Gary's Blog

What Sets BeautiControl Apart From the Competition?

As you are out sharing all of the new products that were introduced this past month, along with our amazing line of MRP skin care solutions with new clients and potential new Consultants, one of the questions you are likely to be asked is, “What sets BeautiControl apart from other companies”.  The bottom line is, these people that you are introducing to BeautiControl want to know why they should spend their money with you rather than spending it at the department store, the spa or even with another Direct Sales company.  Only you can determine what your 30 second commercial would be, but when I am asked this question, I always defer to our corporate brand statement:

We are a beauty company that specializes in:

• Spa treatments
• Personalized skin care
• Advanced anti-aging products

Through an at-home spa experience with an unmatched income opportunity

Your 30 second commercial is your brand statement that quickly and concisely defines who you are and what you represent. 

After you open the door to who you are, then you can go into depth about telling this new prospect in more depth exactly how we are “different” than other competitive brands.  If I had to narrow it down to four points, besides of course having the best sales force in the industry, I would have to whittle it down to these:

• #1 – Our age specific approach to skin care customization
• #2 – Innovation by creating anti-aging solutions with cutting edge formulas and exclusive BC technology.
• #3 – The BC Spa – the perfect venue for you to share your extraordinary spa treatments
• #4 – Spa Quality products offered at a fraction of the cost of high-end department stores, estheticians or Medi-Spas.

Our age specific approach to customization is not only unique in the skin care industry, it is clearly the most logical solution for solving the skin care needs of all consumers.  Why do people use skin care products?   The answer is easy…to delay or reverse the signs of aging!  SIMPLE!  The skin and the human body make a very complex machine.  As we age, our needs change so dramatically with each decade. BeautiControl is not a one size fits all like most retail brands. Our products are formulated to change when you need to change…offering the ideal solution for the age specific problems that accompany every decade of aging.  I firmly believe that the only way to effectively fight the signs of aging is to treat your skin with the specific things that it needs as we get older.  We have a single focus when creating products - to reverse and delay the significant changes that occur to our skin with each passing year.   

After we define the criteria for a product and study the root cause of the problem, we set out to scour the world to find ingredients that offer the solution.  The Sherlock Jones video that you saw over the past few weeks is really not that far off.  The difference is that I have an amazing team of scientists who help me research the industry and find these miraculous ingredients and delivery systems that make our products so extraordinary.

This is not only one of the things that sets us apart in this enormously competitive market, it is the thing that strengthens our reputation as skin care pioneers and leaders in the skin solution market.  This type of approach is what has made us a leader in top of the line spa products, personalized skin care solutions and advanced anti-aging products. 
Innovation is the second thing that sets us apart in the market. Do you know how rare true innovation actually is?  That is not the norm in today’s beauty environment.  The way we do things is a very expensive, time consuming task that takes a good deal of passion, energy, money and know-how that other companies simply don’t choose or have the resources to invest in.

Where the BeautiControl product development process is a very dynamic and ever-changing process - which in reality makes many of us inside the company crazy - other companies have a very simple product development philosophy….find a competitive product, duplicate it, set your cost objective and meet it every time.  EASY!  Products are never late.  Products always fall within the cost requirement.  Everyone is happy!  As a result, most competitive companies sacrifice or compromise innovation in order to make the process of development more simple, less expensive and “good enough” to meet the needs of their customer. BeautiControl is a product driven, technology based company.   We don’t duplicate products on the market.  We don’t mimic our competitors with our version of a similar formula and then put our own “spin” on it.  We create innovation.  We create solutions.  We create problem-solving products that are simply better than what we see on the market.  As a leader, rather than a follower, we are sometimes going to find ourselves wandering into uncharted territory and that is never “easy”.  There will always be new technology that is emerging that will change the course of a product.  There will always be new ingredients that as company that is quick to market, we will have long before other companies.  We will always create the best, most advanced spa treatments for you to share with your clients at a “BC Spa” - our third point of difference.

