There are not many different types of beauty advisor jobs. Most of them are found in department stores or beauty supply stores, where a beauty advisor acts as a type of salesperson, assisting customers in selecting the best cosmetic products for their needs. Some beauty advisors may also work at a salon or spa, but this is less common. In general, there is no specific training required for beauty advisor jobs, since people working in these positions generally did not attend vocational schools to become licensed cosmetologists. As a result, only sales experience may be required for one of these positions, though a natural enthusiasm for beauty products, and strong people skills will be very helpful.
Beauty advisor jobs located at cosmetics counters in department stores are by far the most common. In standard department stores, the beauty advisors are usually hired by the store themselves, and will sell all different types of products from various suppliers. In more upscale establishments, the cosmetics companies themselves may hire their own beauty advisors, and these people will only sell products from the specific line for whom they work. This allows the beauty advisors to become very knowledgeable about their products; in addition, these beauty advisor jobs often pay a little higher than others, and also usually require more experience.
Because beauty advisor jobs are really sales jobs, it is necessary for people in these positions to be friendly, professional, and to enjoy working with people. Certain selling techniques, such as up-selling products or making recommendations based on a customer's past purchases, will serve people well in this position. Generally, a beauty advisor will listen to a customer's needs, assist her in trying new products, and possibly applying makeup, and then make the sale. Due to the nature of the job, beauty advisors need to look groomed and professional at all times to inspire confidence in their customers about their abilities to recommend specific products.
Other beauty advisor jobs may exist at a spa or salon. This person's job description is likely pretty similar; selling products to customers based on their specific needs, such as skin type and beauty preferences is still a priority. This person may or may not be a licensed cosmetologist, however, and my have other job duties such as cutting hair, performing skin treatments, or doing manicures and pedicures.
For people who are especially motivated to become beauty advisors, but may not be able to find a job in a store or spa, online beauty advisor jobs may exist as well. It may be possible to get hired on a beauty advising website and offer advice or answer specific questions posed by site visitors. Some people simply start their own websites or blogs, and offer beauty advice that way as well.