Press Release February 2, 1998

For Immediate Release Contacts:

Greg Sherry Chris Monteiro John Gogarty The Sherry Group 973-884-8700

Kathleen Walas 212-282-7101 Susan Heaney 212-282-7107 Avon Products, Inc.

New York, New York, February 2, 1998 . . . Avon Products Inc. today announced an agreement with the New York Road Runners Club to become the title sponsor of the Mini-Marathon, considered the oldest and most prestigious all-women's running event in the world. The Avon Running - New York Mini-Marathon will be held in New York City's Central Park on Saturday, June 6, 1998. Avon replaces Advil as title sponsor.

"We're proud to sponsor what has grown to become the premier women's 10K race in the world," said James E. Preston, Avon's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "In addition to being the company's world headquarters, New York is certainly the ultimate stage to showcase women's running." This announcement follows the company's launch last September of the Avon Running -- Global Women's Circuit, a series of 10K runs and 5K fitness walks in 16 countries.

"This is a clear indication of Avon's continued commitment to women's running, health and fitness, and we at the New York Road Runners Club share that commitment," said Allan Steinfeld, president of the New York Road Runners Club. "We are delighted to partner with Avon in the 27th running of the Mini-Marathon."

The New York event becomes the 11th city in the U.S. Program, which includes Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Sacramento, Baltimore, Hartford, Portland (OR), Kansas City, Cincinnati and National Championship to be held in Chicago this fall.

The Avon Running series culminates in the Avon Running Global Championship in 1999, which features a total prize purse of $50,000, making it the richest prize money 10K race in the history of women's road running. The winner of the New York 10K race on June 6 will win a trip to the Avon Running National Championship, where she will have a chance to go on to the Avon Running Global Championship.

The Avon Running - New York Mini-Marathon will incorporate a 5K fitness walk, and is expected to attract more than 8,000 participants in both the walk and the 10K run. "Avon recognizes the enormous health benefits of walking and running and is committed to reaching as many women as possible," said Kathrine Switzer, program director, Avon Running. "Adding New York to the global circuit extends that reach even more."

"Avon has a long and proven history in women's running, and I believe women have an appreciation for this support," commented Grete Waitz, nine-time New York City Marathon winner and the current record-holder of the Mini-Marathon (31:00,1980). "It's great that Avon and the New York Road Runners Club are teaming up for this important event."

Avon Products, Inc. is the world's leading direct seller of beauty and related products with $4.8 billion in annual revenues. Avon markets to women in some 131 countries through 2.3 million independent sales representatives. Avon product lines include such recognizable brands as Anew, Skin-So-Soft, Avon Color, Far Away, Rare Gold, Natori and Millennia. Avon is also one of the world's largest manufacturers of fashion jewelry and markets an extensive line of apparel, gifts and collectibles. The company employs approximately 34,000 people worldwide.