The BC Spa gives you the perfect opportunity to share your advanced, cutting edge spa treatments and educate your clients in the process. When we talk about Spa Treatments, we’re talking about the same high-end skin care solutions that you find when you go to exclusive day spas. 
We are talking about those cosmetic alternatives to Botox, Restylane, collagen injections, clinical Microdermabrasion treatments, chemical peels as well as those exotic mud masks, salt glows, cellulite treatments and other such service you can find around the world at renowned spas.

When we talk about Spa, we’re talking about skin care solutions and treatment.  High end, state of the art, technologically advanced treatments that are recommended by a spa professional. The only difference between going to a Spa to get your treatments and the products that are offered by BeautiControl is #1, the cost, and #2, the convenience.  When your clients shop with you instead of going to the Department store, they can try and learn to use the products and not have to worry about getting the products home and saying, “now how do I use this, again?”

No one else has what we have – the combination of state of the art, targeted products with professional consultants who are up on product knowledge and who know how to lead clients to the treatment program that’s right for them. The BC Spa is your ATM – and I want that money to keep on flowing, at your spa and then with reorders.

All too often, I hear of people who are selling the products at a discount because they don’t want to ask a person for the full retail price with the economy the way that it is. Let me tell you, women are still paying big bucks for their skin care products with or without a weak economy. If we don’t market ourselves as a retail channel and sell our products at their full retail price, we are not only cheating ourselves, but we are diminishing the value of our brand (and when I say “brand” I mean you…in the consumer’s eye’s YOU are BeautiControl). Even at full BeautiControl price, these are a huge discount over what these are worth at the retail cosmetic counter. Economy or no economy, women want to look younger!

These are just a few of the things that makes BeautiControl not only one of the best and most well respected skin care companies in the business, but also create a great opportunity for someone to make an incredible flexible income.  Unlike corporate America, you get out of it exactly what you put into it.  I still say if I lost my job tomorrow, I would find someone to recruit me so I could play on the other side of the fence…but, for now, you’re stuck with me!  Hah!

Ok…I won’t be posting a blog on Monday since it is a holiday.  Check back with me on Tuesday.  I am going to post a video blog to launch the new Skinlogics Clear products.  You won’t want to miss that!  In the meantime, if you have any product questions that pop up, please send them to product@beauticontrol.com.

Have a great weekend.  If you are traveling, please be safe! 

Ciao.

Key Ingredients and their Functions – Exfoliants

Exfoliation is the key function of repairing the skin and possibly the most important ingredients we have for reversing age related damage. So, here goes…

Chemical Exfoliants:

• Alpha hydroxy acids: Alpha hydroxy acids are derived from fruit and milk sugars. The most commonly used alpha hydroxy acids are glycolic acid and lactic acid because they have a special ability to penetrate the skin. Alpha hydroxy acids work mainly as an exfoliant. They cause the cells of the epidermis to become "unglued" allowing the dead skin cells to slough off, making room for re-growth of new skin. Alpha hydroxy acids may even stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Alpha hydroxy acids are reported to improve wrinkling, roughness, and mottled pigmentation of photo damaged skin after months of daily application. The two forms of AHAs that we use are:
  • Lactic acid – milk or passion fruit
  • Glycolic acid – sugar cane
    • These ingredients are found in Regeneration face and neck cream and Regeneration Chemical Peel

• Poly hydroxy acids: Because alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) may be irritating to skin, the search for an effective form of AHA or an extra ingredient that can enhance performance and reduce irritation is an active issue. Gluconolactone and lactobionic acid are types of polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that are as effective as AHAs but less irritating. Gluconolactone and lactobionic acid are chemically and functionally similar to AHAs. Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) provide similar effects as AHAs but do not cause the sensory irritation responses that can limit the use of classical AHAs. PHAs have been found to be compatible with clinically sensitive skin, including rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, adult acne and atopic dermatitis, and can be used after cosmetic procedures with minimal irritation. In addition, unlike AHAs, PHAs do not cause sun sensitivity. The two forms of PHAs that we use are:

•  
  • Lactobionic acid
  • Gluconolactone

 

