Sheri says...I have been researching home based businesses. I really want to get into skin care/make up products. I am currently using Mary Kay and I am now looking into Arbonne. Which skin care line is the most natural and healthy for my skin and what business do women tend to benefit from most..Mary Kay or Arbonne or another skin care line I’m unaware of??? I’m just confused with so much information out there. Any help/suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!
PS-I am all about being natural and using natural products. My current primary MD is a natural path doctor as well and I only take supplements at this time. I work at a nursing home and I see the effects of a stroke, heart attack, dementia and skin disorders/cancers. I want to be on the right track!
Left Brain Loves MLM (not):
The most challenging part of this question was finding ingredient lists for either Arbonne and Mary Kay products. You Beauty Brains in training should always be suspicious of companies that don’t make their ingredient lists easily available on their websites. Are they trying to hide something? Maybe not, but this is sloppy and irresponsible. Consumers have a right to know what they are putting on their bodies.
Neither is Natural
Trying to pick which is more natural, Arbonne or Mary Kay, is like trying to decide which feels harder, pudding or jello. There’s really not much difference and neither of them are natural anyway.
After some searching (not easy), I found ingredient lists for products from both Arbonne and Mary Kay. First, Arbonne Tranforming Lift Formula.
Water, PEG-20 almond glycerides, glycerin, butylene glycol, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-3, palmitoyl oligopeptide, chondrus crispus (carrageenan), xanthan gum, glucose, cellulose gum, cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose, lecithin, tocopheryl acetate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, retinyl
palmitate, borago officinialis see oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride, ascorbyl palmitate, panthenol, stearamine, hydrolyzed soy protein, glycine soja (soybean) protein, ruscuc aculeatus root extract, triticum vulgare (wheat) germ extract, pisum sativum (pea) extract, sodium hyaluronate thioctic acid, lactic acid, sodium PCA, polyamino sugar condensate, urea, cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit extract, betula alba leaf extract, trifolium pratense (clover) flower extract, symphytum officinale extract, nasturtium officinale extract, panax ginseng root extract, hypericum perforatum extract, carbomer, polysorbate 20, methylparaben, disodium EDTA, DMDM hydrantoin, diazolidinyl urea.
While they have loaded their product up with things like wheat germ extract, pea extract, and clover flower this doesn’t make them “natural”. There is nothing natural about Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Butylene Glycol or DMDM Hydantoin. This formula would fail any good granola crunching green group’s standards.
How about Mary Kay?
Mary Kay product: Timewise 3-in-1 Cleanser
Water, Mineral Oil, Glycerin, Isotheral, Neopentanoate, Bentonite, Cetyl Dimethicone Copolyol, Octyl Pelargonate, Neopentyl, Glycol Dioctanoate, Myristyl Myristate, PPg-26-Buteth-26, Sorbitol, Sucrose, Distearate, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Oleyl Oleate, Tocopherol, Comfrey Extract, Burdock Extract, Hops Extract, Yarrow Extract, Meadowsweet Extract, Hydrocotyl Extract, Coneflower, Extract, Camellia Sinensis Extract, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethanolamine, Sucrose Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Diazolidinyl Urea, Carnauba Wax, Lactose, Methylparaben, Cellulose, Propylparaben, C9-15 Alkyl Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Lauramine Oxide, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Titanium Dioxide, Ultra-marines, Chromium Hydroxide, Green FD&C Red 4, D&C Red 33.
Natural? Forget about it. Only a natural newbie would be fooled by the greenwashing in this product. True green groupies would be aghast at the inclusion of Mineral oil and Propylene glycol in anything called natural.
This is not to say that neither of these products are good. Both appear to be formulated with some of the best technology available. I haven’t tried them, but they are likely to be high quality, highly functional products. But they certainly aren’t better (or more natural) than something you can get at the grocery store like Olay. They also aren’t more “natural” than a store brand like Burt’s Bees although even Burt’s “naturalness” is debatable.
Which Company Should You Work With?
If you want to know which to work for, I’d encourage you to read other people’s experiences of working for both Arbonne and Mary Kay. Be wary of anyone who is too positive or too negative.
My interpretation of these people’s experience is that it is tough to make money at either business. You have to buy your initial stock and then try to sell off all your product to get your money back. People do make money with both Arbonne and Mary Kay, but not many. They are both examples of Multi-level Marketing and these systems almost never make money for most hard-working sales people.
Multi-level Marketing Scams
For the most part, I find multi-level marketing (MLM) companies to be a bit of a scam. The good folks at Skeptoid explain the MLM problems nicely. Normally, a company pays you to sell for them. You get a salary or a commission and get compensated for your time. But in MLM companies, you have to pay the company for the privilege of selling for them. What a deal, not! And then you have to work hard to convert your friends and families into both customers and salespeople. Eventually, you will run out of people and your sales will stagnate and stop.
