MAC man knows makeup
Story by Audrey Hanes, Photo by Dero Sanford

In the flashy and feminine world of cosmetics, MAC makeup’s Brett Dunning has quickly managed to establish himself as a staff and customer favorite at The Mall at Turtle Creek.

The 19-year-old had always been interested in hair, and after graduating high school in Trumann, Ark., he moved to Jonesboro to pursue a career in that line of work. Of course, that was before he got a part time job at MAC. A year and a half later, Dunning says that he has found his calling in cosmetics.

“My favorite part of my job is the people,” said Dunning. “I get to meet so many new people here, and I also love the traveling. We get to go to places like Dallas and New Orleans for conferences and training seminars, and we get to see a lot of really cool stuff.”

These learning opportunities have enabled Dunning to become a MAC product specialist, which means he focuses on the ingredients MAC uses in its cosmetics.
“I can basically investigate someone’s skin, find their skin type and find the best MAC products that work for them,” he explained. “I’m a big fan of skin and eyes. I think everyone should use skincare, and I love the eyes. I love doing eyes for proms and weddings. Really, I love to do that kind of special occasion makeup.”

Dunning describes his own style as very eclectic: “I change from day to day. Sometimes I’m a rocker, and sometimes I’m ‘coffee house.’ It’s always different.”

Although he is devoted to makeup with MAC here in Jonesboro, Dunning would like to eventually end up in Dallas as a trainer or as a senior artist who works on celebrities.

What are the hot colors and trends for this summer?
Pink lips are huge right now, and so are bronzers. Bronzers have always been “in,” but now there are new techniques to make bronzer look more natural; it has always been about the cheeks and nose, but now it’s all over. You should even blend bronzer back to the bottoms of your earlobes to make it look more natural. Highlighters are hot, too. They’re inspired by the J.Lo glow.

How should women alter their makeup routines when it’s hot and humid outside?
In the summer, you should really start out with a moisturizer with an SPF. You also really want to use a primer because it increases the longevity of your makeup. When you’re outside and active, you don’t want your makeup running off your face, and the primer will help with that.

What are your three favorite products right now for summer?
MAC’s Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15, MAC’s Sun Tint for Lips with SPF 15 and MAC’s Mineralized Skin Finisher in Gold Deposit. (For more on these products, scan the QR code on page 18.)

What is a makeup trend right now that every woman should avoid?
Dark lips. Lady Gaga rocks it, but with anyone else, it’s just awful. And with lip liner, women should also avoid lip liners that are darker than their lipstick.

Can you wear makeup at the pool, beach or lake? How much is too much?
Yes, it’s OK to wear makeup, but it should be kept to a minimum – a lip gloss with an SPF and maybe even a very sheer, light foundation that also contains an SPF. Skip the mascara because it will just irritate the eyes. After leaving the pool, you should always wash your face with a cleanser because sweating opens up your pores.

Any tips on traveling with cosmetics?
MAC will soon be launching travel-sized skincare that will be sold in MAC pro stores only. Also, never leave any of your makeup in a hot car.

What’s happening with nails this summer?
A hot trend for fingers and toes right now would be turquoise or white, and the Katy Perry Crackle Polish is always good to spice it up. My favorite MAC polishes are Ocean Dip and Steamy.