Let me first say that I am not a huge fan of "at home marketing" types of companies (like Tupperware, etc.). I feel like they're a little--I don't know--creepy. I mean really, why can't they sell their stuff in regular stores like the rest of the world?In terms of beauty products, the two big home-based companies are Mary Kay and Avon. I have never used Mary Kay before (a friend of mine swears they're a cult, but I'm not so sure about that), but I have purchased products from Avon and have been very happy with their quality and prices.
That said, I just took a quick look at both of their sites, and here are a few products that may just convince me to support these two home-based companies:
MARY KAY
- Timewise Targeted Action Line Reducer, $40. This easy to use applicator delivers "immediate visible benefits" to the forehead and crow's feet area. Mary Kay's marketing info claims a 33% reduction of forehead lines and a 50% improvement around the eyes. I say it's cheaper and less painful than botox, so it could be worth a shot!
- MK Signature Facial Highlighting Pen, $18. This "pen" contains what appears to be some sort of foundation that has light-reflecting pigments blended in it. It's available in several shades to match different skin tones and to brighten the face. It looks fairly simple to use and I like the idea of adding a little light to the face with a foundation type of product.
- Overall impression: Mary Kay's website didn't really inspire me to keep looking. Their products just didn't excite me--maybe it was the way they were displayed, maybe it's my friend's assertion that it's a cult, maybe it's a fear of pink Cadillacs. I don't know--whatever it was, I wasn't feeling much love for MK.
- True Shadow Eye Quad, $7. Avon has twelve different quad eyeshadow palettes, so there's sure to be a color set here for everyone. I like the sueded nudes and the earthtone quads. The sets are compact and nicely priced (at the time of this post, they are on sale for less than $6--what a deal!), and look like they'd be flattering and easy to use.
- Jillian Dempsey Sheer Glow All Over Face Powder, $11. It could just be that I am a sucker for pretty things, but I like the looks of this product. You just lightly brush the powder over your skin to achieve a "subtle iridescence." I like the sound of that!
- Instant Manicure Dry Nail Enamel Strips, $8. I've been meaning to order a set of these suckers for a while now and just haven't gotten around to it. I've heard mixed reviews about this "dry" manicure (think peel and stick nails!), but I'm intrigued. Avon offers 20 shades, and the manicure is supposed to last a couple of weeks. It could be a disaster, but it might just work. One of these days I'll get around to ordering them, I swear!
- mark. Flip for It Spring Color Kit, $18. Available in three different palettes (called Paris, New York and Milan), mark. (a division of Avon) has developed a fun on-the-go kit that includes eye color, lip color, and cheek color in one compact little box. All you have to do is flip the kit around to reveal each product. The colors looks great, and a mirror is included so this is perfect to throw in your purse for a mid-day refresher.
- Overall impression: Avon's site is easy to navigate and the products look a lot more fresh than MK. Plus, Avon seems very generous with their sales and beauty deals. Their mark. line includes products geared to a younger set, keeping Avon relevant for moms and their daughters.
