20 NARS Cosmetics Interview Questions and Answers

NARS Cosmetics is a world-renowned makeup and skincare brand that has been at the forefront of the beauty industry for over 20 years. NARS is known for their innovative products, cutting-edge packaging, and trendsetting shades.

If you’re hoping to land a job at NARS, you can expect the interview process to be pretty competitive. To give yourself the best chance of success, you’ll need to be prepared to answer some tough questions.

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of sample NARS interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

NARS Cosmetics Interview Process

The interview process at NARS Cosmetics can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For some positions, such as a Retail Artist, there may only be a brief phone call or in-person interview. However, for other positions, such as a Makeup Artist, the process may be more intense and involve multiple interviews, a makeup test, and a trial shift. Overall, the interview process is generally fairly standard, but candidates should be prepared to answer questions about their experience in the cosmetics industry and their interest in working for NARS specifically.

1. What is your favorite NARS product and why?

This question is a great way to see if you are familiar with the brand. It also allows you to show your creativity and personality. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a product that you have used before or one that you would like to try.

Example: “My favorite NARS product is the Radiant Cream Compact Foundation in St. Moritz. I love how lightweight it feels on my skin while still providing full coverage. The color match is perfect for me, too. I’ve been using this foundation for years now, so I know exactly what to expect when applying it.”

2. How would you describe the brand to someone who has never heard of it?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the company and its products. It also allows you to show off your communication skills by clearly explaining what NARS Cosmetics does in an easy-to-understand way.

Example: “NARS Cosmetics is a luxury makeup brand that offers high-quality cosmetics at affordable prices. The brand has been around since 1984, when it was founded by Francois Nars. He started out as a freelance makeup artist before launching his own line. Today, the brand has over 1,000 products available for purchase online and in stores.”

3. Do you have any experience working in retail?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have any experience working in a customer service role. If you do, they may ask you to describe your previous experiences and how they relate to this position. If you don’t have retail experience, you can talk about other customer service roles you’ve had.

Example: “I worked as a cashier at my local grocery store for two years while I was in college. It helped me pay for school and gave me valuable customer service skills that I use every day. In my current position, I work with customers who are looking for specific products or want advice on what makeup would look best on them.”

4. Tell us about a time that you had to deal with an angry customer, how did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle conflict and stress. It’s important to show that you have good problem-solving skills, patience and empathy when dealing with customers who are upset or angry.

Example: “I once had a customer call me after they received their order because they were unhappy with it. I asked them what was wrong and if there was anything we could do to fix it. They said they didn’t like the color of one of the products in their order. I apologized for the inconvenience and told them I would send out another product right away. The customer was happy with my response and sent me a thank-you email later.”

5. What are some ways that you can improve sales as a makeup artist?

NARS Cosmetics is looking for makeup artists who can help the company increase sales. This question helps them determine if you have any ideas on how to do this. Use your answer to share some of your strategies for helping customers find products they like and want to buy.

Example: “I believe that one way I could improve sales as a makeup artist is by listening to my clients’ needs and wants. For example, when working with a client, I always ask what their goals are for their makeup look. From there, I use my expertise to create a personalized plan for them. This often leads to clients buying more products from me because they see results.”

6. Why do you want to work at NARS Cosmetics?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you are a good fit for their company. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something specific about NARS Cosmetics that interests you or what drew you to apply for the position.

Example: “I want to work at NARS Cosmetics because I am passionate about makeup and beauty products. I have been using NARS Cosmetics for years, and I love how high-quality the products are. I think I would be a great addition to your team because of my passion for makeup and my experience working in retail.”

7. What is your most successful technique for selling products?

This question is an opportunity to show your sales skills and how you can help the company increase its revenue. Your answer should include a specific example of how you helped a customer make a purchase decision.

Example: “I find that my best technique for selling products is through educating customers on what they can do with makeup. I once had a client who came in looking for a bold red lipstick, but she didn’t know which shade would look good on her skin tone or if it was appropriate for work. Instead of just showing her some options, I talked to her about different shades and how to wear them. She ended up buying two lipsticks because of my advice.”

8. Describe your approach to educating customers on new products.

NARS Cosmetics is known for its innovative products, and the company wants to hire makeup artists who can educate customers on new products. Your answer should show that you are passionate about beauty and have a strong knowledge of NARS Cosmetics’ products.

Example: “I love educating my customers on new products because I get so much joy from seeing their excitement when they try out something new. When working with clients, I always make sure to explain how each product works and what results it will give them. This helps me build trust with my clients and ensures they know exactly what to expect from each product.”

9. How would you explain our return policy to a customer?

This question can help the interviewer assess your customer service skills. It’s important to be friendly and helpful when explaining policies, especially if you’re applying for a position that requires you to interact with customers.

Example: “I would tell them that we accept returns within 30 days of purchase as long as they have all original packaging and are unused. I’d also let them know that we offer free shipping both ways on any return or exchange. If they have any questions about our policy, I’d make sure to answer them thoroughly.”

10. Describe a situation where you were able to successfully upsell a customer.

Upselling is a sales technique that involves offering customers products or services that are more expensive than what they initially intended to purchase. Upselling can be an effective way to increase revenue, and employers may ask this question to see if you have experience doing so. In your answer, try to describe the steps you took to successfully upsell a customer.

