Younique Scam: Pyramid Scheme or MLM? [Review]

If you’re on the hunt for a Younique review, chances are you’re curious about whether or not it’s a pyramid scheme or a legit way to make money online. Maybe a friend or family member introduced you to this program, and now you’re wondering if it’s a scam.

It’s no secret that a lot of people are searching for ways to earn extra cash these days, and if you’re one of them, the idea of working from home with Younique might be tempting. 

As an online entrepreneur, I’ve reviewed a ton of programs like Younique over the years.

To give you the inside scoop, I’ve done my research on Younique so I can share my findings with you. And just so you know, I’m not affiliated with Younique in any way, which means I’m not being paid to write this review. You can count on me to give you an honest and unbiased assessment.

At the end of this review, I’ll even let you in on the best alternative to Younique that I’ve personally used to generate a full-time passive income online. So, let’s get started!

What is Younique?

Established in 2012, Younique is a multi-level marketing (MLM) company that specializes in selling makeup and other beauty products. It has become a household name in the industry in just a few years.

With over 500,000 distributors across the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand, Younique has an extensive network of sales representatives. They have embraced social media and digital platforms to reach new customers and host online “digital parties.” Each Younique presenter has their own website to promote and sell their products, making it easy to find new customers and employees through social media.

Younique’s message is all about empowerment and chasing your dreams. They use inspiring phrases like “Believe in yourself!” and “Work toward your dreams!” to attract people to their MLM program.

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Who Founded Younique?

Younique, the cosmetics and skincare brand that has been shaking up the industry since 2012, has some unique roots. It was founded by brother and sister duo, Derek Maxfield and Melanie Huscroft, who wanted to create a business that could help survivors of childhood abuse heal and find hope.

Derek had been working for 12 years developing software for the biggest players in the direct marketing business. He saw untapped potential in the industry and wanted to create a simplified digital experience for sales representatives. This is where Younique’s social marketing and digital parties come in – making it easier for presenters to run their businesses from their phones, anywhere and anytime.

Melanie brought her own set of skills to the table, including advertising, art, marketing, buying, sales, and a keen eye for style and appeal. Together with Derek, she helped create a completely new direct marketing experience that has become the hallmark of Younique.

Thanks to their unique backgrounds and expertise, the siblings were able to launch a cosmetics and skincare brand that has helped countless people find healing and hope.

What Products Does Younique Offer?

Younique is all about creating beauty products that are inspired by nature, love, and science. They offer a wide range of cosmetics and skincare items that are made with natural ingredients, ensuring that their customers look and feel great without compromising their health.

Their cosmetic line features eye products like eyeliner and mascara, lip products like lip gloss and lipstick, and face products like foundation, bronzer, and blush. On the other hand, their skincare line includes masks, cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers.

One of their best-selling products is the Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes, which is a lash thickening and lengthening product that has become their flagship product. Their other popular products include Touch Mineral fluid foundation, Moodstruck Dash liquid lipstick, and Moodstruck Legendary mascara.

Younique takes pride in using natural ingredients in their products, with most of them containing at least 95% natural ingredients. For the remaining 5%, they make sure that they are free from potentially harmful artificial scents, colors, or fillers.

Although the FDA approves color additives in makeup (except for coal tar hair dyes), they do not have the legal authority to approve makeup before it is sold. However, makeup must be safe to use if customers follow the instructions on the label or use them in the usual or desired manner. Companies and individuals who sell makeup are legally obligated to ensure the safety and labeling of their products.

Rest assured that Younique follows these regulations to ensure that their products are safe and classified correctly. If the FDA finds solid proof that a cosmetic on the market is broken or mislabeled, they will take action to protect public health.

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Is Younique an MLM?

Yes, Younique is an MLM. But what exactly is an MLM? Well, an MLM or multilevel marketing company is a type of direct sales or network marketing company where you don’t earn a fixed salary. Instead, you earn money by recruiting others to join your business and become part of your downline.

Here’s how it works: When you hire someone and they start making sales or recruiting more people, you earn a commission on their sales and recruits. This commission trickles up to the people above you, and so on. So, the more people you recruit, the more money you can potentially earn.

In Younique’s case, you can earn up to $1,100 by recruiting 10 people. While Younique does offer a wide range of products, most people in MLMs prefer to recruit others because they can earn a lifetime passive income from their downline. Selling a product, on the other hand, only gives them a one-time commission.

As you might imagine, people at the top of the MLM pyramid make the most money, while those at the bottom make the least. The ultimate goal for someone working in an MLM company like Younique is to have as many people in their downline as possible, allowing them to earn larger amounts of passive income.

So, if you’re thinking about joining Younique or any other MLM, be sure to do your research and understand how the company works before jumping in. While some people do make a lot of money in MLMs, many others end up losing money or barely breaking even.

You may also want to read our article on the top MLM companies.

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Is Younique A Pyramid Scheme?

