Cat Quinn of MAC Cosmetics talks trends, pop culture and staying sane in digital world
Cat Quinn has the best beauty tips and advice on finding balance when job, life, and personal interests are almost undetachable from social media and the internet.
If you’re calling yourself a beauty obsessed, then it only makes sense that you have come across Cat Quinn’s contents on TikTok or Instagram, whichever is your favourite place to explore. Armed with a decade of beauty editorial experience and keen eye for trend and style, Quinn’s current role as MAC Cosmetics’ Executive Director is nothing less than sharing everything beauty and pinpointing the trends that are about to dominate.
Just like every beauty enthusiast in the industry, Quinn’s passion doesn’t stop at the office door. The beauty guru takes to her social channels to share her pop culture-oriented take on beauty and style, and if you’re a sucker for trends and looks – have fun scrolling.
L'Officiel Malaysia caught up with Cat Quinn to learn more about her new role at MAC, beauty trends, and everything.
Let’s start with some quick This or That: Instagram or TikTok?
TikTok, I’m obsessed.
Makeup or skincare?
Makeup, I love being able to change my look depending on my vibe that day but skincare is still an essential part of my beauty routine.
Red carpet or backstage?
Backstage, so much trend inspiration!
Can you walk us through your role at MAC Cosmetics?
I have my dream job of being the executive director of global trend for MAC. That means I have my ear to the ground on the biggest trends before they hit the mainstream. I’m constantly scouring data, social media, runway, entertainment, red carpet, and backstage movements, as well as keeping a close eye on what’s happening in culture. I spent the past decade as a beauty editor, and this role is actually very similar to that. I’m a reporter at heart, and now I report those trends for MAC and bring them to our audiences on a global scale.
Can you remember your earliest inspiration for beauty and makeup artistry?
My dad was a camera operator for television, and I loved visiting him on set when I was a kid. I always made a beeline for the makeup trailer to talk to the makeup artists. I found their job so fascinating! Not only were they telling a story about the characters through beauty, but they were influencing trends in real life, too. It’s something I’ve always focused on in my reporting, and now I explore the connection between beauty and pop culture in my career.
What’s your take on the connection between beauty and pop culture?
It’s everything! Pop culture Is hugely influential in beauty trends, especially now that the world is more connected than ever. You see movements like “Euphoria Makeup” and “Regency-Core” (influenced by Bridgerton) move at lightning speed on TikTok.
When Ariana Grande wore white liner in a music video, there was an immediate uptick in sales of white liner. We’re seeing pop punk and grunge make a comeback, and with it comes a wave of bold makeup trends like long liner from that era. We keep a very close eye on pop culture — and part of my job is staying on top of it all. (Yes, I watch a TON of TV. It’s my job, I swear!)
As much as we love everything Beauty, catching up with all the happenings could be overwhelming sometimes. What are your tips to stay sane when job, life, and personal interests are almost undetachable from social media and the internet?
I set time limits on my apps and schedule times during the day to check them (like noon and 5 p.m.) to avoid doom scrolling. I also let my phone battery die, which drives my husband crazy, but I find that I tend to use it less when the battery is low. When my phone dies, I plug it into a wall in another room and give myself some time without it. It’s a tip I learned from YouTuber and entrepreneur Michelle Phan, and it really works!
Finally, my weekends and vacations are sacred. If I have to work a few extra hours during the week so I don’t take work into the weekend, I will. And it helps that a huge part of my job is consuming content, which I love! On the weekends, I try to do it in the company of others so it feels more social, and less like work.
Name three things that help you to unwind.
It’s so important for creatives to take time off — that’s where the inspiration and magic happens! I really enjoy taking my camera out and shooting street style just for fun — especially when I’m traveling. Exercise stimulates your brain and I get some of my best ideas when I’m working out and lifting weights. And I love listening to audiobooks (nothing stuffy - I am not ashamed to say I escape in fictional romance and suspense novels in my off time). I’ll pop in my airpods and take a walk around Nolita and Soho while I get lost in the story.
Do you have a personal style? And if so, how would you define it?
MAC black, of course! Lately I’ve been investing in quality staple pieces in black and white that match everything. I like elevated classics that are feminine with a bit of an edge. Then I play with trend colors on my face — like a shimmery purple shadow, a lime green liner, or berry lipstick. It’s a fun way to participate in flash trends without a closet full of items you might never wear again.
What’s a great skincare or makeup trick you recently learned?
I love the 60s Lashes trend, and our director of makeup artistry Romero Jennings taught me how to clump my bottom lashes together with MACstack Mascara and tweezers. It totally opens up your eyes and creates such a fun mod look. I do it almost every day now.
What beauty look are you most excited about recently?
I absolutely LOVE the Apricot Jelly trend. It looks so warm and sexy against glowing skin — I want to wear it all summer. We saw this look backstage and it’s such an exciting upgrade from traditional pink blush. I love the curated monochrome kit from MAC’s Art of Color campaign. Glow Play Blush in Groovy, Powder Kiss Eyeshadow in My Tweedy, and Powder Kiss Liquid Lip Colour Sorry Not Sorry are a killer combo!
Can you give us a glimpse of what’s to come from MAC Cosmetics this year?
We have so many exciting things in store! I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say, it’s going to be the summer of lip! Get ready for a super exciting new innovation and tons of trends I personally can’t wait to wear. Hint: Keep your eyes out for the Velvet Lips trend!
Visit maccosmetics.com.my to discover more.
