Mary Kay is best known for its variety of makeup and skin care products. Whether looking to turn heads or cover the occasional blemish, Mary Kay products provide the help people need to feel good about themselves. However, what the company is not as well-known for is providing a flexible and convenient job for a college student on campus.

Mary Kay Inc. on a college campus conveniently brings products directly to students’ homes. Students can throw a Mary Kay party, where a consultant comes to the apartment with a variety of different products that range from a cleansing mask to different colored eyeliner. The host invites friends to try on and purchase makeup.

Samantha Spitz, senior in Business and a Mary Kay consultant since December of 2010, said her experience as a consultant has been extremely positive, and after a short time working with Mary Kay, she has “completely fallen in love with the products.”

“It’s a really rewarding experience to see young women find products that really work for them,” Spitz said. “My goal when hosting a party is to never let a person leave feeling bad about themselves. I always want them to leave feeling great.”

At a typical Mary Kay makeup party, a host invites friends over to learn about different products depending on their skin types and complexions. Guests get a tray with a mirror and a variety of products. A consultant then goes through them one-by-one explaining their functions and teaching everyone how to properly use them. Spitz explained that she takes a survey before to see what type of skin each guest has, so she can pick the products that would be the most beneficial for them.

“Although the eye shadows and lipsticks are really fun and colorful, it is normally the skin care that people end up buying. They just work really great and they are really well priced,” Spitz said.

Parties can take place any day of the week, but a popular time to throw a party is on a Thursday or Friday night. Therefore, after a complete makeover, guests feel confident and ready to go out.

“Normally by the end of the party, people who didn’t think they were going to go out that night are definitely going out,” Spitz said. “Sometimes I just do a natural, ready to go to class look, but I think girls always have more fun when they can put on all the different colors and try new things. Plus, it’s a confidence boost.”

Mary Kay parties offer a way to have access to high-quality, well-priced makeup right at home, but they are also a great way to learn about how to make money and get experience in running a small business.

Melissa Milanak, graduate student studying clinical psychology and a director for Mary Kay, said being a consultant is a flexible job where you call all the shots. As a college student, the Mary Kay business works really well for her schedule.

“You put as much work as you want into Mary Kay. There are no bosses, just mentors,” Milanak said. “To become a consultant is extremely easy, and Mary Kay provides beginners with everything they need to feel confident enough to begin selling products.”

To be a consultant, it is required to purchase a $100 starter packet that provides all the basics of the business. After that, it is up to the consultant to decide how much he or she would like to purchase and participate in the business. The Mary Kay Company provides training classes in the Champaign area where they explain beneficial networking tips, scripts to narrate during parties and explanations about each product.

Sarah Woo, senior in LAS, is a new consultant for Mary Kay and was recruited by a friend into the business. She explained how the recruitment process was very simple, how there was no application process and how she enjoys that it isn’t a typical job.

“I love how Mary Kay organizes its business,” Woo said. “I like that I am able to share this with other girls, work in makeup and make money but am able to take a few weeks off if I am busy, without having to worry.”

The consultants buy products for wholesale price and sell them for retail at parties. It is not required to give any money back to Mary Kay Inc., and the more people consultants recruit, the more money they make.

Milanak has recruited over 100 consultants and was the second top seller for Mary Kay in the country. She said working for the company has been beneficial and rewarding.

“Mary Kay’s goal is enhancing and enriching women’s lives. Whether a college student or an elderly woman, any age can get involved and be successful with Mary Kay,” Milanak said. “This is not a cookie-cutter business.”

Milanak has also received many prizes for being such an active and successful member of the Mary Kay team. She has won everything from digital cameras to diamond rings. The Mary Kay Company calls them “Cinderella prizes” to reward the good work the consultants do.

“It is important for the consultants to be rewarded for their good work, because this company is all about how much work, and effort consultants are willing to put in. You have to be self-motivated and willing to put in the time,” Milanak said.

Not only does Mary Kay offer makeup and skin care products, but the company is also active in philanthropy. The company donates to breast cancer, domestic violence and a variety of other charities and causes.

“It’s a lot more than a sales company,” Milanak said. “My team and I do different philanthropic events as well. We sent $3,000 to troops overseas and women’s shelters.”

The Mary Kay Company is a business that allows women to easily try on and purchase makeup from home. It also is a way to network, have a steady income and just have fun.

“This job is just a convenient way to make money and practice running a business,” Spitz said. “So far, it has been the perfect job for me as a college student.”