Welcome to this Mary Kay MLM Review
For all you ladies out there who are into their cosmetics and skincare products then you are sure to have heard about Mary Kay.
A close competitor of another well known MLM cosmetics company, Avon.
Mary Kay is a well-established American multi-level marketing (MLM) company that specializes in cosmetics and skincare products.
Founded in 1963 by Mary Kay Ash in Dallas, Texas.
The company has grown into one of the largest direct sellers of beauty products in the world.
Mary Kay’s business model involves independent beauty consultants who sell products directly to consumers and recruit others to join their sales teams, earning commissions and bonuses based on their sales and the sales of their recruits.
Renowned for its pink Cadillac incentive program, where top-performing consultants can earn the use of a branded pink Cadillac as a reward for their sales achievements.
So without further ado, let’s begin.
[Affiliate Disclosure: This Mary Kay MLM Review may contain affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase anything through one of the links. However, this will not affect what you pay!]
Mary Kay MLM Review – Summary
Product: Mary Kay Inc
Location: Dallas, Texas, US
Founder: Mary Kay Ash
Founded: 1963
Website: www.marykay.com
Product Description: Manufacturing and selling cosmetics and skincare products as well as a business incentive for anybody who is interested.
Cost to join: There are currently 2 joining options. $30 and $100
Price of products: $6 – $205
Best For: People who love cosmetics and who have a wealth of experience as a Network Marketer.
Recommended: Not for newbies who are looking for a way to make a fulltime living online from.
Mary Kay MLM Review – TOC
- What is Mary Kay about and who are the founders?
- Is Mary Kay a Pyramid Scheme
- Let’s look at the Mary Kay products range
- Mary Kay Business Opportunity – What you need to know
- What others say about Mary Kay
- What We Like – Mary Kay MLM Review
- What We Don’t Like – Mary Kay MLM Review
- Is Mary Kay a scam?
- Is Mary Kay a Worthy Business to get involved with?
- Mary Kay MLM Review – FAQs
- Mary Kay Lawsuits And legal Issues
- Feedback, Follow and Subscribe
What is Mary Kay
Mary Kay is a multi-level marketing business manufacturing and selling women’s cosmetics which was founded in 1963 in Dallas, Texas, US by Mary Kay Ash.
In what was and still is to some degree a male-dominated business world Mary Kay not only had the foresight but the strength to compete at that level.
Coming from meagre beginnings, she married at the age of 17 and had 3 children.
To make ends meet she sold books door-to-door whilst her husband at the time was serving in the 2nd world war. After his return, they got divorced!
Mary Kay Ash retired from her full-time job in 1963 due to been frustrated that a male who she trained stepped into what should have been her role.
Through this experience, she intended to write a book to help women in business, but this quickly turned into a business idea.
At the time, the company was called Beauty By Mary Kay but 1 month before the business took off, her husband died of a heart attack.
So with a $5,000 loan from her son and at the age of 45, Mary Kay Cosmetics was formed.
Not many women would have taken on this challenge especially at that age, but she did and made it a complete success.
Mary Kay Ash died in 2001 but her name carries on and recognized throughout the world as one of the most successful businesses in a very competitive industry.
Her son who she started the company with now runs the business as “The Executive Chairman”
Check out this short promotional video.
At Mary Kay, Pink maybe their signature colour but “GREEN” plays a major part too!
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- A million trees have been planted worldwide.
- Robust recycling programs.
- Environmental friendly recyclable packaging.
- Zero landfills.
- Bio-degradable packaging.
- Use of 100% renewable energy.
Charities and giving back to communities is always a worthy cause.
Since 1996, when the Mary Kay Foundation was founded, they have donated near to 100 million dollars to women’s cancer research and helped support women’s domestic shelter’s along with domestic violence providers.
Is Mary Kay A Pyramid Scheme?
Something that always crops up when we are
talking about an MLM type business, so let’s get this out of the way first.
A business would be declared a pyramid scheme where the sponsor or team leader would be paid for recruiting others, and sometimes they would hide behind a product that had no particular value.
We know that Mary Key Inc has well over 400 products and many of them come with some great ratings and therefore Mary Kay is definitely not a pyramid scheme.
Mary Kay Products Range
Mary Kay is considered to be one of the biggest names in the beauty industry, right up there amongst names such as Estee Lauder, L’Oreal and Avon.
At the last count, there were over 400 products, so a pretty vast product range.
Mary Kay’s best sellers
The Mary Kay product range can be found within the categories listed below…
- Skin Care (92)
- Makeup(283)
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- Cheeks (18)
- Eyes(71)
- Face(120)
- Lips(74)
- Body and Sun(30)
- Fragrances(14)
- Men’s Skin Care(12)
- Best Sellers(30)
For a closer look at the extensive Mary Kay’s product range with current prices…
You can check out the full product range on the Mary Kay Cosmetics Official Website here.
