Beauty Flash Career Guide
Since the rise of bloggers like Zoella, Huda Kattan and Manny Mua, anyone can become a savvy makeup artist in their own home. However, what does it require to make it big and maintain a career in the beauty industry?
Here at Beauty Flash we have put together a detailed guide on the different paths you can take within the beauty industry, ranging from a cosmetic scientist to a makeup artist, listing everything you need to know to get your foot in the door.
Magazine journalists are responsible for researching, writing and publishing stories across magazine publications. They are up to date on current news trends, have a keen interest in the topics they are covering and report on breaking news stories. Journalists who specialise in fashion and beauty will also be required to provide product reviews, attend industry events and comment on new runway trends.
Salary:Anywhere between £15,000 to £26,000 for entry-level/starting salary which increases with progression. This also differs on a freelance basis, where you secure a fee based on the length of the article.
Bear in mind that many publications will hire unpaid interns before offering a position.
Working hours: Your working hours will be very dependent on copy deadlines which can often fall within antisocial hours.
Entry requirements: In most circumstances applicants will require a degree. However, do not be discouraged if you don’t meet this requirement. There have been many scenarios where journalists have secured positions from gaining experience and working their way up.
Skills required:
- Must be highly creative and passionate about writing
- Able to demonstrate excellent writing skills, grammar and punctuation
- You are proactive and a go-getter – it’s not just about what you know, but who you know
- Ability to research and generate ideas for potential stories
- Able to work well individually and as a team
- Love writing and digitally savvy
Typical day-to-day tasks may include:
- Pitching, researching and writing beauty content
- Attending industry and press events
- Liaising with the fashion and creative teams to organise and schedule shoots
- Schedule and plan new content for the beauty team and contributing writers
- Researching and reporting on new beauty trends/products
Useful qualifications/skills to have:
- A qualification from the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ)
- A portfolio or webpage showcasing your work
- Previous interning experience
Further reading:
www.byrdie.co.uk/what-is- a-beauty- editor/slide2
Recruitment sites:
www.journalism.co.uk/media-reporter-jobs/s64/
www.gorkanajobs.co.uk/jobs/journalist/
Who to follow:
A beauty therapist is the next step up from a beautician. Beauty therapists provide a variety of treatments ranging from face and body to aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, reflexology, massage and more. You are not just limited to working in a salon; there are plenty of work opportunities in an array of environments including tourist destination spas, day spas, hotels, cruise ships or visiting people’s homes.
Salary: £15,000 - £20,000 per year
Working hours: 37-40 hours per week
Entry Requirements: You will need to have completed your Level 1 & 2 in beauty therapy.
Typical day-to- day tasks may include:
- Non-surgical skin treatments including facials
- Eyebrow shaping
- Eyelash colouring
- Tanning services
- Electrotherapy treatments
- Waxing
- Giving advice on makeup products
Skills Required:
- Communication skills: these are key, alongside a warm and welcoming manner. You will need to be able to make clients feel at home and relaxed, as well as being able to effectively communicate the procedures to clients
- Sales skills: your role may require you to demonstrate strong sales skills. You may have the opportunity to boost your earnings by getting commission on selling salon products
- Organisational skills & business awareness: if you are self-employed these are key in securing your success as your responsibilities will go beyond the beauty career path
Useful qualifications/skills to have:
- You are often required to complete your Level 2 & 3 to be fully qualified
Recruitment sites:
Extra Reading:
www.urbanbeauty.co.za/uncategorized/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-beauty-therapist/
www.training.com.au/ed/day-life-beauty-therapist/
Who to follow:
Beauty consultants assist customers in making the right choices in skin and beauty products and aid them in how they can make the most of their appearance. While having relevant qualifications are beneficial to the role, many employers will accept entry-level applicants, or those who are able to demonstrate good creative and sales skills. However, in the eyes of some employers it is considered necessary to have taken your Level 3 in beauty therapy to move forward with your career.
Salary: £12,000 to £30,000 with potential commission depending on role
Hours: 37 to 40 hours per week
Entry Requirements: There are no specific entry requirements.
Typical day-to- day tasks may include:
- Recommending products to customers and offering advice on beauty and skincare tailored to each individual customer
- You may be required to give facials and makeovers
- Monitor stock levels and conduct stock replenishment
- Meeting sales KPIs
Desirable requirements may include:
- Beauty therapy training/diploma or a qualification in retail, sales or customer service
- You have a good knowledge base on makeup and beauty products
- You take pride in your appearance and have an interest in the beauty industry
- You can demonstrate good communication skills to build a rapport with customers
Useful qualifications to have:
- Skills for Work Beauty (SCQF Level 6)
- Retailing (SCQF Level 5)
Recruitment sites:
Extra Reading:
www.shmoop.com/careers/beautician-cosmetologist/typical-day.html
Working as a social media assistant is more than just taking a picture and posting it on Instagram. It requires a lot of data management, strategy, content creation, brand management and knowledge of how to manage a social media crisis. Social media is a platform to express your brand’s voice and directly communicate with your loyal brand following.
Salary: In-house beauty bloggers can make anything between £7.00 per hour to thousands on paid product placement reviews (depending on your following and readership).
Hours: These vary completely. Social media never sleeps, so this can require many unsociable hours; however, there are now tools that can help schedule posts in advance.
Qualifications: A degree in marketing, journalism or other relevant fields.
Required skills:
- Excellent communication skills
- Good writing skills, grammar and spelling
- Good attention to detail
- Social media-savvy
- A socialite who has a passion for all things fashion and beauty
- Good networking skills
Typical day-to-day roles may include:
- Ensuring maximum brand exposure across all social media platforms and beauty blogs
- Manage and coordinate content plans for clients
- Keep up to date with social media trends
- Manage the day-to- day running of social media campaigns
- Collaborate with bloggers and influencers
- Analyse your competitor’s activity and any other social media influencers/channels
- Create a social media strategy
Desirable skills:
- Experience using Photoshop/Illustrate/InDesign/Premier Pro/After Effects
- Experience using Analytics
- Good photography skills
Recruitment sites:
www.getthegloss.com/listing/jobs
Extra Reading:
www.thebeautygirl.com/beauty/day-life-beauty-blogger/
blog.bufferapp.com/social-media-manager-checklist
Who to follow:
As a cosmetic scientist, you combine your scientific brain with your creative flair to create state-of-the-art cosmetic formulas within the beauty industry. Cosmetic scientists explore the effects that raw materials can have on parts of the human body including hair, lips, nails etc. The role also involves researching the making and marketing of cosmetic products.
Salary: £20,000 - £50,000
Hours: Typically 9-5pm. However, quality control profession roles may require more inconsistent, antisocial hours.
Qualifications:
- Applicants will need a degree in either Chemistry, Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy or other science-related disciplines. Employers usually expect applicants to have achieved a minimum of 2:2 in any of the above degrees.
Entry Requirements:
- An understanding of EU & Global Cosmetic Regulations
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work individually and as a team
- Exceptional attention to detail
- Disciplined and good work ethic
- Good written communication skills
- Excellent analytical and data recording skills
Typical day-to- day tasks may include:
- Experimenting with potential recipes for new products
- Testing out potential products and recording experiment results
- Carrying out quality control checks on bulk products produced by the production team
- Read and interpret data and make informed decisions based on results
- Reducing development time by reacting fast to feedback and test failures
Typical day-to- day tasks may include:
- Experimenting with potential recipes for new products
- Testing out potential products and recording experiment results
- Carrying out quality control checks on bulk products produced by the production team
- Read and interpret data and make informed decisions based on results
- Reducing development time by reacting fast to feedback and test failures
Desired Skills:
- Previous experience working in a laboratory
- A master’s degree in a science-related field
- Knowledge of aromatherapy, skin conditions/concerns and nutrition
Recruitment sites:
Extra Reading:
chemistscorner.com/cosmetic-science-career/
www.makeup.com/cosmetic-chemist-interview
Who to follow:
As a beauty volunteer you will help boost the confidence of those who need it the most. There are a variety of organisations who provide makeup lessons, nail and spa treatments, and treat the visible side effects of those undergoing treatment or are suffering from long-term illness. By donating your time and expertise you are helping boost the morale of women and men around the UK, teaching them vital skills in skincare, beauty and makeup.
Requirements:
- At least one year’s experience in makeup or skincare or experience in makeup or skincare. Or, experience in either of the following roles: - Beauty therapists - Salon staff - Beauty brand consultants - Freelance makeup artists
- A warm and welcoming manner and excellent communication skills
You can make a difference by signing up to become a beauty volunteer here:
Or follow their amazing work here:
Sources:
telegraph.co.uk
scs.org
movingonmagazine.com
learn.org
eclincher.com
locowise.com
getthegloss.com
myfirstjobinfilm.co.uk
prospects.ac.uk
creativeskillset.org
nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk
theemployable.com
birdie.co.uk
lse.ac.uk
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