Today we’d like to introduce you to Richie Carreon.
Richie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
How It All Began
To truly understand where my journey in the beauty industry began, I have to start with the earliest spark of inspiration. While it may be tempting to credit Barbies—just kidding—it was, without question, my mother who first ignited my passion.
I was born in the late 80s, and some of my most treasured childhood memories involve watching my mom do her makeup in the ’90s. She would take her time—often spending hours perfecting her look—and I would sit nearby, completely captivated. Every brush stroke, every product, every detail fascinated me. If I could relive those moments, I would in a heartbeat. My mother passed away in 2017, but the imprint she left on my life remains deeply present. That, however, is a story of its own.
Another key influence was my aunt, a professional makeup artist. I can still recall visiting her at work, watching her in action at the makeup counter, and thinking, this is what glamour looks like. Those experiences made a lasting impression on me.
From a young age, I gravitated toward creativity. I loved art, crafts, and anything that allowed me to express myself. I could spend hours coloring, completely immersed in my imagination. While I wasn’t always sure what I wanted to be when I grew up, I knew one thing: I wanted to be successful. I envisioned the classic small-town kid who carves out a name for themselves in the world.
I began experimenting with beauty in subtle ways—playing with makeup, styling my mother’s and sisters’ hair, curling it, creating different looks. That hands-on curiosity eventually led me to enroll in cosmetology school, which I completed in 2007. At the time, my passion was focused entirely on hair.
However, the industry was very different back then. Networking was not as accessible, and building a clientele required time, patience, and financial stability—none of which I had in abundance as a recent graduate. I was in school full-time, and once I completed my hours, I needed to find work immediately.
I took a job at Forever 21 and began working under the table at a salon while I prepared for my state board exam. But the reality set in quickly—I was still very inexperienced, and financially, it wasn’t sustainable.
Then, I stumbled upon an online job listing: Sephora was hiring a beauty advisor. I thought it sounded like an exciting opportunity. Truthfully, I had very little experience with makeup—my passion had always been hair—but I took a chance, navigated the interview process with confidence, and to my surprise, I got the job.
The Shift in Passion
Transitioning into the world of makeup wasn’t immediate—it took time, patience, and a lot of learning. At the time, being a male makeup artist was still considered somewhat unconventional. There were moments of doubt and discomfort, but also moments of clarity that reaffirmed my place in the beauty world.
I spent about a year working at Sephora. It was there that my passion truly began to evolve. What started as a curiosity quickly became a calling. I absorbed everything I could—products, techniques, skin types, client interactions. The more I learned, the more I realized something surprising: my dream of doing hair was no longer at the forefront. Makeup had taken center stage. It wasn’t just something I enjoyed—it was something I needed to do. I knew then that I wanted to become a professional makeup artist.
Not long after, I heard about a new beauty concept launching at Macy’s called “Impulse Beauty”—essentially a mini Sephora inside the department store. Excited by the possibility, I applied immediately and showed up for the group interview. But when I arrived, there was a problem: they couldn’t find my name on the list. As it turns out, I had failed the online questionnaire during the application process, and technically, I wasn’t supposed to be there.
Still, whether out of kindness or curiosity, they let me stay and interview anyway. It was a group setting—about eleven of us seated in a room while multiple supervisors asked rapid-fire questions. I made sure to participate as much as I could, raising my hand, staying engaged, and showing them just how eager and passionate I was. I walked out hopeful.
I didn’t get the job.
But sometimes, rejection comes with redirection. Shortly after, I received an unexpected offer: a position as a makeup artist for Benefit Cosmetics. A new brand. A new challenge. A new opportunity to grow and refine my craft. I was thrilled. This wasn’t just another job—it was a step closer to the artist I was becoming.
I met some really amazing people along the way, but one person who truly stood out was a freelance artist for the brand. She was, without a doubt, the coolest girl I had ever met. She shared stories about her experiences in the industry—working on photo shoots, being on set, and being signed with an agency. I could only imagine what it would be like to live that kind of life. She was incredibly sweet, and we instantly connected. She was actually the first person to introduce me to the idea of building real “connections” in the industry.
At the time, I didn’t have a proper makeup kit, so booking gigs as a makeup artist wasn’t really an option. But I did have a decent hair kit. So, I decided to brand myself as a freelance hairstylist and began booking myself professionally. My first big break was working a fashion show at “The Beverly Hills Hilton”. It was during the peak of reality TV and paparazzi culture—pure Hollywood glamour. I remember seeing a few recognizable faces and being overwhelmed by how surreal it all felt. I was beyond nervous, but also incredibly proud and grateful for the opportunity.
Shortly after that, I began working on photo shoots and test shoots with credible magazines. Most of them were trade shoots since I was still very new and trying to build my portfolio. The industry was so different back then, and I was learning everything as I went.
Eventually, I decided to take a leap and focus on my career full time, so I quit my job as a counter makeup artist. Looking back, that may have been a mistake—I still had so much to learn. But every experience, even the missteps, helped shape the path I was about to take.
I needed a job—fast.