• Beta hydroxy acid: Beta hydroxy acid works mainly as an exfoliant. It causes the cells of the epidermis to become "unglued" allowing the dead skin cells to slough off, making room for re-growth of new skin. Beta hydroxy acid is reported to improve wrinkling, roughness, and mottled pigmentation of photodamaged skin. Beta hydroxy acid is able to penetrate into the pore which contains sebum and exfoliate the dead skin cells that are built up inside the pore. Because of this difference in properties, beta hydroxy acid is better used on oily skin with blackheads and whiteheads and is used as an effective treatment for acne. Beta Hydroxy acid is also known as:
  • Salicylic acid

• Retinol: Retinol is the whole vitamin A molecule, which can be broken down into thousands of smaller components, including “retinoic acid” (also called tretinoin, the active ingredient in Renova and Retin-A). Essentially retinol is just a fancy name for vitamin A; however, it is perhaps the most important vitamin for the appearance of the skin. It is one of the few substances with a small enough molecular structure to penetrate the outer layers of the skin and work to repair the lower layers where collagen and elastin reside. Retinol is vitamin A in its purest and most active form. It penetrates deep into the skin, where it becomes fully operative. Wrinkles and lines are gradually smoothed, moisture and elasticity increase, the complexion glows and the appearance of damage is diminished.

The skin cells have a receptor site that is very accepting of retinoic acid. This relationship between retinoic acid and skin cells allows a type of communication in which the cell is encouraged to function normally and continue regular cell renewal— as opposed to the often misshapen and altered cells associated with the natural aging process.
It now seems clears that retinol is a beneficial cell-communicating ingredient, as well as an antioxidant. In other words, it assists in creating stronger, healthier skin cells and increases the amount of skin-support substances. Retinol has also been shown to help stimulate new collagen production, which is critical in the battle against aging. Thus it has become clear that retinol is a vital component of high quality skincare products, providing visible, long-lasting results.

• Enzymes: Enzymes are naturally occurring compounds that work by dissolving dead skin deposits. These are a very effective way to immediately remove the surface layers of the skin, increasing the benefits and absorption of other repair products. Enzymes are also particularly useful in treating areas of the body where excessive dead skin buildup occur to soften and minimize skin build-up. Since enzymes posses such a potent activity, it is not uncommon for the skin to become somewhat red and warm while the product is on the skin. The redness will subside within 30 minutes of the product being removed from the skin. Some of the forms of enzymes we use include:
  • Papain
  • Bromelain
  • Caria Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract
  • Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract

Physical Exfoliants:

• Salt / Sugar:
  • Both salt and sugar fall into the same category. These are naturally dissolving physical exfoliants that work great to help smooth and soften the skin. Unlike other forms of physical exfoliants, these dissolve as they are being scrubbed onto the skin, so they lose their abrasive qualities quickly. Salt is particularly aggressive in high concentrations and should probably not be used on the legs immediately after shaving (ouch). Sugar is a good one to use on more sensitive skin and leaves the skin with a very soft, silky after-feel.
• Polyethylene:
  • Polyethylene scrubbing beads are tiny little plastic scrubbing beads that are very common in both face and body exfoliators. They are favored over other forms of exfoliating particles (such as apricot kernel, etc) because they are perfectly round and will “polish” the skin’s surface without irritation. Typically speaking, facial products use smaller sized beads than body care products. 
• Aluminum Oxide crystals:
  • Aluminum oxide crystals are very effective in more aggressive forms of exfoliators due to their diamond hard structure. The most effective types of these particles are laser cut to be very precise and “sharp”. The purpose of this is the gently “shave” the skin’s surface more deeply than other types of physical exfoliators.

Ok, so, now that we know more about the various forms of both chemical and physical exfoliators, now let me explain to you why you need them.

The process of repair requires exfoliation…both chemical and physical exfoliation! One, without the other is not as effective.

If you remember from the blog that I wrote back in August titled “Skin Care 101” (If you haven’t read this one, you might want to review it for the best understanding of the skin’s basic function and aging process), the skin’s turnover slows as we age. The ONLY way to help make the skin act as it did when we were younger is through the process of exfoliation…both chemical and physical exfoliation.Only when we get rid of surface cells will the body force the production of new skin cells.

