Younique: my honest review about the products

Are you hesitating to try Younique but conflicting reviews make you hesitate?

Some women are completely fans and swear only by their makeup, while others openly express their skepticism, especially because of its business model based on network marketing (MLM).

Result: you’ve heard everything and the opposite, and you’re probably wondering if these famous products are really worth it.

I understand you very well. At first, like many, I was skeptical about these companies that operate without physical stores, only through independent ambassadors. I know this model can be confusing and sometimes breeds suspicion – people even talk about a ‘cult’ or a pyramidal system (which makes me laugh today).

But after discovering different brands that work with this model (like Nu Skin), I revisited my opinion.

And if I am writing this article, it is because Younique has managed to dispel my doubts and convince me through the quality and effectiveness of its products. And yes, I even became an affiliate after being a satisfied customer, which says a lot!

Here I am sharing my genuine opinion on Younique products and explaining why this brand now has a firm place in my beauty routine.

Shall we go?

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To enjoy 10% off when you buy 2 products, 20% off when you buy 4 products, as well as a lovely free gift when you purchase 3 products 🎁✨, simply shop via the link to my Younique boutique:

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

💄💬 If you need help choosing, feel free to share your needs or concerns in the comments under 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, USA. It was created by a brother-sister duo, Derek Maxfield and Melanie Huscroft, driven by a mission: ‘uplift, empower, validate’ women around the world.

Basically, from the start, Younique positions itself as more than a makeup brand, a movement to make women more confident, autonomous, and supportive of each other.

Moreover, Younique has its own charitable foundation (called Saprea) dedicated to fighting child sexual abuse and supporting survivors. It’s a brand with strong human values.

In terms of business, Younique operates in network marketing (MLM), meaning direct sales through ambassadors.

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

The rise was rapid: as early as 2017, Younique claimed to have more than 230,000 active presenters globally, thanks to a strategy focused on online sales and social networks. This success even caught the attention of the giant Coty (brands like Bourjois, Rimmel, etc.), which bought 60% of Younique in 2017 (then resold its stake in 2019). Needless to say, it’s not a 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, and recently, beauty supplements like a drinkable collagen.

In terms of positioning, Younique aims to be high-end. The price of products reflects this: expect about 33€ for a mascara, around 45€ for a foundation, ~30€ for a lipstick… prices are similar to major perfume brands.

Does the quality measure up? We’ll see that in a moment. 😏

A word about MLM: from skeptical customer to confident affiliate

Honestly, I never thought ‘doing MLM’ would be for me, but here I am, writing this article as a convinced Younique affiliate.

The key is to do it in accordance with your values (honesty, no coercion) and for the right reasons (out of passion for the products, not just for profit). And you know me, my passion is to test and talk about beauty. If it can also help improve my financial situation a bit, what more could I ask for?

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

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

• No mandatory stock or exorbitant investment to get started.
• No pressure to recruit indiscriminately.
• Reasonable commissions and a real product behind it.

For the backstory, I initially bought some products out of curiosity. I loved them. Then I bought more… I started talking about it so enthusiastically that I couldn’t help sharing. And gradually, I thought, “Why not officially become an affiliate, since I already recommend the brand?”

Today, I have my status as an independent home sales representative (VDI), and my own Younique online shop… and my opinion is no less objective. I value transparency with you: if a product is average, I will say so, even if I could sell it. My goal isn’t to push you, but to share an authentic experience.

Quality and ingredients of Younique products

Let’s focus on Younique products themselves. Because, whether it’s MLM or not, what matters to us is that the makeup is of good 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 emphasizes the use of natural ingredients and minerals in its formulas.

For example, their liquid foundation (which I discuss in detail below) is enriched with natural extracts, free from parabens, with skincare actifs. The same goes for their lipsticks and eyeshadows: they minimize irritating substances as much as possible.

I always check the ingredient lists and generally I feel confident.

