The Tupperware party is back and Avon is calling again, ushered in by the US recession.

In the worst economic downturn since the 1930s, women are selling everything from eyeliner to food containers to make extra cash ? boosting profits at companies such as Avon and Tupperware.

The flexibility of such work means that women, even those with existing jobs and kids, are taking on direct sales work in increasing numbers.

Maker of food containers, Tupperware, whose latest quarterly profit beat expectations, said its sales force rose 4% this quarter year on year. Tupperware's popularity exploded in the 1950s as women of the post-war generation sought empowerment and independence through selling. Now the recession has rekindled the spirit of the Tupperware party for a new generation.

Tupperware sales rep Judy Montalbano, hosting a recent Tupperware party in the New York borough of Queens, said she took the job in May because it was flexible and paid good money.

She hosts about two Tupperware parties a week, but also sports her Tupperware badge while out shopping in case a selling opportunity arises.

"It does help pay the household bills and the extras," said Montalbano. "My husband is looking to retire next year. Everyone is looking to make extra money with the state of the economy."

In a busy dining room with a table filled with Tupperware products, from banana keepers to pencil cases, Montalbano gave her sales pitch to half a dozen women.

"The parties are coming back stronger now that people are staying at home more. They aren't going out as much so they need to entertain at home," said Ellen Lessman, a party guest.

Avon, which sells beauty products and is famous for its 'Avon calling' slogan, reported higher-than-expected second-quarter profits and an 11% growth in active sales representatives year on year, to 5.8 million people worldwide.

"We've been successful at gaining representatives and consumers during these tough economic times," said Andrea Jung, Avon chairman and chief executive.