What Does a Beauty Consultant Do?
Find out what a beauty consultant does, how to get this job, and what it takes to succeed as a beauty consultant.
Beauty consultants are the frontline employees of the beauty industry. They help customers choose products and services that best meet their needs, answer any questions they may have about these products and services, and provide general customer service.
Beauty consultants typically work for a single company or brand, which means they’re expected to promote that company’s products above all others. This can create some challenges when it comes to providing good customer service—it’s hard to be unbiased when you’re constantly pushing one product over another.
Beauty Consultant Job Duties
A beauty consultant typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:
- Selling products to customers such as makeup, shampoo, lotion, or other beauty products
- Helping customers select products based on their needs and preferences
- Providing information about a brand’s product line and answering questions about products or treatments
- Recommending a specific product or service based on the client’s needs, budget, and lifestyle
- Performing one-on-one consultations with clients to determine their needs and goals
- Suggesting hair styles, makeup application techniques, or other beauty tips based on the client’s needs and preferences
- Making recommendations about skin care products or treatments for acne or other conditions
- Determining a client’s skin type and recommending appropriate products for home care
- Conducting in-home consultations with brides to plan their wedding day look
Beauty Consultant Salary & Outlook
Beauty consultant salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the type of company they work for.
- Median Annual Salary: $31,500 ($15.14/hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: $47,000 ($22.6/hour)
The employment of beauty consultants is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade.
As more people recognize the importance of appearance, demand for beauty products and services is expected to increase. In addition, the aging population is expected to continue to spend money on treatments and procedures that maintain or improve their looks.
Related: In-Depth Beauty Consultant Salary Guide
Beauty Consultant Job Requirements
A beauty consultant typically needs the following:
Education: Most beauty consultants have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED. Some beauty consultants choose to pursue a two-year associate degree in cosmetology or a related field. Cosmetology programs teach students about the science of hair and skin care, as well as the business aspects of running a salon.
Training & Experience: Beauty consultants typically receive on-the-job training from their employers. This training may include shadowing other beauty consultants, performing duties under supervision and practicing with customers.
Certifications & Licenses: While certifications are not often required for beauty consultants, they can be useful for those looking to gain additional knowledge or skills in a particular service or technique.
Beauty Consultant Skills
Beauty consultants need the following skills in order to be successful:
Communication skills: Communication skills are also important for beauty consultants. You may be communicating with clients to help them understand the products you’re selling them or to explain the steps of a treatment. You may also be communicating with other employees to relay information about clients or to ask for help with a client.
Product knowledge: Beauty consultants should have extensive knowledge about the products they sell. This ensures they can answer any questions a customer may have about a product and can help them find the right product for their needs. Beauty consultants should also be able to explain the benefits of each product to help customers make informed decisions.
Listening skills: Beauty consultants must be able to listen to their clients’ needs and desires. This can help you provide them with the services they want and need. For example, if a client is looking for a new hairstyle, you can ask them what they like and dislike about their current hairstyle. This can help you provide them with a hairstyle they like.
Time management: Beauty consultants often have multiple clients at a time, so it’s important for them to manage their time effectively. This can help them provide quality service to each client and ensure they meet their individual needs. Beauty consultants may also have to manage their own schedules, so they may need to plan their time accordingly.
Problem-solving: Beauty consultants solve problems for their clients on a daily basis. They can help their clients find the right products for their skin type, hair type and budget. Beauty consultants also solve problems by recommending the right treatments for their clients’ skin conditions.
Beauty Consultant Work Environment
Beauty consultants work in a variety of settings, including salons, spas, department stores, and cosmetic companies. They may work full time or part time, and some consultants are self-employed. Many beauty consultants work more than 40 hours per week, and their work may include evenings and weekends. Some consultants travel to meet with clients or to attend training seminars. Although most beauty consultants work under pleasant conditions, those who work in salons and spas may be exposed to chemicals used in hair and skin care products.
Beauty Consultant Trends
Here are three trends influencing how beauty consultants work. Beauty consultants will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.
The Rise of the Self-Care Economy
The self-care economy is a growing trend that is seeing more and more people take care of themselves in order to improve their overall well-being. This means that there is an increasing demand for beauty products and services that can help people feel and look their best.
As a beauty consultant, you can capitalize on this trend by becoming an expert in the latest trends and products. You can then use this knowledge to help your clients find the products that are right for them. In addition, you can also offer other types of services, such as makeup lessons or skin care consultations.
More Focus on Wellness
The wellness industry is growing rapidly, as more and more people are looking for ways to improve their health and well-being. This has led to an increased focus on beauty products and services that promote wellness, such as those that help with skin care, detoxification, and weight loss.
As a beauty consultant, you can capitalize on this trend by becoming an expert in the latest products and services that promote wellness. This will allow you to provide valuable advice to your customers, and help them make informed decisions about what products are right for them.
A Desire for Personalization
Customers are increasingly looking for personalization in all aspects of their lives, and this includes the way they shop for beauty products. Beauty consultants who are able to provide a personalized experience for their customers will be more successful than those who do not.
To provide a personalized experience, beauty consultants need to be familiar with the products that they are selling and how they can be used to meet the needs of individual customers. They also need to be able to communicate effectively with customers in order to understand what they are looking for.
How to Become a Beauty Consultant
A career as a beauty consultant can be both rewarding and lucrative. It’s important to consider what type of beauty consultant you want to be before starting your career. Do you want to work in a salon, spa, or retail setting? Or do you want to work online or from home?
No matter which path you choose, it’s important to have a strong knowledge of products and services related to the beauty industry. You should also be able to provide excellent customer service.
Related: How to Write a Beauty Consultant Resume
Advancement Prospects
Many consultants start their careers working in salons or spas. With experience, they may move into management positions or open their own salons. Some consultants also become independent contractors, working on a commission basis for companies that sell beauty products.
Those with entrepreneurial skills may open their own beauty consulting businesses. Some consultants also teach cosmetology in beauty schools or community colleges. Some may eventually become directors or owners of these schools.
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