Have you considered doing direct sales either part-time or full-time? Perhaps you've recently purchased some makeup or other products from someone who seems to have it all together. She tells you that you can make some extra cash selling products that you buy yourself. But are you really direct sales material?

There is an apparent endless amount of direct sales businesses out there. Below are five of the most popular. Learn more about these opportunities and if they are right for you.  By no means do these companies exclude men, but all of them focus their selling and salesperson recruiting efforts mainly on women.

I've given links to the websites of the five companies as well as sites that might caution you against working for these companies. This is done in the interest of fairness and helping you make an informed decision.

"Avon Calling!" The image of a female salesperson going door to door sharing her love of makeup has long been the face of Avon. But did you know the first Avon lady was a man? In 1886, a young entrepreneur from New York named David McConnell found that customers liked the free perfume he gave away as an incentive more than they liked the books he was selling. He decided to go into the perfume business and the rest is history. McConnell named his company in honor of his favorite playwright, William Shakespeare, who hailed from Stratford-upon-Avon.

Avon is now a worldwide phenomenon providing quality cosmetics at a reasonable price as well as an opportunity for women to make a part-time or even full-time income selling the products with a low start-up cost. Avon representatives can earn in different ways. Some choose the traditional route by selling through catalogs they give to friends, family and coworkers. Others do that as well as take advantage of Avon's internet presence by selling online. Some focus on bringing on more representatives to sell for the company and take on a more managerial role. To learn more about how to become a representative, visit the official website linked below.

Mary Kay Ash founded her famous cosmetics company in 1963 as a response to the sexism she faced after 25 years in the direct selling business. Her experiences led her to want to help women overcome the obstacles she faced and create a fulfilling career for themselves.

Mary Kay is one of the top sellers in the world of cosmetics, skin care and related items. Their beauty consultants have a strong support system, and there is a low start-up fee for the initial cosmetic kit. Mary Kay home parties allow women to try the products before they buy them. The company stays current with new trends in the cosmetics industry. According to the company's website, part of the proceeds of sales go to charites including those that help stop domestic violence and support the environment.

Are you a fabulous cook or just wish you were? It doesn't matter which one you are. Pampered Chef encourages the foodie in everyone. Cookware, bakeware, cookbooks, and specialty foods - you name it - Pampered Chef carries a large variety of products to interest customers with different tastses. They even have a wedding registry service.

Unfortunately, I couldn't find the consultant price information on their website, so you may have to do a little digging or contact the company through the link below.

PartyLite has some of the best candles in the business. I love to receive candles as gifts from many companies, but PartyLite candles have exceptional quality that burn clean and evenly. Consultants begin by hosting their own starter party to earn money towards buying their starter kit.

PartyLite has merged with Two Sisters Gourmet. Some consultants and party hostessess have the choice of whether to combine both in one party. This program is new and will possibly be expanding at a later date.

Scrapbooking has been the rage for years now. Arts and crafts stores have nearly been taken over with scrapbooking materials. Creative Memories offers a consultant opportunity to bring the fun to a home party.

Customers can learn the art of scrapbooking if they're new or simply indulge in some more supplies while consultants can earn cash and products for themselves. If you have a passion for scrapbooking and think you can instill that in others, this might be the opportunity for you.

So far I've focused on makeup, food, candles and scrapbooking, several things that are not only popular but profitable. But let's not forget another direct sales opportunity based on something just as popular - sex. Passion Parties is a company that's leading the pack of direct sales opportunities in selling adult-oriented products. The parties are billed as the "ultimate girls night in" where women can buy sensual products without feeling intimidated or embarrassed.

Other direct sales companies have been around for ages and include Tupperware, Home Interiors, Shaklee and Watkins. You can sell anything from food storage to vitamins. For more direct sales ideas, visit the links below.