and give her my resume and cover letter. She gives me an application to fill out and I complete while in the mall and return it. Our interaction was no more than 3 minutes total. I felt like some sort of connection was made.  After that I called the store consistently on thursdays. After about 3 weeks I was invited into the store for an interview. There it was a group interview I had to bring a model and was supplied brushes and told to gather the products I would need in order to execute a look for a lawyer who has to go to court without using any shades of black or brown. OH YEAH they also made us all switch models, which meant whoever you've been practicing on was not going to  who you performing the look on I pulled orange and green and blended them out to create a neutral work appropriate look on my new model, instead of my mother who should have been my model.We then had to take the look from day to night, apply red lipstick and a strip of false lashes. At the end of the interview we were told that they would be contacting us in about 2 weeks. I was not contacted within that point.

Im contacted by a MAC recruiter about a month later, the interview is conducted at the regional headquarters this time. This was simply a verbal interview with the head regional recruiter. I was interviewed alongside another girl. We were asked the usual customer service questions as well as what our favorite makeup trends were and our favorite products. I was contacted shortly after this interview for another makeup interview.

I arrived yet again with my mother as my model and in a room full of about 6 other artists, the trainers for this area and other employees. Each artist was assigned a trainer and they observed, listened and offered advice throughout the daytime makeup look. I was most nervous for this interview. After completing the look and receiving much needed constructive criticism and tips I spoke with one of the top rank MAC employees in our region. I felt very comfortable in this portion of the interview...... At this time I heard really nothing more from the company until about 3 months later...

Then one day I receive a call from the regional recruiter saying that they have found a position for me. I was finally a MAC makeup artist. I definitely wanted to be placed in a store and is something I am working on now but in the time being I am at the MAC Counter.

My Faux Locs

I've had the Faux Locs twice now and I must say I love them for being an incredibly versatile protective style. They allow you to experience what its like to have dreads without the commitment and having had to devote years to growing your hair. The first time I wore the faux locs I kept them in for exactly a month. I went to Miami then the Bahamas and I managed to get sand in my roots :) Take me back!! From what I've heard Marley hair doesn't hold up too well against shampooing, so at exactly 30 days I took out my locs.

Let me knock out some of the FAQs I get in regards to my faux locs..............

Q: How long did it take to install?

A: The first time it took me 12 hours to install my loc extensions. I stretched it out over the course of two days. I wasn't pressed for time so I took my time to ensure my first time loc experience was a good one. The second time I took 9 hours I got off of work at 10pm, worked all through the night and had to be up by 8

Q: What kind of hair do I use? 

A: Batik Reggae Braid in the color 1B. For the length that I have I used 8 packs of hair. Each loc uses approximately two pieces hair especially if you are looking to achieve locs beyond bra strap length.

Q: Are they heavy?

A: No they really aren't. I was surprised at how light they were due to my desire not to put any stress and tension on my front hairline. They can be heavy when I place them on the top of my head but that's about it.

Q: How do you sleep with them?

A: If I don't braid them for a wavy effect then I will simply pull them back and tie a silk scarf around my head. When I shower I tuck them into a shower cap that sits halfway off of my head:) 

Q:Any criticisms of the faux locs?

A: Because you burn the ends of the hair in order to secure the loc, if you overdo it the ends may snag your clothing. Also, with the burning of the locs it causes them to stick together which can be mildly annoying.

Q: Are you able to moisturize your hair while in the faux locs?

A: Honestly, Im not and that does sort of bother me because I feel great that Im in this protective style and Im not manipulating my hair but knowing Im not moisturizing for a month at a time is scary. What I do however to offer me peace of mind is slather Jamaican Black Castor Oil on my hair as I am installing my faux locs. When I  removed my previous faux locs my hair did not feel dry. I could still feel the softness of the castor oil. 

My Natural Hair Journey

I began my natural hair journey in December of 2012. 

              I was wearing my hair in a short pixie cut and decided to grow it out with weaves and wigs. I kept my hair braided and would shampoo and condition biweekly. I saw a lot of growth in doing this however I realized later that I really put my precious edges and leave out through a lot and they were in need of some repair. From there I starting doing the u-part wig thing. So I would make them and in consideration of my fragile sides I would secure the wig in areas such as behind the ear and around the top and back. That seemed to help some. 

              Now I'm approaching two years natural and will let you be the judge as to how much hair I've retained. I've had to trim quite a bit of hair and could probably be due for a good trim right now. Now a days I try to use flat iron heat no more than once a month sometimes a little longer. I must admit I will blow dry my hair lightly with medium heat to stretch my flexi rod sets out..please don't judge me :( I mainly wear my hair in flexi rod sets either all out or in an up do or I've been loving the convenience of my faux locs. I will blow my hair out from time to time like I've said earlier and when I do I normally keep it that way for about week before it starts feeling stiff . 

                                         1ST Year Progress 

2nd Year Progress

Dewy Skin

Hello beautiful people! So one of my absolute favorite makeup looks is DEWY SKIN!! I could literally be dewy every single day of my life and I would be happy! I do not have anything seriously against the matte look but my aesthetic leans more toward natural beauty and playing up everyones unique skin tone. I have compiled a list of the products that give me the dewy glow that I am oh so obsessed with:

• MAC Moisture Infusion Serum. I apply this to my skin before applying my moisturizer it helps to draw additional moisture to your skin and really leaves the skin feeling plump, supple and hydrated.
• MAC Face and Body Lotion. I apply this as my moisturizer and I like that it also leaves my skin feeling soft and supple without any unnecessary shine.
• MAC Fix + Spray. This spray contains glycerin and it functions as a hydrating mist. Many people are under the impression that Fix + sets makeup or locks the look in place. I like it for making a matte skin look appear more natural and skin like. 
•  MAC Mineralize Liquid Foundation. My shade is NC50. I love this foundation for giving me a very luminous lightweight look. It doesn't offer much coverage and for a dewy glowy look I prefer to see as much of my natural skin tone as possible. I simply am looking to cast a smooth veil over my skin.
• MAC Diamonds Cream Color Base. I place this at the height of my cheekbones, a tiny bit down the bridge of my nose, my cupids bow and my forehead. To diffuse the color I press it in with my fingers. 
• Use both MAC Global Glow Mineralize SkinFinish with Cheeky Bronze Mineralize SkinFinish and apply that on top of the Diamonds cream color base. I also drag this down my nose, cupids bow and chin . 

To finish off the look I spray about 4 mists of the Fix + Spray  and Voila The Glow!!:) 

Hey ZaviaMonet here, thanks for visiting my blog. Let's get a little acquainted with one another shall we? :) Im 24 years old from Baltimore, Maryland and I am a hair stylist and makeup artist.I am currently employed as a makeup artist for MAC Cosmetics and I graduated from the Aveda Institute . I will be taking state board this month and upon passing that I will be able to tell you which salon will be my new home:) I am starting this blog to channel my love and passion for all things beauty related. I intend on showing you guys some of my favorite looks and products and hopefully relaying some insider tips and tricks.