How to Be a Makeup Consultant

With the growing popularity of shows like TLC's "What Not to Wear" and "Ambush Makeover," it is of little surprise that more people are interested in pursuing careers in makeup consulting. Follow these steps to help you on your way to becoming a makeup consultant.

Instructions

1. Offer your services at local beauty salons free for awhile to develop your skills and create a client base. This is a great way to get started. Because makeup consultants are offering a service, they need to meet people who want that service and who are willing to provide references and word-of-mouth promotion. By doing free consulting, you get practice and promotion simultaneously.

2. Pick up some part-time work at a top-end makeup counter. Some of the best opportunities to refine your skills will come from using different products. You could apply for work at the Chanel, Estee Lauder or MAC Cosmetics counter at better department stores. This will give you expanded opportunities for growth and learning on the job.

3. Create a client base that will help you grow your business. Once people start talking about your talents and referring friends, you can develop a larger client base and begin earning serious money for your services. You can choose to continue offering some free makeovers, but you should start focusing on paying clients.

4. Specialize in a particular niche market. There are certain groups of people that are always in need of makeup and image consulting. For instance, you could specialize in services for job-seekers, women aching to try a new look, beauty pageant contestants or models. Selecting one or two of these groups will help you develop market penetration.

5. Evolve by creating a network of partners in the image consulting field to help you with clients who want a total makeover. For example, you could partner with a hair stylist, a voice coach, a nail specialist and a fashion consultant to help you meet all your clients' needs.