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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I have done Arbonne and know some people who made a great income doing it. They have decided to leave and are now with a new company that also can help with anti aging and is going to be huge in the next couple of years. check it out http://www.viewmaxgxl.com
I am an Arbonne consultant and I love my products and not to mention the discount! I would love to make it big in this business, and I think it all depends on who you are and who you know in order to make it big. I love the women who first started me up, and they are the kind of women who deserve my support, no matter what! And to compare the products, take Arbonne and anything else and see which one lasts longer, Arbonne basically pays for itself with how long their products last.
Arbonne, MK, Shaklee, Pampered Chef, and on and on and on – the people who pay for these ridiculous MLM businesses
are the ones who feel obligated to attend these parties because one of their friends is hosting it. They are all overpriced and expensive. There is not one of these products from any company that can’t be comparably purchased locally at a fraction of the prices they charged. Remember, there are so many people who have to be compensated in these pyramid businesses.
I would never host one or ask my friends to pay these ludicrous prices for something they can get way less expensive.
To Paulette: Most of the time it is not out of obligation that people use these products, seriously would these companies still be around 30 to 50 years later if people only bought out of obligation? OK yes some of there products are pricey but MK, as mentioned above, supports charities, amongst other impressive contributions. Shaklee is certified carbon neutral, amongst other impressive contributions to the planet and peoples lives. Yes you can get things cheaper at walmart but where does your money go? As for salepeople, everything you have ever bought has a saleperson behind it somewhere along the way. Some people can sell and teach others can’t and that is OK.
I did my research, and tried the products of both companies…i love arbonne. I had more compliments on my skin, it looked better and cleared up. They have a nice variety of skin care and make up needs. I also tried the weight loss products…they all taste great and im hooked. Ive dropped 15 pounds and it was simple-which i love.
I have referred many people to the products who all love them. I am actually now making some great residual checks and its awesome. Once you have your id and pin you get access to all the ingredience and scientific information. PLus i love how they are all vegan certified…i heard MK isnt. That is more important to me then anything..i dont want to be using animal parts on my skin/body. I as well as 10 of my friends are now running awesome business with arbonne and very successful. You dont have to pay a lot upfront because everyone is entited to a great discount-and its shipped to client in 3 days…no need for inventory. (sounds like some havnt done their research)… i love Arbonne…its pure-safe and beneficial.
All affordable which everyone loves these days…
to jamie martel..you obviously have no idea what you are talking about. mk is the best make up money can buy. i would do a little research before slamming a product next time!
Natural. . . That means it must be kept in the fridge, and will not last very long. Honey is natural, not much good for cleaning your skin or doing the anti-aging thing (reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles). Every product MUST have ingredients to keep them stable, and help the “slip and slide” effect.
Good luck. When you want to look 5 to 10 years younger — give me a call.
Master Esthetician — Beauti Spa Queen
PS, why is Arbonne looking for some other company to purchase them? Are they in financial trouble?
I have sold Mary Kay since March of 08 and my business is in the black. I only have 2 active consultants on my team so that is not why I made a profit.
Both Mary Kay and Arbonne have good products and both companies you would be successful in if you went with realistic expectations.
I haven’t done too many classes as most of my 71 customers came from word of mouth and a few outreach ideas.
I do not eat sleep and breath MK. I believe in the principles of God first, family second and career third. I took both summers off to hang out with my two boys.
As far as MK we earn 50%, we have no territories or monthly/quartely quatoas, we only get commission on the gals on our personal team until you make director. With any business there are some ups and downs. Once I told myself to give it a full year it helped. I had tried to other home companies in the past but did not succeed in them. Both are well known and good companies it just wasn’t the timing and I was 10 years younger. I am sure I would have had similar success with them now. I do love that I get to use my favorite products while getting paid for it. The best part of the job is helping other women feel special just by giving them a few minutes of pampering as we often do not take time for ourselves as we love to give, give, give to our family, friends, etc.
If you haven’t had a facial or me time in awhile call which ever company you like and set one up. Most take 90 minutes if you have friends with you and about 30 if it is a one on one. Enjoy!
I am a Mary Kay consultant and the Beauty Brains don’t really know what they’re talking about with MLM. There is a big difference between pyramids (which are illegal) and MLM. Of course you will make more money if you team-build, but it is not required in MK and there are no quotas or territories. If you do build a team you will make more money, but the people you recruit can actually surpass you and make more money than you!! It all depends on how hard each person works their business. If it were a pyramid, the person at the top would always be making the most money, but that is not the case with MK. Everyone is free to move up and make as much money as they possibly can by selling and working their business their way. Mary Kay consultants do not need to stock inventory, either, and they get a 50% discount, which is higher than any other company I’ve heard of.
