I don’t “do” home shopping parties. If I see you coming with one of those candle catalogs, I will turn around and walk the other way. But lately people I know and love have started hosting these shindigs, and, upon plying me with wine, have convinced me to attend. I was so impressed with some of the products that I felt compelled to share my short list of home-shopping parties worth attending yesterday on Twin Cities Live (welcome, viewers!). A few of the products are definitely Beauty Bets material—and are up for grabs today! Just leave a comment below with YOUR favorite home shopping party purchase and you might just scoop up one of the following:
AVON
I’ve said it before: This is not your mother’s Avon! The makeup formulas are as good as most department store brands but cost infinitely less (and always seem to be on sale). My picks: The mineral shadows and Ultra Rich lipstick, which reminds me of Lancome’s, and this ANEW Clinical Lift Eye Cream ($28). Carol Stopera, a fantastic makeup artist with whom I’ve worked on a number of fashion shoots, turned me on to it—and this from a woman who has tried everything on the market. The jar contains one part gel for firming and lifting the upper lid, and one part cream for fighting fine lines and dark circles.
ARBONNE
This massive Swiss company has legions of loyal followers. While I can’t speak to the makeup or skincare products, I am sold on the Figure 8 line, including the Cellulite Massager ($2.50). This nubby, hand-held device breaks up lymphatic congestion, which can manifest in cellulite or tender skin. I keep one in the shower and use it on my side-thighs where my massage therapist tells me I “carry my stress.” Did I mention that these are only $2.50? I’ve seen similar versions for 10 times that much at spas. So even if you don’t win the giveaway, buy a bunch for all your girlfriends online at arbonne.com. When prompted, you can use my rep’s sponsor ID# 17372543.
NORWEX
I hadn’t even heard of these cleaning products until when my neighbor hosted a party. Everything from Norwex is meant to be used without cleansers or chemicals. This is rather hard to comprehend, but all of the products contain silver, which actually destroy germs and bacteria within a matter of hours. In addition, all of the cleaning cloths—for dusting, wiping down countertops, etc.—are made from microfiber that’s 1/100 the size of human hair. This means that it picks up EVERYTHING. It’s like a mega-exfoliator, but feels incredibly gentle to the touch. Case in point: These Antibac Cloths ($16 for set of 3). You can actually wash your face with them WITHOUT CLEANSER. They even remove mascara with ONLY WATER. I didn’t believe it until I tried them, and now I’m trying to figure out how to part with my favorite face wash.
Filed Under: arbonne, avon, cleanser, detox, eye cream, norwex
I got a really pretty necklace at a Premiere Designs jewelry party. And there were some purchases at a Pure Romance party but, um, I won’t go into that here.
I’m a sucker for Lia Sophia parties. I love and hate them–love b/c the product is great. Hate b/c I always spend at least $100 before the party is over!
I’d be interested to hear your reasons for hating shopping parties.
I don’t think I’ve ever attended a home shopping party of any kind. Not even the naughty kind or a Tupperware shindig. Avon has always intrigued me though…
I’ve been to/held so many parties, I can’t decide which is my favorite purchase! From the naughty to the makeup to the Arbonne…I think my fav thing that I’ve gotten has been the citrus ginger hand scrub and lotion set from Arbonne. It makes my hands feel SO smooth and supple!! Speaking of which, maybe I should do that tonight… :)
I love Tastefully Simple. They are expensive, but everything is so yummy and the parties are great because you just get to chow on tasty food all night!
I have gone to a ton of home parties and in the last couple of years have really loved the CAbi parties. Their clothes are wonderful!!!!
I had a Pampered Chef bridal shower last summer…I’m usually not a fan of these home shopping parties but when everyone there is shopping on your behalf, it’s not quite as painful :)
I love the green on green Parallel pants from Matilda Jane Clothing I have purchased for my girls. In fact, I love pretty much everything I have gotten…and it’s a lot. The girls look adorable and draw any attention away from the fact I might not have gotten makeup on or *gulp* taken a shower that day. I’m completely addicted.
I have LOVED Avon products since I was a teenager! They have such a wide variety of beauty AND bath proucts, and they are so affordable! I have also heard wonderful things about Arbonne and have been curious about trying them.
