Going freelance takes a lot of courage ⁠— especially if you’re a professional working in the beauty industry. While it’s great that you get to be your own boss and have full control over your time, projects, and clients, being a freelancer also means saying goodbye to benefits and a steady salary. However, the *British Beauty Council reports that beauty consumers are more than willing to open their wallets, with total spending amounting to £27.2 billion in 2018. This shows that there's enough opportunity for those looking to be in the business. Here, we’ll give you the top beauty industry tricks and precautions that you should be aware of before you take the freelancing plunge.

You should be aware of current trends...

As a professional, it’s your job to scout the market for the latest and hottest trends, and you don’t have to be limited to your location. For instance, you can look at what’s gaining popularity in markets like Asia, where the beauty industry is always thriving. One example is the Thai-manufactured *AR Vitamin E Cream, a popular moisturiser among Asian beauty enthusiasts. Beauty writer Sheena Dizon of Pretty Me explains that the AR Vitamin E Cream is made with natural ingredients, such as sunflower seed oil and beeswax. More than a hydrating agent, this cream can also reduce pimple marks, dark spots, and tighten up loose skin. Your job as the pro is to help the client learn new products that best fit their needs and beauty woes.

If you’re just starting out, you’re in the best position to explore and try the newest beauty products on the market. This is because unlike most established companies, freelancers aren’t tied to brand partnerships and sponsors that could limit the contents of your beauty kit.

Know how to sell yourself

Even if you’re a small-time freelancer, it’s incredibly important to know how to present your brand. This sets you apart from other small and big beauty companies, and gives your business that distinct flair.
One good way to showcase your brand is by creating a portfolio that highlights your previous work. In your own portfolio, you can put in your best services, styles, and products. However, make sure that you’re able to create variety between your portfolio offerings to show that you’re capable of doing different styles and techniques.

Don’t be afraid to attend conventions

These days, there’s a corresponding convention to every industry and niche that you can imagine. With beauty industry *conventions, you get more than just exclusive sneak peeks of the newest products or the chance to meet industry icons. Culture contributor Annie Lord of Vice notes that beauty cons attract thousands of beauty enthusiasts who are ready to shell out their cash ⁠— and if you’re a budding beauty entrepreneur, this could be your chance to get your name out there. Other than that, conventions also hold various training seminars to help you expand your craft and industry know-how. So, try to build connections even as an attendee, and who knows, maybe one day you’ll have your own booth in the convention.

All of these are critical in ensuring your success as a freelancer. The beauty industry is notorious for being cut-throat and competitive, so much so that not a lot of businesses survive and thrive. But, there’s more than enough space for freelancers in the beauty industry ⁠— you just need to know how to make your mark.

Further reading:

* British Beauty Council: https://www.globalcosmeticsnews.com/beauty-industry-contributed-28-4-billion-to-uk-economy-in-2018/

* AR Vitamin E Creme: https://www.prettyme.ph/reviews/ar-vitamin-e-cream-thailand-review/

*Beauty industry conventions: https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/vbydqb/exploring-the-future-of-makeup-with-the-highly-contoured-teens-of-beautycon