Updated 2025.
Key Points
General
- The personal account provided in this article was from 2015-2016 and, as such, may no longer accurately reflect the working practices implemented by MAC or Sephora today.
- MAC and Sephora are two of the largest makeup and beauty retail brands in the world.
- Working retail for these brands is a popular career choice for professional makeup artists.
Salary
- In the United States, the average MAC artist makes approx. USD $19.59/hour.
- In the United States, the average Sephora Beauty Advisor makes approx. USD $17.44/hour.
- That said, the higher your position gets within the company, the higher your salary will become. E.g., Co-Managers at Sephora can make as much as USD $71,000+ annually.
Interview Process
- The interview process for MAC is done in 3 stages: (1) a group interview, (2) a physical makeup test on a model (also a group interview), and (3) a one-on-one with the manager of the store.
- The interview process with Sephora (for a seasonal position) was done in 2 parts: (1) a group interview, and (2) a one-on-one with the acting managers of the store.
- Though makeup training wasn’t a requirement, it was brought up in the interviews and seen as a major asset.
MAC vs. Sephora Similarities and Differences
- Both brands have loyal client bases that cover a wide range of ages, genders, and customer profiles.
- MAC is typically a smaller physical store than Sephora, as Sephora offers a considerably larger number of products.
- Sephora operates with a team-oriented strategy for achieving success, whereas MAC achieves success by offering a customer-oriented strategy.
- Sephora offers more range for employees, in terms of the makeup/products you’re allowed to wear while at work.
QC Makeup Academy
- QC Makeup Academy can train and certify you as a professional makeup artist in as little as 2 months, right from the comfort of home.
- As a QC student, you’re eligible for MAC’s Pro Student Program (which will give you a sweet MAC discount both online and in-store).
Introduction
As a makeup artist, or someone who’s generally interested in the craft, there are many career options open to you. Although freelance is a popular option because of the freedom it allows, maybe you’d prefer to take the retail route. And when it comes to working in makeup retail, MAC vs. Sephora is typically the first thing that comes to mind.
Being two of the biggest names in the beauty business, which one should YOU be working for?
I’ve been in retail for the majority of my working life, and I managed to be taken on at both MAC Cosmetics and Sephora at different times. Being able to work at places that also included what I’d trained for at school was extremely appealing to me!
My Story
Let me take you on a brief journey through both of those short experiences…
When deciding where to apply straight out of makeup school, I set the bar high for myself. So, I went to a MAC Cosmetics job fair. I’d been told at school that this was one of the most prestigious brands to work for… How there was a whole “MAC Girl” culture… How wonderful it was to work for one brand and know absolutely everything there was to know about it…
Although I was hired on as “on-call” for MAC, I was unfortunately never called for a shift. However, I remained on their employment list. After years of waiting, I decided to apply to Sephora instead. It was during the holiday season, so I was applying to be a seasonal employee. I got the job and it was wonderful!
Even though I didn’t have a real shift during my time at MAC, I definitely picked up on some differences between the two companies. Let’s start at the beginning, when I was being interviewed for both positions…
Keep reading as I reveal my MAC vs. Sephora employee experience!
MAC vs. Sephora: The Interview Process
MAC
At MAC, there were a few trend-heavy and application questions pertaining to the way I presented myself. They also asked practical workplace inquiries about my values. This interview was done in a room with several other one-on-one interviews. Each interview was conducted by a current manager at MAC.
I’ll point out that makeup education was not required for the position. However, my professional training with QC Makeup Academy WAS brought up in my interview and seen as a definite asset!
At the second round of interviews for MAC, I had to do a physical makeup test to prove my skills as an MUA. This is when I brought in my own model. I was watched and critiqued, along with other interview candidates, while we applied looks to our respective model.
After this, I had a third and final interview. This one was with the manager of the MAC store I would be working at if I got hired. It was a very intense interview about workplace habits and general selling questions. They also talked about the trends of the current time and how my makeup could be adjusted to fit them.
I was called about 2 weeks later and offered an on-call position.
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Sephora
Alternatively, at Sephora, I was called and asked to attend a group interview. It was very relaxed and open. I found it had more “getting-to-know-you” kinds of questions. I quite liked this because it made me feel like the company wanted to know my personality and style.
For my second interview at Sephora, I had a one-on-one interview with the acting managers of the store. Here, I had to do a selling scenario. I acted out how to help a client within the store. It was a very general interview, which I think was due to the fact that they were looking for seasonal staff only. I got the impression that if I’d been interviewing for a permanent position, the process might have been a bit more intense.
