I used to be a Mary Kay "consultant." I wasn't successful--in the company's view--because all I really wanted was to get my 50% off on the products, which I really liked, and sell to other people without having parties. I had friends & family who were also fans of the products, so I just sold to them. I'm really good at figuring out what colors look good on people, so no manipulative "makeovers" necessary.
In the long run, I quit because I didn't like the sorority aspect--I already have friends and I don't have to wear a red jacket to hang out with them, thankyouverymuch--and the pressure to build the company. But I still buy the products from another consultant. There were a lot of people selling in my industry, so it wasn't hard to find someone!
I have a lot of acquaintances who sell 31 bags. I've started hiding their updates on FB. How many purses do I need? (Also read: how many purses can they pressure my mom into buying for me, since she doesn't need more either? She's bought me three of the same thing from three different friends, because she has a hard time saying no, and doesn't want more for herself. One is actually nice, as are a few other bags I have, but the rest have gone straight to donation.)