Behind the Makeup Counter: A Peek into Sephora Jobs, Ulta Beauty Jobs, and More

If you're obsessed with makeup, a job selling it might be right for you. In most states, those working behind the makeup counter can give makeovers to customers without a license. This article covers what makeup store jobs entail, the qualifications required, major employers, and how much you can earn working in makeup retail sales.

What Happens in a Makeup Store Job?

Working at a makeup store generally involves interacting with customers on the floor and at the register as well as organizing stock and performing cleaning tasks.

This may include:

• Greeting customers and offering them assistance
• Recommending products
• Informing customers about events and promotions
• Stocking store shelves
• Demonstrating how to use makeup
• Applying makeup on customers
• Checking out customer purchases

While applying makeup may be part of the job, you're usually not allowed to:

• Charge customers for makeup applications or makeovers
• Accept tips
• Claim you're a makeup artist or a cosmetologist (unless you are!)
• Use your hands when applying makeup. Always use the disposable applicators provided by the store or provide applicators to customers so they can put the products on themselves.

Can You Become a Makeup Artist After Having a Makeup Store Retail Job?

In short, even though your job experience in a makeup store won't qualify you for a makeup artistry license, the time spent in the role can help you determine if that path is right for you> diving. Getting that license requires time in makeup school (or a similar program), so dipping your toe into the makeup field before spending that time and money could be a good idea.

In most states, you must have either an esthetician license or cosmetology license to be a professional makeup artist working with clients. Some states offer specialized makeup artistry licenses. And a few don't have requirements for makeup artists who solely do makeup work!

Can I Work at a Makeup Store or Cosmetics Counter with a Beauty License?

Yes, a makeup store may of course employ you if you're a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician. However, your role could cater more to your trade rather than sales. Cosmetics retail companies may want to hire licensed beauty professionals to work in their salons instead of being a part of the retail sales staff. Alternatively, some companies employ licensed cosmetologists or estheticians to instruct customers on how to use their products.

That said, working in retail may be a good option for retired licensed beauty professionals who want to try out a different avenue in the industry. Or, if you need a more flexible schedule for a while, you could work in Sephora, Ulta, or another makeup retail location while fulfilling any requirements to maintain your license.

Makeup Store Job Qualifications

The following qualifications are examples of what makeup stores may be looking for in prospective candidates:

• Previous retail experience in any industry
• Knowledge of the beauty industry and recent trends
• Ability to maintain client relationships
• Passion for client service
• Flexible availability, including working weekends, evenings, and holidays
• Strong leadership and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Comfortable with computers and store systems
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, bend to stock shelves, handle and apply cosmetics, walk or stand for an entire shift, and work in a fragrant environment

What Companies Hire for Makeup Counter Jobs?

There are tons of makeup counter locations out there recruiting employees. These range from makeup-specific stores to department store counters and everything in between. Two of the most popular makeup store chains across the United States are Sephora and Ulta Beauty, though many others exist.

Sephora Jobs

Sephora's makeup-focused positions vary. A common job at Sephora is a “Licensed Beauty Advisor.” Here’s an overview.

Licensed Beauty Advisor

• Duties: Assisting customers with makeup application, suggesting and selling products, giving lessons in makeup, skincare, and waxing, and helping stock shelves
• Qualifications: Cosmetology or esthetics license, one to three years of experience working in retail or service industries, knowledge of beauty products and trends, love working with people, comfortable with computers/store systems, able to lift up to 50 pounds, bend or stretch, walk the sales floor, and handle and apply cosmetics
• Hours: Often full-time, may work nights, weekends, and holidays

You must create an account on Sephora's website or use your existing LinkedIn account to apply for a job. The application and interview process takes a few days to a couple weeks. After applying online, you may receive an email requesting an interview. If this happens, you'll likely have a group interview and, if asked to return, a one-on-one interview with your potential manager.

How employees feel about working for Sephora depends on the specific store. Some employee reviews report a good team environment and an enjoyable workplace. However, other reviews mention poor management, insufficient break time, and inflexible hours as cons. Like with any possible workplace, you may want to check out the employee reviews of your city’s location before considering a job at Sephora.

"Overall, the people who work at this Sephora were so kind and friendly, and they made my shifts more bearable, especially during busy hours," a former beauty advisor wrote on Indeed. "One thing I did dislike, however, is the lack of mandatory breaks." (Editor’s note: Breaks may be partially influenced by the number of hours worked in one shift and your state's laws.)

Ulta Beauty Jobs

A typical makeup-focused job at the popular Ulta Beauty chain is that of “Specialty Artist.” Your local store may have similar jobs that could use your makeup passion and skills.

Specialty Artist:

• Duties: Assisting customers with makeup demonstrations and applications, suggesting products, giving lessons in makeup, offering knowledge on makeup trends, and helping with inventory
• Qualifications: Some states may require a makeup demonstrator license, a high school diploma or equivalent, three to four years of work experience in retail and cosmetics, being able to work independently and as part of a team, the ability to build and maintain client relationships, have product and sales knowledge, able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Hours: Often part-time, working nights and weekends

To apply, you must create an account on Ulta Beauty's website. You may be asked to come in for an interview a few days after applying. Past interviewees call the process relaxed and easy. People who've worked there describe the workplace as fun and say they appreciate the experience, training, and discounts they received. However, some warned of low pay and poor management.

"Ulta was a fun, fast-paced environment. A lot of creativity and individuality. A lot of room for expression," a former employee wrote on Indeed. "Management was half and half. Sometimes very helpful with scheduling and sometimes understanding about training and moving up but in other ways seemed hard to communicate with."

Other Makeup Stores and Cosmetic Counter Employers

This isn't all-inclusive, but these options could give you an idea of where to look for makeup retail jobs:

• M•A•C: Known for their wide range of colors and shades of makeup
• Estée Lauder: Offering high-quality skincare and makeup products
• L'Oreal: French makeup brand and the world's largest cosmetics company

How Much Do Makeup Store Jobs Pay?

Makeup retail sales salaries vary by state, city, years of experience, and employer. ZipRecruiter, which compiles possible salaries based on very recent job listings, says that as of January 2024, the mean annual salary for a retail makeup artist is $52,605 annually (or $25.29 per hour) in the US.

Bearing in mind that ZipRecruiter only uses very recent data from available postings, Ulta Beauty pays their workers an average wage of $38,510 per year ($19 per hour), and beauty advisors at Sephora may earn $38,181 a year on average ($18.36 hourly).

These average earnings are higher than retail sales overall. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2022, retail sales workers in the US earn a median wage of $14.71 per hour, or $30,750 per year.