At the end of the interview, they brought me on as a seasonal hire (one of around 30-40 people hired).
MAC vs. Sephora: The Clients
Similarities
Although I didn’t get a full work experience at MAC, I did get a feel for the clientele at each store.
MAC has a pretty loyal client base that loves the products and knows exactly what they’re buying. Sephora also has a very dedicated set of clients, too. They love Sephora’s rewards program, as well as the way the brand changes its product lines every once in a while.
Each store’s customers cover a very diverse group of different ages. They can’t really be narrowed down to one specific customer “profile”. Moreover, both stores offer full or mini makeovers that are done by the talented MUAs working there. Both stores also provide advice on how to apply the product(s) once you leave.
Another thing I noticed was that although there’s no commission at either store, there ARE sales goals for both. For instance, MAC Cosmetics has personal sales/store goals. Sephora, on the other hand, works on entirely on a store goal basis.
Sephora seems to have a very team-oriented way of achieving success for the brand, whereas MAC achieves success through its emphasis on a one-on-one, client-tailored experience.
Differences
One of the major differences I notice between MAC vs. Sephora was the store size and sheer number of clients, versus the number of employees working.
MAC stores are much smaller than Sephora. This is understandable, since Sephora contains 10 times as many brands. However, the result is that even though there are many MAC employees who’re eager to help, they are often busy with another customer. In my experience at Sephora, the emphasis was placed very heavily upon greeting clients and making sure they’re helped as quickly as possible.
QC Makeup Academy is a MAC Pro Eligible School
Students in the Master Makeup Artistry and Special FX Makeup courses are eligible to apply for Membership. From there, you’ll receive a discount on MAC products, both in-store and online!
MAC vs. Sephora: The Management
The interview process at MAC gave me a feel for how the brand manages their stores. My experience with Sephora’s management was more hands-on. Again, it’s important to keep in mind that my personal insight into working for MAC was limited, given that I was unable to work an actual shift with them.
As such, I understandably have a more thorough understanding of what it’s like to work at Sephora… And based on my experience, I absolutely loved working them! I would have happily continued working there had I not only been seasonal.
Ultimately, I think both brands are very focused on making sure that their clients are happy and respected. If given the chance, I would definitely work at both MAC or Sephora again. One thing I DID love about Sephora, in particular, was the freedom we got with our own makeup. Each store had rules for the makeup we had to wear, but Sephora had so many more options for creating a face.
I definitely preferred the creative license allowed to me, with so many more products at my disposal!
Note: The above account and personal views reflect Jamie’s experience from 2015-2016. As such, the hiring process and work experience at both MAC and Sephora may not be exactly the same as the subjective experience reflected in this article.
MAC vs. Sephora FAQ
Is MAC more expensive than Sephora?
Yes, generally speaking, MAC products are priced higher than many of the brands available at Sephora. Sephora carries a wide range of products at various price points, including luxury and mid-range options. On the other hand, MAC is primarily categorized as a high-end makeup brand.
However, the pricing difference may vary based on the specific products you’re comparing. For example, some luxury brands at Sephora may surpass MAC in cost. Ultimately, it depends on the product and brand preferences.
How much do you make working at MAC?
On average, a MAC makeup artist in the United States makes around USD $15 to $29 per hour. More specifically, the national average currently lands around USD $19.59/hour. This can increase with experience, certifications, or higher positions such as managerial roles.
Additionally, MAC employees may benefit from perks like discounts on products and opportunities to grow within the company. These definitely add extra value to the overall compensation package! All that said, it’s always best to check directly with your local MAC store or their job postings for more specific salary information.
How much do you make working at Sephora?
Similarly, the pay at Sephora also varies based on location, position, and experience level.
In the United States, the average Sephora employee (such as a Beauty Advisor) typically earns between USD $13 to $27.75 per hour. The national average hourly wage is currently USD $17.44. Specialized roles – like Skincare Consultants or Certified Makeup Artists – may earn more. Furthermore, positions in management (such as Store Directors, Assistant Managers, and Executive Assistants) can have significantly higher salaries.
Additionally, Sephora also offers employee benefits. Product discounts, training opportunities, and bonuses are three examples which enhance the value of the overall compensation. For precise information, we again recommended checking Sephora’s official job postings or contacting a local Sephora store.
Helpful Resources To Bookmark
- Career Profile: The Makeup Counter Artist
- How To Become a Freelance Makeup Artist: A Step-By-Step Guide
- How To Choose The Best Online Makeup School
- Don’t Be Fooled By These 6 Shady Online Makeup School Tricks
- 5 Perks You’ll Only Find Through Online Makeup School [Video]
- Online Makeup Schools: Expectation vs. Reality
- Best Cosmetology Schools in The U.S.
