Beauty consulting is a fast-growing and fiercely competitive industry all over the world. From working in a salon to owning a business, there are a variety of beauty consultant jobs available. Clients of beauty consultants receive personalized advice on hair, nails, cosmetics, and skin care. Some beauticians may choose to specialize in big-event consulting, such as weddings and beauty pageants.
A beauty consultant’s job is to provide advice on personal appearance and to assist clients in finding the look and products that best suit their needs. Some beauty consultant jobs are focused on one aspect of a person’s face, hair, or clothing, such as skin care or make-up, while others may deal with all aspects of a person’s face, hair, and clothing. Successful beauty consultants should be well-dressed and up-to-date on the latest trends. A degree or certificate from an accredited program is required. They should also be well-versed in current trends and products, as well as possess excellent interpersonal communication skills.
Many beauty consultants work in salons or spas, either as employees or as independent contractors. A salon beautician may specialize in a particular area, such as children’s hair, men’s grooming, or skin care, and some salons compete fiercely. Most states require licenses for beauticians in salons, especially in jobs where hygiene is a concern, such as manicurists, cosmetologists, and hairdressers.
In the United States, large department stores employ many beauty consultants. These beauticians typically work as sales representatives for a specific make-up brand behind the counters in cosmetics departments. Not only do these jobs entail advising people on the colors and types of make-up that suit them best, but they also entail selling the products. As part of their job, the consultants may perform facials and makeovers. They typically work 40-hour weeks, with some employees earning a salary, commission, or a combination of the two.
Direct sales positions with companies such as Avon® and Mary Kay® are also common. These beauticians work with clients one-on-one or in small groups, usually in their homes. Some may even sell door-to-door, but the majority of people find work through friends and other personal connections. These companies’ sales representatives may perform makeovers and facials to demonstrate their products, and they may sell anything from home spa products to fragrances. These beauticians are paid on commission, and many of these companies are increasingly rewarding successful salespeople and beauticians who recruit others to work for them with increasingly attractive awards and prizes.