Cosmetics and skincare are booming industries. If you’re up for the ride then strap in, we’ve got here 20 Beauty Business Ideas to pave way for your business!
Colourpop, Kylie Cosmetics, and Fenty Beauty all have something in common- they all started as good beauty business ideas. Rihanna, for example, wanted makeup that was inclusive of all skin tones so she started Fenty Beauty. Colourpop was started because siblings Laura and John Nelson wanted an affordable makeup brand of good quality.
The use of cosmetics is something that’s been affected by the pandemic- but not in a bad way! Consumers are more willing to buy cheap/less costly luxury goods when facing a pandemic. It’s so prevalent in fact that it has been coined the term “Lipstick effect”. So have no fear, and invest in your cosmetics business ideas. You might just be the new brand that everyone frets about on social media.
#1 Makeup Business Ideas
Source: Emma Bauso (pexels)
Makeup is something that’s always chic/trendy. From Cleopatra and Elizabeth I to Marilyn Monroe and Taylor Swift, all of them are strong independent ladies who wear makeup. Especially these days, more and more ladies (and some gents!) are getting into wearing makeup. It adds confidence after all.
-
Who Can Do This Business?
Anyone with an interest in makeup can start their own brand. Women however are more likely to do this type of business
-
Investment Range to Start
There are lots of factors at play before you can start your own makeup brand (marketing, distributors, etc.). But a good range you can start with is $5,000 to $25,000 (USD).
-
Niche Market
– Women are the main demographic for Makeup Business Ideas, from ages 13 and up (13 – 40).
– Geographic location is also essential knowledge when it comes to knowing your market. For example, Asian makeup (i.e. 3CE, Etude House) is more popular in Asian countries. While Western makeup (i.e. Revlon, Glossier) is more popular in Western countries.
#2 Skin Care Business Ideas
Source: Ivan Samkov (pexels)
This pandemic has seen a rise in the use of skincare products. Skincare is self-care, and people want to be more comfortable in their own skin.
-
Who Can Do This Business?
Absolutely anyone with the know-how of skincare ingredients can start this business. Liah Yoo for example is a skincare expert who started her own skincare brand- Krave Beauty. These can also be beauty business ideas for students.
-
Investment Range to Start
Depending on your packaging, and quality of ingredients (among others like marketing). The rough estimate will be $10,000 to $15,000 (USD).
-
Niche Market
– Women are the main demographic for Skincare Business Ideas. These days however men are also getting more into skincare.
– Similar to the makeup business ideas, Geographic location is also essential knowledge when it comes to knowing your market. Cosrx is more popular in Asia, etc.
#3 Online Beauty Business Ideas
Source: Karolina Grabowska (pexels)
Everything nowadays is mostly online (yes, even your groceries!). So Online beauty business ideas are something worth looking into. And of course, who can forget that the pandemic has reduced the foot traffic on physical stores.
-
Who Can Do This Business?
Anyone with a phone or any electronic device (smart tv for all we care), access to required apps, internet connection, and know-how of how all of these work together, can start this business. These are beauty business ideas for a teenage girl.
-
Investment Range to Start
You don’t need much in order to start an online beauty business. Just have the right tools (e.g. your phone, with installed shopping apps).
-
Niche Market
Teenagers and young adults are more likely to access the internet in order to buy their favorite stuff online.
#4 Beauty Care Business Ideas
Source: Pavel Danilyuk (pexels)
If you’re into serving others or want to help others look and feel beautiful, then you should look into Beauty care business ideas. There’s always an abundance of people who want to de-stress or pamper themselves.
-
Who Can Do This Business?
If you’re into serving others, or who want to apply your creative skills (like makeup) to other people, then this one’s for you.
-
Investment Range to Start
The range depends on what type of business you want to start. For example, if you want to start your own salon, then you can spend as low as $5000 (for rent, personnel, etc.). If you want to be an aesthetician- then you can make do with your skills themselves (or an additional $100 for good quality equipment).
-
Niche Market
There’s always an abundance of people who want to be pampered, or who want to de-stress.
#5 Ideas On Starting A Mobile Beauty Business
Source: Laura Garcia (pexels)
If you want a one-on-one with the client, or just want to visit random homes (ha-ha!), then you should look into Ideas On Starting A Mobile Beauty Business.
-
Who Can Do This Business?
Anyone who has a special set of skills (e.g. you’re good at makeup) can do this business.
-
Investment Range to Start
None! Just invest in your skills and you’re good to go. Or if you want, you can go full blast by buying yourself some great quality tools.
-
Niche Market
-Anyone who wants to pamper themselves, or just need some special service in their homes can acquire your services.
-You’ll get clients mostly by word of mouth
#6 Home Beauty Business Ideas
Home beauty is the use of cosmetics, and skincare at home, applied by the people themselves without the help of professionals.
Source: EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA (pexels)
-
Who Can Do This Business?