Money was tight, and I had to make something happen. I came across a job posting for a makeup artist position at Nordstrom. The listing just said “Prestige,” nothing specific. I went in for the interview not knowing what to expect.
During the conversation, the beauty department supervisor mentioned there was an opening at NARS. Then, almost as an afterthought, she added, “Oh—and there might be something at MAC, cosmetics too.”
Without skipping a beat, I said, “MAC. I want to move forward with MAC.”
At the time, MAC was the brand—bold, unapologetic, trend-setting, and rooted in serious artistry. There was nothing else like it. Just walking into the store felt like an experience. I knew it was the place I wanted to be.
Was I the perfect fit? Honestly, no. At that point, I had maybe a year and a half of experience as a makeup artist. MAC’s reputation was built on fierce talent, and I was still figuring things out. When I got the call that I landed the job, I was shocked—and incredibly nervous.
I joined a counter of about 17 artists, all packed into this small but mighty space. It was one of the top-performing MAC counters in the district. I was the “new kid.” Most of the team was kind, but it was 2011, and MAC still had a reputation for having a few tough personalities. That part was real.
Some artists gave off a cold shoulder—think “popular girl energy.” They weren’t mean, but they weren’t exactly rushing to show me the ropes either. I remember calling my boyfriend on my lunch break one day and saying, “I don’t know if this is for me.”
The pace was overwhelming. Everything moved fast, expectations were high, and I felt out of my depth. The artists around me were insanely talented, and I couldn’t help but compare myself. I questioned whether I even belonged there.
I only lasted a few months at my first MAC counter. There was one permanent position, and it came down to me and one other artist. In the end, I wasn’t the one they picked. I got let go.
It was a blow to my confidence. I felt like I’d failed. But even in the disappointment, I knew something for sure: I wasn’t ready to walk away from makeup just yet.
Not long after, I heard MAC was opening a brand new counter in North Hollywood. They were holding one of their big open casting events—the kind where hopefuls lined up around the block, and the chances felt slim. Still, I decided to go.
The moment I saw the crowd, my heart sank. “Why am I even here?” I thought. “There’s no way I’m getting this.” I almost turned around. That little voice in my head—the one that always made me second-guess myself—was loud that day.
But I stayed.
The process was intense—MAC was known for its multi-step interviews back then. I made it through to the makeup application round, poured everything I had into it… and then heard nothing.
In the meantime, I’d quietly landed something else: Calvin Klein was launching a cosmetics line, and I’d signed a contract. Training was scheduled to begin. It felt like the next chapter was already unfolding.
Then—literally the day before training—MAC called. They offered me the job.
I was caught off guard. I hesitated. But something in me knew: MAC still felt unfinished. So I took the leap. Again.
And I’m so glad I did.
That second chance with MAC changed everything. I ended up working under one of the most incredible managers I’ve ever met—Christine Taylor. I used to call her my fairy godmother, and honestly, she was. She saw something in me and gave me the space to grow into it.
Christine was patient, creative, and genuinely supportive. She didn’t just manage—she mentored. She gave me the freedom to explore my artistry, pushed me to be part of nearly every major MAC event, and treated me like I belonged. That kind of leadership? Rare. I didn’t take it for granted.
Under her guidance, I started to find my confidence. I was growing, getting noticed, and slowly carving out a little space for myself in the MAC world. That momentum led to my next big opportunity: Opening a brand-new MAC store at Santa Anita.
It felt like a full-circle moment—proof that sometimes the doors that close are just leading you to better ones.
That chapter brought so many incredible experiences. I worked alongside some of the most gifted artists and built friendships that have lasted to this day. We created, we collaborated, and we pushed each other to grow. I was truly grateful for every moment.
But life has a strange sense of humor.
The manager who let me go from my very first MAC counter— remember.
She ended up being my boss again. And after a few years of working together—she let me go again.
I was fired.
Twice, by the same person!
It stung. Of course it did. I’d put in the time, the work, the heart. It was hard not to take it personally. There’s more I could say, but honestly—it’s just one of those things you carry, learn from, and move through.
You’d think that would be the end of the story with MAC
But for me, it was just another turning point.
After that chapter closed, I gave myself time to pause. I needed space—to process, to heal, and to reconnect with the reason I started this journey in the first place.
Slowly, I began to rebuild. I threw myself into freelance work—photo shoots, fashion shows, and personal clients. And before I knew it, I was doing it. I was living the dream I had back when I first fell in love with makeup: working full-time as a professional freelance artist, on my own terms.
It felt empowering. And yet, part of my heart still belonged to MAC. No matter what happened, that brand had been such a foundational part of my growth.
By this time it was 2017 and I decided to come back, I wasn’t gone for long—but this time I came back as a “freelance artist” for the brand. It was the best of both worlds. I could stay connected to the artistry and community I loved, while still building something of my own.
What started as a part-time return to MAC eventually pulled me back in completely. I found myself all-in again, and that path led me to new growth—as a full-time artist, then into leadership, first as an assistant manager… and eventually, I was given my own counter to manage in Century City.
