Working on a Cosmetic Counter

I often receive questions from friends and classmates at school as to how I got a job at Dior working as a Beauty Consultant. I feel like this is something a lot of people who would like to get started in this industry want to know about and would like to venture into it themselves. However, there are also a lot of other things that people may not realise about this job I'd like to address. 

Starting Point

There are a variety of ways to get into working with cosmetics. The first way is to go through an agency like Marc Edwards Agency. Some counters will need extra staff during busier periods such as gift or occasions such as Christmas or Mother's Day and they will either have a traveller from their company or a agency makeup artist. Sometimes if the manager is impressed enough with you, they may ask you to bring in a resume they can forward to their retail managers. 
There are a few job listings on career sites such as CareerOne or Seek that advertise for beauty consultants. I personally haven't ever had much luck with Seek - perhaps a interview call for a non-cosmetic company - but there are jobs out there. 
Department stores are usually looking for beauty advisors. Beauty Advisors roam about on the floor and help customers. Sometimes, if your availability and skill set matches an open position with a specific brand, they might set up a second interview with a retail manager of that brand. 
Having a Diploma in Specialist Makeup is a must for some companies such as Bobbi Brown. Others will accept a Diploma/Certificate in Beauty Therapy and some don't require any formal qualifications. 

The Interview

• Appearance is Everything
  
  Make sure your makeup is on point because they are looking for people who are well groomed and polished to represent their brand. Observe the kind of makeup the people working on the counter are wearing. MAC makeup artists usually are very creative and outgoing with their makeup while a company such as Shu Uemura will be about the bright colours. Classic French beauty houses will feature very clean, every woman makeup.
  
  

• Clothes
  
  Ensure your clothes are clean and fit you well. There is nothing worse than turning up to an interview with clothes that are too big or too small. It doesn't look professional.
  
  

• Portfolio
  
  Being able to do your own makeup isn't enough. Anyone can do their own makeup with enough practice. A beauty consultant needs to be able to work on others, with different facial features and shapes. Make sure your photos are clear and feature a diverse range of styles and models.
  
  

• Personality
  
  Know that you are there because you are qualified for the job. What they want from you now, is a personality to put to the skills and qualifications. Usually they are looking for friendly, easy going personalities to put into a team. If you can communicate to them of your ability to work well in a team environment, extra brownie points for you!
  
  

• Research
  
  Do some research on the history of the company before your interview. More often than not, they will ask you if you know anything about the company. By showing what you know and displaying genuine interest in the company, it looks favourably on you.

Harsh Realities

• It is a sell job

People don't understand that it isn't just about putting makeup on people. Your job is to sell product and you achieve it by applying it on your customers and informing them about the product. Some people might not appreciate having to sell a product or they're not a 'people person'.

• Productivity Matters

Being able to apply makeup beautifully isn't easy. However, you have to be able to do a full makeup (including skincare) within 45-60 minutes. And this is while you're selling a product. You can't be doing full makeups on every customer.

• Paperwork and Cleaning

As it is a business, sometimes you'll have to do some paperwork - returns, counter productivity, communications with managers. And you'll have to clean! Cleaning testers, cleaning brushes, keeping the counter tidy and presentable.

• Loss of Magic

As exciting as it is when you first start on the counter, the magic of the makeup or skincare will start to fade. While you might retain your passion for makeup in general, you can't deny that when you are faced with the same makeup and skincare day in day out, you start to get bored of it. 

Lessons Learned

• Broader Perspective of Beauty Standards

I have dealt with many customers with a vast range of standards of beauty. It has led me to appreciate each trend and standard. This appreciation has widened my perspective of what looks good and has helped me in adapting my style to what clients need.

• Confidence 

I've developed more facets of my personality and I've become more personable. I do have a great team to support me and who I have learned a lot from.

• Interests

I have actually found where my true calling lies within the beauty industry through the amount of time spent on the counter. Working with diverse people can really tell you what you want to do. And also what you don't want to do which is especially important when forging a career path. 

I do hope this mini-guide is helpful to you in the pursuit of a career in retail cosmetics. Please do leave any further questions in the comments and I will answer them.

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