Beauty consultant
Retail and sales

How to become a beauty consultant

You can get into this job through:

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

College

You could study for:

• a Level 2 Certificate in Beauty Consultancy Services
• a Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Therapy
• a general qualification in retail, sales or customer service

College (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

Apprenticeship

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

Apprenticeship (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Work

You could work in retail sales then apply for a consultant's position with a beauty concession in a department store.

More info

Further information You can find out more about careers in beauty consultancy and therapy from the Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Authority. You can also find out more about working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

What it takes

Skills & Knowledge

You'll need:

• customer service skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to work well with others
• 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
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you'll do

Day to day

Your day-to-day duties could include:

• recommending products to suit each customer
• meeting sales targets
• keeping up to date with new products
• giving customers a makeover
• monitoring stock levels and re-ordering items
• keeping records
• handling cash and card payments

Working 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 and progression

Career path & progression

With experience and further training you could move into management.