Anyone with a knack for beauty and skincare can start this business. Young, and old- man or woman.
-
Investment Range to Start
You can start small (buying a small variety of products), and branch out from there.
-
Niche Market
Anyone who wants to apply their own cosmetics at home is your target market.
#7 Beauty Salon Business Ideas
Source: Adam Winger (unsplash)
Beauty salons are places where you can get your hair, nails, and even makeup, done. If you’re a fan of that, and you have other people you can tag along with, then Beauty Salon Business Ideas are for you.
-
Who Can Do This Business?
Anyone can open up a beauty salon. With the proper permits, of course! It’s a plus if you’re good at distinguishing good hairstylists from bad ones.
-
Investment Range to Start
Rental prices depend on the location of the beauty salon. For example, for high-end areas, it can range from $1500 to $5000 (or more!). You should also take into consideration your personnel, and the materials to be used.
-
Niche Market
Anyone who wants a haircut, or who wants to get anything done in a beauty salon.
#8 Beauty Shop Business Ideas
Source: Raphael Lovaski (unsplash)
-
Who Can Do This Business?
Anyone who can offer spa-related services can start this business. You can even start small (home services); and if you have a strong client base, you can rent your own space.
-
Investment Range to Start
You can start small- offering home services to clients. That will cost you nothing at all. If you want to rent your own space immediately, then it will cost you a rental fee, as well as the payment for your employees.
-
Niche Market
Ladies, more often than not, are your target market for this type of business.
#9 Beauty Spa Business Ideas
Source: freestocks.org (pexels)
A beauty spa is a business that offers facials, manicures, and pedicures. It’s not limited to those three of course, you can even add your own offering (waxing, massage, etc.). If that sounds awesome to you, then beauty spa business ideas are definitely for you!
-
Who Can Do This Business?
Anyone who can offer spa-related services can start this business. You can even start small (home services), and if you have a strong client base, you can rent your own space.
-
Investment Range to Start
You can start small- offering home services to clients. That will cost you nothing at all. If you want to rent your own space immediately, then it will cost you a rental fee, as well as the payment for your employees.
-
Niche Market
Ladies, more often than not, are your target market for this type of business.
#10 Beauty Supply Business Ideas
Source: Charisse Kenion (unsplash)
You can even be a direct supplier of beauty products. This involves buying products, usually cosmetics, skincare, essential oils, etc. from a manufacturer, and selling these directly to retailers (with a margin).
-
Who Can Do This Business?
If you have good communication skills and could detect good products from the bad, then you should look into beauty supply business ideas!
-
Investment Range to Start
You can start small buying the minimum amount of products required for wholesale from the manufacturer, and branching out if you have a good client base.
-
Niche Market
Retailers will be your niche market if ever you want to get into this type of business. Remember to keep your prices competitive.
#11 Beauty Therapy Business Ideas
Source: Gustavo Fring (pexels)
Beauty therapy is about offering facials, peels, dermaplaning, etc. If you know how to do these, and have the proper certificates to show for it, then beauty therapy business ideas are for you!
-
Who Can Do This Business?
You should be knowledgeable about giving facials, peels, etc. Having certificates for giving such services is a definite plus. You can also invest in short courses in order to upskill or learn about giving beauty therapy services.
-
Investment Range to Start
You can shell out as much as $10000 if you want to open a full-blown beauty therapy business. From the equipment to the rental fee, to your personnel’s salaries.
-
Niche Market
Women, specifically the working class, are more likely to be your target market.
#12 Bespoke Beauty Business Ideas
Source: Lumin (unsplash)
If you want personalized beauty care, then look into some bespoke beauty business ideas. Everyone’s skin is not the same after all, so we need personalized skincare to suit our needs.
-
Who Can Do This Business?
This requires a deep understanding of human skin and product ingredients. This is recommended for people who have studied dermatology.
-
Investment Range to Start
You may expect to pay big bucks for the marketing, to the formulations and packaging.
-
Niche Market
People who want personalized skincare are your target market, women specifically. This business is mainly for people who can’t find products that suit their needs.
#13 Cosmetic Shop Ideas
Source: Rachel Claire (pexels)
Cosmetics shop is a store where people can buy cosmetics (makeup, fragrances, skincare lotions, exfoliants, etc.) in retail. This is a good business to start if you don’t want to go through the hustle of creating your own cosmetics line. Talking to people is a plus too (if that’s your thing)!
-
Who Can Do This Business?
A business background is not necessarily required to start a cosmetics shop! Just have the passion to sell your goods.
-
Investment Range to Start
You can expect to pay for the rental space, and for the products that you’ll sell.
-
Niche Market
Anyone who wants to buy cosmetics is your target market. Women, and gays usually.
#14 Beauty Fragrance Business Ideas
Source: Alex Rosario (unsplash)
Fragrances are a multi-billion dollar industry. Fragrances are everywhere- from perfumes, and colognes, to body sprays. So if you’re a fan of fragrances, then beauty fragrance business ideas is for you. You can either resell products or start your own brand (by mixing and matching scents).
