Beauty Consultant

The Job and What's Involved

Beauty consultants advise their customers on the best beauty products to buy to suit their needs and enhance their personal appearance. They give advice on skin and nail care, make-up and fragrances.

Most beauty consultants work on cosmetic counters within department stores. They help customers visiting the counter to appreciate the full range of products, by describing and demonstrating how the products work and by giving makeovers. They are often employed directly by a cosmetics company and sell only that company's products.

Some work from home as self-employed beauty consultants and sell directly to customers, usually by demonstrating and selling products on a party plan basis.

Self-employed beauty consultants work independently. Store-based beauty consultants may work alone on the counter or as part of a team of staff members in the beauty department. Department store beauty halls have several counters, each for a different cosmetics company.

The work may involve:

• Spending time with customers, giving them individual advice to help them choose products.
• Understanding and recommending products which will suit the customer's lifestyle, skin type, face shape, colouring and age.
• Giving a high priority to selling the products they represent.
• Companies set a sales target linked with financial rewards added to the basic salary.
• Keeping up to date with new ranges of products, fragrances, colour ranges and product promotions.
• Giving customers a makeover. This is often a central part of the work for self-employed beauty consultants working from home.
• Monitoring stock levels and sales and re-ordering when necessary, using a computer.
• Handling transactions - taking payments, gift wrapping, enclosing trial products, and giving out gift vouchers.

Self-employed beauty consultants are also responsible for all aspects of their business, such as marketing and keeping financial records.

Store-based beauty consultants will also be:

• Responsible for product displays and keeping the counter clean and tidy.
• Involved in promotions for the store where they work, such as loyalty cards.

Full-time beauty consultants work between 37 and 40 hours a week. They work normal shop hours including weekends and evenings, with days off in the week. There are opportunities for part-time work and flexible hours. Self-employed beauty consultants often work during the evenings.

Store-based beauty consultants work in large stores, which are busy, clean and well lit. They spend most of their time standing up to serve customers. There is some lifting and bending and they may have to carry stock from the stockroom.

They wear a company uniform such as a suit or a white coat. They also wear the cosmetics they are selling.

Self-employed beauty consultants may need to drive, as they take their demonstration kit and products to customers. A driving licence and car are useful for this work.

Beauty consultants may start on around £12,000 a year. More experienced consultants can earn up to around £23,000.

Area managers can earn up to £30,000 a year or more.

Most cosmetics companies have commission schemes and product allowances.

Self-employed beauty consultants work on a commission and rewards scheme.

Getting Started with this Career Choice

There are opportunities throughout the UK for work as a retail beauty consultant, usually in department stores in towns and cities and out-of-town retail shopping centres. Self-employed beauty consultants are based at home. Beauty consultants may also work in airports, spas, salons and hotels and on cruise liners.

The UK cosmetics market is enjoying steady growth as cosmetics companies develop new products. These include pampering treatments and 'at-home' anti-ageing products for customers who want to look younger without invasive cosmetic surgery.

Vacancies may be advertised in local papers and on specialist recruitment sites such as www.hairandbeautyjobs.com It is also advisable to contact cosmetics companies direct to find out what opportunities are available.

Education and Training

There are no set entry requirements to become a beauty consultant, but some GCSE's (A*-C) including English and maths may be useful. Employers look for applicants with good communication, literacy, numeracy, and sales skills. Previous experience in retail, sales or customer services would be an advantage.

The Diploma in retail business may be relevant for this area of work.

Self-employed beauty consultants do not need previous experience, but they have to be at least 18 years old.

Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships provide structured training with an employer. As an apprentice you must be paid at least £95 per week; you may well be paid more. A recent survey found that the average wage for apprentices was £170 a week. Your pay will depend on the sector in which you work, your age, the area where you live and the stage at which you have arrived in the Apprenticeship.

Entry to Employment (e2e) can help to prepare those who are not yet ready for an Apprenticeship. In addition, Young Apprenticeships may be available for 14- to 16-year-olds. More information is available from a Connexions personal adviser or at www.apprenticeships.org.uk.

There are different arrangements for Apprenticeships in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. For further information contact Careers Scotland www.careers-scotland.org.uk, Careers Wales www.careerswales.com or Careers Service Northern Ireland www.careersserviceni.com.

A Few More Exams You Might Need

Beauty consultants combine on-the-job training with company training courses.

Cosmetics companies may provide short courses covering topics such as:

- Company history and culture
- Product knowledge
- Sales techniques
- Customer service
- Stock recording and ordering
- Skincare and make-up techniques

New beauty products are being introduced all the time and fashions in make-up change rapidly, so beauty consultants must constantly update their knowledge and skills.

On-the-job training usually consists of experienced staff demonstrating how to arrange the counter, restock shelves and order new goods.

Beauty consultants may have the opportunity to work towards the Level 2 Award, Certificate or Diploma in retail skills.

Companies recruiting self-employed beauty consultants give their consultants sales incentives, targets and training.