We recently chatted with Joshua Pierce, Credo's Education Manager, about all things beauty. He interacts with brands and brand founders daily, so his product knowledge is extensive. We knew it would be fun to see what products he loves and what his best beauty hack is! Thank you, Joshua!
What do you do at Credo?
I actually started off as a Clean Beauty Expert at our store in Texas. There was an emergency at that store and I stepped in to manage the staff temporarily. My journey with the company snowballed from there. I officially became the manager at the Texas store and then transferred to manage the Credo store in Chicago. Fast forward a year and a half — I’m now the Education Manager for the company.
The coolest thing about your job?
I’m a product junkie so it’s exciting to be on the inside loop of all the new things coming out! I also love supporting the relationships between Credo and all our brands.
What do you think makes you so good at your job?
I’m a creative thinker that’s not afraid to have FUN! Every day is exciting and different with my job — so there’s lots of room to explore my skill set.
How did you end up working in beauty?
I’m an artist and have always had a passion for drawing and painting. I have been (and always will be) obsessed with Halloween makeup. Back in the day, I had a coloring book with Cruella de Ville and I was fascinated with coloring in her makeup… but left the rest of the coloring book blank! I’ve always been intrigued by art and makeup. I did freelance makeup for 20 years along with working at MAC and Make Up For Ever. Since I’m a “Type A personality” — I’ve always wanted to be the lead, no matter what my job was. So my drive allowed me to always look for and push myself to the next promotion or position... which is how my career is where it is now.
What do you love about clean beauty?
Even though I loved makeup, I always felt disingenuous with the brands I was working for. Meaning, I never felt a connection to them. I’ve worked for NY fashion week and even Lady Gaga but I was never actually inspired by the experience. When I started finding brands that had a social mission and a cause that went beyond just looking good — THAT'S when I really started to feel passionate about makeup. I think we all share the same feelings at Credo. We love beauty that makes people and the planet look/feel good, inside and out.
What did you want to be when you were little?
An Actor! I’ve always loved playing make-believe. As a child, I’d pretend to be the characters from the movies we’d watch…. To be honest, I STILL do that today! HA!
The most unexpected or surprising way you've worked with makeup?
I got to be on the makeup team for Lady Gaga’s Superbowl Halftime Show!
What are you wearing right now?
Axiology BALMIES! In Champagne
Ecobrow for my brows
Exa Beauty Foundation in shade “Joshua”
What’s in your bag right now?
My reusable tote bag
3-4 notebooks
Tylenol
Too many Apple devices
5 lip balms, minimum (I'm addicted)
What musical artist do you play while you’re getting ready?
The Chicks
Kylie Minogue
Misterwives
Chvrches
Axiology Multi-Stick or Balmie?
Multi-Sticks because of the intense hydration!
Favorite Axiology lip color and why?
Joy! If your lips were a color, this would be their color. This shade really does look great on everyone.
First word that came to mind when you first tried Axiology?
Sustainable
Is there a new beauty / makeup trend you’re totally feeling right now?
I don’t love trends, because as an artist there are no rules to anything. I encourage people to embrace their individuality and go on with their own speed — I guess that’s the trend in my book.
Favorite beauty hack?
I love using a blurring primer under my eyes! Also — using the Axiology Lip to Lid Balmies (in champagne) on the cupids bow of the lip. It gives your lip a really beautiful pout.
Who are you obsessed with on Insta right now?
Lori Rosa who was a former MAC trainer and works for Credo now. Love getting obsessed with friends crossing over into clean beauty.
What are you excited to see happen next in clean beauty?
I’m excited to see a lot of brands going even farther with sustainable packaging. For example, we need to eliminate wipes and sheet masks, they are so wasteful. We need to evolve these products somehow.