No, Younique is not a pyramid scheme. A pyramid scheme promises you money or services in exchange for recruiting others, beware of pyramid schemes. They’re a scam that’s unsustainable and, in the end, members lose money as the number of recruits increases. 

Here’s how it works: you pay a fee to an organization that runs the pyramid scheme, and you get a portion of the funds raised from each additional member you recruit. The top directors get most of the payments, and the only source of revenue is from recruiting new members and soliciting more money from current members.

However, Younique is not a pyramid scheme. It’s possible for members of the company to make money by selling their products, and they don’t have to rely solely on recruitment. Unlike a pyramid scheme, Younique sells valuable goods and services, such as makeup and skincare products.

In a pyramid scheme, workers usually promote the company rather than the product they’re selling. But in Younique, members promote and sell their high-quality cosmetics to customers, earning a commission on each sale. The focus is on selling products, not just recruiting new members.

Moreover, Younique has a compensation plan that rewards members based on their sales, not just their recruitment. Younique’s compensation plan is designed to encourage members to sell products and build their own customer base, rather than just recruit more people to join the company.

• Learn more about the differences between MLM and pyramid scheme. 

Watch the short video below to learn more:

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How Younique Works: Become a Style Consultant and Start Your Own Beauty Business

When you join Younique, you become a style consultant, which means you can start your own beauty business from home or online.

The first step is to purchase the makeup products that you want to sell. Then, you can sell them to make a profit. But, you can also team up with others to help with marketing while you train them. This way, Younique consultants can earn compensation for the sales made by those they work with.

However, Younique has been criticized for being a pyramid scheme because of its multi-level marketing structure. To be eligible for rewards and payments, you must have made a certain number of sales. Unfortunately, many consultants are unable to meet these sales targets and end up missing out on payments and rewards.

Overall, if you’re interested in joining Younique, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and challenges involved in this type of business model.

• Learn more about the legit ways to make money online

Younique’s Compensation Plan

If you’re thinking about joining Younique, it’s important to understand the company’s compensation plan. The good news is that there are two ways to earn money with Younique.

Firstly, you can earn a commission by selling the company’s products. Secondly, you can recruit new team members and earn bonuses from their purchases or sales. However, it’s worth noting that recruiting is often the key to making a consistent income.

The Younique compensation plan is divided into eight color ranks, which indicate how much a presenter is paid. These ranks are White, Yellow, Pink, Blue, Green, Orange, Purple, and Black. Your rank is determined by a number of factors, including your individual retail sales (PRS), firm wholesale sales (CWS), and the number of team members you personally hire and recruit.

As a White Presenter, you’ll earn 20% commission on your sales. However, this increases to 30% once you reach Black Presenter status. Once you reach Pink status, you can start earning money from your downline.

Overall, understanding the Younique compensation plan is crucial for anyone looking to make money with the company. So, take the time to familiarize yourself with the different ranks and requirements, and start building your team today.

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How Much Does It Cost To Join Younique?

If you’re interested in joining, you need to have a sponsor. But if you don’t know any Younique presenters, don’t worry! The company can connect you with one.

To get started, you need to purchase a starter kit, which costs $35. While waiting for your starter kit, you can take advantage of Youniversity Training program. This program will teach you about customer service and advertising, which is essential for your success as a Younique presenter.

When you sign up, you’ll also receive a personal website that comes with an online store. This will make it easy for you to start working from home right away, which is perfect for those who prefer to work remotely.

However, it’s essential to note that there are requirements to remain active as a Younique presenter. According to the compensation plan, you need to sell 125 “PUBLIC RELATIONS,” or approximately $125 worth of products, every three months.

In summary, joining Younique costs $35 for a starter kit, and you need to sell $125 worth of products every three months to remain active.

Is Younique a Scam?

Legally speaking, Younique is not a scam. According to the Oxford Living Dictionary, a scam is defined as “a dishonest scheme; a fraud,” and Younique does not fit that description.

But the bigger question is: Can you actually make money selling Younique products? Well, the reality is that most Younique reps do not earn any money. However, there are a few success stories out there. The catch is that you have to put in a lot of effort, and often, the way to make big bucks from Younique is by aggressively recruiting new members.

To make matters worse, Younique has been known to make misleading and irresponsible marketing claims to lure people into joining their program. This has understandably led some people to view Younique as a scam.

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Reasons Why I Don’t Recommend Younique

If you are considering joining Younique MLM, it is important to be aware of the potential issues.

Biased Reviews

Most of the positive reviews about Younique MLM are written by affiliates who earn a commission by promoting the company. It’s important to read reviews from non-affiliates to get an unbiased opinion.

Difficult to Make Money

The statistics show that most MLM members lose money. Younique’s sales quotas can be challenging to meet, and you may end up spending more money than you earn.

Reframing Losses as Investments

Younique uplines may try to reframe financial losses as investments, but in reality, you are unlikely to see a return on your investment.

