Makeup master Gregory Arlt

The MAC cosmetics line is known for glam products and spokes- people such as RuPaul and Missy Elliott. But the workers at its Robertson Boulevard flagship store aren’t exactly dull either. L.A. native Gregory Arlt is a director of “makeup artistry” who developed the glittery face gel Shimmer Souffle while working on Cher’s last tour.

What’s the difference between making up a normal person and a celebrity?

There’s no difference except a couple million dollars and a personal trainer. Seriously though, the canvas is different because celebrities really take good care of their skin. But a great thing about your average consumer is, often they can be a little bit more open-minded because they don’t have a public to face every day.

Strangest makeup request?

It’s always kind of weird when moms come in and want lip gloss on their little daughters.... There’s something in my head that thinks, “Eww, that’s a little beauty pageant-y, too JonBenet for me.”

What makes a good makeup artist?

Someone who has no ego, a wild imagination and gets as much inspiration at the museum as they do reading Vogue. Someone who thinks out of the box, or rather the makeup kit.

What’s it like being so close to people’s faces -- and personal spaces -- all the time?

The bottom line is when you’re doing somebody’s makeup, you’re going to be touching them. It’s about approach. It’s a really intimate act.... I’ve been told I’m a very gentle makeup artist. I speak lower. My tone goes softer. I’m not aggressive. I don’t press hard or grind, unless I don’t like them. Just kidding.

Has the metrosexual craze allowed men to experiment more?

It’s certainly got them out of the closet. I mean, men used to come in the store and be like, “Uh, do you have concealer?” under their breath ... it was a very covert, back-alley type of thing. Now it’s so much more acceptable. Men are much more apt to come in and request tinted moisturizer, tinted lip balm and bronzer. Men have their insecurities too, and if you have a huge fluorescent zit on your forehead, you’re not going to want it to stand out in a business meeting or on a first date.