Beauty consulting is a growing and increasingly competitive industry worldwide. There are many different beauty consultant jobs available, from working in a salon to owning a business. Beauty consultants work closely with their clients, advising them about hair, nails, cosmetics, or skin care. Some beauticians might even make specialized careers consulting for big events like weddings and beauty pageants.
A beauty consultant’s job is advise people about their personal appearance, and to help them find the look and products that work best with their lifestyle. Some beauty consultant jobs have a particular focus, like skin care or make-up, while others might deal with all aspects of a person’s face, hair, and clothing. Successful beauty consultants should be well-groomed and fashion-savvy. They need a degree or certificate from an accredited program. They should also be up-to-date with the latest trends and products, and have excellent interpersonal communication skills.
A lot of beauty consultants work in salons or spas, either as employees or privately in a rented space. A beautician in a salon might have a specialty, such as children’s hair, men’s grooming, or skin care, and some salons are quite competitive. Most states require beauticians in salons to have a license, especially in jobs where hygiene can be an issue, like manicurists, cosmetologists, and hairdressers.
Many beauty consultant jobs in the US are in large department stores. These beauticians generally work behind the counters in cosmetics departments as sales representatives for a certain brand of make-up. These jobs involve not only advising people on the colors and types of make-up that work the best for them, but also selling the products. The consultants might also do facials and makeovers as part of their work. They generally have 40-hour work weeks, with some employees earning a salary, a commission, or both.
Other common beauty consultant jobs are in direct sales with companies like Avon® and Mary Kay®. These beauticians work one-on-one with clients or small groups, usually in the clients’ homes. Some may even do door-to-door sales, though most find work through friends and other personal contacts. Sales representatives for these companies often demonstrate the products with makeovers and facials, and they might sell anything from home spa products to fragrances. These beauticians work on commission, and many of these companies offer increasingly attractive awards and prizes to successful salespeople and beauticians who recruit others to work for the company.