You can also check out the Mary Kay cosmetics catalog online here
Mary Kay Business Opportunity – What You Need To Know
To become successful in any business requires a certain mindset, hard work, determination and persistence.
Unfortunately, most people are just not prepared for the amount of work involved.
They might start off with good intentions but that doesn’t normally last and they end up leaving and moving onto the next shiny object.
I should know I have tried with a few MLM type businesses and had no success at all, but that was because I was taken in by sponsors and believed what I was been told. Hard price to pay as I wasted 2 years trying!
If you aren’t prepared to work extremely hard (not halfheartedly) then be prepared for failure.
How to become a Mary Kay consultant?
To become a Mary Kay independent beauty consultant there are currently 2 options available…
OPTION 1 – Mary Kay eStart which currently costs $30 and for that you get
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- Mary Kay cosmetics official website valued at $30.
- Access to the back office.
- Additional free apps to help you sell more.
- Step by step education to help you gore the business.
- Other digital tools to help in your marketing.
- Customer support.
OPTION 2 – The Mary Kay Starter Kit which costs $100
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- A bunch of full-size products and sampled to get you started currently valued at $400.
- Digital marketing tools.
- Educational material.
- Access to your back office.
- Customer support.
- Step by step guide to help you on your way.
How to Make Money With Mary Kay
There are three basics ways to run your business.
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- Either purchase the products for yourself, family and friends and take advantage of the current discounts.
- Find and sell to customers.
- Build a team that you would have to train and nurture and by doing so you would make a commission on any sales those team members made. If you really want to advance in this business this is what you need to learn.
There are obviously many more ways to run your business, such as…
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- Using social media, like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc
- Rent premises.
- Go to events and fairs.
- Create a dedicated website other than the Mary Kay website and promote the products using SEO (search engine optimisation) which amounts to FREE marketing, and if you needed any help in that area I have something for you a little later.
Here you can check out the Mary Kay Compensation Plan for yourself
Are Mary Kay consultants actually making money?
Well, if you looked at the 2019 financial figures of $3.5 billion then you would probably say that Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants were raking it in, right?
Well, not exactly!
In fact, you will find the very top 1% is where all the money goes and I’m talking about maybe .25%.
So around 99% will not be earning a fulltime income from Mary Kay.
Horrendous statistics wouldn’t you say?
Now, you can come to your own conclusions as to why they do not have any income disclosure statements, but that should be pretty obvious.
What Others Say About Mary Kay
You might like to watch this 30-minute video about MLMs in general. Be warned that he doesn’t pull any punches so if you are thinking of investing time with Mary Kay or any MLM then I would advise against watching.
What We Like – Mary Kay MLM Review
Mary Kay is one of the top MLM companies and well up there amongst the very best cosmetics firms, and very well respected amongst women who use their products but there’s more to a great company other than a great product.
- Mary Kay is a multi-billion dollar
business that has been around for well over 50 years and here to stay.
business that has been around for well over 50 years and here to stay.- Top IBCs who become successful at Mary Kay, are rewarded with a number of luxury products, such as holidays and even cars.
- There are currently 2 options for joining which are very reasonable which come with a great selection of products as well as a professional website.
- Mary Kay Independent Business Consultants can earn as much as 50 per cent commission on the products they sell.
What We Don’t Like – Mary Kay MLM Review
No matter how good a company seems on the surface there are usually underlining issues which can be found with a little research, and usually the deciding factor.
- No income disclosure and for a company that has been operating for over 50 years, this just doesn’t sit right with me.
that has been operating for over 50 years, this just doesn’t sit right with me.- Although Mary Kay as been going for over 50 years they still aren’t accredited with the Better Business Bureau.
- I came across an earning report where Mary Kay admitted that out of all the active independent beauty consultants, around 50% earned commissions more than $100.
- Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants are pressured into meeting monthly targets. Required to make a minimum $300 order every three months.
- 99% of network marketers do not earn enough for it to become a full-time income.
- As if it wasn’t hard enough to compete with the 1000s of IBCs, you have Amazon to contend with as well.
Is Mary Kay A SCAM?
Nobody can deny that Mary Kay Ash has been an inspirational figure in the cosmetics industry and succeeded where many haven’t.
In the world of MLMs where businesses are constantly under the spotlight for many reasons, it is rare to see stability and great brand recognition.
The products are very well received and highly rated as can be seen on Amazon.
However, I have major concerns about the Mary Kay business opportunity that is available for anybody.
This is not unique to certain MLMs but a reflection on all MLM type businesses and the “horrendous success rate” is quite astonishing.