Think of it this way…have you ever removed wallpaper from a wall? If you have, you know that it is no easy chore, but, if you are going to do anything to the wall underneath, you have to remove that paper first. You could use sandpaper, but it really just smooths the surface, it really doesn’t get below the surface of the wallpaper. You could use a scraper, but you will only get the loose, flaky bits and pieces of the wallpaper removed and it takes FOREVER! Luckily, they have this really great stuff that you can spray on top of the wallpaper that kind of melts the paper and causes it to bubble up. After it has done its work, then you can take your scraper and quickly and easily remove that layer of wallpaper to reveal a pristine surface underneath. Are you with me?

Ok, think of your skin the same way. Think of your surface skin cells as a layer of wallpaper. You can use a scraper (Microdermabrasion), but you are only removing what is loose and flaky. Now when you use your chemical exfoliant (either AHAs or PHAs), they loosen the skin’s dead surface and allow you to exfoliate more deeply that you could have without it. Your daily skin care scrub (polyethylene beads) is like the “sandpaper” we talked about above. It smooths the surface and makes it feel baby smooth, but to really get in there and remove the surface, you need to use something more aggressive such as Microdermabrasion which is designed to shave the skin’s surface for maximum benefits.

A complete regimen of products intended to repair age related damage should contain both daily and weekly products containing these ingredients. For a full listing of recommended products, you might want to log onto BeautiNet and download a skin care regimen for your age or skin type in the “forms” section.

So, here is a quick down and dirty summary of your repair products:

Basics:

• BC Spa Facial Regenerating Tonics and BC Spa Resurface Resurfacing Peel contain alpha and/or polyhydroxy acids plus age specific compounds. When used daily, these will ensure that the “glue” is continually being melted on surface skin cells to allow for proper cell turnover. These ingredients work from the outside/in.
• Regeneration Overnight products contain retinol which penetrate deeply to help to speed the rate that new cells are generated. Retinol works from the inside/out.
• Enzymes help to feed on dead skin cells and are great to help ensure that the dead surface cells are removed to give the skin an immediate glow and even texture…great for any type of flaky skin or dry surface appearance
• Your BC Spa Facial Exfoliating Polish is great to use several times per week to keep the loosened cells removed from the skin’s surface

Specialty:

• BC Spa Resurface Microdermabrasion can be used up to 3 times per week to shave the skin cells more deeply.
• BC Spa Resurface Resurfacing Peel is used to loosen the glue more aggressively than your daily AHA or PHA products and can be used at least once weekly.

Clinical strength products that contain active ingredients at the same concentration as these advanced treatments are not for everyone, but if your skin can tolerate more aggressive treatments, these are good ways to step up your repair benefits. (Yes, I know what the instructions say about not using your AHA products 48 hours before or after using MDA product…that warning is a blanket warning assuming everyone has sensitive skin. If you don’t have sensitive skin, you can use them as often as your skin can tolerate without irritation).

WHEW! That is a lot of information. I hope that clarifies the process of exfoliation and which ingredients do what.

Be sure to check back in Friday for more fun! Have a great week.

P.S. Please remember, I don’t answer questions that are posted to the blog. If you have questions, please email me at product@beauticontrol.com.

Get Connected with Client Connection!

Ok, this was not the topic that I was going to write about this week, but I just finished seeing the e-newsletter that will be going out to all your clients for the month of September and I was so excited I had to write about this.

You won’t believe how much this is going to help your business.  You know that our goal is to help every one of you build a re-order business.  You will be amazed at how much a successful re-order business will help to maintain your success and help you build a stronger business and ensure that your ATM continues pumping out cash. 

Once your get your clients connected to an MRP regimen customized for their skin, they will keep coming back again and again. In fact, you will find that once your clients are hooked on their skin care and foundation, they are hooked for life.  Client Connection will make sure that your clients are serviced on a regular basis to stimulate them to contact you for re-orders.  When they get their e-newsletter, they will be able to see what new products you are offering as well as their favorites.  This works kind of like, “would you like fries with your meal?” allowing you to up-sell every time. Like my old friend, Sr. Director Tammy Clary always says, “take care of your clients, and they will take care of you!”

