Younique: My Honest Review of a Brand That Sparks Curiosity

Are you hesitating to try Younique but the mixed reviews are holding you back?

Some women absolutely love it and swear by their makeup, while others openly express distrust, especially because of its business model based on network marketing (MLM).

The result: you’ve heard everything and its opposite, and you’re probably wondering if these products are really worth it.

I completely understand. At first, like many, I was skeptical about companies that operate without physical stores, relying solely on independent ambassadors. I know this model can be confusing and sometimes raises suspicion—it’s even been called a “cult” or a pyramid scheme (which honestly makes me laugh today).

But after discovering various brands that follow this model (like Nu Skin), I reconsidered my opinion.

And the reason I’m writing this article is that Younique managed to clear up my doubts and convince me with the quality and effectiveness of their products. In fact, I even became an affiliate after being a satisfied customer, that’s saying something!

So here I share my genuine opinion on Younique products and explain why this brand now has an important place in my beauty routine.

Shall we get started?

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Get 10% off when you purchase 2 products, 20% off when you purchase 4 products, plus a beautiful free gift when you buy 3 products 🎁✨ by simply shopping through the link to my Younique store:

The discounts and free gift are automatically applied once the products are added to your cart (see example below).

💄💬 If you need help choosing, feel free to share your needs or concerns in the comments below this article, or email me at opheliesjourney@gmail.com

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Who is Younique?

Younique is an American cosmetics company founded in 2012 in Utah, United States. It was created by a brother-sister duo, Derek Maxfield and Mélanie Huscroft, driven by a mission: “uplift, empower, validate” women around the world.

Basically, from the very beginning, Younique positions itself as more than just a makeup brand, a movement aimed at making women feel more confident, empowered, and supportive of one another.

In fact, Younique has its own charitable foundation (called Saprea) dedicated to fighting child sexual abuse and supporting survivors. So, it’s a brand built on strong human values.

From a business perspective, Younique operates through network marketing (MLM), meaning direct sales through ambassadors.

Today, Younique is present in around ten countries worldwide and has thousands of distributors.

The growth has been explosive: by 2017, Younique claimed more than 230,000 active presenters globally, thanks to a strategy focused on online sales and social media. This success even caught the attention of the giant Coty (brands like Bourjois, Rimmel, etc.), which bought 60% of Younique in 2017 (later selling its stake in 2019). Needless to say, this is not some small unknown startup!

Younique’s specialty is makeup.

The brand offers a wide range of cosmetics for the face, eyes, and lips. They also have some skincare products for the skin, and more recently, beauty supplements like a collagen drink.

In terms of positioning, Younique aims for premium. The price of the products reflects this well: expect about 33€ for a mascara, around 45€ for a foundation, ~30€ for a lipstick… these prices are similar to major perfumery brands.

But how’s the quality? Let’s find out in a moment. 😉

A word about MLM: from a skeptical customer to a confident affiliate

Honestly, I never thought I’d ever ‘do MLM’, and here I am writing this article as a convinced Younique affiliate.

The key is to do it in alignment with your values (honesty, no pressure) and for the right reasons (passion for the products, not just for profit). And you know me, my passion is testing and talking about beauty. If on top of that it can help me earn a little extra, what more could I ask for 

When you don’t know, you often imagine shady pyramid schemes where only those at the top make money and where you’re constantly pressured to recruit your friends… 😒 Clearly, there have been abuses in the history of network marketing, that’s undeniable and it taints the companies that do it right.

However, MLM itself is not a scam. In the case of Younique, I was able to verify several reassuring points:

• No mandatory inventory or huge upfront investment to get started.
• No pressure to recruit endlessly.
• Reasonable commissions and a genuine product behind it.

Just a little backstory, I first bought a few products out of curiosity. I loved them. Then I bought more… I started talking about them to people around me because I was so enthusiastic. And bit by bit, I thought, “Why not officially become an affiliate, since I’m already recommending the brand?”

Today, I have my status as an Independent Home-based Seller (VDI), and my own Younique online boutique… and my opinion remains just as honest. I value transparency with you: if a product is mediocre, I’ll say so, even if I could sell it. My goal isn’t to pressure you but to share a genuine experience.

Quality and ingredients of Younique products

Now let’s get to the Younique products themselves. Because, MLM or not, what really matters is that the makeup is high-quality, effective, and pleasant to use, right?

🌱 Natural and non-toxic ingredients

A major strength of Younique is the composition of its products. The brand highlights the use of natural and mineral ingredients in its formulas.

For example, their liquid foundation (which I discuss in detail below) is enriched with natural extracts, paraben-free, and contains active skincare ingredients. The same goes for their lipsticks and eyeshadows: they avoid irritating junk as much as possible.

I always take a close look at the ingredient lists and overall, I feel confident and at ease.

Younique makeup is also presented as hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and clinically tested. And I can confirm, I experienced no reactions to the products. No surprise breakouts, no red eyes from the mascara… All good, my skin tolerates them very well.

🐹 No animal testing

Another essential aspect for me: animal ethics. Younique proudly claims to be 100% cruelty-free, meaning they perform no animal testing on their formulas or ingredients.

