An individual who is knowledgeable about different types of makeup, application techniques, and the colors and types of makeup that look best on different skin types is known as a beauty expert, also known as a beauty specialist or beauty consultant, depending on the specific position and working location. Sales is an important part of the job for beauty experts who work in department stores or beauty supply stores. Sales skills are still valued in spas and salons, but to a lesser extent. The beauty expert should also be well-versed in new products and able to explain them to the client.
Working one-on-one with customers to determine the best cosmetic and skin care products for them, based on their specific needs, will be a large part of a beauty expert’s daily job. This can range from selecting the best colors to match their skin tone to selecting products to address specific skin issues such as acne or rosacea. The beauty expert will be able to make recommendations, offer advice, and provide samples based on his or her knowledge and specific training. In many cases, the individual will apply makeup to the customer as a kind of trial run, and must be able to do so in a way that is flattering in order to close the sale.
Department store beauty experts will be expected to know how to up-sell products and sell customers additional items based on their previous purchases. When new products are released, the beauty expert should be able to explain and demonstrate them in a way that encourages customers to purchase them. Additionally, people in this position should be able to teach customers how to apply makeup and answer specific questions they may have. To inspire trust in the customer, a beauty expert must always appear professional and wear expertly applied makeup.
A department or beauty supply store isn’t the only place where a beauty expert can be found. Some also work in salons, applying makeup to clients prior to special occasions such as weddings or formal events, as well as prior to photo shoots. These individuals may also try to sell the customer the products they use, but the focus of this experience is on the customer. These beauty experts may have more training than those found in department stores, such as from a cosmetology school.