Here are the 3 main reasons you will want to participate:

1. it is free
2. it is so easy (even I can do this…and that is saying something)
3. it will make money for you without you having to do a thing.

Every month your clients will get a newsletter emailed directly from us, with your personalized message, so your clients feel like it is coming from you, but you don’t to do any of the work.  How great is that?!?

Each newsletter will contain:

• New product information
• Special offers
• Information about hosting a party
• A special section from me where I will feature tips, trends and quick bits of information to keep your clients interested and informed

All you have to do is:

• Log onto Beautinet
• Click on “Client Connection” on the left hand side of the screen
• Click on “Email”
• Click on “Enroll” in the e-newsletter section
• Now, just select the clients that you would like to get a monthly e-newsletter or add more clients by adding them to your list.  This is FREE, so there is no reason that you wouldn’t want to add all of your clients and potential new clients. 
• Watch your business BOOM!

I can’t wait for you to check this out.  The last date to sign your clients up for the September edition is September 3^rd.  The September edition will be emailed to all of your clients on September 5^th.  Don’t forget that you can go in and add clients at any time, but you want to make sure you get them enrolled before the 3^rd so you can start getting them connected in September.

Be sure to click the “comments” section below and let us hear how you have used Client Connection to help build and drive your business.

Check back in Monday.  I am going to start a new series of topics called “Key Ingredients – Features and Benefits”.  This is one of the ideas that you guys gave me a few months ago when I asked you to let me know what kind of topics you would want to see. 

Have a great weekend!

Fall 2008 – Color Trend Collection

Fall 2008 is best described as a season of change for fashion.  Colors include a vibrant selection of elegant hues – cool blues, greens and purples with warmer tones line red, orange and yellow.   This fall, you’ll see a true richness of variety – a wide range from simple forms to feminine playfulness.  Fashion is reflecting a society that is more networked than ever before.  Community and individuality – both allow all women to live their own identities and style.

The fashion story for Fall 2008 is very individual, very accessible, very hooked into community, very together.  You will still see influences from the 80’s in silhouettes, color choices and a trend toward heavier makeup application.  Color is very much alive and we have the shades of the season for you to share with all of your clients.

BeautiControl’s Blissful Collection perfectly compliments the trends in fashion – and every complexion.  They’re packaged in our convenient color trend palettes with three complimentary eye shades and two lip colors – but in keeping with our natural theme, the packaging is matte paper with a fine texture and applied labels – it looks great with the Apothecary line.

There are three outstanding collections to offer your clients.

  First, the Harmony Collection.  These are beautiful neutral shades with a vibrant splash of turquoise.  The eye shadows make eyes pop with a combination of matte peach, turquoise, and copper with a touch of frost.  For lips, there’s a light brownish clay and a frosted clay – wear them layered or one at a time.  The combination makes for a neutral, matte base with extreme color interest added – try using the turquoise as an accent color at the outside corner of the eye.  These shades are individual and appealing for all skin tones.  And you’ll find your younger customers snapping them up – so recommend them to any moms of teenage girls.

Next, Energy.  This collection goes beautifully with cool shades like purple and blue.  The eye shades go from matte vanilla to berry and taupe – a great range of shades to create amazing depth around your eyes.  Lip colors are a pinkish mauve and a frosted light mauve.  Matte neutrals with a touch of frost for interest – this collection will be a best-seller for fashion divas who want the latest look.

Finally, there’s Serenity.  Natural hues bring a beautiful forest landscape to life.  The eye shades are matte cream, a beautiful cool moss green, and a rich dark brown.  The lip colors combine a creamy burgundy and a lightly frosted berry.  This collection is great for a natural look with amazing dark brown accents – blend the colors together for a smooth, becoming matte look.  You’ll wear these colors with warm reds, oranges, browns and any neutrals.