Start Your Own Business
If you are really interested in starting your own business, the first thing you should do is get the book Start Up Nation
And if you want to start your own cosmetic line, find yourself a good cosmetic chemist and maybe they’ll help you start your own line.
Beauty Brains Bottom Line
Neither Arbonne or Mary Kay are more natural than the other. They use standard chemicals that everyone else in the cosmetic industry uses. Their business model is tough to follow to make any real money. And if you’re looking for a home business opportunity, these companies may not be the best choice for you either.
Do you have experience selling, buying, or using Arbonne or Mary Kay products? Leave your comments below.
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My sister-in-law sold Arbonne and couldn’t wait to get out. It’s a very high pressure MLM company and the products are secondary to the push to get reps beneath you and mandatory quotas of so many signups a month. So many companies tout “natural”, its sad.
Hello,
I have a few comments to offer. First, I agree that the word natural is over touted. And as the Beauty Brain have posted many times, natural does not mean better. Just refer to the post of the top 10 worst natural products.
Since there are no regulations on wording for advertising, anyone can use the term and you only need a very small % of ingredient to make claims it’s in the product. I heard to be listed as an ingredient you only need 0.1% but I don’t know if that is true.
I represent a line that is naturally based but does use science. We are different that other products because of the quality of raw ingredients (grown regionally in France) and the quantity of raw ingredients. Before I get blasted, our ingredient lists do not list total % of each ingredient so I am trusting my source of information.
Finally, I completly disagree with the comments on MLM. The new models used in the business can make people a lot of money without a lot of investment. They sell great products at a great value to the consumer. Times have changed and so has MLM. However, not all companies are created equal. You need to do your research. But don’t take my word for it. You can read more about it from an unbiased author here: http://www.naturalnews.com/024515.html
It’s a very long article and in it the author reviews a few companies that might interest someone looking for natural products.
Traci Kuhn
Independent Consultant
http://www.votrevu.com/traci
Traci,
Thanks for your comments. As to your question about how much do you need in the formula to be able to list it on the ingredient list…there is no bottom regulation.
As long as companies can demonstrate they put some of an ingredient in a batch (even a drop) they could technically claim it on the label. Some bigger companies arbitrarily follow the idea that if you can detect it using analytical methods like GC or IR then you can claim it on the label. Depending on the ingredient this could be as low as 0.0001%
Ingredient lists for Arbonne are available to consultants – for some reason they do not post them on their web site for the public to see. It could be they want the customer to go through the consultant, since it’s the consultant’s job to provide product information and sell to them. Ingredients are also listed on the boxes the products come in, though not always on the products themselves. Arbonne never really claims to be “all natural”, but they often give that impression through their marketing, emphasis on their “natural” ingredients, and their tagline of “pure, safe, beneficial”.
Dear Left Brain,
That is good to know. Thank you for the information.
Traci
I used Arbonne before and thought the product quality was okay. I’ve since switched to BeautiControl products which I feel have benefited my skin more dramatically. This is also a home based business but I’ve only been required to attend a half day training. No sign-ups, no minimum sales, etc. They offer excellent discount opportunities on your product but never force you to buy anything. The products are natural based but also use science which I feel is not necessarily a bad thing.
I use Mary Kay products, as I believe they use more natural ingredients than others. Ever since I got engaged when my fiance bought me a diamond engagement ring from http://www.idonowidont.com I want to look fab at our wedding and wear makeup that does not make my skin breakout on our special day. So I will be going with my mary kay.
I have just started using Arbonne after receiving samples from a friend who has been selling it for 8 yrs. I’ve known her for a year now and she never pushed her products on me. After using Chanel skin care, I thought the Arbonne products made my skin look even better. I am so impressed that I joined so I could purchase the NutriMin line for 35% off. Nobody is pressuring me to sell anything somaybe some have come in contact with an overzealous sales person. While the product may not be all natural, I love the way my skin looks.
My friend started to sell Arbonne. She does not let up on selling the stuff to me. I cannot afford $200 for facial soap and creme. I can’t ever hang out with her without her trying to sell me something or host a party. Sheesh.
Sadly, this sometimes happens with MLM people.
I’ve been intending to write for ages to tell you how much I appreciate you. I am a “mini-me” counterpart in the pet grooming industry. Think information is hard to come by in the human beauty industry? You should try making sense of pet grooming products. I rely heavily on you. In my industry there is NO requirement that ANY ingredients be disclosed.
