Sephora vs. MAC Cosmetics: Which One Pays Higher Commission? (2026 Guide)

If you love makeup, you have likely stood in a mall food court debating where to apply: Sephora or MAC.

They are the two titans of the beauty industry, but they are completely different worlds.

Sephora is the "Disneyland of Beauty." You are a "Cast Member," you wear a "Costume," and you perform "On Stage." It is about volume, variety, and skincare science.

MAC Cosmetics is the "Artistry Authority." You are an Artist. You wear all black. You are expected to know color theory, undertones, and how to execute a perfect winged liner in 3 minutes flat.

In 2026, the pay gap between the two has narrowed, but the "Perks" (specifically Gratis) have drifted apart.

A common myth is that MAC artists make huge commissions on every lipstick they sell.

The Truth: Neither company pays traditional "Individual Commission" anymore. Both have moved to "Team Bonuses" and "Hourly Rates."

This guide compares the paycheques, the interview difficulty (Group Interview vs. The Demo), and the reality of working for LVMH (Sephora) vs. Estée Lauder (MAC).

Not into makeup? Check out Apple "At Home Advisor" for a high-paying remote tech job or Flight Attendant Requirements if you prefer travel.

The Pay: Hourly Rates & The "Commission" Myth

Let's rip the band-aid off: You do not get 5% of your sales.

Both companies realized years ago that individual commission creates a "Shark Tank" environment where employees fight over customers.

1. Sephora (The "Team Bonus" Model)

• Starting Rate: $17.50 - $20.00/hour. (Beauty Advisor).
• Licensed Beauty Lead (LBL): $22.00 - $26.00/hour. (Requires Esthetician License).
• The Bonus: It is based on the Store Goal.
  • If the store hits its daily target, everyone gets a small bump? No.
  • It is usually a Monthly Bonus if the store hits metrics like "Credit Cards Signed Up" or "Beauty Insider Enrollments."
• The Vibe: Less aggressive selling. You are there to educate.

2. MAC Cosmetics (The "Artist" Rate)

• Starting Rate: $18.50 - $22.00/hour. (Freelance/Casual).
• Permanent Artist: $21.00 - $25.00/hour.
• The "Update": MAC pays slightly more per hour because they expect you to have Professional Skills. You aren't just a cashier; you are a makeup artist.
• The Goals: You have strict "IPT" (Items Per Transaction) and "ADS" (Average Dollar Sale) goals.
  • Pressure: If your ADS is low (e.g., you only sell 1 lipstick per customer), you will get coaching. They want you to sell the Lip Pencil + Lipstick + Gloss (The "Lip Kit" strategy).

Winner: MAC for hourly wage. Sephora for stability.

The "Gratis": Who Gives More Free Stuff?

In the beauty world, makeup is currency. We call it Gratis.

Sephora: The "Training Product" Haul

• Volume: Massive.
• How it works: Brands (Fenty, Tarte, Rare Beauty) send full-size products to the store for employees to "train" with.
• The Frequency: Often monthly.
• The Variety: You get everything—haircare, skincare, fragrance, makeup. You might go home with $300 worth of free product in a single bag.
• The Catch: It is technically "Training Equipment." You cannot sell it (it is marked "Not For Resale").

MAC: The "Product Allowance"

• Volume: Moderate / Specific.
• How it works: You get a Product Allowance (e.g., $500 - $1,000 per year, depending on your level) to order whatever MAC products you want.
• The Purpose: It is part of your Uniform. You are expected to wear what you are selling.
• The Catch: It is only MAC. You don't get shampoo or perfume from other brands.

Winner: Sephora. The variety is unbeatable.

The Interview: Group Chat vs. The "Demo"

This is where the paths diverge.

Sephora: The "Vibe Check"

1. Phone Screen: Basic questions ("Why beauty?").
2. Group Interview: You and 10 other candidates sit in a circle.
   • Activity: "Pick a product from the shelf and sell it to the group."
   • Goal: They are looking for Personality and Energy. They can teach you how to apply blush later.
3. One-on-One: Behavioral questions (STAR Method).

MAC: The "Artistry Test" (The Demo)

1. Portfolio Review: You need to show photos of makeup you have done on other people (not just selfies).
2. The Demo: This is the gauntlet.
   • You bring a model (or they provide one).
   • Task: "Create a 'Fashion Week' look" or "Execute a Perfect Red Lip."
   • Time: 30 - 45 minutes.
   • Critique: The manager watches your hygiene. Did you use a disposable wand? Did you sanitize the palette? Did you brace your hand on the face correctly?
   • Fail: If you "double dip" a brush into a cream product, you fail instantly.

