Think You Know
Avon?
The story of Avon is one of the most remarkable in business history — a travelling book salesman, a free perfume sample, and a radical belief that women deserved economic freedom. Over 135 years later, that belief has created a global beauty movement.
“I love how Avon offers everyone the chance to earn doing ‘Beauty Your Way.’ The flexibility and support make it perfect whether you’re juggling kids, a job or just life in general.”
The Origin
It Started With a Free Perfume Sample
In the 1880s, David H. McConnell was a door-to-door book salesman struggling to make ends meet. To entice customers, he began offering free perfume samples with every book purchase. He quickly noticed something remarkable: his customers were far more excited about the perfume than the books.
In September 1886, McConnell made a bold decision. He abandoned the books entirely, mixed his first fragrances himself in a small New York City office, and founded the California Perfume Company. Crucially, he recruited women as his sales force — a radical idea at a time when female entrepreneurship was almost unheard of.
His first representative, Mrs P.F.E. Albee, became the blueprint for the Avon model: an independent businesswoman, working on her own terms, building genuine relationships with customers in her community. That model, born 34 years before women in the US could vote, is still the heart of Avon today.
135+ Years
The Avon Timeline
Click any era to read the full story. From a single perfume sample to a billion-dollar global brand.
The Products
Explore the Range
From cult-classic skincare to iconic fragrances — Avon's product range spans every aspect of beauty.
Science-Backed Skincare
Avon's skincare range is built on genuine scientific innovation. The ANEW collection was the first mass-market line to use AHA technology in 1992, and today's Protinol™ formula is clinically proven to restore collagen balance. From the cult-classic Skin So Soft bath oil to the ANEW Power Serum, Avon skincare delivers real results at accessible prices.
Did you know? Avon pioneered the use of stabilised retinol in 1986 — years before it became a mainstream skincare ingredient.
Popular Products
Beyond Beauty
Beauty With Purpose
Avon has always believed that beauty should do more than look good. Over $1 billion has been raised for causes that matter.
Breast Cancer Crusade
Since 1992, Avon UK has been a leading force in breast cancer awareness and fundraising. Through the sale of pink ribbon pins, special products, and fundraising events, Avon has raised millions of pounds for breast cancer research, education, and early detection programmes across the UK.
Supporting Women
The Avon Foundation for Women has funded domestic violence prevention programmes, survivor support services, and community education initiatives worldwide. In 2020 alone, Avon's UK community raised over £1 million to keep charities open during the pandemic and support those who needed it most.
Test Yourself
Avon Trivia Quiz
How well do you really know Avon? Answer true or false.
"Avon was originally called 'The California Perfume Company'."
Common Questions
About Avon — FAQs
Shop with a Local Rep
Find an independent Avon representative near you and support a local small business while getting the best beauty products delivered to your door.
Find Your Local RepBecome a Representative
Join over 6 million people worldwide who have built their own beauty business with Avon. No experience needed, no joining fee, and you can start earning immediately.
Get Started TodayIn Their Own Words
Real Avon reps share what the opportunity has meant for them.
“I love how Avon offers everyone the chance to earn doing 'Beauty Your Way.' The flexibility and support Avon provides make it perfect whether you're juggling kids, a job or just life in general. If I can do it, you can! It's such a privilege to share my story and hopefully inspire you to go out and follow your dreams.”
"As a busy mum who works full time I don't have lots of time to put into Avon, so I have to maximise my time, using it wisely to generate that extra income. I love what Avon has given me, the training available is phenomenal and you can pick and choose when you work."
"I work my business around my part-time job. In the evenings I use social media to promote my business, and on my day off I like to get out in the local community. I can be anywhere in the world and still earn, that's the beauty of it. One day Avon will be my sole income."
"I joined Avon 12 years ago as a uni student looking to earn some extra money. I've built my own team with Avon and I love that I can be my own boss, work around my boys and have complete financial freedom."
Testimonials sourced from avon.uk.com. Earnings vary by individual effort, customer base, and market conditions.