Although there are very few details regarding Mary Kay incomes, I did manage to come across some astonishing facts that mention 12% of their IBCs as been active and half earned commissions over $100 annually.
If you are seriously thinking about Mary Kay then you can check out this site that is dedicated to Mary Kay.
Is Mary Kay A Worthy Business For You To Get Involved With?
Mary Kay has been recognized as one of 
the top businesses in the cosmetics industry for many years and the product line is vast and very well received.
So if Mary Kay as a business, interests you then I would suggest trying the products first and taking it on more as a hobby and see how things pan out.
Mary Kay can be a worthy company to get involved with if you are passionate about beauty products, motivated by the potential for personal growth, and prepared to invest time and effort into building your business.
It is essential to have realistic expectations about the challenges of the MLM model and to leverage the training and support provided by the company.
After 2 attempts at MLMs and failing miserably I decided to look into affiliate marketing.
Through a lot of research, I did come across a training platform, but even then I was extremely sceptical and probably wouldn’t have gone any further if it wasn’t for a free membership.
This comes from Wealthy Affiliate and probably the best online training I have come across.
OK, I am biased but this costs you nothing to check out and see for yourself.
Mary Kay MLM Review – FAQs
After extensive research we came across the same questions been asked in the search engines.
These are the most popular questions we though we would highlight
- What Is Mary Kay?
Mary Kay is a global multi-level marketing company that sells cosmetics, skincare, and fragrance products.
Founded in 1963 by Mary Kay Ash, it operates through a network of independent beauty consultants.
- How Do I Become A Mary Kay Consultant?
To become a Mary Kay consultant, you need to sign up through an existing consultant or the company’s website.
You must purchase a starter kit, which includes products and business tools to help you begin your Mary Kay business.
- What Products Does Mary Kay Offer?
Mary Kay offers a wide range of products, including skincare, makeup, fragrances, and body care items.
Their product lines cater to different skin types and concerns, ensuring there is something for everyone.
- How Much Does It Cost To Start A Mary Kay Business?
The initial cost to start a Mary Kay business is the price of the starter kit, which typically ranges from $100 to $130.
Additional costs may include purchasing inventory and marketing materials, depending on how you choose to run your business.
- How Do Mary Kay Consultants Earn Money?
Mary Kay consultants earn money through retail sales of products and commissions from their recruited team members’ sales.
The more products a consultant sells and the larger their team, the higher their potential earnings.
- Are Mary Kay Products Cruelty-Free?
Yes, Mary Kay is committed to producing cruelty-free products.
They do not test on animals and are actively involved in promoting alternative testing methods globally.
- What Are The Benefits Of Being A Mary Kay Consultant?
Benefits of being a Mary Kay consultant include flexible working hours, the potential to earn commissions and bonuses, opportunities for personal development, and recognition programs such as the chance to earn the iconic pink Cadillac.
- How Does Mary Kay Support Its Consultants?
Mary Kay provides extensive support through training programs, marketing materials, mentorship, and customer service.
Consultants have access to online resources and events to help them grow their business.
- Can I Sell Mary Kay Products Online?
Yes, Mary Kay consultants can sell products online through their personal Mary Kay websites.
The company provides tools and support to help consultants manage their online sales.
- What Is The Return Policy For Mary Kay Products?
Mary Kay offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on their products.
If customers are not satisfied, they can return the products for a full refund or exchange within a specified period, typically 90 days.
Mary Kay Lawsuits And Legal Issues
Employment Classification Disputes
One of the prominent lawsuits involved the classification of Mary Kay consultants.
Plaintiffs in these cases argued that they should be considered employees rather than independent contractors, which would entitle them to employee benefits and protections under labor laws.
These cases often focus on the level of control the company exerts over its consultants and the nature of their work.
Pyramid Scheme Allegations
Mary Kay has also faced allegations of operating as a pyramid scheme.
Critics argue that the company’s business model relies heavily on recruitment rather than product sales, which can be a hallmark of a pyramid scheme.
These allegations have led to legal scrutiny and lawsuits aimed at challenging the legality of the company’s business practices.
Product Liability Claims
There have been lawsuits related to product liability, where consumers have claimed that Mary Kay products caused adverse reactions or were otherwise harmful.
These cases typically involve allegations that the company failed to adequately warn consumers about potential risks or did not properly test the products for safety.
Discrimination and Harassment
Mary Kay has faced lawsuits alleging workplace discrimination and harassment.
These cases involve claims from employees or consultants who allege they were subjected to unfair treatment or a hostile work environment based on factors such as gender, race, or other protected characteristics.
Conclusion
Mary Kay, like many large companies, has faced its share of legal challenges.
