If you love skincare, beauty, and helping people feel confident in their own skin, a career in esthetics can open more doors than you might realize. Many people assume estheticians only work in spas—but the truth is, a license in esthetics can lead to exciting opportunities in luxury resorts, retail leadership, education, entrepreneurship, and more.

At Michigan College of Beauty, we see every day how esthetics can become the foundation for diverse and flexible career paths. Whether you dream of performing relaxing facials, specializing in corrective skincare, or building a business of your own, the beauty industry has a place for your passion.

Below, we’ll break down some of the top careers available to licensed estheticians—so you can begin picturing where your future in beauty could take you.

1. Spa Esthetician

A spa esthetician is what most people imagine when they think of this career—but the experience can be so much more than performing facials. Spa estheticians work in day spas, salons, wellness centers, luxury retreats, and health clubs.

Typical services include:

• Facials and customized treatment plans
• Exfoliation and enzyme treatments
• Body treatments (scrubs, wraps, and hydration services)
• Waxing
• Lash and brow services
• Relaxation-focused skin therapies

This path is ideal if you enjoy building client relationships, creating relaxing experiences, and working in a soothing, guest-centered environment.

2. Makeup Artist

Many estheticians combine skincare expertise with makeup artistry to offer clients the full beauty experience. Because skin preparation dramatically affects makeup results, estheticians often excel in this niche.

Where makeup artists work:

• Salons and spas
• Freelance bridal or event makeup
• Fashion and editorial
• Photoshoots and film
• Cosmetics brands and retail counters
• Luxury hotels and resorts

With the rise of social media and influencer culture, esthetician-makeup artists can also build a strong online presence and client base.

3. Brow Specialist

Brow services have become one of the fastest-growing beauty segments, and estheticians are uniquely equipped to specialize in them.

You can develop expertise in:

• Brow shaping
• Brow lamination
• Tinting
• Hybrid/tinted stains
• Brow rehab and regrowth coaching

If you have an eye for symmetry and detail, this specialty can become an incredibly profitable niche.

4. Lash Artist

Lash extensions, lash lifts, and lash tinting continue to dominate beauty trends. Estheticians who specialize in lash services often build full books of clients and may even open their own studios.

Benefits of becoming a lash artist:

• High earning potential
• Repeat clientele
• Opportunities for advanced certifications
• Ability to niche down and master one service

Many estheticians blend lash and brow services for a full eye-area specialty business.

5. Waxing Specialist

Waxing is still one of the most in-demand beauty services. Whether you work in a salon, dedicated waxing studio, or your own business, there are always clients seeking efficient and comfortable hair removal services.

Waxing specialists often perform:

• Full-body waxing
• Brow and facial waxing
• Bikini and Brazilian waxing
• Maintenance services and ingrown treatment plans

This career path is ideal for those who enjoy fast, technique-driven services and building client loyalty.

6. Skin Care Product Specialist or Brand Representative

If you love skincare ingredients, product education, and teaching people how to care for their skin, working with a skincare brand can be an exciting option.

Roles may include:

• Educating spa employees about product lines
• Demonstrating products at events
• Working for beauty retailers or luxury stores
• Representing a brand at trade shows
• Becoming a product trainer or account manager

This path lets you combine sales, education, and esthetics in a more corporate environment.

7. Beauty Retail Specialist

Stores such as Ulta, Sephora, and high-end department counters regularly hire licensed estheticians because of their unique understanding of skin concerns and product performance.

As a retail specialist, you might:

• Provide skin consultations
• Recommend customized skincare routines
• Perform mini-services or product demos
• Hit sales goals and grow client loyalty

This job is great for friendly, outgoing estheticians who love sharing product knowledge.

8. Esthetics Instructor

After gaining experience in the field, many estheticians choose to return to the classroom as educators. If you’re passionate about mentorship and want to help shape the next generation of beauty professionals, instructing can be a rewarding long-term career.

As an esthetics instructor, you may:

• Teach hands-on skincare techniques
• Demonstrate treatments and protocols
• Guide students through state board prep
• Assist with clinic floor supervision
• Develop lesson plans and curriculum

Michigan requires additional licensing for instructing, and Michigan College of Beauty can help students explore this path.

9. Spa or Salon Owner

Entrepreneurship can be one of the most exciting possibilities for estheticians. You can build a business that reflects your personal style, your preferred services, and your professional goals.

Esthetician business owners often open:

• Spa suites or solo studios
• Full-service salons or day spas
• Brow or lash boutiques
• Mobile spa businesses
• High-end skincare clinics

Owning a business allows you to design your schedule, set your pricing, and build your brand your way.

10. Advanced Treatment Specialist

With additional training and certifications, estheticians can expand their service menu with more advanced skincare services (within state regulations), such as:

• Microdermabrasion
• Dermaplaning
• Chemical peels
• LED therapy
• High-frequency treatments
• Microcurrent facials
• Body sculpting or contouring

Specializing in results-driven skincare can set you apart and attract clients seeking long-term skin transformation.

11. Resort or Cruise Spa Professional

Luxury resorts, destination spas, and cruise ships hire estheticians from all over the world. These positions offer travel opportunities, unique experiences, and the chance to work with an international clientele.

Estheticians in these settings often can enjoy:

• Competitive pay
• Tips from guests
• Travel benefits
• Housing (cruise ships)
• Exposure to global skincare brands and techniques

This career path is great for adventurous estheticians who love meeting new people.

12. Beauty Content Creator or Influencer

Social media has completely transformed the beauty industry—and estheticians have a huge advantage because they already understand skin science.

You can build a brand by creating content such as:

• Skincare education videos
• Product reviews
• Before-and-after transformations
• Treatment demonstrations
• Online skincare courses
• Personalized virtual skincare consultations

With time and consistency, you may collaborate with brands, build an online clientele, or even launch your own product line.

Which Esthetics Career Path Will You Choose?

No matter which direction you take, a career in esthetics is full of opportunities for creativity, growth, and personal fulfillment. Whether you want to specialize in luxury spa treatments, target corrective skincare, work in medical environments, or start a business of your own, the beauty industry has room for your unique passions and strengths.

At Michigan College of Beauty, we’re here to help you build a strong foundation in the skills, techniques, and knowledge you’ll need to succeed. Our esthetics program is designed to prepare you for the real world—with hands-on experience, professional guidance, and a supportive community that wants to see you thrive.

Start Your Esthetics Journey at Michigan College of Beauty

If you’re ready to turn your love for skincare into a career, now is the perfect time to take your next step. Contact our admissions team, schedule a tour, or explore our esthetics program to see how we can help you unlock your future in the beauty industry.

Your dream career is waiting—let’s build it together.