- Best Canadian Makeup Schools By Industry
- How To Become a Makeup Artist While Holding a Full-Time Job
- How To Become a Makeup Artist as a Stay-At-Home Mom
- The 16 Most Profitable Careers in Makeup Artistry
- Changing Careers: From Beauty Counter to Bridal
- How To Balance Your Day Job and Makeup Career
- The Importance of Constructive Criticism
I used to live in Connecticut which is where I received my makeup training. I was lucky enough to quickly receive an interview with MAC and was hired on the spot for “Special Events Artist. I loved it! I travelled to Rhode Island, Boston and various towns in Connecticut. I also was lucky to get hired with Christian Dior for the same. I was also hired as an instructor at a prominent modelling agency in Hartford. Unfortunately, I had to move back to Toronto and was not so lucky! I’m still, after many years, on the MAC waiting list! My point, if you are having difficulty finding a makeup job in a big city, go small!
I worked at MAC yorkdale mall in Torono and they treat employees horrible really high expectations it’s a busy store your highly out numbered by customers that need not only to grab things so they can get what they need and go but ppl hold you up doing makeup applications on the floor which I loved doing it was my favorite part but your expected to do that plus be a cashier too all well having good sales even though you don’t make commission. If you dont make good sales you will likely get cut hours or cut completely there’s plenty who submit resumes and are.competing for the job. I love the brand of makeup but horrible company to work for I worked permanent full time a hard level to reach just means guaranteed employment got promoted to special events Co ordinator worked there for 2 yrs been doing makeup 15 yrs… best makeup worst job sadly … super degrading wish they treated they’re employees better
super informative loved the interview and client sections. thanks so much qc makeup for always posting these informative blogs. they are amazing.
Great post. (:
i love sephora. THe amount of time and money i spend in there is nutty. I love mac products as well but i find the overall experience in sephora to be much nice and much more relaxed. i never feel ignored or pushed to buy something as i do at MAC.
Interesting read, though where I live I wouldn’t be eligible to work for either MAC or Sephora as there just isn’t any here in New Zealand. Besides I prefer to be cruelty free and both these roles would be against my values there.
Love both sephora and mac but i would probably like working in sephora better just because of the variety of everything in the store overall! i would want to learn about all aspects of makeup and skin care to have better knowledge of different companies and products
I adore Sephora and I worked at a SiJCP (Sephora Inside JCPenney) for two years. It was a great experience and I learned about amazing brands!
I love this very much . I love everything that has to do with make up
we don’t have stores like Sephora here in the uk , but ive been looking around between a few brands to work for so its good to see a comparison
Thanks QC for showing us all of the makeup world ♥
I was happy to read this mac vs sephora. Ive been think about applying to sephora.! It helps that they covered clients interviews and Mangerment. Cover Mac very well but sephora is my favorite store in the malls.
I am planning on applying at both Sephora and MAC this coming fall to further my experience in working at makeup counters. This article was very helpful !
I’ve always wanted to work in a cosmetics store, The MAC stores always looked so chic to me but after reading this I think I’d much rather work at Sephora, my personal experience shopping at Sephora has always been very pleasant and the staff are so helpful, however, when shopping at MAC I have found them alway very busy and not enough staff on to assist in a timely manner, Although I can’t say that has stopped me shopping there.
I feel like when I go to MAC they don’t help as much with people who aren’t as experienced and they have a snooty attitude most times . Then ive gone to Sephora and they’re very helpful with beginners when i first started out . They didn’t take advantage of me .
I worked for a Sephora inside JCPenney and while I loved my job, I wasn’t the biggest fan of management on both the Sephora side or JCP side.
I’m one of the original employees from the store build. Only the manager is left, and over 20 employees have quit since in the last year, some only lasting a week.
But honestly: best job ever. 🙂
I’m not sure I’m trendy enough to work at MAC, but I would probably fit in well at Sephora.
This is a new world for me as I have not been in either store before! I enjoyed reading this informative article thankyou 🙂
This article defiantly gave a lot of information on both companies, and much of it I do agree on. MAC is what I believe held to a much higher standard than Sephora. They focus on only their products and the product knowledge, they are also known on a higher scale in the makeup world. Whereas Sephora is known to sell many different brands and know a lot about many different types and brands of makeup. Both companies use the basic knowledge of makeup application to execute their jobs.
I’ve always wondered this, so this blog post definitely answered all of my questions! Unfortunately, I live in a small town, so they only “makeup stores” around here would be the local Peebles at the beauty counter. Has anyone worked in that position? And if so, what were the pros and cons (if any)?
