Beauty Consultant

Job Description:

Beauty consultants sell beauty products and help customers choose which ones to buy.

Job Category:
Art & Fashion

What you will do:

In this role you’ll:

  • talk to customers and recommend the best products for them
  • give advice on how to use and apply products
  • meet sales targets
  • keep up to date with new product ranges
  • monitor stock levels and re-order items (organisational skills)
  • keep customer and product records
  • handle cash and card payments

 

Skills:

You’ll need:

  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

As well as:

  • customer service skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • persuading and negotiating skills
  • active listening skills
  • the ability to sell products and services
Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

The specific GCSE subjects required to become a Beauty Consultant may vary depending on the employer, job role, and location. However, there are no strict GCSE subject requirements for this career, as it is typically a vocational field that focuses on practical skills and customer service.

That said, having a good educational foundation can be beneficial in this profession. Some useful GCSE subjects that can help you in your career as a Beauty Consultant include:

  1. English Language: Strong communication skills are essential in this field as you will be interacting with clients and providing them with advice and information.
  2. Science: Basic knowledge of biology and chemistry can be helpful, especially if you plan to work with skincare products, cosmetics, or provide advice on skin health.
  3. Maths: Basic math skills can be useful for handling financial transactions and inventory management if you work in a salon or spa.
  4. Art or Design: Creativity and an eye for aesthetics are important in the beauty industry, so coursework in art or design can be an asset.

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

College
You could study for:

  • Certificate in Beauty Consultancy (Level 2 in the UK)
  • Certificate in Cosmetic Make-Up and Beauty Consultancy (Level 2 in the UK)
  • Diploma in Beauty Therapy (Level 2 in the UK)
  • a general qualification in retail, sales or customer service

Apprenticeship
You could do an intermediate apprenticeship as a beauty make-up consultant.

This typically takes 12 months to complete as a mix of workplace learning and off-the-job study.

Work
You could work in retail sales then apply for a consultant’s position with a beauty stall in a department store.

Direct Application
You may be able to apply directly if you have experience in a retail sales, beauty therapy or a customer service role.

Career tips
It will be useful to show a keen interest in make-up and skin care brands.

You could:

  • follow cosmetics ‘influencers’ on social media
  • trial new products and write online reviews
  • do your own social media, make-up or skin-care tutorials

Working Hours and Environment:

You could work at a store, on a cruise ship, in a beauty clinic or from home.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career Path & Progression:

With experience and further training you could supervise other beauty consultants or move into retail management.

You could work as a beauty brand sales representative or start your own beauty business.