Cosmetician

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Cosmeticians (6482.2) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Estheticians, Electrologists and Related Occupations (G922) 
• 2011 NOC: Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations (6562) 
• 2016 NOC: Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations (6562) 

In general, cosmeticians:

• Promote and sell skin care and cosmetic products and accessories
• Help customers learn about their personal needs and preferences
• Advise customers about skin care in general
• Give tips on caring for problem areas
• Advise customers on colours and types of makeup
• Advise customers on hair colour products and how to apply them
• Advise customers on fragrances and hair care and nail care products
• Show customers how to apply makeup
• Keep customer records of services provided and products purchased
• Plan, support and deliver promotional activities and events
• Gather customer feedback and relay it to the company
• Book one-on-one appointments
• Give on-the-spot consultations

Depending on where they work, cosmeticians may also help with ordering and . For more information see the Visual Merchandiser occupational profile.

Cosmeticians work in retail settings. They may work alone or as part of a team. They may work weekends and evenings. They spend most of their shifts on their feet. They may sometimes deal with difficult clients.

Cosmeticians need:

• Communication and presentation skills
• Customer service and conflict resolution skills
• A good sense of colour
• An interest in skin care and makeup
• The desire to keep up an attractive personal appearance

They should enjoy:

• Using a methodical approach to compile information
• Using specialized products and techniques
• Staying up to date on the latest trends and fashions
• Dealing with the public and serving and helping people

Cosmeticians work in the cosmetics departments of retail stores, pharmacies and other retail beauty shops.

Experienced cosmeticians may advance to supervisory positions in cosmetics departments. Some work as sales representatives for cosmetics companies. With further training, cosmeticians may move into related occupations such as esthetician and make-up artist.

Cosmeticians are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 6562: Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations. In Alberta, 79% of people employed in this classification work in the Other Services (pdf) industry. However, most cosmeticians work in the Retail Trade (pdf) industry.

The employment outlook (pdf) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• Trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• Location in Alberta
• Employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• Occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• Size of the occupation

Over 4,900 Albertans are employed in the Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations occupational group. This group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.0% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 98 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As cosmeticians form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for cosmeticians.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

In Alberta, the G922: Estheticians, Electrologists and Related Occupations occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 98 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Canadian Cosmetics Careers Association (CCCA) website: cosmetics.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.