BY: KIZZY COURTNEY
Buying makeup can be simple. You see something you love or something you want to try so you either get it online, or you get in stores, be it the drugstores or the mall. However, buying makeup at the mall can be a challenge for some. Why you ask? Well, M.A.C or Sephora? And isn’t that the ultimate question if you’re as makeup obsessed as I am. Some of you may be thinking “what’s the big deal, it’s all makeup.” That’s ok if you’re not a makeup person, but for those that are it’s a very big deal. Both these companies are similar in some ways but have major differences as well. One thing I know for certain they can be trouble on your wallet if you’re not careful.
Both M.A.C. and Sephora are a makeup lover’s dream. These companies not only sell makeup but also offer skin care products, brushes and fragrances as well. Although you get more variety if you shop at Sephora as they offer you more brands to try. M.A.C offers fantastic eyeshadows with great color pay off as well as their lipsticks and blushes (my personal favorites). Looking to get your makeup done for an event on short notice and don’t have time to find a makeup artist, well then hop into your nearest M.A.C or Sephora to get it done as they both offer skilled makeup artists to help with all your makeup needs. What’s great about these two companies is that they both offer loyalty programs. M.A.C has their M.A.C select program and Sephora offers their Beauty Insider program. These programs allow their customers perks such as free samples, complementary makeovers, free shipping etc. Spending a certain amount throughout the year allows you to increase your status within these programs which in turn gets you, even more, perks.
M.A.C offers many great programs, one of their biggest is their Viva Glam Campaign. This campaign is usually a collaboration with a celebrity where all proceeds from their Viva Glam products (usually their lipsticks or lip gloss) is donated to the M.A.C AIDS Fund which helps communities and organizations offer services to people with HIV/AIDS. Have you heard of Back-to-M.A.C? This program allows you to return six primary M.A.C packaging containers to any M.A.C counter or M.A.C cosmetics online and in turn you receive a free lipstick of your choice. This is the company’s way of doing their part for the environment, so save those lipstick containers ladies. These are just a few of the great things that M.A.C offers to its consumers. However, M.A.C only sells M.A.C products, and this is where Sephora shines. Sephora offers a variety of amazing brands to choose from be it makeup, skincare or even hair care. Some Sephora stores now offers brands which are catered specifically for women of color. This brand is Black Up Cosmetics and it is the first brand of its kind to be sold in Sephora. With so many amazing brands to choose from it can get a bit overwhelming if you are new to makeup and don’t know where to start or which brands to choose. Not sure if that foundation is your shade ask for a sample, Sephora employees are amazing and very accommodating.
As both these stores cater to any skin type and skin color it’s completely the shopper’s choice which they prefer. Maybe you’ve been a long-time M.A.C shopper and don’t feel the need to try any other brands. Maybe you like exploring the variety at Sephora and can’t wait to try new products from your favorite brands, or maybe you’re new to makeup or just don’t like how expensive these companies are and you’d rather stick to the drugstore or the beauty supply. Whatever the reason the choice is yours to make.
