Aïda Moudachirou-Rébois, the senior vice president and global general manager of MAC Cosmetics, grew up in Benin in West Africa as a self-proclaimed tomboy. Surrounded by family members who dressed up for every occasion, she was not initially interested in makeup. However, observing the transformational power of beauty on the women around her inspired her. A move to Paris at 14 led her to discover her passion for the beauty industry during an internship at L’Oréal.
Today, Moudachirou-Rébois leads the Viva Glam campaign at MAC Cosmetics, a charitable initiative that has raised nearly $540 million to date. The campaign was created in the mid-’90s during the HIV/AIDS crisis, with 100% of the proceeds from the Viva Heart lipstick going towards providing support to communities in need.
To support the upcoming World AIDS Day on December 1, Moudachirou-Rébois and her team are focusing on raising the next $500 million for the campaign. They have expanded their scope to include women’s rights, racial injustices, gender equality, and environmental causes, aiming to connect with a new generation of socially conscious consumers.
In her daily life, Moudachirou-Rébois starts with early-morning calls to connect with teams around the world. MAC has a unique tradition of a lunch break from noon to 1 p.m. to allow employees time for personal activities and replenish their energy. To cope with stress, she finds joy in dance classes and values connections with her daughters, friends, and colleagues outside of work.
Moudachirou-Rébois emphasizes the importance of being prepared for big meetings by fully understanding the objectives and different scenarios. She acknowledges the value of her team’s expertise and sees the importance of collaboration in finding solutions. Mentors have played a significant role in her career, providing guidance, feedback, and reassurance.
When it comes to beauty, Moudachirou-Rébois gravitates towards lip products. Her favorites include the Chestnut lip pencil for a sophisticated look and the Lady Danger lipstick, a favorite of Doja Cat. She also mentions the trending shade Alone Time, which is currently sold out worldwide.
The interview with Moudachirou-Rébois has been edited and condensed for clarity, offering a glimpse into the life of a successful woman in the beauty industry.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.