"Unlike the window-shopping crowd in a downtown department store, 70 per cent of the customers that walk into our store at the airport are definitely buying. They have in mind what they want, but they want it fast because they may be rushing for a flight or are jet-lagged, so you need to be tolerant and energetic."

From Chanel to Christine Dior, Clinique to Lancôme, she knows the contents of over 100 brands of cosmetics, perfumes, skincare and bodyline products, thanks to the frequent training sessions that are part of her job.

She says: "Every month, there will be at least one intensive product training conducted by the various brands. It's a great job for those who wants to widen their knowledge in fragrances, cosmetics and skin care.

"Helping people from different parts of the world to look good is the best part of my job. But you must know your stuff and be quick to pick the right options. For instance, if a customer walks in and asks for a fragrance that is not too spicy and not too sweet, and you hand him something floral, he is going say you don't know what he is looking for.

"For creams, it's about balance and feeling good inside out. A client with oily face will probably be more comfortable with a water-based texture rather than an oil-based one.

"If you know your stuff, you can even help men to pick the right gifts for the women in their lives."

Being trained to give good advice to all customers has rubbed off on Ms Sandiya's personal life. "We are trained to be well-groomed and to keep the store neat and tidy.

"You build good connections with people in general because when a customer walks in, you are taught to greet them politely and help them with their needs.

"I learn to step back when dealing with people so they don't feel pressured to make up their minds quickly. I also have to learn to talk slowly, not talk too much, be less aggressive and be quick in helping people," she says.

Her years of experience have helped her to better handle people's moods and preferences as well. "I won't follow a customer who wants to be left alone to look at what is available in the shop. But the person knows I am there to provide any assistance that is required," she adds.

A mother of three, Ms Sandiya enjoys shift work, which allows her to balance household chores with her work. There are various position available: special overtime, part-time, midnight shift and permanent.

Permanent staff like Ms Sandiya work five days a week and are paid a basic salary plus commissions. The company also provides free transport for employees reporting for work before 7am or finishing a shift after midnight.

On her career prospects, Ms Sandiya says that the next level up for consultants would be brand coordinator, who oversees a number of beauty consultants representing a particular brand. Next is the supervisor, who is in charge of all the sales consultants working at a particular outlet.

If they are really good, they will become assistant retail managers and will take care of all the outlets in a particular airport terminal.

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