You probably have a few dream jobs in mind if you want to become a makeup artist. That’s great! For many people, working at a makeup counter for a big company is a dream job that can be pretty scary. But if you’ve learned how to do professional makeup, you can feel sure of yourself and ready to take on the world!
Follow your dreams and learn how to get a great job as a makeup artist at NYX Cosmetics. We’ve put together our best job-hunting advice to help you get in (and do great)! Read on and follow your heart!
Once you obtain your makeup artist certification, there are so many career options available to you. In the end, this is a good thing, but it can be hard for certified makeup artists to decide what they want to do with their lives!
You should really think about what you want to do with your career before you start looking for work as a makeup artist. You don’t have to go through this hard or awkward! In fact, this is a very exciting time, and you should enjoy it (while also taking it seriously).
Working as a makeup artist in a retail setting is desirable for many reasons. You’ll be able to work with a lot of different clients, learn a lot about different products so you can make good suggestions, and play a big part in helping other people choose the right makeup.
It can be even more rewarding in this field if your goals match up with the company you work for. That’s why it’s so important to look for a boss you respect and admire. Big stores like Ulta, MAC, and, of course, NYX are great places to buy makeup. You’ll learn a lot that will help your career as a makeup artist.
Time to go! Now that you know what you’re passionate about and what you want to do with your career, it’s time to get the things you need for your NYX application.
Congratulations, you have been asked to come in for an interview. You only get one chance to make a good impression, and this is especially true when that interview is for a makeup artist job. Of course, it won’t be a problem that your makeup should be perfect on the day of the interview!
You should go all out for your interview. A flawless complexion, perfect winged liner, and a professional outfit will show your potential employer the best of you and your makeup skills. When planning your look, focus on your strengths. Don’t overdo your makeup, but pick a few strong skills, like having perfect skin or a perfect winged eye, and show those off.
Since NYX is a makeup store, you can expect a standard set of questions about your customer service and sales skills. Make sure you have some answers ready ahead of time that really show off your experience. It helps to write out your ideas and review them ahead of the interview so you’re prepared. There may be some questions that surprise you, but most of them will probably be standard questions about things that have happened at other makeup jobs.
Some interview processes will include a practical component, such as a makeup trial. Big makeup stores will want to see how good you are at applying makeup, and this is a great chance to do so! The best advice we can give you is to treat the model as if she were a customer you’ve never met. Because your job at NYX will require you to do makeup looks on new and different customers all the time, this is important.
Show that you’re outgoing, friendly, and professional, and you’ll really impress the person interviewing you at this point!
Interviewing at NYX Professional Makeup can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience. As a leading cosmetics brand known for their professional quality makeup at affordable drugstore prices, NYX is a highly desirable company to work for.
With great success comes intense competition, and NYX job interviews are no exception. The interview process aims to identify candidates that exemplify NYX values such as creativity, passion, authenticity and entrepreneurship.
To help you shine in your NYX interview, I’ve compiled the most commonly asked questions and provided tips to craft winning answers. Read on to get fully prepared across all interview stages – phone, video, group and in-person.
Background on NYX Professional Makeup
NYX was founded in 1999 by Toni Ko as a result of her frustration with the lack of affordable, quality makeup options. The company ethos is all about vibrant colors, continuous innovation and most importantly, accessibility.
Headquartered in California, NYX has experienced rapid global expansion over the past decade. They offer a wide range of color cosmetics including lip eye face and nail products. Most items retail between $5 – $15, delivering professional quality without the premium price tag.
With a strong social media presence and collaborations with influencers, NYX has built an engaged community of makeup-lovers. As a cruelty-free brand, they also appeal to ethically-minded consumers.
Key Traits NYX Looks for In Candidates
So what exactly is NYX looking for in their ideal candidate? Here are some key qualities that will make you stand out:
Passion for Beauty and Makeup: Given their industry, NYX wants to see a genuine interest in cosmetics and the wider beauty world. Knowledge about current makeup trends, techniques and products is highly regarded.
Sales Driven: Many roles are customer-facing, so comfort with sales is essential. Being able to advise customers, upsell products and drive results is hugely valued.
Creative Flair: NYX prides itself on constant innovation so being able to think creatively is a big plus. This applies to both product development and marketing roles.
Initiative: As a fast-paced environment, NYX needs team players that proactively identify solutions. Rather than waiting to be told what to do, take charge and use your initiative.
Brand Fit: Above all, NYX wants people who share the core brand identity – creative, passionate, authentic and entrepreneurial. Research the brand so you understand what they represent.
Keeping these desired traits in mind will help you craft successful interview answers that show you’re the right culture fit. Now let’s look at specific interview questions and examples of strong responses.
Common NYX Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
Here are some of the most frequently asked NYX interview questions along with tips for acing each one:
1. Why do you want to work for NYX?
This question tests your knowledge and enthusiasm for the company. Do your research before the interview so you understand NYX’s brand, products, values and story inside out.
Structure your answer using the following points:
-
Motivation: Explain why you’re drawn to the specific role you applied for. Show passion by referring to exactly how your skills and interests align with the position’s duties.
-
Brand affinity: Demonstrate your connection with the NYX brand ethos – creativity, innovation, inclusivity, affordability etc. Give examples of campaigns or products you really admire.