Here is an example of my humble efforts: http://groomblog.blogspot.com/2008/05/eqyss-integrity-slip.html This is just one place where I have used The Beauty Brains as a reference. Thanks. You are my idols.
“They are both examples of Multi-level Marketing and these systems almost never make money for most hard-working sales people.”
- I categorically refute this statement, I personally know people who have made very good money with Arbonne International, and continue to do so as we speak
“Eventually, you will run out of people and your sales will stagnate and stop.”
- I am so shocked that a supposed professional writer would say something so ridiculous! Talk about a sweeping statement!
With such highly dissuasive and preposterous comments, I have to wonder if the writer has an ulterior motive? hmmmmm
Interesting news report on Arbonne: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=wX37a9Vw31I
Jen, thanks for your opinion. No need for the ad hominems though.
No doubt you are a member of the MLM brigade and have a significant bias. I have no such bias and remain skeptical of MLMs. Just an opinion. No ulterior motives.
You need to do more research. Natural is not necessarily good. Not all direct sales companies are multi-level. Please be more careful.
Hi Left Brain, Nope, thanks for the instant accusation but I’m not a member of the “MLM Brigade” as you so kindly call it. (That particular reference certainly indicates that you have absolutely no bias at all…. lol)
For your information, I own two successful businesses that are not in Beauty, but in Fashion and completely unrelated to MLM. I don’t have the time to sell Arbonne, but if I did, I would certainly consider it.
A very close friend of mine sells Arbonne, I have seen her make a lot of money from it (over $15 000 a month!). I was looking for her Arbonne website on google to refer to a friend to her when I came across this website, otherwise I’d never have found this site. I was shocked to read the initial post about Arbonne. I have seen people make a lot of money from it. I also know some of her friends have also done exceedingly well selling Arbonne products.
What you refer to as Multi-Level Marketing isn’t rocket science, and putting it into some weird bracket is completely ignorant. Basically – you sell products, you receive commission. Usually a retailer would receive commission called a “mark-up” or an agent for a company would receive commission. Only difference is that you can also make money if somebody else wants to sell the product too and you mentor them.
My “Arbonne” friend is one of the nicest people I know, if I found myself being annoyed with her because she likes and is enthusiastic about the products she sells and has good work ethic, then I’d have to doubt my own integrity. Sorry if some of your posters don’t like their friends who sell Arbonne, but I’m sure you’d find people you don’t like in any line of work, I highly doubt that it has anything to do with the company. It takes all kinds to make a world. I have to deduce that it couldn’t have been too good a friend in the first place!
Selling a product and liking a product does not make you a horrible person. I admire and respect my friend, she’s done well, good for her! As a friend I don’t like to see people speaking out of turn about what she does.
Jen, I’m sorry you took offense at my assumption that you were part of an MLM group. It usually is the case when someone defends something with such vigor. No offense was meant.
You and I can agree to disagree about whether the MLM business plan is good. For every story you find where people make money, you’ll find one where people don’t make money. People that sell Arbonne are certainly fine people and should be commended for trying to create a better life for themselves. There is nothing dishonorable about it.
I don’t like the way some Arbonne reps mislead customers about the quality of their products versus other brand’s products but that’s just business I guess.
Congratulations on successfully building and running your own business. If people can do it, it’s a much better option (in my opinion) than MLMs.
You are right, Multi-level Marketing business’s work for some, others not. I employ people myself and some do well, whereas others need to be helped along or dismissed. Sometimes a person will start a job and they’re just not cut out for it. I think it takes a self motivated person to work at and succeed at selling a product like Arbonne Cosmetics. Some will fail.
When you say that it is better to start your own business, I agree that for some it is a better choice. Creating a brand from scratch and all that goes with Entrepreneurial ventures however is a lot more difficult than selling Arbonne. The “Arbonne” brand has already been created for you, with much of the legwork and foundation done. Also, the start up cost of an Arbonne business is in the hundreds, whereas most other business take significant capital. This is usually unattainable for most unless they borrow or are invested in. Investors are not quick to part with their money unless they see great potential.
Selling Arbonne is very low risk which is quite honestly what suits some people best. I wouldn’t advise starting and running a business to most people, it takes much endurance, perseverance and usually involves high risk and a lot of time.
I can’t comment on all of the Arbonne Products, I think the foundation is great (and I have tried and tested virtually every foundation on the market!). Everybody has different skin. From what I’ve seen, I think they’re pretty good.
Something to consider: How do you think this site makes some of it’s money? Affiliate marketing/Banner ads. The site is receiving commission for any sales generated via the banners… similar concept! Generate sales: receive commission. That’s business friends.
