Cosmetologist

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror after a sleepless night — when your skin is sallow, your eyes puffy and your hair uncombed — you know all too well that even “natural” beauty doesn’t always come naturally.

Luckily, Mother Nature is gullible. And when you’re a Cosmetologist, you know exactly how to fool her.

That’s because beauty is your business — and also your product, which you peddle, polish and promote at department stores, spas, hotels, resorts and salons.

Exactly what you do depends on what you beautify, since most Cosmetologists specialize in hair, skin, makeup or nails. If your specialty is hair, you’re a Hairdresser, which means cutting, washing, conditioning, coloring and styling hair. If your specialty is skin, on the other hand, you’re an Esthetician, which means conducting hair removal procedures, facials and massages, as well as exfoliating, pore and moisturizing treatments. If your specialty is makeup, meanwhile, you’re a Makeup Artist, which means applying makeup, demonstrating makeup techniques and designing custom makeup routines. Finally, if you specialize in nails, you’re a Manicurist, which means giving manicures and pedicures.

No matter what kind of Cosmetologist you are, the work you do is more than skin-deep. In addition to making them look more attractive, for instance, you make people feel — and be — better. That’s because you make their hair, skin and nails not only prettier, but also healthier, the result of which is more self-confidence and higher self-esteem.

In that way, you’re part Beautician, part Therapist: You can perm someone’s hair and their soul!