Deep Dive: Certification Levels (MAC's Career Ladder)

At MAC, you climb a ladder of "Certifications." Each level unlocks higher pay and cooler gigs.

• Basic Artist: Can do simple demos (lips, eyes).
• Fashion Show / Creative: Certified to do full theatrical looks.
• Impact Team: The elite artists who travel to do Fashion Week or special events.
• Why it matters: At Sephora, a cashier is a cashier. At MAC, you are building a Portfolio Career.

"Sanitary Rules" (The Palette Knife)

If you work at MAC, you will become a germaphobe.

• The Rule: Nothing touches the client directly.
• The Tool: You scrape lipstick onto a Steel Palette with a spatula. You load your brush from the palette.
• The Alcohol: You spray 70% Alcohol on everything.
• Sephora: Also strict, but because customers are allowed to touch testers (gross), it is a constant battle to keep the "Gondolas" (shelves) clean.
• Internal Link: The hygiene standards here are as strict as the "clean room" rules for LifeLabs Phlebotomy Assistants.

Practical Questions Answered

"Do I need to be a certified Makeup Artist (MUA)?"

• Sephora: No. They hire "passion" over "paper." They will train you.
• MAC: Yes/Preferred. While they do hire untaught talent, 90% of their staff have attended makeup school (like CMU or Blanche Macdonald).

"What is the dress code?"

• Sephora: "The Costume." A black and red tunic (provided) or all black business casual. You must wear the "Shoe of the Moment" (usually black sneakers or flats).
• MAC: "All Black Everything." Stylish, edgy, fashion-forward. You can wear wild accessories, piercings, and platform boots. It is less "Uniform" and more "Goth Club."

"Is the pressure high?"

Yes.

• Sephora: The pressure is "Multi-World." They want you to sell a lipstick, then a moisturizer, then a hair straightener. You have to know everything.
• MAC: The pressure is "Artistry." Customers expect you to be a wizard. If you can't cover their acne perfectly, they will complain.

Deep Dive: The "Services" Model (Paid Makeovers)

Post-pandemic, this changed everything.

• Sephora: Offers "Paid Services" (e.g., $60 for a 60-minute makeover).
  • The Perk: The money goes to the store goal, but you get the practice.
  • The Tip: Clients can tip on the machine now! This adds $5 - $10 per hour to your wage on busy Saturdays.
• MAC: Also does paid appointments.
  • The Difference: MAC appointments are often booked weeks in advance for Prom/Weddings because the brand trust is higher for durability.

Hidden Rules & Interview Hacks

1. The "Flex" vs. "Core" Trap (Sephora)

• When you get the offer letter, check the status immediately.
• Flex: 0 - 19 hours/week. No Benefits. No guaranteed shifts. You are essentially "on call."
• Partial: 20 - 29 hours/week. You get Partial Benefits (Health/Dental). This is the sweet spot for students.
• Core: 30+ hours/week. Full benefits.
• The Trap: Managers often hire you as "Flex" but schedule you for 35 hours during the holidays, then drop you to 0 hours in January.
• Link: This scheduling volatility is identical to the "Casual" contracts at Canada Post Holiday Sorting.

2. The "Basket Build" Interview Question

• In the Sephora interview, they will ask: "If a client buys a foundation, what else do you sell them?"
• The Wrong Answer: "A concealer." (Too basic).
• The "Hired" Answer: "I would 'Build the Basket' by asking about their skin type. Then I would recommend a Primer to make the foundation last, a Setting Powder to lock it in, and a Brush because using fingers wastes product."
• The Metric: They track "UPT" (Units Per Transaction). If you only sell one item, you are hurting the store's numbers.

3. The "Skin Wins" Shift (2026 Strategy)

• The Trend: Post-pandemic, people buy less heavy makeup and more expensive skincare (Drunk Elephant, Tatcha).
• The Hiring Hack: If you want to get hired at Sephora, talk about Ingredients, not just colors.
• The Keywords: Mention "Hyaluronic Acid," "Retinol," and "Skin Barrier Health" in your interview. Even if you apply for the Makeup "World," proving you know skincare makes you a double threat.
• Link: This technical knowledge requirement is similar to the Apple At Home Advisor needing to know Wi-Fi protocols.

