How to Become a Skincare Consultant: The Ultimate Guide

Updated 2024.

Table of Contents

Key Points

The 5 steps to becoming a skincare consultant are: (1) learning the career, (2) taking a skincare consultant certification course, (3) building your business (via branding, marketing, and budgeting), (4) gaining real-world experience, and (5) getting things started;
QC Makeup Academy’s self-paced, online Skincare Consultant Course can have you trained and internationally-certified in as little as 2 months;
The skincare market is projected to generate a revenue as high as approx. USD $188.60 billion worldwide by the end of 2024;
Moreover, by 2032, it’s projected that the global skincare industry will be valued at approx. USD $194.05, with a CAGR of approx. 6.68%;
As a skincare consultant, you’ll be responsible for providing individualized recommendations and advice on the best skincare products and practices for their clients, as well as providing facials, skin treatments, and other services;
However, you will NOT provide any services that alter the skin and/or general appearance (such as surgical cosmetic procedures, chemical peels, waxing, etc.);
The general differences between a skincare consultant and an esthetician are the job responsibilities involved and the educational requirements;
Other common job titles for skincare consultants include skincare advisors, skincare specialists, beauty consultants, image consultants, and beauty advisors;
As a skincare consultant, you can make upwards of USD $79,500 if you live in the United States, upwards of CAD $60,000 annually in Canada, upwards of GBP £53,000 annually in the United Kingdom, and upwards of AUD $54,500 annually in Australia.

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Introduction

Do you love skincare? Are you passionate about helping people feel their best? If so, you’ve come to the right place! The skincare industry is growing rapidly, and there’s a high demand for qualified professionals. This is why today, we’ll be breaking down how to become a skincare consultant in 5 easy steps!

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know to start a successful career in the world of professional skincare. We’ll cover topics such as training and certification requirements, job duties, and average salaries.

So, if you want to learn how to become a skincare consultant, keep reading!

How to Become a Skincare Consultant in 5 Steps

1. Learn The Career: What IS a Skincare Consultant?

As a skincare expert, here are some examples of things you’ll be responsible for handling in your day-to-day work life:

Meeting with clients to discuss their skincare concerns;
Assessing each client’s skin type and condition;
Developing personalized skincare plans for each client;
Recommending appropriate products and treatments;
Providing education on proper skincare techniques.

If you run your own business, you’ll also be responsible for these additional tasks on a regular basis:

Marketing your company (both online and in-person) to attract new clients;
Maintaining a strong social media presence and accurate website;
Tracking your finances and budgeting for new; products/products/equipment;
Hiring, training, and managing staff (if applicable), etc.

Only once you properly understand what a skincare consultant does on a day-to-day basis, should you move onto step two. That way, you can feel confident that you know exactly what to expect from this type of work… And more importantly, that you’ll actually enjoy doing it!

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2. Take a Skincare Consultant Course

The best way to learn more about ANY career is to take an accredited course on the subject. Not only will this give you the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of skincare and its various treatments – you’ll also get first-hand experience working with clients. As we all know, there’s nothing like hands-on learning when it comes to mastering new skills!

QC Makeup Academy’s Online Skincare Consultant Course

When it comes to reputable, accredited skincare training, look no further than QC Makeup Academy’s Skincare Course. This 5-unit program is done at your own pace, right from the comfort of home. Although you’ll be given a full 2 years to finish the course in full, how much of that time you need is entirely up to you. For reference, many of our skincare graduates were able to successfully complete this course, earn their certification, and begin booking clients – all in as little as 2-6 months! Here’s just a taste of what you’ll learn as a student of QC’s Skincare Course:

The history of skincare;
The link between skin and physical health;
Emotional impacts of an unhealth compexion;
The role of a skincare consultant (as well as the similarities and differences between skincare consultant, estheticians, and dermatologists);
Skin anatomy and skin types;
Common skincare products, tools, ingredients, and application methods;
Common skin concerns and conditions, as well as treatments for them;
Skin’s aging process and factors that contribute to it;
Pros and cons of natural skincare;
Basic natural skincare ingredients and formulation techniques;
The skincare consulting process, from start to finish;
And more!

