This 1970s AVON cover isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s a snapshot of beauty history. As I hold it in my hands, I feel connected to generations of women who flipped through these pages, discovering their next hair color. AVON wasn’t just selling products—they were building confidence, one catalog at a time. And today, while so much has changed, that legacy of trust and empowerment still lives on.

Before the clicks and carts, there were catalogs like this.

When most people think of AVON, they picture a lipstick in a classic tube or a friendly face at their door with a catalog in hand. But AVON’s story goes far beyond beauty—it’s a legacy that began in 1886, long before the beauty industry was what it is today.


David H. McConnell (1858–1937), founder of Avon Products. Image is in the public domain.

It all started with a traveling book salesman named David H. McConnell, who noticed that his customers were more drawn to the free perfume samples he offered than the books he sold. That spark of insight led him to create the California Perfume Company, which eventually became AVON. What set AVON apart from the beginning was not just the product—but the empowerment of women. At a time when women had limited career options, AVON gave them the chance to earn income on their own terms. That part of their story truly inspires me. I wouldn’t be here today, doing what I love, if leaders like Mr. McConnell hadn’t helped open the way for women in America to build something of their own.


Persis Foster Eames Albee (1836–1914), the first Avon Lady and “Mother of the California Perfume Company.” Photograph circa late 1800s. Public domain.

She Knocked on the Door—and Opened One for All of Us!

In 1886, McConnell recruited Persis Foster Eames Albee—a 50-year-old widow and shopkeeper from Winchester, New Hampshire—as his very first sales agent. Her story offers yet another powerful example of a woman stepping into purpose well beyond her so-called golden years… ah, so inspiring!

Albee pioneered the now-iconic “Avon Lady” model: traveling by buggy and rail, she demonstrated perfumes door‑to‑door, trained other women, and built the company’s first sales network. Dubbed the “Mother of the California Perfume Company,” she served for 25 years, trained over 5,000 representatives, and laid the foundation for Avon’s global, women‑led sales force .

A Beauty Brand to be Reckoned With

Over the decades, AVON evolved with the times. From elegant fragrance bottles in the early 1900s to the iconic lipsticks and Skin So Soft of the 80s and 90s, AVON stayed in tune with beauty trends while keeping one promise: high-quality products people could trust. The brand didn’t just speak to women—it also introduced colognes and grooming products for men, expanding its reach while staying rooted in care and quality. While the way we shop has changed—hello, digital catalogs and online orders—the heart of AVON hasn’t. It’s still about real connections, real results, and real trust.


Straight from the ‘70s—this AVON Indian Chieftan hair lotion is one of my favorite vintage finds. It’s more than a cool bottle—it’s a reminder that AVON has been creating standout products (and bold packaging!) for decades. Owning pieces like this makes me feel connected to the brand’s deep history.

Today, AVON partners with advanced labs and trusted global manufacturers, ensuring that every product—from skincare to makeup—is backed by science and made with care. Even as operations moved from company-owned factories to expert partners, the commitment to quality and safety has never been stronger.

I’m not just about Avon’s past—I’m a living part of its present. One of my favorite pieces is this leopard-print tote bag, a signature Avon exclusive that turns heads every time I carry it. It’s bold, timeless, and totally my vibe—just like the brand itself. Whether it’s a vintage catalog from 1960’s or a bag I snagged in the last decade, I love seeing how Avon continues to celebrate beauty, fashion, and empowered women across generations.


Avon’s Beautiful Safari Tote Bag — a favorite piece from my personal collection.

What started as a small perfume business has become a worldwide beauty brand with over a century of history—and it’s still going strong. And that’s what makes AVON so special: it grows, adapts, reinvents—but never forgets where it came from.

From Vintage Catalogs to Digital Brochures ✨

It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come—from the charm of hand-illustrated pages to the convenience of browsing beauty favorites on your phone or laptop. You can explore my current digital brochure here:

👉 Avon Brochure

And as you flip through, just remember how far Avon has come—and how its legacy keeps blooming with every page. 💄

What’s your favorite Avon memory or product—something that’s made you feel confident or cared for over the years? I’d love to hear your stories!