I’m a frequent shopper at both MAC and Sephora. I love the feeling I get when walking into a Sephora, the environment is so friendly. I’ve never had an awful experience at MAC, I just prefer to order online with them. I think I’d enjoy more working at a Sephora.
I would love to work at MAC or Sephora! MAC is probably the only option for me though as there isn’t a Sephora in my state.
I live overseas and I found that for me works better Sephora but I will love to work with Mac 🙂
I will like to work in Sephora or Mac 🙂
I deff love going to Sephora! They have a more versatile product selection (of course) so it caters to my special needs, where MAC just sells their products. Both franchises carry great products. But at least Sephora has a point system.
interesting 🙂
Id absolutely love the opportunity to work at either store! Unfortunately where I live doesn’t have either business which has stopped me from applying.
Super informative. I feel like sephora would be a good place to apply to when I get my certificate.
definitely informative.
This is an awesome article, I really loved that it doesn’t seemed biased in anyway.
This also helped me to decide which place to apply to later in the future when I advance with my makeup skills through QC.
I would never work at MAC ! They Test On Animals ! Sephora is amazing and my go to place for everything !!!
Iv’e been asking myself this same question for so long and glad yous have answered all that i needed to know! Although the opportunity to work with both successful companies would be amazing! I’d say, Sephora has many Makeup Artist that become successful with their own cosmetic brands etc.. and i’m very hopeful that someday after i graduate i can also launch my own cosmetic brand. I’m so excited to read more articles!!! Thanks QC for been the most magical help ever.
great article QC thanks so much for sharing stuff like this with us.
Great post!
Personally I would Choose Sephora. As they stock Cruelty free products. MAC is not cruelty free and that is something that I am very passionate about.
Intersting Read! very helpful!
Good read, considering i rarely go to either store, very insightful
I would choose Mac. I use a lot of the products and I like the quality.
Great Article – not sure which I would choose. Thanks for sharing!
This was very helpful to me. Thank you!
I have a friend who is a self-taught makeup artist. She’s wonderful, and she has worked at Sephora and recently just went through the same MAC interview as mentioned. She too received the “on call” position. Reading this, I wonder if she will ever be called from MAC.
I think Sephora would be better for me, I actually like a lot of their products better.
Trying to get employed at either place currently!
This was super helpful! In my option, makeup is my PASSION, I enjoy freelancing and going about things my way, I’m in this business for the artistry not the retail! Just my opinion though!
interesting, very helpful
This article really opened my eyes! I can see why many would want to work at either of the companies , MAC and Sephora are both so amazing. Although, I pray some of you might agree, they both have two different environments. In other words I strongly believe the workers there really do make the experience when shopping for makeup products. If I were to choose I personally would want to work at Sephora based on her experiences.
such an informative helpful article
Hopefully one day I’ll be good enough to work for either of these companies, I love Mac especially
I prefer to be a freelancer. There are a lot of great opportunities since I live in high population metropolis and I’m pursuing this career with the specific goal of being self-employed. MAC has more street cred but I suspect they use that to get away with treating their employees like… well, you know! So in that case it’s a draw.
Thanks QC academy for really showing me how much I love makeup.
Sephora is in my opinion the better place to work at! From all of my experiences at Sephora, it’s the best place to be if you love makeup!
I applied for many jobs at make-up counters in the UK and found it very difficult to get any interest unless you had any make-up experience under your belt. I had specific trouble with MAC who said i ‘didn’t have the right look they were after’
I would choose Sephora over MAC. I like Sephora more because you get to work with diverse clients and many makeup brands. I like MAC Products but there is more to the world than just MAC.
I love MAC makeup and I hardly ever go to Sephora so I’m going with MAC. I haven’t yet tried to work at a makeup store but planning too in the near future. This was a great read!
Very Interesting post, but for me I wouldn’t either work at MAC or Sephora. Maybe it’s great if you want to acquire some experience and skills at painting faces. But they still remain stores and they want to sell. I cannot judge, I never worked there but I got through the first group interview for Sephora. And the first and most important thing they are looking for ; customer service, and not really your skills, well.. it’s comes after..
Great Article
love this article! it’s really informative 🙂
Honestly, I’ve never worked at either but just going there as a customer you can really tell how each store is taught differently! I love them both, but Sephora really does have a more relaxed atmosphere than MAC. If I had to choose which one I’d like to work at, it would be Sephora, mainly because there are so many cosmetic options!