These lawsuits cover a range of issues from employment classification and business practices to product safety and workplace conduct.
Potential consultants and customers should be aware of these legal matters when considering involvement with the company.
For further details, you can refer to legal news sources and court records.
Feedback, Comments and Subscribe
Hope you enjoyed this Mary Kay review and that it gave you a better understanding, not just about Mary Kay but MLMs in general.
Any questions at all no matter how trivial you feel they are, just put them down in the comments section below and I will get back to you at my earliest convenience.
If you did like the review then why not share this post amongst your friends so that they are more informed.
Until next time, stay safe.
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Mick,
I’ve actually been recruited so many times by every Mary Kay consultant that I’ve ever met. I actually get asked often to join in people’s businesses, even ones like Pure Romance and any other sellers that are part of MLM’s. I suppose it’s because I’m a natural sales person and I often sell their products for them during their parties without even trying so they try to recruit me.
I too have been down the MLM road and I’m good on that. I’m in business for myself online as well, though it hasn’t been lucrative yet; I know one day it will be. Patience is a virtue I suppose.
I loved your article overall. I think you nailed it right on the marker with Mary Kay. Thanks for posting this to reaffirm for me.
Katrina, that’s one thing you have to be with any MLM and that’s a great salesperson.
Thank you for your comment which is very much appreciated.
Hey Mick, thanks for the information. I always though beauty and cosmetics were run by women, I mean that seems like the most logical way of thinking in my opinion. So, I was a little surprised that Mary Kay is run by a male who probably doesn’t know much about how makeup works.
As a whole, if this is what MLM is, then I’m not interested. It seems just like any other job, working your butt off for someone else with a high probability of not making enough money just doesn’t sound good.
I’m not completely familiar with what MLM is, all I know is what it stands for pretty much, but even then, I feel like I have no clue at all. From the sounds of it, looks like a more aggressive version of affiliate marketing. What’s the difference between the two?
Hey Ryzehn, well it was Mary Kay Ash and her son who started the business in the first place with the help from $5000 that she borrowed from her son.
Since she died her son has taken the reigns and the business has just gone from strength to strength, so he must know what he is doing.
Thank you for commenting.
Great article to read if you’re interested in Mary Kay. I too have also been down the road of a couple MLM’s before realizing the process is all about making the few at the top rich on other people’s expense and they don’t give a damn. There will always be people getting involved with these MLM’s because they don’t do the research first but I do believe we will see an end to these MLM’s in the future as more get educated about them via internet. Great job in spreading the word.
Hey Rick, thank you for taking time out to read and comment on this Mary Kay MLM review.
It would appear that most people go through the MLM route and learn the hard way.
Once again thank you for your support
Thank you so much for this wonderful review, Mick! I am very familiar with Mary Kay, and have used several of their products. Their products are high quality, safe, effective, and lasting. However, as you alluded to, you can only make a full-time income with them if you’re at the very top of the marketing food chain-the competition is high, and the deadlines are strict. I agree that this would not be the best opportunity for a newbie, still trying to get his or her feet wet in the world of affiliate marketing. Great read! God bless you!
So glad you enjoyed the review Carletta.
I personally used some Mary Kay products that I really liked, but to start a business I would not like that. To much work too many headaches and when people are not satisfied they can become quite a mess. I’m a person that does not like drama or lies. So I know having a business with Mary k is not for me but the creams and cosmetics great choices.
Thank you, Miriam, for your comment
Hey Mick. This is a very comprehensive post on Mary Kay, I am sure that anyone who is interested in this business should find all that they are looking for her. I have never been a fan of the MLM business model but I am sure, like everything, there are some that this works for. Thanks so much for sharing. Looking forward to your next post.
Glad you enjoyed the review
Hi Mick,
For a company that runs for longer than 50 years in the MLM industry, it’s abnormal not to share income disclosure to people who like to become one of IBCs. Besides, 99% of IBCs cannot make a nice and decent income through the compensation plan, so I will skip Mary Kay and look for your recommendation instead.
Thanks for sharing,
Matt
Hey Matt, unfortunately, it is quite common for MLMs to not make income disclosures even if they have been active for many years.
Thank you for your comment
Thanks for another comprehensive and straight-up honest review. I’ve heard off Mary Kay MLM before but just like then, I was not that much interested in this program. Let’s just say that MLM is not my pair of shoes. I like affiliate marketing better. It gives you much more freedom in your business and you can make more money if you know what you’re doing. Thanks a lot! And keep up the good work!
Hey Ivan, thanks for stopping by and commenting. Hope all is well!
I hear what you are saying and agree 100%.
Glad you enjoyed this Mary Kay MLM review and once again thank you for your support.
I totally agree with what you are saying