My journey in management continued to evolve from there. I had the honor of managing one of the highest-volume locations in North America—an unforgettable chapter that became one of the highlights of my career.
It’s funny… you’d think that the peak of MAC—the golden era when it was everywhere—would’ve been the defining moment. But somehow, years later, I found myself experiencing something just as powerful. The memories, the people, the growth—I’ll always hold that time close.
Many of the artists I had the chance to mentor are still friends to this day, and after that, I stepped into another dream role: Store Manager of the MAC Pro store in the heart of Hollywood, right at Hollywood & Highland.
A total of Thirteen years. From 2011 to 2024.
Time really does fly when you’re doing what you love.
I’m so incredibly blessed to have been part of a brand that stood for everything I believed in—a brand that celebrated artistry, individuality, boldness, and authenticity. A brand that represented the best of the best. MAC gave me memories, friendships, and opportunities that will stay with me for life.
I’m proud to have been a MAC Boy.
There are so many people to thank—mentors, managers, coworkers, and clients. People who believed in me, supported me, and wanted to see me thrive. I’m forever grateful.
I was ready to say goodbye.
Or maybe a to be continued.
Remember to Stay humble and kind.
Xoxo,
#TeamRichie
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the early stages of my career, everything I did was built from the ground up. I didn’t have an agent representing me, and I didn’t have a mentor guiding me through the process. I was figuring things out as I went—learning through experience, trial, and a whole lot of error.
Unlike today’s digital age, where social media can launch a career overnight, things were different back then. There weren’t the same platforms or tools to promote yourself, network, or showcase your work with the click of a button. Everything was about word-of-mouth, physical portfolios, and being present—showing up, even when it was hard.
Many of the gigs I landed during that time were trade-for-print projects. I would do the makeup or hair for a shoot, and in exchange, I’d receive professional photos to help build my portfolio. These collaborations were valuable in terms of experience and exposure, but financially, they didn’t pay the bills. In fact, I often lost money taking them. There were times I spent the last twenty dollars I had just on gas to get to a set. It was a gamble—an investment in a future I believed in, even if I didn’t see immediate results.
Those were humbling times. But they taught me discipline, dedication, and the importance of resilience. I wasn’t just chasing a dream—I was building it, piece by piece, with whatever tools I had.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
One of the most transformative and fulfilling chapters of my career began when I joined MAC Cosmetics. Being a part of such an iconic and influential brand was more than just a job—it was the realization of a dream. Over the course of 13 years, MAC provided me with opportunities, experiences, and connections that played a pivotal role in shaping the artist and professional I am today. It is a chapter I will forever hold with deep gratitude.
During my time with MAC, I had the privilege of collaborating with some of the most talented individuals in the beauty industry. The training, exposure, and standard of artistry the brand demanded helped refine my skills and expand my creative vision. It was a space where my passion for makeup evolved into a true profession.
I had the honor of working on a wide range of prestigious events through the brand, including high-profile industry gatherings, Makeup Artist at The Magic Castle, the MTV Video Music Awards, MLB All-Star Weekend, and a collaboration with renowned designer Zac Posen to name a few. Each opportunity offered new challenges, insights, and a chance to contribute to the beauty narrative on a larger scale.
Outside of my work with MAC, I continued to grow my freelance career. I provided makeup for numerous private clients and special events—ranging from weddings and quinceañeras to television and editorial work. Highlights include Artistry on Fox 11 News, contributions to fashion weeks, Daytime Emmy’s, magazine shoots, and working with recognizable personalities such as Naja from LA Hair and Brittany from Vanderpump Rules.
These years were marked by dedication, artistry, and growth. I was no longer working to build a name—I had established one. And with every brushstroke, I was living the dream I had once only imagined.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
They say it takes a village—and in my case, that could not be more true. While my journey has been filled with hard work, perseverance, and personal sacrifice, it has also been guided and uplifted by the unwavering support of those closest to me.
First and foremost, my mother. Everything I have ever pursued, I did with the hope of making her proud. She was, and continues to be, the foundation of my inspiration—my first muse and my greatest motivation. Her love for beauty sparked my own, and her memory continues to guide me.
My sister has been a constant source of strength. From day one, she believed in me—even when I didn’t fully believe in myself. Her encouragement has carried me through some of my most uncertain moments. And then there are my nephews, Ezekiel and Dean, whose light and love remind me why I work so hard and dream so big.
To my “Wicked,” who has stood beside me through every chapter, offering quiet strength and unconditional loyalty—thank you for being my anchor and my safe space, no matter the storm.
I am also deeply grateful to every client who has ever trusted me with their face, their vision, and their special moments. Your belief in my artistry has been the foundation of my career. Each booking was more than a transaction—it was a vote of confidence in my craft.
And finally, to my followers—yes, it may sound funny to say, but the support, encouragement, and engagement I’ve received through social media have played a meaningful role in my journey. Whether sharing my work, leaving kind comments, or simply watching my evolution, your presence has mattered more than you know.
No success is achieved alone. Mine has been a collective triumph, built with love, loyalty, and belief from those who walked with me every step of the way.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Richierich_official