4. Interview Outfit Code (Exact Items)

• Sephora: Do NOT wear a ballgown.
  • Go for: "Trendy Professional." Black wide-leg trousers, a fitted black turtleneck, and immaculate makeup.
  • Hair: Must be "done." No messy buns.
• MAC: Do NOT wear color.
  • Go for: "Edgy Fashion." Leather jacket, combat boots, graphic liner. Show them you have a distinct "Style Persona."
• Shoes: Wear comfortable black boots or sneakers. You will be standing on hard tile for the entire group interview.
• Link: You need good insoles just like Traffic Control Persons who stand for 10 hours.

5. MAC Freelancing (The Non-Compete Loophole)

• Can you work at MAC and still do wedding makeup on the side?
• The Rule: Generally, Yes, as long as you don't steal MAC clients.
• The Conflict: You cannot hand out your personal business card inside the MAC store. That is instant termination.
• The Loophole: Build your Instagram portfolio. If a client finds you there, you can charge your own rates ($150/face) on your days off.

6. Loss Prevention & "Theft Zones"

• High-end makeup is the #1 stolen item in malls.
• The Job: 20% of your day is just watching teenagers to make sure they don't pocket a $50 Dior Lip Oil.
• The "Customer Service" Deterrent: You are trained to "Kill them with kindness." If you suspect someone is stealing, you don't tackle them. You say: "Can I hold that basket for you at the cash desk while you keep shopping?"
• Link: Dealing with this "inventory shrinkage" is a key metric, similar to accuracy checks for Inventory Counter Jobs.

7. Seasonal to Permanent (Surviving January)

• Both companies hire mass amounts of staff for "Holiday" (Oct - Dec).
• The Cut: In January, 70% are fired.
• How to Stay:
  1. Attendance: Never be late. Not once.
  2. Open Availability: If you say you can't work New Year's Eve, you are gone.
  3. Credit Cards: At Sephora, if you get 5 people to sign up for the Sephora Credit Card during your probation, they will keep you over someone with better makeup skills.
• Link: The pressure to hit targets to keep your job is exactly like the sales pressure for TD Bank Tellers.

8. The "Hygiene" Check (The Gross Part)

• You will see things that haunt you.
• The Tester: Clients will try to put the mascara wand directly on their eye.
• Your Job: You must fearlessly intercept them. "Oh! Let me grab you a disposable wand for that."
• The Cleaning: You will spend hours scraping the top layer off eyeshadows and sanitizing lipstick bullets with alcohol. If you are squeamish about germs, this is not for you.

9. Employee Discount (The Reselling Ban)

• Sephora: 30% Off (LVMH Brands get 40% sometimes).
• MAC: 60% Off (Estée Lauder Companies).
• The Rule: You cannot buy products for your friends and get them to pay you back. This is "Reselling."
• The Tracking: They track your spending. If a Part-Timer making $20k/year buys $15k of makeup, Loss Prevention will investigate you for running a side business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can men work here?

Absolutely.

• Both brands are leaders in inclusivity.
• MAC was founded on the motto: "All Ages, All Races, All Sexes."
• Male artists are often the top sellers because clients value their objective opinion.

Is it a good student job?

Sephora: Yes. Flexible hours, great for evenings/weekends.

MAC: Maybe. They often want "Open Availability" because shifts are longer (doing makeup takes time).

Which one looks better on a resume?

• If you want to be a Freelance Makeup Artist: MAC. It is the gold standard for training.
• If you want to work in Marketing/Sales: Sephora. It shows you understand the broader retail landscape and "Clientelling."

Summary: The Artist vs. The Retailer

1. Choose Sephora if you love product. You want to try every new serum, every new palette, and you want a fun, team-based environment.
2. Choose MAC if you love technique. You want to master the art of the cut crease, you want to wear all black, and you want to be respected as an Artist.
3. The Pay Check: They are similar, but MAC tips the scale slightly higher for skilled labour.
4. The Bag: Sephora's gratis bag is legendary. If you want to fill your bathroom cabinet for free, wear the black and red tunic.

About the author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian career researcher and digital entrepreneur who studies hiring trends, labour market data, and real entry-level opportunities across Canada. He specializes in simplifying the job search for newcomers, students, and workers using practical, up-to-date information.

Sources

• Sephora Careers: "Life at Sephora" and benefits overview. https://jobs.sephora.com/
• MAC Cosmetics: Artist training and MAC Pro membership details. https://www.maccosmetics.ca/
• Reddit r/SephoraWorkers: Discussions on gratis and wage updates 2026. https://www.reddit.com/r/SephoraWorkers/

Note

Job availability, wages, and hiring conditions can vary widely by province, employer, season, and experience level. All salary ranges and job examples in this guide are estimates based on current labour market data. Always confirm details directly with the employer before applying.