Bethany’s Journey: From Beauty Passion to Boots Beauty Specialist
Tell us about your career journey and how you became a Boots Beauty Specialist?
I started at 17 as a Customer Advisor on self-selection cosmetics, where I helped look after brands like L’Oréal and Maybelline. It was the perfect way to get my foot into the beauty world. At 19 I worked on my first premium beauty counter which was No7 and then became a No7 Account Manager (all within a couple of months) which grew my skincare knowledge as well as my management and business skills. After this I decided to take a break for two years with Benefit Cosmetics, , and then returned to Boots as a Beauty Specialist – the perfect role to bring all my experience together and I’ve never looked back!
What does a typical day for a Boots Beauty Specialist look like?
A typical day as a Boots Beauty Specialist is all about making people feel good. First thing, I’ll put deliveries away and check stock, which sometimes means having a sneak peek at new launches! I also use Hive, which is Boots’ platform for the Beauty Specialist community, to keep up to date with the latest training, tips, and product updates. The rest of my day is spent having conversations and giving advice across makeup and skincare, whether that’s helping build a skincare routine, finding the right foundation, or giving someone a confidence boost. No day is ever the same, and I love seeing the moment a customer lights up because something truly works for them. It’s those moments that make the role so rewarding.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
What I love most about my role is that I get to live my love for beauty every day. Being surrounded by incredible products, exploring new launches, and sharing that excitement with others. It doesn’t feel like work when you’re doing what you truly love! I also love that we’re completely non-biased, so we can showcase any brand we genuinely love. They’re also so supportive in you creating content to show your passion! I’ve recently had a few videos on Tik Tok go viral and people saying I have their dream job… definitely a pinch me moment!
What’s your favourite beauty product?
My favourite beauty product has to be the Huda Beauty Liquid Filter Blusher in Cotton Candy. I love how effortlessly it gives a natural, healthy flush and blends so beautifully. It’s such a simple product but can completely transform a look, and I reach for it every day!
Have you had any key moments that you’ve been proud of?
There have been so many moments I’m proud of, having met inspiring people and heard incredible stories. One that really stands out was a lady who came in feeling low after having her baby. I could relate, so I made sure she had a little moment just for herself to feel cared for, to remember that she’s important, and that she deserves self-care too. It’s such a simple thing, but it’s a reminder of how meaningful these little moments can be. Another huge highlight for me was being asked to work at Boots’ very first live beauty event, where we applied and showcased the latest trending products. Spending the day surrounded by incredible brands and influencers was a massive career milestone, and one I’ll never forget, I hope I get to do more!
How has Boots developed your career?
Boots have been incredible for developing my career – truly leading the way in beauty training. The sessions are so personable, attentive, and calm that it hardly feels like training because it’s so much fun! From online courses and in-person conferences to training with brand founders and trying all the latest products, there’s always something new to learn. On top of that, the support from the Boots Beauty Specialist community is amazing, no question is ever silly, and everyone is so encouraging. Being part of this really makes growing in my role so rewarding. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them!
What advice would you give someone starting a career in beauty?
If you’re starting a career in beauty, my advice is to bring your passion and spark for beauty to everything you do. When you genuinely love what you’re sharing, it shows, and customers that connect with that energy often turn into friends. Trust me, I still have ladies from nearly six years ago who come to me for advice because of the connection we shared. Embrace learning, ask questions, and let your excitement for products and helping others shine – it’s what makes this role so rewarding.
What’s next for you?
Next for me, I’m aiming to become a Senior Beauty Specialist, stepping into a role where I can really support and guide my team, and then further down the line, become an educator for all new and existing Beauty Specialists at Boots. I love beauty, but I also love design, so combining education with creativity and glamour is the dream. I want to share my passion and help others grow, just like Boots has done for me, and show the next generation of beauty lovers that Boots is the place to be to share your gift with the world.