In regards to MLM’s I do not know Arbonne’s marketing techniques but I know MK’s. MK consultants are coached not to be pushy and over bearing. They are coached to speak the truth from personal experiences….so there is some seemingly negative feedback about some products from consultant’s personal experience…I think that is just fine! If you are looking for a top product with no hassle no push sales, find your self a beautiful and well manicured MK consultant and she will put a smile on your face! mine does
I don’t know how many Mary Kay consultants you have talked to, but I happen to be an MK Independent Beauty Consultant, and I’m not sure you understand the business plan. You don’t invest to get a lot of product in order to sell it all and get your money back. If you decide that investing is the right path for you, then you invest to get tangible stock in order to provide better customer service. If you manage your business soundly, 50% of your “profit” goes back into reordering product, 10% goes into necessities, and 40% is yours to spend in any way you see fit. That is how an investment works in this business. From me to you,… all personal businesses take work, so you must have the right mindset when you get into any multilevel marketing endeavor. The difference with Mary Kay is that our higher purpose is enriching women’s lives through opportunity and personal relationships with your Independent Beauty Consultants.
I totaly agree, I meet up with a District manager for Arbonne and although we were both selling Beauty Aids at the Expo event, she tryed to hark me to sign up and sell thier products. I recently started a Organic and Herbal beauty aid company and I make herbal lotions, Bath Salts, Body lotions, Organic soaps all hand made and hand poured. I kept explaing to the lady that I dont see where her products or company fit with the scheme of what i do, i looked at thier ingrediant list on one of the products and i didnt see one essential oil or orgainc indgrediant listed.
I myself have been a consultant for Arbonne for the past year and enjoy most of the products just like any other company, Arbonne does have some products others do not which is why I went with this company.
As for the all natural, there are less chemicals in this line then most others but you can still find all natural products that are 100% organic.
I never claim Arbonne is the best or are pushy, we have some really great products just the same as all product lines.
As for the financial aspect I do make money with this company, so if you like the products and enjoy selling things then this company is a great pick.
I have tried Mary-Kay, Avon, and Arbonne and out of those 3 Arbonne is the best! That is why I signed up to sell it. They are so great with their products and they have a 100% no tolerance panel. Which means if they have a 10 person panel and out of the 10 people that try it, if 1 has a reaction. They don’t put it out they fix until there are no reactions. Now, obviously that doesn’t mean that nobody is going to react to it everybody is different. Other companies put it out any way. You only have to have like 60% of your panel to have no reaction and then you can put that product out for purchase. I appreciate that Arbonne thinks about their customers.
Hi All,
There does seem to be a lot of MLM bashing going on here. If MLM is so bad why does Donald Trump recommend network marketing as a great way to start a business?
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Mary Kay makeup doesn’t compare to arbonne at all. Mary kay uses alot more chemicals that are bad for our bodies then arbonne. For the person who said MLM marketing doesn”t work that’s so untrue. Arbonne is the largest growing MLM company in the world right now. The start up cost is less then anyone else out there. $29.00. Marykay, Avon, Dosen’t have the compensation plan like we do. We get 35% commission. It is a wonderful company to work for and the products to produce results. Just an FYI to the lady that’s getting married. Don’t put marykay on your face the day of the wedding. It’s really bad makeup, sorry to dissapoint you.
Hi There
I am an Arbonne Consultant and I just wanted share about my experience with Arbonne.
I have been using the Arbonne products for the past 3 years. I was first introduced to Arbonne by a good friend of mine. She gave me a sample of the baby line to use on my ezcema. I have extremely sensitive skin and my ezcema was out of control. I did see results from the baby line and I started using more of the products.
I did not decide to start selling Arbonne until a year ago and it was not because I was pressured to join or sell. I chose to sell Arbonne because I was looking for a second job to help cover the costs of traveling to see my boyfriend who lived 8 hours away. When I first started selling Arbonne I was pretty skeptical about the whole thing. However my good friend and now up-line Deana told me how her Arbonne buisness had changed her life. It was allowing her to stay home, enjoy the same hobbies I enjoy, and have the potential to earn significant income!
I have had a great year with Arbonne and I could not ask for a better team or a more amazing upline.
About 6 months after I started my Arbonne business I found out that I was pregnant unfortunatley at 26 weeks into my pregnancy I had a miscarriage. Due to an infection from the D&C I spent the next two weeks in the hospital. Needless to say I needed to step away from my Arbonne business and focus on my health.
During this time my up-line Deana and all of the other consultants in the Lloyd Region were with me. I had so many flowers, cards and phone calls from the other Arbonne consultants in Deana’s success line. One of the other consultants took care of my dog for me and made sure that everything at my apartment was taken care of when I could not be there. When I got home from the hospital Deana and Maxine (another Arbonne consultant) were at my arpartment, They took care of me after Steve had to go back to Grande Prarie for work.