They are not yet certified by Leaping Bunny or PETA (official certifications), but their website clearly states that they do not conduct animal testing and work with manufacturers who share these values.

Additionally, they pay attention to the sustainability of their sourcing: for example, their new collagen comes from responsibly caught fish (marine collagen) to avoid overfishing.

You can feel their genuine commitment to being clean and ethical, which is really appreciated.

💄 Professional quality: pigments, lasting power, etc.

All of that sounds great, but does the makeup really hold up against major brands?

Honestly, yes.

I was amazed by the pigmentation of the eyeshadows (the colors really show up on the eyelid without needing 10 layers). The lipsticks also have great lasting power – special shoutout to the matte liquid lipsticks that don’t dry out the lips any more than usual and last for hours.

For tinted products, the wear matches that of my MAC or Estée Lauder products without any issue: a foundation that doesn’t oxidize during the day, a concealer that doesn’t settle too much into fine lines…

Honestly, if I were given these to test blindly, I would have guessed they were professional-grade makeup from Sephora.

Clearly, Younique focuses on quality to ensure positive word-of-mouth, and you can really feel it.

The feedback from my clients (and friends) whom I let test the products has been very positive (“Wow, this mascara is something else!”, “The foundation looks incredibly natural on my skin”…). Come on, let me share my detailed product tests with you!

My reviews of a few Younique products I’ve tried

I’ve had the chance to try quite a few products from the brand (my bathroom is overflowing with products 😅). Here’s a spotlight on three iconic Younique products that I’ve incorporated into my routine, along with my honest opinion on each.

Moodstruck Epic 4D Mascara: a best-seller worth checking out

The Moodstruck Epic 4D mascara is Younique’s top seller and the product through which I discovered the brand.

This fiber mascara promises a “false lash” effect in just one coat, thanks to its formula enriched with Y-shaped microfibers and its ultra-smart 2-in-1 brush.

The first time I applied it, I said “wow” in front of the mirror: my lashes instantly looked longer and thicker, without clumps.

With one coat, my eyes were already nicely defined. With two coats, you get a volume and length level worthy of false lashes – perfect for a night out or whenever you want eyes that really pop.

I also appreciate its lasting power: it barely flakes throughout the day (no ‘tiny black specks’ under the eyes by the end of the day, thankfully).

Yet, it’s still easy to remove and doesn’t hurt my sensitive little lashes.

In short, stunning effect and comfort — I understand why this mascara is such a hit.

A little personal tip: I zigzag the brush well at the lash base, then roll it upward (the technique recommended by the brand), which helps spread the fibers even better. The result: multiplied lashes without the upkeep required by lash extensions.

I even compared it to Too Faced’s Better Than Sex: Younique 4D beats it in volume and the wow effect achieved.

In short, if you’re looking for a mascara that gives a false-lash effect without glue or salon appointments, the Moodstruck Epic 4D is a reliable choice at Younique. I 100% recommend it for those who want doe-like lashes. 🦌

Younique Touch serum foundation: perfect complexion with total lightness

In the complexion category, the product that won me over is the Younique liquid serum foundation.

This is a 2-in-1 foundation that combines skincare and makeup. The promise: to hydrate, protect, and enhance the skin while evening out the complexion. Once again, I was curious to see how it performs… and I’m not disappointed!

First, the packaging is practical: a bottle with a pipette (dropper) that allows precise dosing. The texture is ultra-lightweight (almost like tinted water): just shake the bottle, place a few drops on a brush or sponge, and apply.

The formula contains ‘skincare’ ingredients like an amino acid derivative that protects against blue light and environmental stress. Basically, while it makes up your skin, it also takes care of it by hydrating and gently plumping the epidermis.

On application, it’s pure pleasure: it glides effortlessly, blends into the skin quickly without leaving streaks.

The coverage is customizable: with 2-3 drops, I get a super natural finish, an improved bare skin effect, and if I need more coverage (on redness or small imperfections), I add one or two more drops and gently tap on the areas to conceal.

The result stays light and very radiant, without any cakey or “mask” effect that you sometimes get with certain full-coverage foundations.

See for yourself in this before/after:

Throughout the day, the foundation holds up well. I lightly set it with powder in the morning and then don’t touch it again. By the end of the day, my complexion still looks good: the product doesn’t oxidize (doesn’t turn orange), doesn’t settle into fine lines, and I don’t shine more than I do with other foundations.

I also appreciate that it doesn’t dry out my skin at all; on the contrary, when I wear it, my skin stays comfortable from morning to evening, without any tightness. This is where you can really see the hydrating care side of the formula.

This serum foundation comes in about 25 shades, with plenty of different undertones, so there’s a good chance you’ll find the perfect color for you (personally, I have my exact winter shade AND summer shade, and I alternate).

The 30 ml bottle lasts me quite a while since only a small amount is needed each time (about 5 drops for the entire face and neck).

In terms of price, it’s high-end (~45€), but honestly, it’s totally worth it: the quality delivers.

It has become one of my favorite all-purpose foundations. It’s especially suitable if you’re looking for a lightweight foundation with a natural finish that also benefits your skin.

