Mac make over vs. Sephora make over.

Sep 4, 2016

Shani C.

My birthday is coming up and I'm getting my pictures taken. I want to get my makeup done cause I really have no idea when it comes to makeup. I want to know who the better option is and price wise.

Thanks!

Sep 4, 2016

Lara C.

I personally would never get my makeup done at a sephora... just because I feel like its not sanitary at all and they have random employees doing the makeover ( I'm NOT saying they are all bad, I'm saying that I would not spend money on it not knowing the person who will be doing my makeup). I feel a similar way about mac but I trust the mac artists more... a lot of them are more experienced and some stricly do makeup for mac... it costs 50$. so you buy 50$ worth of makeup and they will do it (book in advance though), but I would leave a tip.
I think your best bet would be to find an independant makeup artist who's previous work you can look at.

Sep 4, 2016

Lisa S.

Personally, neither. If you have a department store with makeup counters that is where I would go. I don't know where you live but I would go to Dillards to the Edge Beauty, and that is only because I know the ladies that work there, and have seen their work. Honestly though its a hit or miss with any place you end up going to; unless you have seen their previous work. Most places only know how to sell you products and specific products, at that. No matter where you go most employees, are not all make up artist so you are going to get someone who is going to apply your makeup like a makeup artist, but more importantly they are there to get you to buy their products.

Now if it were me strictly deciding on the two you mentioned, I would go to Sephora just because they have more variety in products and brands. I have tried several things from Mac, and I don't like them very much. I only liked some of their lipsticks and even then, I was just knocked out of the ballpark with them.

Sep 4, 2016

Alexis C.

I've had my makeup done at Sephora and had a lovely experience, they lady was very knowledgable and friendly, but like what's already been said, it's a hit or miss. I've never had a full face of makeup applied at MAC but I did have a lady apply foundation on me with a stippling brush in sweeping motions and it looked awful. From my own personal experience I would go to Sephora again.

Sep 4, 2016

Rissa G.

It really depends on your area. I had my foundation "'matched" at MAC and it was like super pink for my skin tone lol. As for Sephora, I saw a girl getting her makeup done and her face was a completely different color than her body and her eyeshadow was unblended. I would do your research!

Sep 4, 2016

Aurora S.

It pretty much has nothing to do with what store you go to.
You have to realize that the people at MAC or Sephora are hired more due to how good they are in retail.
I've gone into Sephora and MAC and had them help me out with picking shades and such and most the time they'd give some pretty bad advice.
I believe MAC hires someone specifically to do makeup whereas Sephora just has the sales associates although I'm not 100% sure on that.
You have to keep in mind that there isn't going to be someone in every city that does the makeup good.
It's sort of hit or miss in a lot of scenarios although, of course there are times where you'll find a great artist within one of the companies but it's really not guaranteed.

I think you should try seeing if you have local makeup artists in your area and they can show you their portfolio or website and you can get an idea of their work and/or if it's your style/preference.

Sep 4, 2016

Kathryn R.

I 100% agree on finding a local artist. You can ask around for referrals, you can check out his/her website to see previous work, etc.
Depending on where you live, it may not be much more expensive than Mac. When I first started I charged $45, then I went up to $65 for an application like what you're looking for.
Plus, a freelancer will have pro products not sold at Sephora or Mac that you will probably love. And you have more time to really sit down and have a conversation about what you want. I ask all my clients to be open and honest with me, I don't want anyone leaving if they aren't happy with the makeup.
So there's a few perks doing it that way. Good luck to you!

Sep 5, 2016

Madelyn S.

I go to Sephora because of the variety of brands. Now if I'm interested in someone helping me out on makeup this is what I do. It's easy. I just look at the girls who work there and pick one who has makeup on that I like and go to her. They do their own makeup so I figure if they're good at putting on their own makeup they should be okay helping me. I've never had a problem.

Sep 5, 2016

Madelyn S.

Dana E. It looks like the job they did on you was very natural but I see what you mean you definitely did a better job and by the way you're naturally pretty so maybe they didn't think you needed a lot of makeup. Don't know but you did a great job. What I said in another comment is when I go to Sephora I look for a sales associate who has make up on that I like & then I approach her. Always have good results that way. I know just be someone can do their own makeup doesn't mean they can do others but at least they have a better idea of what I'm looking for.

Sep 5, 2016

Dana E.

Thanks Madelyn :)