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

🐢 No animal testing

Another essential aspect for me: animal ethics. Younique claims loudly and clearly to be 100% cruelty-free, meaning it does not conduct any animal testing on its formulas or ingredients.

They are not yet certified by Leaping Bunny or PETA (the official certifications), but their website clearly states that they do not perform tests and work with manufacturers sharing these values.

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

There is a clear intention to be clean and ethical, and this is very commendable.

💄 High quality : pigments, wear, etc.

All that looks good, but does the makeup hold up against major brands?

Honestly, yes.

I was amazed by the pigmentation of the eyeshadows (the colors appear vividly on the eyelid without needing to apply 10 coats). The lipsticks also have great long-lasting power – special mention to the matte liquid lipsticks that don’t dry out the lips more than that and last for hours.

For foundation products, the wear matches that of my MAC or Estée Lauder products — a foundation that doesn’t change during the day, a concealer (anticernes) that doesn’t settle too much into fine lines…

Honestly, if they gave me these to test blindly, I would have bet on professional-grade makeup from Sephora.

Clearly, Younique focuses on quality so that word-of-mouth is positive, and you can tell.

The feedback from my clients (and friends) I’ve let try these products is very positive (‘oh wow, the mascara is something!’, ‘the foundation looks super natural on my skin’…). Anyway, I’ll tell you in detail my product tests!

My opinions on some Younique products I tested

I’ve had the chance to try quite a few of the brand’s references by now (my bathroom is overflowing with products 😅). Here is a focus on three iconic Younique products I’ve added to my routine, with my honest opinion for each.

Moodstruck Epic 4D Mascara : a bestseller worth trying

The Moodstruck Epic 4D Mascara is Younique’s best-seller and the product through which I discovered the brand.

This fiber mascara promises a ‘faux-lash’ effect with just one coat, thanks to its formula enriched with Y-shaped micro-fibers and its ultra clever 2-in-1 brush.

The first time I applied it, I said ‘wow’ in front of the mirror: my lashes immediately appeared longer and thicker, without clumping.

In one coat, I already had a well-defined look. With two coats, you reach a level of volume and length that rivals false eyelashes – perfect for a night out or when you want a wow effect.

I also appreciate its hold: it hardly flakes over the hours (no ‘small black grains’ under the eyes at the end of the day, phew).

However, it’s easy to remove makeup and doesn’t harm my sensitive lashes.

In short, a stunning effect and comfort, I understand why this mascara is so popular.

A little personal tip: I zigzag the brush well at the base of the lashes then roll it upward (technique recommended by the brand), which further spreads the fibers even better. Result: multiplied lashes, without the demanding upkeep of extensions.

I even compared it with Too Faced’s Better Than Sex: the Younique 4D surpasses it in volume and achieves a wow effect.

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

Younique Touch serum foundation: a perfect complexion with ease

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

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

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

The formula contains skincare ingredients  such as an amino acid derivative that protects against blue light and environmental stressors. Basically, while it enhances your look, it also takes care of your skin by hydrating and lightly plumping the epidermis.

When applied, it is a pleasure: it glides on easily, blends into the skin very quickly without leaving streaks.

The coverage can be adjusted: with 2-3 drops, I achieve a very natural finish, an almost bare skin effect, and if I need more coverage (for redness or small imperfections), I add one or two more drops and pat over the areas to hide.

The result remains light and very luminous, we definitely avoid the cakey or mask-like effect that some full-coverage foundations can have.

See for yourself in this before/after:

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

I also appreciate that it does not dry out the skin at all; on the contrary, when I wear it, my skin stays comfortable from morning to evening, without any tightness. This is where the hydrating skincare aspect is evident in the formula.

This foundation serum is available in about 25 shades, with many different undertones, so there’s a good chance you’ll find a color match (personally, I have exactly my winter and summer shades, I switch between them).

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

In terms of price, it is on the high end (~45€), but honestly, it’s well worth it: the quality is excellent.