Example: “At my previous job, I had a client who came in looking for a new lipstick color. She told me she was looking for something bolder than her usual shade but didn’t want anything too bright. After asking her a few questions about what colors she liked, I suggested a deep red lip color. She loved it, and we ended up selling her a full makeup look with the new lipstick as part of the set.”

11. Have you ever worked in a commission based job?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience working in a commission based job and how well you performed. If you haven’t worked in a commission based job, consider describing your previous work that was similar to this type of position.

Example: “I’ve never worked in a commission based job before, but I did work as an independent contractor for a marketing company where we were paid per project. This helped me learn how to manage my time and budget my projects effectively so I could complete them on time while still producing high-quality results.”

12. What was the last book you read?

This question is a great way to see what kind of books the interviewer reads. It can also give you an idea of their interests and values. If they mention a book that you have read, it’s a good opportunity to discuss your thoughts on it.

Example: “The last book I read was The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck by Mark Manson. I found this book really interesting because it discussed how we should stop caring about things that don’t matter. This resonated with me because I think it’s important to focus on the things in life that make us happy.”

13. What makes NARS different from other cosmetics brands?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the company and its products. You can answer this question by describing what makes NARS unique, such as its use of color or its focus on quality.

Example: “NARS stands out from other cosmetics brands because it uses bold colors that are highly pigmented. The brand also focuses on high-quality makeup products that last all day long. I’ve used several NARS products in the past, including a blush palette and a lipstick set, and I was impressed with how well they worked for me.”

14. What social media platforms do you use regularly?

Social media is a popular way to connect with customers and share information about products. Employers may ask this question to see if you have experience using social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. In your answer, explain which platforms you use regularly and how they help you stay connected with others. Share any specific skills you have for using these platforms.

Example: “I use Instagram the most because I love taking photos of makeup looks and sharing them with my followers. It’s fun to get feedback from other users on what they think of my work and to learn new techniques from other beauty bloggers. I also use Twitter regularly to keep up with news in the industry and to find out when NARS Cosmetics has sales or promotions.”

15. Are you passionate about makeup and beauty?

This question is a great way to determine if you are passionate about the industry and whether or not this role would be a good fit for you. If you’re interviewing for a makeup artist position, it’s important that you show your passion for cosmetics and beauty products. You can answer this question by talking about how much you enjoy working with customers and helping them find the right products for their needs.

Example: “I love working in the cosmetics industry because I get to help people feel confident and beautiful every day. When I’m applying makeup, I like to make sure my clients look exactly as they want to. It makes me happy when I see someone leave the store feeling more confident than when they walked in.”

16. Can you tell me about a time when you were not satisfied with your performance, what did you do to improve?

This question can help the interviewer get a better understanding of your self-awareness and how you respond to challenges. Use examples from previous jobs where you were not satisfied with your performance, but also include what steps you took to improve or change your actions.

Example: “In my last position as a makeup artist, I was working on a client who had very fair skin. She asked me for a natural look, so I used light colors that would blend in with her complexion. However, when she looked at herself in the mirror after I finished, she said it didn’t look like anything was on her face. I realized then that I needed to be more specific about what kind of look clients want. Now, I always ask them questions about their preferences before starting any makeup application.”

17. Do you have any experience as a freelance makeup artist?

Freelance makeup artists are often hired for special events, photo shoots and other occasions. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working as a freelance makeup artist. If you do, share your previous work with them. If you don’t, explain that you’re willing to learn how to become a freelance makeup artist if they hire you.

Example: “I’ve worked as a freelance makeup artist for the past five years. I started out doing makeup at weddings and birthday parties before moving on to more professional jobs. Now, I regularly get booked for photo shoots and runway shows.”

18. What does excellent customer service mean to you?

NARS Cosmetics is a makeup brand that focuses on customer service. They want to know what you think excellent customer service looks like and how you would implement it into your work if you were hired. This question also helps the interviewer determine whether or not you have experience providing great customer service in previous roles.

Example: “Excellent customer service means making sure customers are happy with their purchase, no matter what. I believe that every interaction with a customer should be positive because it’s an opportunity to make someone feel good about themselves. When I worked at my last job, I had a lot of repeat customers who came back for more products because they loved our customer service so much.”

19. Would you be comfortable giving makeovers to male clients?

This question is a good way to assess your comfort level with working with different types of clients. It also helps the interviewer determine if you have experience doing so in the past. If you haven’t worked with male clients before, consider describing how you would approach this situation and what steps you would take to ensure it’s a positive experience for everyone involved.

Example: “I’ve had plenty of experience giving makeovers to both men and women. I find that when I’m confident in my skills, I can help anyone feel more comfortable in their own skin. In fact, I once gave a makeover to a man who was getting married. He was nervous about wearing makeup but ended up loving his look. I think it’s important to be open-minded and willing to try new things.”

20. What qualities do you think make an effective leader?

NARS Cosmetics is a growing company that offers many opportunities for advancement. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your leadership skills and how you would apply them in this role. Use examples from your past experience or discuss the qualities you hope to develop in yourself.

Example: “I think an effective leader needs to be confident, but also empathetic. I’ve worked with leaders who are very confident in their decisions, which can help others feel comfortable following their lead. However, I find it’s important to understand why someone might disagree with a decision or offer feedback. Being empathetic helps me better understand my team members and what they need to do their best work.”