Esthetician Defined

Quite simply, an esthetician works on skin. An esthetician (also spelled aesthetician) is a professional skin care specialist who performs facials, skin treatments, waxing and makeup application. This simplified definition really doesn’t do justice to this dynamic profession. Of all the beauty industry specialties, esthetics is perhaps the most evolving, trendy and exotic. In what other profession can chocolate or mud be considered necessary supplies?

What it Takes
Do you love skin? It may sound redundant, but becoming a successful esthetician takes a genuine love for skin care. You’ll work with skin in every condition from flawless to problematic. If all aspects of skincare are equally fascinating to you, this is the career for you.

You’ll need to possess great interpersonal skills and the ability to work with all types of clients, from the excited teen getting ready for prom to the insecure client dealing with problem acne to the nervous/demanding bride who expects her skin to look absolutely perfect for her big day.

Just like any other personal appearance workers, the best estheticians are fashion-forward people who are focused on creating the most memorable and positive experience for their clients. You’ll need to have a passion for staying up to date with trends and procedures. A strong knowledge of color theory, a professional appearance, a love for education and a genuine desire to pamper clients round out the skill set you’ll need to succeed. Not to mention, fabulous skin!

Finally, of course you’ll need an esthetician or cosmetology license.

What You’ll Make
As with any career, salaries for estheticians will vary based on location, type of esthetic practice and level of experience. On average, the starting salary for entry-level estheticians ranges from $24,000 - $38,000 per year not including tips.

Working World
Chocolate, seaweed and sugar – oh my! Sea salt, mud, rose petals, aromatherapy oils, berries, even caviar…these are just a few of the trendy and fun products you’ll use on clients. The skin care industry is renowned for continual research and development of new techniques and products, so you’ll always be learning and experimenting. After analyzing your client’s skin care needs, you’ll delve into your arsenal of products and customize a treatment to achieve the desired results. Skin treatments can be designed to address countless skin care issues including acne, redness, wrinkles/signs of aging, dryness, oiliness, sun damage, enlarged pores…the list goes on and on. But treatments aren’t just for “problem” skin or correcting a condition; an aromatherapy or oxygen facial can serve the simple purpose of pampering and relaxation.

If you decide to specialize in makeup artistry, you’ll tap into your expertise to help your clients look their absolute best. Through your art, you’ll help them minimize their perceived flaws and maximize their assets. You may help a bride get ready for the biggest day of her life. You could work with rehab patients to help them cover up burns or scars. You may do a model’s makeup for a photo shoot or work on the set of a TV show, work backstage at fashion shows or get hired by the local TV station to do the makeup for the news anchors. The opportunities are as limitless as your own ambition!

As a licensed esthetician, you might work in a spa, salon, resort, department store, or even start your own business. However, the most common setting for an esthetician is the spa. As we all know, spas and day spas focus their attention on providing a relaxing and pampering environment - so not only must you be technically proficient in the services you deliver, you also have to be able to create and maintain an atmosphere of tranquility.

You’ll have lots of opportunities for continuing education, and you should jump at every chance. Make it your business to know about upcoming seminars and classes that demonstrate new techniques, new products or advanced makeup application. The more you know, the more valuable you’ll be in the workplace – and the more fun you’ll have.

Our skin is a reflection of our lives. Stress, smoking, sun exposure, a poor diet, pollution and worry all display themselves prominently on our faces for all the world to see. As an esthetician, you’ll help your clients’ faces tell a different story - a story of youth, health and happiness. You’ll educate them, rejuvenate their skin and help them look and feel amazing. It’s been said that beauty is more than skin deep. While that may be true, beautiful skin’s still a great place to start!