-
Growth opportunities: Highlight potential for career development at NYX. Refer to training programs or department cross-exposure.
By personalizing your response around the role you applied for and conveying authentic brand affinity, you’ll stand out from the pack.
Example response: “I’ve been obsessed with NYX’s uniquely creative products for years so working here would be a dream. As someone passionate about color and artistry, the opportunity to join the product development team really excites me. NYX constantly pushes boundaries with new texture and pigment innovations like the epic Ink Blot collection. I admire the brand’s fearless creativity coupled with an unwavering commitment to accessibility. I’d love to be part of translating those values into new products that continue exceeding customer expectations. NYX also offers excellent development programs like cross-training across different departments which would allow me to expand my skills.”
2. What makeup techniques or trends are you most excited about right now?
NYX wants to hire true makeup enthusiasts, so this question tests your industry knowledge and passion. Respond enthusiastically, outlining a couple of current trends or techniques that interest you and why.
Back up your answer with vivid examples like:
-
Specific makeup products or formulas gaining popularity now
-
Innovative application methods transforming how makeup is used
-
Celebrity, influencer or runway looks showcasing exciting new trends
-
Emerging styles that embody self-expression like Euphoria makeup
Conclude by relating the trends back to your strengths and interests, demonstrating your depth of passion for all things beauty.
Example response: “I’m really excited by the trend of using makeup to showcase self-expression, like the Euphoria looks all over TikTok now. The creative, artistic eye shadow palettes and liners from NYX make it so easy to play with colorful, statement eye looks. Another trend I love is glass skin – super glowy, hydrated base products like the NYX Bare With Me range allow that look on any budget. I find application techniques changing with bolder graphic eyeliner shapes gaining traction too. I actually learned how to achieve the perfect winged liner from a NYX store artist, which was amazing.”
3. How would you handle an unhappy customer?
NYX employees need to demonstrate empathy and problem-solving when faced with complaints. Use the STAR method to structure your response:
-
Situation: Briefly explain an example situation like a customer unhappy with a product.
-
Task: Describe your role and responsibilities in that situation.
-
Action: Explain the steps you would take to resolve the issue like apologizing, actively listening, identifying solutions, contacting managers if needed etc.
-
Result: Share the ideal outcome like the customer leaving satisfied after exchanging the product.
Focus your answer on compassion, calmness and product knowledge. NYX wants to see you represent the brand positively while efficiently addressing the problem.
Example response: “I would first listen carefully to understand why the customer was unhappy with the product and apologize sincerely that they had a bad experience. If it was an issue with performance or formula, I would offer personalized recommendations on alternatives that may work better based on their preferences. If needed, I would involve a manager to find a resolution, like exchanging the product for something they will truly love. My goal would be for the customer to leave feeling heard, valued and excited to give NYX another try.”
4. Tell us about a time you went above and beyond for a customer.
Another question assessing your customer service skills. Have a story ready that shows resourcefulness, initiative and commitment to exceeding expectations.
Tailor your STAR story example to the NYX brand by including details like:
-
In-depth product education offered to help the customer discover their perfect shades
-
Generous time spent trialing various options and advising on best application techniques
-
Following up post-purchase to ensure satisfaction
End the story by explaining how your efforts strengthened the customer’s loyalty and trust in NYX.
Example response: “When I worked at a beauty retailer, there was a regular customer named Amy who struggled to find the ideal NYX foundation shade for her complexion. One day while assisting Amy, I noticed she seemed discouraged so I suggested we take her time to try a wide color range of NYX Bare With Me options. I helped her identify undertones in her skin and thoroughly test each foundation, taking handwritten notes on how she liked the texture and finish of every option. Amy ended up discovering 3 perfect NYX foundations for different seasons/occasions. In the following weeks, she returned to purchase her favorites and gave me the biggest hug, saying how life-changing finding those shades was for her confidence in makeup. I felt so proud to completely change Amy’s relationship with NYX through personalized service and product education.”
5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
For this long-term goal question, align your aspirations with potential career paths at NYX. Demonstrate your interest in growing long-term with the company.
Structure your answer around:
-
Your dream role/level in 5 years time e.g. Senior Product Developer, National Training Manager etc.
-
Skills and strengths you plan to develop in order to earn that promotion
-
How your goals align with NYX’s growth trajectory – connect your ambition to theirs
-
Specific NYX training programs or opportunities that will help you succeed
Conclude by reiterating your passion for the brand and commitment to developing your career as part of the NYX team.
Example response: *”In 5 years time, after progressing through the production trainee program, I hope to be managing a full cosmetics product line at NYX. I plan to immerse myself in all aspects of product development during the intensive
Be knowledgeable and friendly
If you want to work at NYX, your knowledge, experience, and talent in makeup are all very important, but don’t forget about your soft skills!
Employers want to hire makeup artists who are incredibly personable, kind, outgoing and helpful. They want to know that you’re excited about the makeup, the company, and your job as a makeup artist. Let that energy shine through in every interaction you have with customers. As you get ready for your makeup artist interview (which we know you’ll ace by the way), don’t forget how important it is to smile, be excited, and know how valuable you are as a makeup artist.
INTERVIEW TIPS (MAKEUP INDUSTRY)
FAQ
What does NYX Professional Makeup stand for?
Is NYX really professional?
What to wear for a makeup artist interview?