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

A true favorite for me, who is picky about foundations! 💖

Younique Daily·You: my skin loves it, my wallet less so…

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

You may have seen the trend of liquid collagens in sticks to be taken daily. Younique has jumped on this bandwagon with this product, and as a beauty addict, I wanted to try it to see if it really makes a difference for my skin.

Le Collagen Daily·You comes in small individual sachets of 30 ml, 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 from within the skin’s collagen production to improve its elasticity, hydration, and reduce wrinkles/fine lines.

On paper, the benefits are enticing: according to the brand’s clinical studies, taking it daily for 4 to 8 weeks significantly reduces wrinkles, makes the skin smoother, hydrated, and radiant.

What I can say after a month-long course: my skin has been very well hydrated and plump lately, and I even received compliments like ‘what are you using, you look good’. Coincidence or real effect of collagen? Hard to prove, but I like to think it helps.

I also noticed that my nails grew faster and my hair was in good condition – often collagen has this little bonus effect on the hair. Anyway, I experienced 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 around 100€ per month (there are 30 sachets). Ouch. It’s definitely a luxury to afford. The brand offers a subscription system to save 10%, but it’s still quite a substantial budget in the long run.

Personally, I consider it as a quick fix when I want a boost (for example, before summer to prepare the skin, or after winter when my skin looks dull).

Verdict on Collagen: it is a beautiful, innovative product that aligns with the in and out trend (inner beauty). I think it’s great that Younique expands its universe beyond just makeup; it shows a holistic approach to beauty.

If you have the budget and the desire to try it, I can tell you that the taste is good and that my skin appreciates it. But it is not an instant miracle product; it remains a supplement: you need 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 am completely satisfied (their high-tech anti-aging devices like the LumiSpa iO have transformed my skin).

However, Nu Skin has a little weakness : the makeup. Their makeup range, called Nu Colour, is very limited. They do have a few makeup products – a mascara here, a lipstick there, a BB cream – but it’s not their main focus.

This is what led me to look elsewhere for makeup, and that’s where Younique came into my life.

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

• Nu Skin excels in high-tech skincare, nutritional supplements for beauty, innovative devices, etc.
• While Younique specializes in makeup. Their strength truly lies in a diverse range of trendy make-up products, offering a variety of colors and textures. For example, Younique offers several mascaras tailored to different desired effects (4D volume, twisted Twisted mascara to catch all lashes, etc.), highly pigmented eyeshadow palettes, highlighters, dozens of lipstick shades, and more. It’s a 🎨👁️. They also offer some skincare products, of course, but those are more basic and not their main selling point.

In my current beauty routine, I use a blend of both brands: Nu Skin’s devices and treatment products to maintain healthy skin (for example, the Galvanic Spa for wrinkles and fine lines), then I apply makeup with Younique products to enhance everything. Since both brands operate via MLM, I benefit from the advantages of each—being affiliated with one (Younique) and having a team under the other (Nu Skin).

If you’re already a fan of Nu Skin but frustrated with their makeup offerings, Younique might fill that gap. Conversely, if you love Younique makeup, you might also consider Nu Skin devices for your skincare.

How to buy Younique products?

If you’re interested in trying Younique products at this point, you might be wondering how to purchase them since they’re not available in stores. Rest assured: it’s very simple, everything is done online.

1. Click here to access my Younique store or on the button below.
2. Shop as you would 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 information…

And that’s it! Enjoy your passionate cosmetic shopping comfortably from behind your computer.  😊

Products will be shipped quickly to your home.

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

In conclusion…

I hope my review of Younique products helped shed light on this makeup brand that’s different from others.

To summarize in a few words: Younique is a MLM cosmetics company that offers high-quality makeup products (natural, cruelty-free, effective) through a network of ambassadors. My opinion after testing many products is very positive.

Now, the best way for you to form your own opinion is to try it yourself! 😊 And why not start today? Your skin deserves this little boost of energy, doesn’t it? Go ahead, your turn!

And you, did you know Younique? Which product would appeal to you the most (or already does) from them? Let’s discuss in the comments. 👇

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