Both places seem difficult to get into. The spots seem to fill up fairly quickly. A makeup artist should have great customer service. I feel MAC does this very well. Sephora does as well, however, some of their JCPenny stores lack the customer service.
Great tips from this article.
As a user of both products, based off of the story above I believe I would be able to work at either location but for me the Sephora location would fit my personality better, I like the team effort in reaching the goals as well as the fact that there is more product choices.
Great post! Unfortunately, I live in a small town in Texas so I will be unable to apply to either of those – but off to Bealls I go! I know my QC makeup + fashion styling course is going to get me in the door and help me to serve clients, not many people here have that going for them.
Love this ive always wondered how to get into either or or how the interview process works 🙂
head-to-head comparison between sephora and mac:
http://www.analogoos.com/compare/Sephora/MAC
This is a really helpful post; especially for those of us who are looking in to applying at these jobs. I have been looking at applying for Sephora recently and I shy away from MAC just because I have found it intimidating. But after reading this blog I am feeling confident in applying for both.
I think this blog was very informative. Especially those of us who are thinking about applying for these companies. I recently have been thinking about applying for Sephora; but have shied away from MAC just because Ive felt intimated. But after reading this blog, I am going to apply for both.
I would love to work for Sephora, I think it would a fast paced and fun environment to work in but who know’s, I guess you need to experience both before you can say.
I’ve worked at sephora and I did enjoyed it but I guess it is not for me as it focus more on sales than putting makeup on people 🙂
Awesome article. The information is great! Quite helpful in helping decide which career path to follow after completion of the course 🙂
I cannot wait to get to the point where I am working as a makeup artist…dream job. Love Mac. thanks 🙂
I personally would not work at Mac as they are not cruelty free. I will only ever use cruelty free cosmetics, so could not work for them.
Loved this!
I enjoyed this post because it gave me a great perspective for both brands. I have always wanted to be a Mac Girl because it’s like a sorority but I have heard many horror stories. That is why I choose to work for myself at marykay.com/suppamodel. I control my time and my money. I joined QC Makeup school to increase my skills, and I look forward to all it has to offer.
LOVE all the information given here, super interested in knowing a business before I become a part of it!
I love MAC and Sephora. I would go towards Sephora. The reason why I would pick Sephora is because there is a huge and wide selection of cosmetics, skin care, and just plain diversity. In order for me to satisfy my clientele I need different and many options versus feeling this is all we have and not satisfying my clients needs, wants, and preference. There are so many people out there they may want vegan friendly, gluten free products, all natural products, paraben free, the list could go on. I see that Sephora is able to offer that diverse city for this diverse world. There are so many new products that you could learn, play with, and educate yourself continuously where you are able to fit your clients preferences. I also feel Sephora gives a very warm and welcome mean atmosphere to anyone. They are willing to help those that have no clue about make up, that want to learn about makeup, and even skin care products in order to fit that client’s satisfaction. Sephora is definitely the place I would want to work under because I love to help others, teach, and making sure they leave happy, delighted, satisfied and educated.
Very informative! I think I would prefer a more relaxed environment. I feel more comfortable shopping at Sephora vs MAC.
This article gives a good look at both companies, to show what each company looks for, and how they are ran… every company has it’s differences but I still say working for yourself gives your dreams a bigger way, make your own dream a reality…….!
Great article! I’m going to apply to both MAC and Sephora once Im certified. I prefer MAC though
I personally would love to work for MAC, I use a lot of MAC products and find them amazing !!, Sephora I have never personally used, so I am opent o trying new things, However Mac I have a lot of their products and the finish they have is unreal !!
This article is a really interesting comparison of retail makeup artistry experiences. Reading this has really made me consider my options about retail makeup artistry.
This is actually really helpful. I was always more for Sephora though.
I loved it!! It definitely gave some really great insight on the interview process for both MAC and Sephora. I personally feel like Sephora has a better atmosphere but that’s just from my personal experiences.
Thank you for posting this, while I am not currently interested in applying at either store, it offered some great insight into what to expect when applying for a cosmetic store! Great blog post!
Great article, very interesting, thank you for sharing
Thank you for this article. I actually am having this exact debate right now of which place to work and I love that mac has a great trustworthy brand of products but I also love the fact that sephora has everything in terms of the diverse amount of brands available to choose from.
Great article for future reference should I ever decide to go the retail route. Thank you!
I recently applied at Sephora, waiting forward to get a response, I truly love shopping at Sephora, more than I do at Sephora.
I’ve interviewed at Sephora once. It was pretty stressful on who my competition was. I wish I would have gotten the job though but now I work at Ulta and it’s amazing.