Avon's direct selling system was developed by Mrs. P.F.E. Albee, our first Ambassador, in 1886. It was the first of its kind. As Mrs. Albee sold perfumes door-to-door, she recruited a team of saleswomen. Direct selling offered women a chance to work outside the home in an era when they had few opportunities to do so. Avon's first catalog appeared in 1896 with no illustrations. The first full-color catalog was issued in 1905. Avon was also early, relative to most competitors, to launch an e-commerce site in 1996. Our latest tech tools include the Digital Catalog - a revolutionary way to shop with our try-it-on technology and shade finder tool. Try it now!