Pure Romance Review (2026): What Changed When It Quit MLM

Pure Romance in One Minute

Pure Romance is a Cincinnati-based company that sells sexual wellness products, intimate products, lotions and bath and body items, mainly through in-home parties run by independent consultants. It was founded in 1993 by Patty Brisben, originally as Slumber Parties, and is run by her son, Chris Cicchinelli, CEO since 2012. Its sales reached about $237 million in 2018.

For most of its history, Pure Romance was a multi-level marketing company. In May 2023 it changed that: it dropped team commissions and became a retail-focused, direct-to-consumer business, paying consultants only on their own sales. That makes it one of the few well-known companies to leave the MLM model. This review explains what changed and what selling Pure Romance looks like now.

Why Pure Romance Left MLM

Pure Romance announced its shift in April 2023, effective May 1, 2023. Its CEO cited the growing "anti-MLM" sentiment and said only about 1% of consultants were actually qualifying for team commissions, while the rest were simply selling products. So the company removed the multi-level side and focused on retail.

That 1% figure is revealing. It shows how few people earned meaningful team income under the old structure, which is true of most MLMs.

How Consultants Earn Now

1. Host in-home or virtual parties and sell to guests.
2. Earn retail commissions, reported at about 40% to 50% depending on monthly sales.
3. Earn on sales through a personal online storefront.
4. Receive product credit when party sales pass a set level.

There are no longer commissions for recruiting other consultants or on their sales. That removes the main pyramid risk, but it also means income depends entirely on your own sales. Pure Romance also sells products directly on its own website, so consultants compete with the company for online customers.

What Can a Consultant Realistically Earn?

Pure Romance has not published a detailed income disclosure for its new model that we could find. With a 40% to 50% commission, a consultant who sells $500 of products at a party might earn $200 to $250, before costs such as samples, travel, catalogs and the starter kit. The income depends on how many parties you can book and how much guests spend.

$300 in sales (low)$120

$500 in sales (mid)$225

$800 in sales (high)$400

That can be a real side income for someone with a strong local network and a comfort with the topic. It is unlikely to replace a full-time job for most people.

Past Criticism

Before the change, Pure Romance was criticized, like many MLMs, for the low share of consultants earning a profit, and for recruiting heavily among military spouses, who often struggle to find traditional work because they move often. In 2020, the industry's self-regulator (DSSRC) also ran a compliance case involving the company. Removing team commissions addresses much of the recruiting criticism.

Is Pure Romance a Pyramid Scheme?

No. Since May 2023, consultants earn only on their own retail sales, which is the opposite of a pyramid scheme. For context on why that matters, see the FTC's guidance on multi-level marketing and pyramid schemes.

Is Pure Romance a Scam?

No. Pure Romance is a long-established company, and its 2023 move to retail-only commissions makes it more transparent than most MLMs. The question is whether party sales can earn you enough for the time involved.

Pros and Cons

Questions to Ask Before You Join

• What does the starter kit cost, and what is in it?
• What do typical consultants sell per party and per month?
• Is there a minimum sales level to stay active?
• How do online orders through the company website affect my sales?

Who Pure Romance Might Suit

Pure Romance may suit outgoing people who enjoy hosting, are comfortable with the products and have a local network willing to book parties. It is a selling job, not passive income.

Our #1 Recommendation for Making Money Online in 2026

If Pure Romance isn't the right fit for you, here's what we suggest instead.

After comparing hundreds of programs over the years, we know what works and what doesn't. In fact, most of the business opportunities are either instant cash grab schemes or scams or they require experience. However, this beginner-friendly system stood out and is our #1 recommendation for 2026.

Other MLM Reviews

• Scentsy review: a party-plan home fragrance company with detailed income figures.
• 7K Metals review: another company that left MLM in 2026.
• Neora review: a beauty MLM that beat the FTC in court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Verdict on Pure Romance

Pure Romance deserves credit for dropping the MLM model, and it is a legitimate retail selling opportunity. But party sales are hands-on work with modest typical income. If you want to build income online rather than at in-home parties, there are other routes worth considering.