It is very possible to make a career in cosmetics, but it is a long, hard road (like anything really worth it.)
I have a B.S. in Business Administration and option in marketing management. Ultimately I would love to move up to a SRM or MRO position, but it's pretty hard when those positions are few and far between.
When I have a family, I would love to have a position that would pay well with nights and weekends off (upper management.) For me, I don't know if I could stay behind the counter with retail hours, lower pay, and have a family at the same time...
But I love this industry sooo much... you just gotta give it a try to see if it is for you... even if it is to get you through school (which is how I started) at least you can get an idea of what the retail part of cosmetics is about...
HTH...