-
Who Can Do This Business?
Anyone with a knack for fragrance can do this business. If you’re good at mixing up scents, then this business is for you. These are good beauty business ideas for students in fact since younger people generally have a stronger sense of smell.
-
Investment Range to Start
You can start small by buying a small product range, and branch out from there. If you’re starting your own brand, then you’d expect to pay for the branding cost, container, etc.
-
Niche Market
Everyone loves a good fragrance! Young, and old, man, or woman.
#15 Beauty Bar Business Plan
Source: Delbeautybox (pexels)
A beauty bar is a salon, a spa, and a nail boutique all in one! It’s great if you want an all-in-one place for all of your services. It’s basically a place for anything and everything beauty.
-
Who Can Do This Business?
If you have a wide set of skills and want to apply this to your business, then create a beauty bar business plan!
-
Investment Range to Start
You can expect to pay for your employees’ salaries, commercial space for rent, and for the tools you’ll be using. The tools will probably be the most expensive of the three as you’ll offer a variety of services.
-
Niche Market
Since you offer a wide array of services, you’ll have a wider customer base. Women, and men of all ages.
#16 Lipstick Business Plan
Source: monicore (pexels)
Remember the lipstick effect? To summarize, it’s when people tend to buy more cheap luxuries during a pandemic. So sure, you can’t see the lipstick through the mask. But people are still more willing to pay for premium lipstick now more than ever.
-
Who Can Do This Business?
Anyone with an interest in lipstick, and good formulations for it, can start this business. Women are more likely to start this, however.
-
Investment Range to Start
You’ll need good formulations, good casing, good branding. All in all, you can pay as much as $10000 (rough estimate).
-
Niche Market
Females of all ages,
#17 Herbal Cosmetics Business Plan
Source: pixabay (pexels)
Herbal cosmetics are the use of herbal products like green tea, ginger, and aloe vera in cosmetics or skincare. Lots of local businesses are getting into this these days as herbal cosmetics have many benefits, and are relatively easier (and cheaper!) to produce than regular cosmetics.
-
Who Can Do This Business?
You can learn the use and benefits of herbal products, and how it affects the skin in order to best apply this to skincare. Anyone can start this business, many local businesses are doing it after all. Just remember to test your products properly!
-
Investment Range to Start
Relatively easy, fast, and cheap to produce as the products are readily available.
-
Niche Market
Young adults are your market. They are more prone to try out anything herbal and are more likely to support local businesses.
#18 Cosmetics Manufacturing Business Plan
Source: Polina Tankilevitch (pexels)
Cosmetics manufacturing is the process of manufacturing from raw materials (e.g. aloe vera) to actual products (e.g. aloe vera lotion). It also entails the supplying, exporting, and branding of your product(s).
-
Who Can Do This Business?
From all the items in the list, this one requires the most experience, expertise, and know-how of business and operations. Engage a cosmetics manufacturing business plan only if you have a solid background, as well as a proposal of the business (to start).
-
Investment Range to Start
This is also the most expensive business to start amongst all of the items in the list. You can expect to shell out the big bucks for this type of business. It’ll be worth it though as cosmetics lines are billion-dollar industries!
-
Niche Market
Your market for this type of business are distributors, wholesalers, and suppliers.
#19 Cosmetic Distribution Business Plan
Source: Mikhail Nilov (pexels)
Cosmetics distribution is the delivery/buying & selling of products from a manufacturer to consumer. If you’re more into sales, then you should look into a Cosmetic Distribution Business Plan.
-
Who Can Do This Business?
People who are competent salespeople, and have a passion for knowing their products, can start this business.
-
Investment Range to Start
This depends on the amount, and the price of the products you’ll buy (and eventually sell). You can start with as little as $1000, and grow from there.
-
Niche Market
People who want cheaper products (compared to the mall prices). Or people who will resell the products.
#20 Men’s Personal Care Business Ideas
Source: The Creative Exchange (unsplash)
It’s not only women who are investing in personal care these days. If you want to focus your efforts on men, as the products available in the market targeted towards them are few- then look into Men’s Personal Care Business Ideas.
-
Who Can Do This Business?
If you know what men want, then you can do this business.
-
Investment Range to Start
A softball figure for this ranges from $5000-$20000 (from marketing, packaging, personnel, distribution, etc.).
-
Niche Market
Men who want to take care of their skin/bodies. Or ones looking for products directed towards them. You can also target men who want to feel, or be more attractive (e.g. product: Old Spice).
Wrapping Up
Beauty and cosmetics are definitely something that does not falter in popularity. Women of all ages want to look pretty and feel confident. Men are slowly getting into the buzz too! So beauty business ideas will always be something that will bring the big bucks in.
Hopefully, you were able to pick up an idea or two from our list. Did you have a favorite?
If you want to read similar articles, then try the ones below:
