Advising clients on the best products to compliment their appearance is the responsibility of a Beauty Consultant. They are paid to understand the issues and details of the skin, nail, and hair and also about cosmetics and perfumes. They are often found working in beauty salons, cosmetics and department stores, or salons and spas. Some work directly with large cosmetics organisations like L’Oreal or Revlon.
Many are also self employed and freelance for companies like Avon. Beauty Consultants must be very informed about the products they are selling and can answer any questions directed to them by their prospective clients. They may also do demonstrations and make over, and restocking supplies on the counters.
This job pays a good remuneration and can offer better benefits for highly industrious and motivated Consultants. This is especially so, if they are self employed and are able to travel to different locations.
A Beauty Consultant usually performs many of the following tasks:
• Selling products and collecting payments
• Making product recommendation to customers
• Conducting demonstration of products
• Restocking products
• Presenting information about new products
• Meeting sales targets

• Being and dressing professionally
• Sales and marketing
• Networking with clients and distributors
• Being confident and courteous
• Customer service and relations
• Listening attentively and communication
• Being computer literate
• Stress management and resolving problems
• Being efficient and competitive
• Understanding cosmetics and beauty information

There are no real formal qualification requirements for operating as a Beauty Consultant. Having high school qualification such as NVQ or GCSE is acceptable. However, employers expect their Consultants to be very professional and helpful, offering the best advice to customers.
Some employers offer apprenticeship positions so that these employees can learn on the job while earning an income. Many start as young as sixteen years old or right out of high school. There are certifications offered by NVQ, VTCT or City & Guilds, in beauty Consultancy, Cosmetics and Makeup that would be helpful for those persons interested in this career.