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

You could study for:

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

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

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.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

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

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

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.

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
• keep customer and product records
• handle cash and card payments

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

You may need to wear a uniform.