From that time on my life was in overdrive, Steve relocated from Grande Prairie to Calgary, We got engaged, bought our first house, moved in and got married…. all in the span of 6 months! Once again Arbonne was put on the back burner.
I can honestly say that I was never once pressured about my Arbonne business during this time. My up-line Deana was a great support when my life was crazy busy and we would often call, e-mail eachother. Arbonne was never brought up.
I called Deana about 2 weeks before my wedding with some news. I was ready to start my Arbonne business again. As soon as the wedding stuff was done. I wanted to get back into Arbonne. I received a e-mail that brought tears to my eyes. Deana told me how she always knew that I would come back to Arbonne when the time was right for me and that she was so proud of how far I had come in a year and how excited she was for me that I was getting married and starting a new life. She told me that she knew that I was going to go straight to the top with Arbonne and that she was going to be with me every step of the way.
I understand that there are Arbonne teams and consultants out there who are pushy, and only want to get that White Mercedes. These teams are a horrible representation of Arbonne and what Arbonne teaches. From my year in Arbonne I have learned that it is not about getting a fancy car or a big paycheck it’s about helping others to live the life of their dreams.
For anyone who has a friend, co-worker, sister whomever that is pushing Arbonne on you. I would like to apologize. That is not how Arbonne teaches it’s consultants to sell. I have always been taught that some will, some won’t, so what, next. It’s not about convincing people who are not interested it’s about finding those who are.
As for the products, I have never found a skin care line that has made my skin look so good. Since I started using the NutriminC Re9 Line I have not had a pimple!!
I hope that this sheds some light onto Arbonne. Every team is different and I have been blessed with a great one.
You can get more information about Arbonne from my website or e-mail me at jlyle@myarbonne with any feedback that you have about my posting.
Have a great day
Jennifer
I would like to encourage you to research Shaklee Corporation and its products. Over 52 years and without public outcry of misleading claims, mislabeling, or secrecy regarding ingrediants is pretty good! Many of the concerns addressed already, like parabens in the skin care and cosmetics, is not a concern with Shaklee’s Enfuselle or Minerelles lines. As for home businesses, and network/direct sales marketing, don’t be discouraged by the naysayers. If it fits your lifestyle, and your belief system, the company you choose will be successful for you in creating an additional stream of income, if not all your income.
I am a professional model and use Mary Kay almost exclusively. Not only do I personally use it, but it is the only brand of the MLM brands you all have mentioned (Arbonne, Avon, BeautiControl…) that I have ever encountered in a professional make-up artist’s kit (The oil free eye make up remover, brush set, mascara, and eye primer are among the most common Mary Kay products I see on the job). I have asked many dermatologists what brand is the best for skin care and cosmetics, and they always tell me (for normal/combination, sometimes dry skin): non-comedogenic, oil free. They are hesitant to promote one brand over another…unless of course they are selling it in their offices! I have brought both Arbonne and Mary Kay to them and they say they are both fine. The truth is, both brands provide good skin care, but nothing you can put on your skin can FULLY protect you from the sun and free radicals, or COMPLETELY stop the aging process. Cosmetic procedures in professionals’ offices can help the MOST with that. I have used Arbonne and I think it has some great products, but I wouldn’t say it is better than Mary Kay. Maybe just different. Arbonne is not as “natural” as it claims to be. There are still parabems (preservatives) in some products. Adding wheat or pea extract does not make them all-natural either. Arbonne is about twice as expensive as Mary Kay, and I generally have not found that difference in price is reflected in the Arbonne products. There are some different and additional products that Arbonne sells, such as the vitamins, that Mary Kay does not have. But if we are talking about skin care and make-up, I find Mary Kay to be very high quality. I have used it for many a modeling and acting job when I have had to do my own makeup, and I’ve never been asked to do it over. I always get compliments on my skin when using MK’s full coverage foundation.
Ali Larter and Sarah Palin use Mary Kay (I vote Democrat, so I don’t want the next thread to say “If Palin uses it, that is enough reason for me NOT to.” I think her skin is great, regardless of her politics).
Mary Kay Ash was recently named the greatest female entrepreneur in American history. All of these other MLM cosmetic companies got its ideas from MK! I know a lot about the company structure. There are no quotas. Consultants get a 50% discount on products and I think 4-13% commission on the sales of their recruits. Arbonne directors can aim for a company car: a Mercedes. Wow! Mary Kay has Pontiac, Saturn and Cadillac. It is my perception, though, that the cars in Arbonne are a lot harder to earn than in Mary Kay. I know MK consultants who earn cars in a few months. And if I personally were thinking about selling either Mk or Arbonne, I would choose Mary Kay. The price difference makes it more marketable than Arbonne to the new consumer. I don’t know enough about Beauticontrol or Avon to say much about those. That’s my two cents.
