Mary Kay Inc.'s Leadership Conference Brings Pink Cadillacs, Donation to Women's Shelters and $10 Million to the Atlanta-Area Economy

DALLAS--Jan. 12, 2006--

Company Donating More Than $1 Million in Products to Area Women's Shelters to Support Ongoing Efforts to Help Local Victims of Domestic Violence

Mary Kay Inc. will donate more than $1 million in products to some 13 Atlanta-area women's shelters in conjunction with the kick-off of its annual Leadership Conference that runs from Jan. 8, 2006-14 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Mary Kay's leadership Conference, entitled "The Power of Pink," is comprised of two back-to-back business meetings for the Company's top independent sales force members throughout the U.S. and Canada.

"As a part of our ongoing efforts to end domestic violence, fund shelters and support programs that raise awareness of this crime, we are donating in excess of $1 million in products to women's shelters in the Atlanta area," said Anne Crews, Mary Kay vice president of government relations. "Throughout the Company's 42-year history, Mary Kay has enriched women's lives beyond the business opportunity, and this donation is no exception. Studies indicate nearly one in three women experience physical assault by a partner during adulthood. Fortunately, many find hope, help and resources at shelters. We know this donation of products will directly help women in need."

In addition to the landmark donation, it's estimated that the Mary Kay meetings will pump more than $10 million into the local economy according to the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau.

"A conference of this size is significant to Atlanta because of the money that is spent with local businesses," said Vicki Thorne, Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau director of convention services. "Hotels, transportation companies, restaurants, small business owners and retail outlets throughout the area reap significant financial benefits from large conventions. While those pink Cadillacs may be a common sight during the conference, it's the color green that this conference will generate which means so much to our local economy."

More than 11,000 Mary Kay Independent National Sales Directors and Independent Sales Directors from the U.S. and Canada are expected to attend the conferences and, in turn, spend money with Atlanta-area businesses. Currently, there are more than 28,000 Mary Kay Independent Sales Directors worldwide, many of whom who use the commissions earned from their Mary Kay businesses as their primary source of income. The Independent Sales Directors are responsible for leading and motivating more than 1.5 million Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants in more than 30 markets worldwide. Leadership Conference provides recognition of independent sales force members' mid-year achievements; business-enhancement classes; previews of new products and Company programs; and motivational speeches by Company executives and top Independent National Sales Directors.

"Our independent sales force leaders look forward to this annual conference where they learn business tools and tips to become even more profitable entrepreneurs," said Anne Newbury of Dallas, TX, Mary Kay's No. 1 Independent Executive National Sales Director worldwide with more than $13 million in career earnings. "This important conference is designed to encourage and inspire these dynamic leaders to reach new heights in their personal businesses while maintaining a balance between their faith, family and career. This conference and the Company's donation to the Atlanta-area women's shelters are examples of the numerous ways we stay committed to our founder's mission of enriching women's lives."

Mary Kay Inc., one of the largest direct sellers of skin care and color cosmetics in the world, achieved another year of record results in 2005, exceeding $2 billion in wholesale sales. The Company's independent sales force exceeds 1.5 million Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants in more than 30 markets worldwide. To learn more about the Company and to find an Independent Beauty Consultant near you, log on to www.marykay.com or call 800-MARY KAY (627-9529).