It’s fair to say science isn’t the most glamorous of subjects at school. Even with the past couple of seasons’ return to geek chic, it takes a certain special something to make goggles and overalls look cool. But don’t be misled, science doesn’t have to be like that – in fact we’ve found it can lead on to a whole heap of pretty cool jobs. Like working to develop new make up. MKP chatted to Shakila Sathiananthan, a cosmetics specialist for L’Oreal, to find out how she combines her science know-how with a career working with gorgeous make-up.
Name: Shakila Sathiananthan
Age: 25
Where do you live: London
My job involves…
I work with L’Oreal to help market new high-fashion cosmetics and perfumes. It’s really important for me to understand the science behind each ingredient, and be able to explain how it works in a simple way, so that people who buy our products understand what they do.
I chose this profession because…
I love the fact that I work with great products. I also enjoy the fact that in my job I have to explain science to people who aren’t scientists and make it understandable. Some people are surprised that I am a scientist but I have a non-traditional science role, and it’s a role that I really like.
I knew I was in the right job when…
Recently, I worked on the new L’Oreal Paris Lash Architect Carbon Gloss Mascara, which featured Aishwarya Rai in the advertising. I like the fact that I see results of my work straight away whether I’m in the shops or watching TV.
On a day-to-day basis my job is...
I work closely with the business and marketing departments. I update these departments on the research being done in L’Oréal’s labs and validate all the product claims we make on packaging and in press ads. I also check all cosmetics packaging to ensure the ingredients that are listed are correct. Sometimes I work with PR departments to talk through the science and the technology with them.
For example, when a new product is due to be launched, the marketing department will contact our department. I’ll then go to R&D and ask to see data on the product and can then act as an advisor to the marketing teams about the science behind that product.
To train for this job I…
Took A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Maths and then studied for a Chemistry degree.
The best thing about my job is...
I get to work with (and if I’m lucky, try) great make-up which is any girl’s dream. Working with a huge variety of fun and passionate people is always a bonus.
The worst thing about my job is…
Striving for perfection can be relentless at times! We have great technologies and want to talk to the consumer about them as much as we can. That often means lots of revisions and tight deadlines, especially when a new product range is due out.
The advice I would give to someone starting out is….
Study hard and get a good foundation knowledge behind you. Science can be tough but it’s worth it – in this business, you have to have passion for what you do.
A common misconception about my job is…
…that people in science have to be in a lab all day. It’s really not the case. You can enjoy and work with science and still work in an office environment with lots of different people, who aren’t scientists.
My ultimate career ambition is…
To continue working with great products and technology and maybe one day become an industry expert.
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