The best part? As soon as you graduate, you’ll receive a globally-recognized International Skincare Consulting Professional (ISCP)certification + designation! Not only will these look insanely impressive on your resume; they’ll also attract more clients, land you more bookings, and increase your profits!

Pro Tip: Here’s everything you need to know to launch your very own skincare consulting business!

3. Build Your Skincare Business From The Ground Up

Branding Your Skincare Business

As a skincare consultant, one of the first things you’ll need to do is create a strong and recognizable brand. After all, in order for clients to take you seriously, they need to know that your company is professional and trustworthy. There are many aspects to consider when it comes to branding your business. But some of the most important include your:

Company name (and getting it legally registered);
Logo;
Color scheme;
Tagline;
Website design and content;
Social media presence, etc.

All of these elements should work together to create a consistent and cohesive look for your business. Furthermore, they should also be reflective of the type of clients you want to attract. For example, if you’re aiming to work with high-end clients, your branding should exude luxury. Not sure where to start? Check out this helpful article on branding your business!

Marketing Your Business

Next, it’s time to start marketing your business. After all, no matter how great your services may be, you won’t be able to attract clients if they don’t know you exist. In order to book new customers and grow your business, you’ll need to market yourself both online and offline. Luckily for you, there are a ton of great marketing strategies at your disposal, such as:

Creating a strong social media presence;
Developing an email list;
Running paid, targeted ads;
Participating in local events and expos;
Networking with other professionals;
Collaborating with complementary businesses;
Offering referral discounts or incentive programs;
Giving away free samples or mini-products;
Writing blog posts or articles (like this one!).

There’s no right or wrong way to market your business. But it’s important that you find what works best for you and your company. And don’t be afraid to get creative – the more unique and eye-catching your marketing strategy is, the better!

Budgeting Your Skincare Consultant Business

Last but not least, you’ll need to create a budget for your skincare business. When doing this, there are a few key things you’ll need to take into account, including the cost of:

Goods and supplies;
Marketing and advertising;
Renting space or equipment;
Business insurance;
And both licensing and permits (if applicable).

If you’re self-employed, you’ll also need to consider your salary when approaching your overall budget. Once you’ve taken all of these factors into consideration, you can start creating a more detailed budget for your business. Here’s a helpful guide on small business budgeting that can help you get started, if you still need some more assistance with this step.

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4. Gain Experience as a Skincare Consultant

Now it’s time to start working and getting some much-needed, hands-on experience under your belt. If you’re not sure where to begin, here are some ideas:

Reach out to local spas and salons in your area, and inquire about renting space/working as an independent contractor.
Partner up with a local business that is complementary to yours (i.e. teaming up with a lash technician, makeup artist, etc.).
Start your own mobile skincare business where you travel to clients’ homes or workplaces.
Look into working at a high-end department store or skincare counter.
Offer a complimentary consultation to people you know personally, such as friends and/or family.

No matter how you choose to practice your skills and get experience in the field, always remember to put your best foot forward. Give 110%! After all, the more clients you can impress and build a strong rapport with, the better off you’ll be in the long run. Firstly, this will help to ensure a steady stream of business. Secondly, it’ll also result in plenty of word-of-mouth marketing – a.k.a. the best kind of marketing there is!

Pro Tip: Here are 15 other tried-and-true tips to successfully market your business!

5. Officially Start Your Career as a Skincare Consultant

Now it’s time for the moment you’ve been waiting for… You’re finally ready to start working as a skincare consultant!

If you’ve followed the steps outlined in this article, then congrats – you’re already well on your way to success. Just remember to stay focused, work hard, and always provide top-notch service to your clients. So long as you do this, you’ll be just fine.

Becoming a Skincare Consultant FAQ

Is skincare a profitable career?

A: Absolutely! The skincare industry is booming and there is a high demand for qualified consultants. In fact, according to Fortune Business Insights (as of November 11th, 2024): “The global skincare market size was valued at USD 109.71 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 115.65 billion in 2024 to USD 194.05 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR [compound annual growth rate] of 6.68% during the forecast period.”

Statista reports similar findings, stating that the skincare market by the end of 2024 is projected to generate a revenue of up to approximately USD $188.60 billion worldwide. What’s more, they also project that by 2029, the market will “experience an annual growth rate of 2.93%.”

What does a skincare consultant do?

A: A skincare consultant provides individualized recommendations and advice on the best skincare products and practices for their clients. In addition, they may also provide facials, skin treatments, and other services.

It’s important to note, however, that skincare consultants are NOT qualified to perform any surgical cosmetic procedures. Similarly, they cannot prescribe medical treatments. If a client needs this type of assistance, a skincare consultant can use their expertise to advise them to seek out the help of a licensed dermatologist.

To become a skincare consultant, you will need to have in-depth knowledge about different types of skin, skin conditions, and available treatments. Furthermore, it’s important to be up-to-date on the latest industry trends and developments. This way, you can offer your clients the most current information and skincare advice possible!

What's the difference between a skincare consultant and an esthetician?

A: An esthetician is a type of skincare consultant that provides beauty treatments. Services they may offer include facials, chemical peels, waxing, and even makeup application. In contrast, a skincare consultant’s focus is on providing individualized recommendations about the best skincare products and practices for their clients.

A skincare consultant will not perform any duties that alter a client’s skin or general appearance. This means that skincare consultants cannot provide services like chemical peels or waxing.

The educational requirements are also different, too. In order to become an esthetician, you’ll need to complete a state-licensed cosmetology or esthetics program. This typically takes between 9 months to 2 years to complete. Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll also be required to pass a state board exam. This will earn you an esthetician license.

Alternately, you don’t need to complete a state-licensed cosmetology or esthetics program in order to work as a skincare consultant. Instead, you can focus on completing a skincare consulting certification program – such as the Skincare Course offered by QC Makeup Academy.

What is a skincare consultant called?

A: The title you use will likely depend on your specific job duties and responsibilities. However, some of the most common ones include:

Skincare Advisor
Skincare Specialist
Beauty Consultant
Image Consultant
Beauty Advisor

That said, you might just find it easier to refer to yourself as a “Skincare Consultant” when working in the field. We find that it’s the most accurate descriptor of what you’ll actually be doing in your day-to-day work life!

Do skincare consultants make good money?

A: Yes! Skincare consultants can earn a very competitive salary, especially if you’re working in a high-end salon or spa. The same can also be said if you launch your own consulting company and approach things from a business-savvy perspective.

To help put things into perspective, ZipRecruiter reports that the average salary for a skincare consultant in the United States falls around USD $30,606 per year – with some consultants making as much as USD $79,500 annually! Similarly, skincare consultants in Canada tend to make between CAD $31,000 to CAD $60,000 annually, according to Glassdoor. Skincare consultants in the United Kingdom make between GBP £23,000 and GBP £53,000 per year. And if you live in Australia, the annual salary for a “Beauty Consultant” ranges from AUD $47,600 to AUD $54,500!

Of course, your specific salary will depend on a number of factors. For example, your experience level, geographical location, and whether you’re working independently or for someone else will all come into play. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can to earn a pretty penny as a skincare consultant!

What are examples of skincare consultant jobs and how can I find them?

A: Skincare consultants have a range of opportunities across different sectors. Some examples of skincare consultant jobs include working at beauty salons, spas, skincare clinics, dermatology offices, or even as independent consultants. You can also find skincare consultant positions in retail settings, such as department stores or specialty beauty retailers.

Networking, job search websites, and professional beauty industry associations are excellent resources for finding these job opportunities. Additionally, connecting with professionals in the field and attending beauty industry events can help you discover job openings and make valuable connections.

Remember to tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your skincare knowledge, customer service skills, and any relevant certifications or training you have.

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Author

Sarah Cavanagh

Sarah Cavanagh is a seasoned writer with more than 20 years of experience and a background in English Literature. She has been part of the QC team since 2019, where she manages social media and crafts blog content across multiple schools. When she’s not working, you can find her writing her debut horror/romance novel, Hollowed Ground.