I recently tried Arbonne and was ready to switch from MK because of it’s vegan certification, but once I used it for a few days I found that I didn’t like it nearly as much as MK and switched back immediately. In addition, it is much more expensive than MK, and consultants don’t get as deep a discount as MK consultants do. It was also explained to me that there are both quota and team building requirements with Arbonne, and in MK there are not, which means no pressure.
I’m not what you would call a successful consultant, but that’s because I did not work my business aggressively. It’s sales, people, like any other sales company. If you don’t have the personality or drive to gently “push” sales, then obviously you will not be successful. I kept my consultant status in order to get the 50% discount for my personal use.
MK is built on awesome principles, there is no scam, and I have met VERY successful women making VERY large incomes. 45 years…they must be doing something right. Otherwise they’d have gone under a long time ago, wouldn’t you agree?
I am a former Arbonne consultant and they have indeed filed for Bankruptcy protection. I would not encourage anyone to even CONSIDER going into that company right now. There are multiple NVPs leaving the company and going elsewhere. I have left as well and am in something completely non skin care related now. I would recommend that you consider Candace Keefe’s new company. She was one of the driving forces behind many of Arbonne’s great products. It is called Apiori Beauty. I would definitely look it up before you decide.
I am currently a Mary Kay consultant. I don’t sleep, breath and eat it and I don’t go to the meetings or do a lot of MK activities. I like the stuff and I like my discount. I have recently changed over to using an organic skin care system from the MK system, but still use their make up. I still like their skin care stuff, but since I started taking a sort of hormone pill, some of the ingredients have irritated my skin.
I have a friend who is an Arbonne consultant and I really like their products as well. I think both companies have great products, however, I am not sure signing up for either is the best idea.
I am staying MK for my my makeup discount and I always give all my customers discounts because I do not do it for extra money. It is hard to find customers and I don’t feel like driving people nuts. On top of MK, I also use Arbonne, Aveda and some other stuff. Really read some reviews if you decide to try any company.
If you are looking for naturally based, you may want to look into Sensaria Natural Body Care. They have great products that started in health food stores. If you like to do spa parties, it is a cash business. As far as a long term business model with residual income, I found that Market America was a better business model for my lifestyle. They have fabulous skincare with Timeless Prescriptions and Cellular Labs. Their Motives by Loren Ridinger cosmetics line is highly customizable according to your needs and skin tone. The great thing about the company is they have so many great product lines, and there is something for everybody. PLUS we give cash back for online shopping!
I have been using Arbonne for 2yrs now. I have used many other products, some cheap, some not so cheap. I will not mention any names here, but none have compared to Arbonne. I think it’s funny how someone can comment on something they have never used. You should give it a try. As for the price being too high, I have been able to afford it for this long. I will continue using their products forever. You people that bash the product and the company are entitled to your opinion, but in my opinion you are very ignorant. I only say this because I have been doing research for a while now and I am living it right now.
I am an Arbonne Consultant. I’ve sold Mary Kay and Longaberger Baskets. I do NOT have to keep inventory with my business and most of my clients can buy online and have them shipped directly to them.
Ok– hate to burst that bubble yet again– but MK is NOT the best makeup money can buy. I am an esthetician and I would NEVER recommend their makeup to my clients. If it works well for you, then great– but its by no means the best money can buy–
I live in DFW, so I am surrounded by the corporate headquarters of both Mary Kay and BeautiControl. My husband actually used to work for the MK corporate office when it was still controlled by Richmont and John Rashon. Yeah, the cars are nice, but they aren’t signed over free and clear. If you miss your goals for a month, you get to make that payment or lose the car. Oh– did I mention that the car is on your credit?
The only MLM company that I know of that gives a car free and clear is Jafra, and its harder than hell to earn it.
I would have to agreen with Donneta, MK is not the best makeup money can buy. I use to sell MK and I lost a lot of money with MK, Arbonne I wouldn’t feel comfortable with a company with the whole bankruptcy thing. I think longterm and the stability of any company and then bankruptcy comes into the picture would concern me.
I actually am a licensed esthetician, MT, weight loss coach, spa coach and balh blah blah… in otherwords I have done a tone of education. My professional is to help MT, spa’s, salon, medical facilities, etc to be able to increase the revenue without having to hire additional staff. So I work with some billion dollar markets and very reputable manufactures.
I have been through the MLM, binary compensation plans, traditional business, etc. So if you would like additional information (I should write a book ha ha ha) on wise at home business business that are not going to drain your checkbook, please feel free to email me at [email protected] I would love to help, all my research has allowed me to go from a traditional business (owning a spa) working 70 hours per week to being able to stay home with my girls and work when I want to not because I HAVE to. Does that make sense??
You can find a lot of good information on toiletries, cosmetics, skincare, etc. at the Environmental Working Group’s website.