I’ve tried selling Mary Kay, Arbonne and Avon. If you want natural products, go to the health food store and buy Avalon Organics or Aubrey Organics. They’re less expensive than MK and Arbonne, and the products work. I do use some MK products (eye shadow, lipstick and mineral foundation), but will not use Arbonne again since I’ve discovered health food brands. They’re the only products that have kept me from breaking out.
I think it depends on the person. My mom sells Mary Kay and has been EXTREMELY successful. You have to have a positive personality and the will to succeed in anything you set your heart to. Whether it be Mary Kay or another business, anyone can make it.
Sheri, I totally understand what you are going through, decisions, decisions, decisions! Seems so simple yet it isn’t, it is a pritty big life decision. It’s not just beauty products, it’s a company, a lifestyle, YOUR lifestyle you are deciding about.
I am trying to figure out the same thing for myself right now!!
Mary Kay has some great products. I love the mascara (I actually prefer this one to my Christian Dior $45 mascara), liquid eyeliner, eyeshadows and the skin care line has been fabulous on my skin (and I have combination skin!).
Arbonne appears to be a “fresher, newer” company and Mary Kay has a bit of a stigma attached to it for being “old ladys use Mary Kay” **NOT my word folks, just the feedback I get from people**.
Also with Arbonne there is much more product, vitamins, the aromatherapy line, the spa line, the “swiss” anti aging line.
I can’t offer you any help in your decision because I am in the same boat but I wanted to write to show you and other people that we are thinking about the same stuff and going through similar motions.
If you want, let me know how it turns out for you, email me anytime to chat about it. designercake@hotmail.com
Blessings to all!!
Nice post, keep up the good work.
I really don’t know who you are getting some of your information from. I do know a lot of women who are making more than $5,000.00 per month from Mary Kay and that is not even including the 50% they make on their sales. There are more women making OVER $100,000.00 a year in Mary Kay than in ANY other business. The Mary Kay business principles are taught in most universities and there are more women driving cars they have earned through Mary Kay than there are government cars on the road.
I personally know women whose income from Mary Kay is more than $10,000.00 every month…..not including their personal sales, car, diamonds, trips, etc. Mary Kay is a debt free company and the business is run on 13 cents of every dollar. 87 cents of every dollar goes to the consultants either in commissions, bonuses, cars…..fyi, Mary Kay also pays the taxes, title and major portion of the insurance for all drivers…..trips, prizes, etc.
Mary Kay also has a wellness program and a retirement program.
As far as it being hard to make money with Mary Kay……..yeah, it is hard, but only if you don’t open your mouth about being in Mary Kay. In that respect, it is just like any other home based business. It only works if you work it.
Because Mary Kay is a debt free company, the consultants do not have to worry about them going bankrupt. Mary Kay is in more than 30 countries around the world and has been the number 1 selling brand of skin care and color cosmetics for more that 14 years.
As far as “purchasing an inventory”, that is a decision each consultant makes for her/him self. It is not required and if you choose to have inventory, Mary Kay has a buy back plan if you decide it is not for you, so it is a no lose situation.
When it comes to “all natural”, it has been explained to me be a chemist that to have completely naturally products, they would have to be kept in refridgeration or they would spoil, except for the dry products.
I do know several representatives from Arbonne, one is a teacher at my childs school. I do not know a lot about their product and although I am sure it was probably a good product, I understand that they have filed for bankruptcy protection, which makes this “Arbonne vs Mary Kay” debate mute.
I will be happy to answer any questions that I can, be they about the MK career, or my personal experiences with Mary Kay. Just contact me at slroscow@marykay.com or go to my website, which is marykay.com/slroscow
Thank you,
Stacey
p.s. The retirement program with Mary Kay is phenominal! Ask me about Pat…..she receintly retired at over 6 million a year……and that’s not all!!
@Stacey – Thanks for your comments. I did not see that Arbonne had filed for bankruptcy. Thank you for that added information.
Our conclusions to the original question still stands. Neither Arbonne nor Mary Kay are more natural than the other.
One other thing, and this has not been focused on at all. It is NOT just about skin care and cosmetics………..it is about enriching peoples lives.
It is about helping a teenager feel better about themself because their face is cleared up.
It is about helping people develop the self confidence to move forward.
It is about helping women to empower themselves to do more.
It is about helping them believe in themself and believe that they can not only dream again, but achieve their dreams.