The BC Spa is the place to share these great colors – your customers look to you for fashion news, and as their Consultant, all you have to do is show these three palettes to tell the entire story for fall 2008.  The Blissful Collection from BeautiControl – Harmony, Energy and Serenity for women everywhere.

That’s it for today.  Remember, I don’t respond to questions on the blog, but you can email any questions to product@beauticontrol.com.

I hope you all have a great week. 

Your Questions Answered

Happy Friday to everyone!

First, i have to send out a HUGE "THANK YOU" for all your wonderful comments to the blogs.  I really enjoy reading your comments. 

Below are a few of the questions that i have received this week:

Q. When i apply the Regeneration Platinum Plus to my skin, it rolls off.  Is this normal?

A. No, this is not normal.  This needs to be the first product that you apply to your skin after toning.  I would recommend using your toner sparingly and allow to dry completely.  Apply your Regeneration Platinum Plus (one pump) to the entire face and neck.  This product does not do well when applied on top of another product or when applied to the hand if you have had other products on your hands, such as hand or body lotion.

Q. What is the difference between Time to Go, Reprogram and the new Regeneration Platinum Plus.  Does the new Regeneration Platinum Plus replace these products?

A.  These are totally different animals entirely.  Regeneration Platinum Plus now becomes your daytime repair treatment for 50+ skin.  The ONLY product that this replaces is the Platinum Regeneration face serum that you were previously using.  This is considered part of your basic, necessary MRP regimen.

Time to Go contains retinol and is your nighttime repair product.  If you are not using Time to Go, then you would use Regeneration Platinum Plus both AM and PM for best results.  If you are using Time to Go in the PM, then you would not apply the Regeneration Platinum Plus in the PM.

Regeneration Reprogram is a product that works differently than these other products.  Reprogram penetrates into the lower layers of the epidermis to put a protective coating around newly developed skin cells to encourage the replication of younger acting and looking skin cells.

Q.  You say that the new Regeneration Platinum Plus products are gluten free, but i see that they contain oat and wheat protein.  How can they be gluten free?

A.  Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, rye, barley and oats.  Gluten is only part of the grain berry and can be removed in processing.  We use hydrolyzed protein extracts which is certified to be gluten free, meaning that the gluten was removed before hydrolysis.

Q.  If i am not yet 50, should i switch to the Regeneration Platinum Plus products?  Are they better?

A. My famous motto is, "if you don't have the problems, you won't benefit from the solutions".  You will see the greatest results from the products designed for 50+ skin if you have concerns related to 50+ skin.  Of course using these products will not harm you in any way, but you may not see the same dramatic results as someone who has more age related damage.  The only exception would be the eye cream.  If you have more advanced aging around your eye area, and are not yet in your 50s, you may find it beneficial to step up to the Regeneration Platinum Plus Eye Cream.  I can tell you that i smile with my eyes, so that was the first place and continues to be the place where i show more advanced signs of aging (all the sun didn't help matters either).  I love to use the Platinum Plus Eye Cream for my nighttime regimen.

Q.  Where do i find a complete listing that would tell me the order of application for each age group?

A. You can find an up to date Skin Care Regimen chart on the "Forms" section of Beautinet.  Under the "Product Information/Client Fliers" section, you will see it posted there and broken out into your age and also into general, Acne Prone and Sensitive Skin.

Q.  We loved your presentation at Celebration.  Can you make that presentation available to us on BeautiNet or in a DVD?

A.  I do appreciate all the wonderful feedback that I have received from you all about my "Unplugged" presentation at Celebration. We are currently looking at making this, or a version of this available to you.  We are also working on some sort of on line presentation similar to this as part of the Empower U training in the future.

In the meantime, you can find an older version of this information in the On line Training Category Workshops located in the Product Center of Beautinet.  They are called, "Skin Care Workshop: Maintenance" and "Skin Care Workshop: Repair and Prevention".  If you would like to have this information on CD, we also have a version that is available for purchase - #16563 - MRP Audio CD.

I hope you all have a great weekend.  Remember, if you have any questions, be sure to email me at product@beauticontrol.com.

See ya on Monday!