MAC's unforgettable new makeup models have a beauty lesson for all of us.
And it has nothing to do with cosmetics.
The models in MAC Cosmetics' new fall collection might look a little bit different from the faces you're used to seeing on makeup ads.
That's because they're normal people, just like you and me.
This fall, MAC launched its MACnificent Me collection with a campaign meant to highlight the styles and voices of six amazing people.
Meet Luzmaria and Tresor, two of the line's models this season. All photos provided by MAC and used with permission.
Thousands of models entered the contest, hoping to be part of this campaign. They submitted a photo of themselves along with a mantra about what makes them "MACnificent" and unique.
Ultimately, six contestants were selected as finalists in the contest. They were flown to New York City for makeovers and photo shoots.
Who are these models?
Meet Luzmaria, a woman from Anaheim, California.
Wearing vampy purple lipstick, smoky eye shadow, and a blowout with some serious height, she has become one of the favorites of the campaign. Her headshot on Instagram got almost 42,000 likes and hundreds of supportive, encouraging comments.
Revealing the M•A•Cnificent makeover of Luzmaria, one of our incredible winners featured in our 2015 Fall Colour campaign! #MACnificentMe
A photo posted by M∙A∙C Cosmetics (@maccosmetics) on
In her contestant video, Luzmaria talks about how proud she is to be modeling for MAC — not just because it's an amazing opportunity, but also because she knows the campaign can empower other women who may not feel confident because of their weight.
"Some people just think because you're overweight, you don't have feelings," Luzmaria said, while tearing up in MAC's finalist video. "But with this I'm going to prove — look, I don't have a gorgeous body, I don't think I'm beautiful, but look at where I'm at. I don't need a gorgeous body. It was really the inside that counted. I don't need to be size 2, skinny — I'm here."
Hell. Yes. Luzmaria.
The campaign also features Trésor, a transgender woman from Canada.
Having the courage to experiment with cosmetics, which eventually developed into an intensive study of makeup artistry, helped Trésor as she came out as trans, she wrote in Teen Vogue.
Tresor at her New York photo shoot. Photo provided by MAC, used with permission.
“I had struggled with not feeling beautiful, and it's amazing to be sitting here, because it's an actual manifestation that I am beautiful, and I don't need to feel insecure, and I don't need to feel like there's no hope because there is," said Trésor, who wore a bright red lipstick that illuminated an incredible smile.
The campaign also features four other models: Ben and Ji Won...
... and Vanessa and Selena.
They're all equally stunning and fascinating. You can watch all of their videos and check out their photos on the MACnificent Me website.
Our mouths loves chips. Our bodies not so much.Photo by 
You can eat well without giving up sweets completely.Photo by 
12 non-threatening leadership strategies for women
We mustn't hurt a man's feelings.
Men and the feels.
Note: This an excerpt is from Sarah Cooper's book, How to Be Successful Without Hurting Men's Feelings.
In this fast-paced business world, female leaders need to make sure they're not perceived as pushy, aggressive, or competent.
One way to do that is to alter your leadership style to account for the fragile male ego.
Should men accept powerful women and not feel threatened by them? Yes. Is that asking too much?
IS IT?
Sorry, I didn't mean to get aggressive there. Anyhoo, here are twelve non-threatening leadership strategies for women.
Encourage.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
When setting a deadline, ask your coworker what he thinks of doing something, instead of just asking him to get it done. This makes him feel less like you're telling him what to do and more like you care about his opinions.
Sharing ideas.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
When sharing your ideas, overconfidence is a killer. You don't want your male coworkers to think you're getting all uppity. Instead, downplay your ideas as just "thinking out loud," "throwing something out there," or sharing something "dumb," "random," or "crazy."
Email requests.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
Pepper your emails with exclamation marks and emojis so you don't come across as too clear or direct. Your lack of efficient communication will make you seem more approachable.
Idea sharing.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
If a male coworker steals your idea in a meeting, thank him for it. Give him kudos for how he explained your idea so clearly. And let's face it, no one might've ever heard it if he hadn't repeated it.
Sexism.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
When you hear a sexist comment, the awkward laugh is key. Practice your awkward laugh at home, with your friends and family, and in the mirror. Make sure you sound truly delighted even as your soul is dying inside.
Mansplain.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
Men love explaining things. But when he's explaining something and you already know that, it might be tempting to say, "I already know that." Instead, have him explain it to you over and over again. It will make him feel useful and will give you some time to think about how to avoid him in the future.
Mistakes.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
Pointing out a mistake is always risky so it's important to always apologize for noticing the mistake and then make sure that no one thinks you're too sure about it. People will appreciate your "hey what do I know?!" sensibilities.
Promotions.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
Asking your manager for a promotion could make you seem power- hungry, opportunistic, and transparent. Instead, ask a male coworker to vouch for you. Have your coworker tell your manager you'd be great for the role even though you don't really want it. This will make you more likely to actually get that promotion.
Rude.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
Sometimes not everyone is properly introduced at the start of a meeting. Don't take it personally even if it happens to you all the time, and certainly don't stop the meeting from moving forward to introduce yourself. Sending a quick note afterward is the best way to introduce yourself without seeming too self-important.
Interruptions.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
When you get interrupted, you might be tempted to just continue talking or even ask if you can finish what you were saying. This is treacherous territory. Instead, simply stop talking. The path of least resistance is silence.
Collaboration.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
When collaborating with a man, type using only one finger. Skill and speed are very off-putting.
Disagreements.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
When all else fails, wear a mustache so everyone sees you as more man-like. This will cancel out any need to change your leadership style. In fact, you may even get a quick promotion!
In conclusion...
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
Many women have discovered the secret power of non-threatening leadership. We call it a "secret power" because no one else actually knows about it. We keep our power hidden within ourselves so that it doesn't frighten and intimidate others. That's what makes us the true unsung heroes of the corporate world.
About the Author: Sarah Cooper
Sarah Cooper is a writer, comedian, and author of 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings. Her new book, How to Be Successful Without Hurting Men's Feelings, is out now.
The comedic book cover.
With permission from Sarah Cooper.
A satirical take on what it's like to be a woman in the workplace, Cooper draws from her experience as a former executive in the world of tech (she's a former Googler and Yahooer). You can get the book here.
This article was originally published on March 25, 2019.