Is it all handed to them on a silver platter? No. Is it a miracle business that happens overnight without effort? No. Is it for everyone? No.
It does take work, like anything worthwhile.
It takes a little belief in yourself.
It takes a little encouragement from others who have been where you are.
No territories………no quotas………No one telling you what you have to do or when you have to do it.
You decide…….we help.
Thanks again,
Stacey
http://www.marykay.com/slroscow
slroscow@marykay.com
I think what Stacy said sums it up in a nut shell!! I don’t feel anyone will find the absolute DREAM they’ve been asking for in life with no effort or no imperfections. But a Great philosphy backed by Great products speaks volumes!! I don’t know about anyone else but, when peole are doing the right things for the right reasons,everything seems to fall into place. At the end of the day, we have to look into the mirror at ourselves and be proud of what we’ve accomplished. I know from personal experience and from being in direct sales that today could be the best day for business….2 hours teaching a class, 300 dollars from class sales…I made 50% ..not bad?? A few new customers in that 2 hours and tomarrow could be a 25 dollar day. But , in this business you take the week and then the month and see the results and It could’ve been a 1000.00 week?? Could you use 500 a week? But, that’s what happens and when I look in that same mirror long before i teach a class and see the results it gives me, the fun things I’ve learned, and the friends that I’ve made I feel like a million dollars!! You will be who YOU want to be in direct sales and nothing other than that! And, if you can use the products and love them with the sincerest desire to SHARE them with ither women and girls ( and men and boys), then YOU will have success)!
As” for …..” this is old ladies make-up ” and don’t use this because it’s terrible….well. How many teenagers are out there with fuul-time incomes dealing with real issues? How many of us on here are “kids”? Do YOU want your make-up to look like that 16 year old you saw at the mall? NOT ME!! BUT, we can not only teach that poor child how to tastefully apply her own color but give her good skin care too!! I recommend, find the facts and ignore the opinions.
I have used both Arbonne and Mary Kay products. My mother was a Mary Kay saleswoman for years and after 5 years of researching I have recently signed up as an Arbonne consultant. Both companies have quality products, the key is finding which product works best for YOU. My mother not only has very sensitive skin, but is also allergic to many things. Over the years she has found that many of the Mary Kay products contain ingredients (natural and chemical) that cause very negative reactions, as a result she is now trying some of the Arbonne products (some of them she can’t use because of citrus and almond extracts as she is allergic to these). Yes, both companies use chemicals and natural ingredients. I have found that Arbonne does use more naturally derived ingredients than Mary Kay, however if you have sensitivities you need to ask your consultant about the ingredients in what ever product you are considering. For example if you are allergic to almond oil then you would not want to use any of the ‘Awaken’ products as you would likely have a reaction. Arbonne ingredients are listed as “hypoallergenic” however all this means is that they do not contain ingredients that are ‘known allergens’ to the general public.
As far as considering one or the other for a business opportunity, I chose Arbonne because you do not have to stock product for resale as you do with Mary Kay. Either way you go you will have to work at it to make a good profit.
Just a note – Arbonne has not filed for bankruptcy protection…let’s not start rumors here. I thought we were sharing truthful information….
Hi,
I live in India and went through your website. I am looking out for ARBONNE’S
NUTRIMIN C RE9 EYE CREAM. Can anyone help me out with the same.
Please do not print my name in your website.
Thanks.
Vira
Your description of MLM is very incorrect. First off, you need not stock up or purchase any product up front with Arbonne. In fact Arbonne discourages it. You take orders and then fill them. Making money on the product and on the volume you and others that you teach and train. Instead of trading your time for money – you make an initial investment of more time and then can reap the benefits of a huge income potential as your team grows. Soon you duplicate yourself and are paid on what others do as well as yourself. THere are nights when I have 5-10 parties happening and I’m only working 1 of them – yet I get paid for all of them. It is working smarter not harder. Yes – it takes time – it is not a get rich quick scam.
Arbonne is Vegan CERTIFIED!!!!! Check all your labels for that.
Arbonne: I was introduced to Arbonne 22 years ago. I left my teaching job to be a stay at home mom. I started selling Arbonne and my team grew overnight because people were raving about the great results they experienced from using the products.
My team has grown into the thousands and our sales have reached a million dollars per month at times.
I have worked hard and consistently (but never as hard as teaching 1st grade in the public school system)and enjoy a phenomenal income. I have earned 4 white Mercedes Benz since promoting to Vice President/our top field position 13 years ago.
I am now 63 years old yet people tell me I look as if in my 40’s. I attribute that to Arbonne’s excellent products.
As far as the lifestyle afforded me and my family!!! What can I say? I have been married 40 years to my college sweetheart and we have 3 great children. I am very grateful that I was introduced to Arbonne many years ago, that I can continue to earn excellent money and that I was a stay at home mom.