Oh my gosh, I was sooo cracking up when I was reading this article. I know you have good intentions and I’m quite impressed about how much you care about instilling good information about healthy skin care. Arbonne has re-forumulated their anti-aging skin care and it is now using the latest technology of anti-aging formulations. How is it different from store brands? Well, having skin care training it’s hard to explain but skin care research is done in stages. There truly is technology that is more advanced and it’s all based on the formulations and how they work together. Arbonne utilized the latest technology of anti-aging formulations. And yes, they only use plant-based botanicals and ingredients which can be very potent and very effective. The big difference, is they also include additional 9 additional essential elements (extra polypeptides, just to name one)…as opposed to another company claiming they are all-natural/botanical-based but only use a few elements (which is great, but just not AS effective). This makes Arbonne’s product very expensive, especially if they chose to use the normal marketing channel (retail, expensive advertising, etc.). Multi-Level-Marketing used to have some bogus pyramid companies but that was years ago and they have been shut down. The Direct Selling Association is very stringent on allowing MLM companies exist. It is common knowledge that the highest quality products are sold through a distributor because word-of-mouth is cheaper. These are usually products that require repeat orders so people are interested in joining to make money doing it. I love the fact that I can let my friends and family (and their friends and family) try the product out, let me explain how swiss technology is so much different, and talk about the business opportunity and be able to change people’s lives. I recruited a lady that was about to lose her house and she is now driving the company care, a white mercedez benz. She deserves to be compensated for her efforts. I’m in the process of exchanging my benz for another…ah, life is good.
sorry about all the typos, i type too fast!
Geesh, about the bankruptcy thing…Arbonne’s new CEO re-organized the company and they are now stronger than ever! All debts got paid off with cash. In my opinion, there is no other skin care line that is better than this. And the pay structure…well, i would love to show you my paychecks. Let me just tell you that I’m sitting in my sweatpants typing this at 12:47pm on a Tuesday afternoon. My husband and I are leaving for a 14 day Alaskan trip that ends with a cruise and we paid cash for it….and i don’t even balance my checkbook anymore, my accountant takes care of all that. Oh, and i look fabulous.
Has anyone ever used Jafra?. I have used jafra for approx 30 yrs., I decided to try Arbonne because my friend became a consultant and I kind was someone obligated to attend a presentation.,and I thought I would compare. Since I am now older (57) I decided I give it a try. Having used Jafra for so long (and being very pleased with the product), , I am always told I do not represent my age but 10 yrs younger! and look younger than my twin sister who uses MaryKay.,..I contribute that to using Jafra for the longest period of time. After using Arbonne x 3 months. I am not so sure about the benefit of using Arbonne., I find that I like a few products., and now I am confused as to which product is more beneficial for mature skin. I do find the Neck cream to be excellent and that is the main reason why I decided to try the complete skin care line. After using the products for 3 months., I am still having doubts., and I may go back to using Jafra except for the neck cream. I do not like the fact that you have to pay to become a preferred client.(probably an other way for Arbonne to make money), but they encourage you to do so in order to obtain the products at a discount price. So for a moth or 2 I almost considered not using Jafra but I truly feel that for my skin there are only a few products that really perform., I feel the day cream lacks moisture and hydration, making my wrinkles more noticable which is to be the contrary. I welcome your comments Thanks
I’m surprised the Beauty Brains just randomly tells their readers that MLM is not a good business considering top entrepanuers like Donald Trump and Warren Buffett have both invested into having their own MLM company. Robert Kiyosaki, the author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad, who’s been on the New York Times Best Seller list several times, even endorses MLM companies. He’s even written a book claiming that MLM is the business of the 21st Century. The Beauty Brains tell their readers who’ve responded to their research, to do their own research and find back up to their claims but apparently they haven’t done their research either. Many who didn’t make it in this business didn’t take the time to build their business like they would any others or quit their first year. They speak of MLM in general terms and every company is different. People seem to think this is a get rich quick business when it’s not. It still requires effort like any other business but the rewards are so much greater with the wealth and freedom that we do not get from working for someone else. They all have the benefit of having little start up costs so it opens doors for more people to become successful who don’t have the means to open up their own business paying overhead costs. Just because the Beauty Brains have their own website and claim that all the information they put out is “fact”…the post about MLM has definitely made them lose a lot of credibility and this is not a website that I will personally go to for accurate information.
@Christina – If you are the top of the MLM, then they are great businesses. For all the people that join late, they aren’t so great.
>95% of people who join MLMs do not make money. If you think that’s a great business opportunity, that’s fine. I think you’d be better off starting your own business, but it’s just a personal opinion.
I can only speak for Mary Kay. I have been a rep for 10 years and enjoy it and the extra money it brings to our family. I few points I’d like to make. I don’t believe MK has ever claimed our ingredients are natural or “all natural”. We certainly have botanicals for the benifits they provide but no product I carry claims to be natural. I am always surprised by the consuers lack of knowledge about the terms Hypoallergenic or all natural. Someone will react to something, people are allergic to peanuts and they are “all natural” even organic sometimes! and yes, if it were all natural you would have to keep it in the fridge.