I have to say that my favorite party is 1154 Lill purse parties. They always have interesting fabric choices. I love designing my own bag while watching my friends design theirs.
By the way, I am totally getting that cellulite tool.
I love Pampered Chef items, which is really weird because I hate to cook!
My favorite was a custom made dress for my daughter when she was about 5. She and her best friend had matching dresses made and had a tea party for their birthday and wore the dresses. Can’t remember the name of the company anymore as daughter is 18!
My favorite was face wash from a party a friend had. They had great makeup and cleansers.
I am a fan of Lia Sophia jewelry and I also like Arbonne’s NutriminC body wash and lotion. Sadly, they are no longer in my budget.
My favorite was a bracelet I got for my girlfriend. It was at a party my mom was hosting for her custom jewelry business and I made fun of her for trying to do a party (she makes all of it). It is called Hardwired.
Favorite was a custom made dress from a home party. Was for my daughter when turned 5 and she is now 18.
Erin, I have smelled that NutriminC body was from Arbonne and it’s amazing! But yes, splurgy!
Kalin, do you recall the brand?
I think the one and only purchase party I’ve been to was for Mary Kay. My mom took me when I was 14 so I could learn some makeup tips (my mother isn’t the makeup type). I loved the champagne cream eyeshadow I got!
I was once dragged kicking and screaming to an Arbonne party. Had never heard of the brand, and I generally don’t like home shopping parties anyway. Now I’m a huge fan of Arbonne’s Pampermint Foot Work Scrub and Soul Mate Lotion. Sadly, I think they only sell them during the holidays so I always buy multiples of them to last me the whole year!
I’m not really a huge fan of home parties either but I LOVE my garlic press from Pampered Chef.
Carrie, I love mine too! Do you have the can opener or any of the stoneware pans? Love!
I absolutely LOVE pampered chef! Getting new kitchen items makes me want to go to culinary school.Its a bit expensive though, Avon is a much more affordable treat.
Can’t live without the Beer Bread from Tastefully Simple. Love those parties because you get to chow down!
I’ve only been to one or two parties. My favorite of all time was the Satin Hands set by Mary Kay. I was a teenager and had never enjoyed the feeling of exfoliation like that before!
I like any kind of shopping where I don;t actually have to go to a mall or a store. I especially like things I can cook with or eat. Love all the Arbonne products. They smell awesome.
My wife and I went to a couples Pampered Chef party and I got the pizza stone. LOVE it!
I bought some handmade tutus at a home shopping/fundraising event that are very adorable. I also agree that Matilda Jane girls clothing is fantastic looking and well made.
I was recently introduced to Arbonne from a fellow makeup artist who regularly works on movie production sets and photo shoots. She borrowed me her kit to use the past week and I was pleasantly surprised how fantastic the makeup line is. The eye shadows are creamy and have great pigment, comparable to Dior or Chanel. The face primer is excellent for mature or dry skin, really fills in fine lines and smoothes dry areas for a flawless look after airbrush foundation. The lipsticks have beautiful colors and can double for a cream blush with a little blending. I used the makeup for a photo shoot and for a wedding party and will be adding items to my professional makeup kit for future work. Cheers!
Amy, who knew? My arbonne rep-friend Tracy loves the primer, too, but the recommendation means even more coming from a pro! Thanks for the insight . . . maybe *someone* needs to throw an Arbonne party! hint, hint.
I also have been to many home parties that have already been mentioned and love them. I was just recently at a party (but called a Soiree) with an extremely new company selling pure French skin care. It was Votre Vu and it was amazing, The Soiree was realy fun because there was French wine and chesses there to go with the theme. The products are made in Paris, smells amazing like nothing before, clean and fresh, it made me want to go to France. You all have to try it, you’ll be amazed.
The Norwex Antibac Cloths are awesome!! I used to use Arbone and I did like it but felt my acne was not getting better. I’ve used the cloths now from Norwex for almost a year now and they have cleared my face. Yes they take your make up off nicely and it does not stain the cloths. My face isn’t as red as it used to be either. A must try!!!
I also love the Primer from Arbonne! It makes your make up go on smoothly!