I am also appreciative of the direct selling/network marketing industry. This is a business that offers personal growth as well as financial growth.
Bankruptcy protection! Rubbish! Arbonne is sound. (And I consider it extremely unprofessional to spread such a rumor.) Check out the Arbonne website and view all of the exciting trips offered this year — Cancun, Hawaii, Las Vegas that will be won by mega thousands of reps), events, gifts, jewelry, new product lines.
Arbonne just hired
Regional Sales Managers that will be placed throughout the country to act as local company support to the field.
Arbonne’s home office President is Rita Davenport. Rita is a highly accomplished, award winning and nationally recognized public speaker, tv host and best selling author. She was introduced to Arbonne early on and joined as a consultant. After reaching the company’s top field position, she was asked by Petter Morck, our company founder, to be the company President.
In regards to the MK company: I highly respect their incredible founder and those that have carried out her dream.
In regards to the MK products, they seem to be better than some. I have used their products in the past and I have clients and consultants that used to use them as well.
Thanks for the opportunity to share.
Susan
I began using Mary Kay at the age of 25 and have enjoyed a visible, definite improvement in the quality of my skin up until this year, age 44. I began having some reactions to various products, especially eyeliner, and am now on the search for alternatives. I found that Korres mascara and eyeliner (at Sephora) were useable for 6 months and then I began reacting to them. Currently, I’m using some of the Cargo line (also at Sephora) with no trouble. This is just FYI in case anyone else is in the same boat,
I have two successful friends who are Mary Kay consultants and many, many friends who just buy and sell enough to maintain their own use of the products. It really depends on you and your circumstances how much you will be able to profit from one of these businesses.
Has anyone heard of Aloette?? Its a great line to sell and use. With no inventory investment!! I love it. Been in the business for 23 years.Intersted, e-mail me at beauty.news@yahoo.com
I to once sold Mary Kay, I was not the bubbly upbeat kinda pushy type so it didn’t work for me but I do still use some of the products. I also went to my first Arbonne show last night because a friend of mine is going to try to sell it. I think for what it is it is way over priced. Mary Kay is about 1/2 the price for the same thing. It may be a wonderful product but not for my checkbook with a 2 yr old and another on the way I need to save, and that won’t happen if I am spending over $100 on product that will cover a week of daycare. Good luck to those of you who wish to try and make this a career, for some it works for some it doesn’t.
Hi!
I have been an Arbonne Consultant for little over a year. Like any business, the time and effort you put into it will yield your results.
I choose Arbonne for the minimal investment and the compensation plan. I did not base it on their products. I was then happily surprised to find the products to be very nice and gentle to my sensitive skin, irish family. (Tide-free makes a killing off of us!)
I do have several consultants under me. Only one is a business builder like myself. I try to introduce the product first and then mention the business if they like it (and not to all of them). I do host socials, but they are more fun than productive right now!
By the way, Arbonne do not encourage you to buy an opening inventory, and discourages stocking. Their start up fee does cover training. You are able to log on to the consultant portion of the website and learn and train from the Arbonne Univerity Website.
I will be happy to answer any questions anyone has!
I don’t know if I can post my email?-it is nancycawley@myarbonne.com
Mary Kay does not and will not claim to be natural. It does contain many natural ingrediants as do other products mentioned. What they do claim is great skin care at affordable prices. They have recently celebrated 45 years. They are dedicated to the inside and outside of women. They support mutiple charities for abused women and children in our country and thrid world countries. The motto is God Career Family.
I just love to see this discussion. It means Arbonne is doing so well and that the competition is fighten mad! Love it… Sorry you did not make it in the MLM industry, but don’t take it out on others. It is our job to sell to anyone and everyone we come in contact with.That is how we make money! What do you do to make money? I am sure you have a job discription where you work and if you do not follow it you do not get paid. That is what we do. We are told if we join Arbonne are goal is to sell $2500 worth of product a month. It doesn’t mean we have to but if you do you get rewarded. You can obviously sell more or less it is up to the individual. My motto is God, Family, Career….
You should check out It Works! The main product is a slimming body wrap. (I’ve had AMAZING results with it. It’s just awesome.) But they also have very high quality skin care products.
The formulator had skin cancer and really put a lot of effort into choosing the best non-natural ingredients and making the percentage of non-natural ingredients as minimal as possible. He used to be a professor of phytotherapy (plants for medicial purposes), so he really cares to put the best natural ingredients into their products. Cool stuff.
I’m not a distributor, but I’m an ex-Mary Kay rep and the It Works products blow those out of the water.
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