A real favorite for me, who’s picky about foundations! 💖

Younique Daily·You Collagen: my skin loves it, my wallet not so much…

Let’s move on to a slightly different product, which isn’t makeup but a beauty supplement: the famous Younique liquid collagen, called Daily·You Collagen Shot.

You may have seen the trend of liquid collagen sticks to take daily. Younique has joined in with this product, and as a true beauty addict, I wanted to try it to see if it really makes a difference to my skin.

Le Collagen Daily·You comes in small individual sachets of 30 ml, with a tropical flavor (a pleasant mango/pineapple taste). Each dose contains 5000 mg of hydrolyzed marine collagen, along with vitamins (C, etc.) and hyaluronic acid.

The idea is to boost collagen production from within the skin to improve its elasticity, hydration, and reduce wrinkles/fine lines.

On paper, the benefits sound amazing: according to the brand’s clinical studies, daily use for 4 to 8 weeks visibly reduces wrinkles, making the skin smoother, hydrated, and radiant.

After a one-month course, here’s what I can say: my skin is definitely super hydrated and plump lately, and I even received compliments like “What are you using? You look great!” Coincidence or a true effect of collagen? Hard to prove, but I want to believe it helps.

I also noticed that my nails grew faster and my hair was healthier – collagen often has this “bonus” effect on hair and nails. In any case, I had no adverse reactions. The product is also gluten-free, lactose-free, and GMO-free.

The real downside of this collagen… is its price! 😬 It’s about 100€ per month (there are 30 packets). Ouch. It’s definitely a luxury treat. The brand offers a subscription system to save 10%, but it’s still quite an investment in the long run.

Personally, I use it as a short-term treatment when I want to give my skin a boost (for example, before summer to prepare my skin, or after winter when my complexion looks dull).

Verdict on the Collagen: it’s a beautiful, innovative product that fits into the in and out trend (beauty from within). I really like that Younique is expanding beyond pure makeup, showing a holistic approach to beauty.

If you have the budget and the desire to try, I can tell you that the taste is good and that my skin appreciates it. But it’s not an instant miracle product either, it remains a supplement: you have to be consistent (every day) and patient to see results.

Younique vs Nu Skin: why I embraced both 🥰

As you know, I have been a Nu Skin distributor for many years and I’m completely satisfied (their high-tech anti-aging devices like the LumiSpa iO have transformed my skin).

However, Nu Skin has a small weakness : makeup. Their make-up line, called Nu Colour, is very limited. They do have a few make-up products – a mascara here, a lipstick there, a BB cream – but that’s not their core business.

That’s what led me to look elsewhere for makeup, and that’s when Younique entered my life.

For me, Nu Skin and Younique are more complementary than competitive:

• Nu Skin excels in high-tech skincare, beauty supplements, innovative devices, and more.
• While Younique is specialized in makeup. Their true strength is the wide range of trendy makeup products, with lots of choices in colors and textures. For example, Younique offers several different mascaras depending on the desired effect (4D volume, Twisted mascara to catch every lash, etc.), highly pigmented eyeshadow palettes, highlighters, dozens of lipstick shades, and more. It’s paradise for makeup lovers 🎨💄. They also have some skincare products, certainly, but those are simpler and not really their main focus.

So, in my current beauty routine, I use a blend of both brands: Nu Skin devices and treatment skincare to maintain beautiful skin (for example, the Galvanic Spa for wrinkles and fine lines), then I do my makeup with Younique products to enhance it all. And since both are MLM brands, I enjoy the benefits from both sides by being an affiliate of one (Younique) and a distributor with a team for the other (Nu Skin).

If you were already a fan of Nu Skin but frustrated with the makeup options, Younique can fill that gap. And conversely, if you love Younique makeup, you might want to check out Nu Skin devices for your skincare.

How to buy Younique products?

If at this point in the article you feel like trying Younique products, you might be wondering how to buy them since they’re not available in stores. Don’t worry: it’s very simple, everything is done online.

1. Click here to visit my Younique store or on the button below.
2. Shop just like on any e-commerce site by adding products to your cart.
3. Once in your cart, you can create an account or check out as a guest.
4. Fill in your address and other usual details…

And that’s it! Time for you to enjoy your makeup shopping comfortably from behind your computer. 😉

The products will be shipped quickly to your home (usually allow 5 to 7 business days for delivery within mainland France).

Plus, you benefit from Younique’s ‘Love It’ guarantee: if you don’t love a product, you have 14 days to return it, even if opened, for exchange or refund. Pretty cool, right?

In conclusion…

I hope my review of Younique products has helped shed some light on this unique makeup brand.

To sum it up in a few words: Younique is an MLM cosmetics company that offers quality makeup products (natural, cruelty-free, effective) through a network of ambassadors. My opinion after trying many of their products is very positive.

Now, the best way for you to form your own opinion is to try it yourself! 😉 So why not start today? Your skin deserves this little boost, right? Come on, it’s your turn!

And you, did you know about Younique? Which product would tempt you the most (or do you already like) from their range? Let’s meet in the comments. 👇

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