Cult-like Culture

MLMs like Younique can have a cult-like culture that discourages critical thinking and isolates reps from their friends and family.

You May Need to Buy Products Yourself

If you don’t have a large network of contacts, you may end up having to purchase Younique products yourself every month, which can be expensive.

Overpriced Products

Younique products are often overpriced, making them difficult to sell compared to similar products offered by other brands.

Bad Reputation

MLMs like Younique have a bad reputation because the majority of the commissions are paid to those at the top of the pyramid, leaving those at the bottom with little to no profit.

Exaggerated Income Claims

Younique, like other MLMs, makes exaggerated income claims that are often unrealistic.

Recruiting is Essential for Success

Recruiting is a major focus of Younique MLM, and if you don’t recruit, it’s unlikely that you’ll make any money.

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Pros of Joining Younique MLM

High-Quality Products

One of the biggest draws of Younique is the quality of its products. The company has a reputation for using high-quality ingredients and creating products that are both effective and safe for all skin types. If you’re passionate about cosmetics and skincare, Younique’s products are definitely worth checking out.

Simple to Join

Joining Younique is a relatively simple process. You just need to find a sponsor, purchase a starter kit, and start selling. The company provides a lot of training and support for new distributors, so you don’t need to worry about being left to figure things out on your own.

Well-Known Company

Younique is a well-known company in the MLM world. It has been around since 2012 and has a large and dedicated following. This means that there is already a market for the products, and you’ll have an easier time finding customers than you would with a lesser-known MLM company.

Cons of Joining Younique MLM

Small Earnings

One of the biggest downsides of joining Younique is that it’s possible to earn only a small amount of money. While some distributors have been very successful, the vast majority earn very little. This is a common issue with MLM companies, as only a small percentage of distributors are able to make a full-time income.

Pricey Scheme

Another downside of Younique is that it can be quite expensive to get started. You’ll need to purchase a starter kit, which can cost hundreds of dollars, and you’ll also need to buy products to sell. This can be a significant investment, especially if you’re not sure how much you’ll be able to sell.

Losing Popularity

Finally, it’s worth noting that Younique is losing popularity. While it was once a very popular MLM company, its popularity has declined in recent years. This means that there may be less demand for the products, making it harder to find customers and make sales.

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Final Verdict

So, after analysing Younique, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s not the best way to make money. Don’t get me wrong – it’s possible to make money with Younique, but it’s definitely not easy.

When you’re starting out, it can be a struggle to find people who are interested in joining your commission. Plus, it can be pretty awkward to ask your friends and family to join – I mean, who wants to be that person?

To make matters worse, your upline will keep pushing you to buy more Business Support Material even when you’re not making any progress. It’s no surprise that most people who join MLMs like Younique end up losing money – according to a case study on the FTC’s website, 99% of people who join MLMs either break even or lose money.

Honestly, the pressure to succeed in an MLM can be overwhelming and is often the reason why people quit. If you’re looking for a flexible way to earn money without the stress, starting your own online business might be a better option.

Of course, building an online business takes time and effort, but the rewards are worth it. You’ll have the freedom to work from anywhere, set your own schedule, and promote the things you actually care about. Plus, you won’t have to pressure your friends and family to join your downline!

Let me tell you more in the next section.

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Is There a Better Way to Make Money Online?

If you’re just starting your online business journey, you’re probably wondering which platform to choose. Well, let me tell you, Younique isn’t your best bet. Instead, I recommend Wealthy Affiliate – it’s my #1 choice!

Wealthy Affiliate is an all-in-one platform that can help you build your affiliate marketing business from scratch. With a free account, you’ll get access to top-notch web hosting services, keyword research tools, community support, comprehensive training, writing tools, and other software to help you build your online business step-by-step.

Not only can you register for a free account with Wealthy Affiliate, but you can also get started with affiliate marketing right away without paying a penny. And if you like what you see, you can upgrade to a premium membership to get access to everything on the platform – no upsells afterward!

You may read our article about the difference between MLM and affiliate marketing.

So, how much can you earn with Wealthy Affiliate? Well, one 21-year-old student was able to earn $7,395 in just one week – that’s more than $1k a day!

You can read our full review of Wealthy Affiliate here.

And Wealthy Affiliate has a long history, having been established for 15 years with many success stories in the past decade. In fact, Wealthy Affiliate has over a million members, so you can see how popular and successful this platform is.

To join Wealthy Affiliate, it’s super easy – they have a simple pricing scheme with a free and premium membership. The premium membership only costs $49/month or $395/year. But if you want to try it out first, you can sign up for the free starter membership with no credit card required. As a starter member, you’ll get instant access to the community, live chat, over 500 training modules, 2 classrooms, networking, commenting, 1 free website, access to the keyword tool, and more – all without paying a penny!

So what are you waiting for? I strongly recommend you register for a free account and see for yourself how great Wealthy Affiliate is.

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