Direct Beauty Buys

I SEEM to be an easy target for people in the business of distributing products via direct selling. For one, I don’t deny that I’m gullible and two, it’s easy for me to talk to people and engage in random solicitous conversations. Therefore, it’s like second nature for people to start telling me about their products.

In a way, this openness to new beauty items has served me well in my chosen career of lifestyle and beauty journalism. While I admit to be easily swayed, I can also be quite the skeptic. Hence, why I do research and try products out for myself—ideally before writing about them.

Here are three beauty brands that you won’t find in stores but you’ll either get to shop for online or through individual representatives. Unfortunately, some do not ship overseas, but, for sure they’re worth ordering and being added to that next balikbayan box.


Noevir
http://noevirusa.com

This Japanese brand has been around since 1978, and has been churning out high-quality skincare products and cosmetics. When I first heard of the brand, I was a little bit hesitant only because it’s sold in a system that is somehow an acceptable (and legal) version of multilevel marketing wherein consultants recruit other consultants and earn commissions and become eligible for discounts in the process. Once a year, top-performing members get to go on a luxe trip to Japan—complete with complimentary airfare and luxe accommodations.

That said, why did I still sign up?

The first reason: Members of my husband’s family are active consultants. Second reason: The products are excellently-formulated, especially those that fall in the higher-priced category. I’ve tried samples of the 105 Skincare Line—a botanical blend of ultra-moisturizing products, all of which are allergy-tested and contain no mineral oil, artificial binding agents or colorants.

Within days of using the 105 Herbal Facial Cleanser, Balancing Lotion (a softening toner), Enriched Moisturizer and Skin Cream, my skin already looked (and felt) nicer and softer. While I have no plans of selling these to friends and family, I plan on ordering up in the near future.


VitaShield, Cellular Laboratories and Motives Cosmetics
http://marketamerica.com

While recently doing laundry in my apartment building, one of my neighbors told me about an upcoming beauty party. Naturally, I accepted the invite and off I went to my first Market America party the following weekend.

The products have come across somewhat medicinal—like something you would get from the derma—with emphasis on active ingredients versus packaging. The brand representative showing the Powerpoint presentation seemed excited about the VitaShield OPC-3 Triple Serum that she claimed could effectively fade scars, like those you get after surgery. She also raved about the De-Aging Eye Crème from Cellular Laboratories.

Later on at the party, she introduced everyone to the customizable foundation one could order, along with the lineup of Motives by Loren Ridinger cosmetics, which struck me as very colorful. What called out so far is the Essential Eyebrow Kit—a palette featuring two natural-looking eyebrow powder, setting wax and brush applicator.


mark.by Avon
http://meetmark.com

As beauty editor, I’d always had a lovely time at Avon events. And now that I’ve met mark., the brand’s younger and trendier brand, I’m quite hooked.

Being a young brand, you’ll find the inevitable sparkle in the cosmetic lineup, and even in one of the moisturizers. But, what I am liking the most are the Get A Tint tinted moisturizer; Snap To It Mega Custom Color Palette (that one could create with a bevy of individual eyeshadows called i-marks and Good Glowing blushes); and most importantly, the recently launched Body Care Collection formulated with Fair Trade Certified Ingredients.

I’ve written in-depth here at Beauty Rx about organic beauty and shopping for Fair Trade products, so this is definitely good news to me and to everybody looking to purchase responsibly-made beauty products.

Visit http://NyMinuteNow.com or visit http://BeautyintheBigApple.com.

(Image courtesy of Sheknows.com. Original Inquirer article, "Moisturizing, allergy-tested body-care products," link here.)