Working Life

Beauty consultants work on the cosmetic counter of department stores or large chemist shops. They advise customers on beauty products such as make-up, perfume and toiletries. They may also give facials, eyelash and eyebrow treatments and 'make-overs' to customers.  
 
Consultants must give a high priority to sales. Companies usually set a sales target to be reached and reward the consultant with commission added to basic salary if they are successful. The work is often very competitive, as several cosmetic companies may operate in the same store.  
 
Other duties include ordering new stock, keeping the sales area clean and tidy, and displaying goods in an attractive way.  
 
Self-employed consultants are responsible for all aspects of the business, such as book-keeping, and ordering and accounting for stock, handling sales transactions with customers.

Further Information

• Beauty Consultant- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Most stores or cosmetic companies prefer trainee consultants to have a background in beauty therapy. There are some full-time courses that include beauty consultancy, often within a general hairdressing or beauty therapy course. These courses are available at colleges of further education or private colleges.  
 
In larger stores, you might work in a team. Training is mostly on-the-job, with experienced staff demonstrating how to arrange the counter, restock shelves and order new goods. This training is supplemented by in-service courses run by the cosmetic company. You would be taught about the full range of beauty products, how to apply them and which points to stress when selling them. You would also be taught how to give facials and make-up sessions to customers, as companies expect you to give demonstrations in the store or to outside organisations in order to boost sales.  

Training includes practical work to develop confidence and ability, as well as the various beauty treatments and the therapeutic aspect of beauty culture.  

The Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (CIBTEC) and the International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC) conduct exams in Beauty Therapy. Qualifications obtained on successful completion of these exams are internationally recognised. CIDESCO (Comite International d'Esthetique et de Cosmetologie) is the worldwide organisation for approved beauty therapy training in many countries, including Ireland. The prestigious CIDESCO diploma is recognised worldwide, in line with HABIC hair & beauty association of Ireland. 

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: beauty therapy, make up artistry.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: beauty, complementary therapy.

Search for PLC Courses

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: business, beauty, spa services, spa management.

Search for CAO Courses

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €36k

Salaries vary depending on employer, location, experience, and duties. Salary can be based on sessional or pro rate rates. 

Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Glassdoor / Excel Recruitment

Last Updated: March, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Hairdressers; Barbers; colourists (hairdressing); hair stylists; beauty therapists; nail technicians.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

There was a large increase in numbers employed for hairdressers and beauticians between 2021 and 2022, with an additional 5,700 persons employed; as such, numbers employed returned to preCOVID-19 levels. The majority of persons employed were female, with half working part-time. The share of non-Irish citizens, at 22%, was slightly above the national average of 19%.

Vacancies advertised through DSP Jobs Ireland were primarily for roles including spa/beauty therapists, hair stylists and barbers. There was a relatively high volume of jobseekers registered with DSP in December 2022 who were previously employed as hairdressers, beauticians or related occupations. Future demand for hairdressers and beauticians is likely to be linked to consumer behaviour, given the increased cost of living. 

• Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation (HABIC)

  • HABIC The Enterprise Centre The Hill Road, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim, N41 Y1F6
  • 07196 15 200
  • [email protected]
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