I highly recommend that you check out L’Bri Pure n’ Natural. This company has been in existence for 12 years and is well on its way to being the #1 natural skin care company in the US! Organically grown aloe vera is the very first ingredient and the rest of the ingredients are vitamins, minerals, herbs and botanicals. No aritifical colors or scents, no toxic chemicals, no parabens and no sodium laurel sulfate. These products are amazing the business opportunity is second to none! Go to my website and request a free 7-day starter set to try the products!
I’m totally agree whit you, it isn’t a such good business it is just like to have extra money but it is not good for make a lot of money.
I am an Arbonne consultant and did not have to invest ANY money up front to buy inventory. Arbonne does not encourage buying inventory. I earned all my product samples through my hostess rewards at -80% off. I am making money for party time work and people LOVE being introduced to our products. They are simply top of the line and very competitively prices to similar products on the market. You must compare apples to apples. I believe in this business and the business model, and will be driving my white mercedes by the end of the year! I love being surrounded my such powerful, passionate, positive women! We have a great support network.
I think you should have more credentials in the industry and have used the products before you make your claims. I realize this is strictly an OPINION column after having read your blog. If this is supposed to be “scientists answering beauty questions” then you should stick to that and leave your obviously unreasearched opinions about the network marketing industry to the experts. You are doing your readership a grave disservice with such inept answers.
I agree with DonnaJoo. So far your comment has been one of the most sensible ones I have read. Anyone who wants a ALL NATURAL products should simply make their products every morning and night natural products are great too, but sometimes requires some mixing in your kitchen or bathroom and purchasing natural products can be very costly, I have paid as much as $5 for a bar of natural soap!
Anyonewho has the drive can be successful in direct sales…MK is not a scam, I personally know several people who are driving the “pink cadillacs” and the pontiacs they give as well not to mention the trips, and jewelry, and other very nice rewards. That is because they have worked their businesses. In order to be successful in any business of your own, you have to work at it, you get out of these businesses what you put in! Actually, that goes for any self-owned business.
MK has great makeup, an excellent eye makeup remover and good skin care products. Anyone who is looking into a direct sales business, should do a self-analysis and be real with youself. If you start your business with a positive outlook then expect positive results and vice versa. Do your research, talk to a variety of consultants from various companies. If you work the business you can be successful with MK, Beauticontrol, Avon, Votre Vu, etc…My favorites are MK and Beauticontrol, both give 50% commissions, inventory is NOT necessary.
I am a MK consultant and I will tell you that at my grand opening party, I made a net profit of a little over $900! It was a party of 9 ladies and they are repeat customers. I took the summer off to get my esthestician license but I plan to continue in the business…Be realistic, don’t expect to get rich quick, although making a decent living is possible and making a six-figure salary is possible, set a goal of a realistic monthly income to start, for example, an extra $300 – $500 a month, or whatever your car note or groceries for the month…also, work towards building a team, it’s not the pyramid effect. Once you start building a team and that team member makes money, then the COMPANY will pay you a commission, the team member doesn’t have to pay you. Example, if you joined a team, you do not have to give a commission to your team lead because she/he will be paid by the company. Again, success with direct sales is very possible and MK and Beauticontrol products are good..I do not recommend any over the counter skin care products, in my opinion and experience they are not the best quality and I want my skin to be pampered with the best that my money can buy. Look into Mary Kay and Beauticontrol.
I agree with Janie!
Amen to Monika Schermer. I have not heard of Arbonne until I started reading this post and I am going to check them out. It sounds like Arbonne, MK and Beauticontrol are all great companies. If you are looking into natural, take Sue’s advice and look into the company she mentioned…
Michelle has excellent points! You go girl!!! People need to do their research! Keep living your life like it’s GOLDEN!!!
You may want to update your information, and do some further research before posting things that aren’t even available anymore. The Arbonne transforming lift is no longer available and hasn’t been for some time. Many of the products have be reformulated and do NOT contain any PARABENS!!!!!
I am more then confident in our product line, that I have Naturopaths, and vegans who want to use pure and safe products using the and recommending Arbonne with confidence. If anyone wants a more detailed list of ingredients on any of the products I will be happy and confident to pass on he full list with all the ingredients and where they come from and why they are in there.
Maybe this information should be taken off because Arbonne does not use parabens anymore in their products, and I’m not sure about Mary Kay but I could only assume that their product has advanced in technology since the time this post was made in late 2008…just saying.
It’s also sad to hear about negative consultants in the Arbonne industry…maybe if the product works for you, you should go find another Arbonne consultant? There are bad workers everywhere you go.