Gary's Blog

Making the Most of Your Resources

Ok gang, I am taking a vacation.  I am leaving tomorrow for a 2 week cruise of the Canary Islands and I am SO excited!  So, since I will not be around for a couple of weeks, I won’t be posting a new blog until I return on November 10th…but that doesn’t mean you won’t be hearing from me before then with some exciting news…hint, hint!

Since I won’t be here to personally answer the emails that come to the product box, please be advised that response times may be delayed somewhat.  My assistant, Karen, will be handling the product email box by herself, so be nice to her and please be patient as she works alone to answer all of your emails.  I have taught her everything I know, so you are in good hands.  

Just as a reminder, I wanted to offer a quick Refresher Course on ways to maximize your resources in order to quickly and efficiently get the answers you need, educate yourselves on the tremendous offering of products and services, and find the correct contact-points to speed your rate of response.  This will not only make your experience easier and more efficient, it will also allow you to make your client’s experience easier and more efficient as a result.  By providing the most efficient service, we keep you as Consultants and ensure that you keep your clients happy.  

Just to ensure that you are aware of the resources that are currently in place, here is a list of topics and the appropriate ways to find this information the quickest. As a leader, you might want to pass these along to your new Consultants to ensure that they always have a positive customer service experience:

Product Questions/Suggestions
There are two resources that are fantastic at quickly addressing product questions that would alleviate the need for an email. First, there is the FAQ section located in the Product Center of BeautiNet.  This section is categorized into several different topics and should address most of the commonly asked questions:
•    General questions
•    Skin care questions
•    Skin disorder questions
•    Ingredient questions
•    Packaging questions
•    Beauti questions

There is also my blog.  With the “search function” you can search key words to find the answers to your more specific questions.  Like you, I use this tool constantly throughout the day to answer Consultant emails.  With the exception of very specific and individualized questions, 99% of the questions that are received are answered within my blog.

If you cannot find the answer to your questions, you should email product@beauticontrol.com.  We have a very quick turn-around to assure that your questions are answered as quickly as possible.  Most emails are answered in a matter of a few hours, but never exceed 24 hours.  If you have sent an email to this address and have not received a response, please re-send.  Either I have died or we have not gotten your email.  I am passionate about email response time!!  For all product related questions, it is important that they are sent to this address and not my personal email address.  My personal email has very sensitive SPAM folders and a good many emails that are sent in from outside the building are never received. 

Product Ingredients
Located within BeautiNet is an area called “Product Information Center”.  This is located on the menu along the left-hand side of the home page.  If you click on this section, you will see an ingredient search box.  If you type the name of the ingredient that you are looking for, it will pull all the products that contain these ingredients.  In some cases, you can also search categories of ingredients, such as “nut”, “vitamin”, etc. where the generic name and the chemical name of the ingredient may be different.
Again, if you have more specific questions, you can either search the blog or send an email to product@beauticontrol.com.
If you are in Canada or want to have a print out of all product ingredients, you can access the ingredient listing to all products either in the “forms” section of Beautinet or in the online Consultant Guide appendix.

Order of Application
Also located within BeautiNet is a section called “Forms”.  This is located horizontally along the upper section of the home page.  If you click on “Forms”, then click on “Product Information/Client Fliers” you will find “Skin Care Regimen”.  This document was recently updated in May to include the age specific order of application.  There is a separate chart for each age group, including Sensitive and Acne-prone skin.

Product Education
One thing I think we do really well at BeautiControl is provide many resources for product education.  Here is a run-down of the places that you can go to learn more about all the products that we offer:

•    Consultant Guide – Think of the Consultant Guide as “basic training”.  This tool provides concise information that will allow you to learn the basic information about all of our products.

•    BeautiNet Product Center Advanced Product Training – This area of the Product Center will offer online workshops that guide you through some of the more advanced information regarding our products and our positioning within the market.  The “Products Beyond Compare” workshop is a MUST for all new Consultants as it positions our products in the market and gives a very in-depth explanation to our core MRP products.  If you haven’t watched this presentation in a while, it might be a good idea to watch from time to time to refresh yourself on basic MRP training.

•    This blog - With every new product that is introduced, I write a very lengthy and comprehensive “profile” for each new product that includes product information, ingredients, FAQ’s, etc.  In addition, I address topics as they apply to industry trends, skin care problems, color cosmetics and frequently asked questions.  I think you will find this to be a great tool to use for yourself and to refer to your new Consultants.

Product Availability
Any questions regarding products that are unavailable, backordered, out of stock, etc., should be sent to the Consultant Care Center at consultantcarecenter@beauticontrol.com.  The Consultant Care Center is equipped to handle these types of requests most efficiently.

Product Replacement
Any questions regarding product replacement should be sent to the Consultant Care Center at consultantcarecenter@beauticontrol.com.  The Consultant Care Center is equipped to handle these types of requests most efficiently.

Order Inquiry
Any questions regarding the status of your order should be sent to the Consultant Care Center at consultantcarecenter@beauticontrol.com.  The Consultant Care Center is equipped to handle these types of requests most efficiently.
I hope this is helpful in clarifying the points of contact within the company to help you get the response that you need and allow us to provide you the support that you expect.
I look forward to talking to all of you again when I return.  Bon Voyage!

Replenishing Lash and Brow Conditioner

With this product being on sale this month, I thought it would be a great time to re-promote this amazing product for all of those who are new or for those who may have missed it upon launch.   This incredible product is for anyone who experiences thinning brows or stubby, thin lashes.  Often, these things become more frequent as we age and can also occur from poor health, nutrition or damage.  Regardless of the cause, the solution is here!!!  Compared to competitive brands who sell a similar product from$120.00 to $170.00 for the same size of container, BeautiControl’s Replenishing Lash Conditioner is a STEAL at the regular price of $28.50, but it is an UNBELIEVEABLE bargain this month on sale for only $22.50.

There has been some negative press that has come out recently regarding products that are similar that contain questionable ingredients and have been removed from the market.  This is not the same type of product as those.  This product has the same end results, but contains a safe, proven method for improving the health and condition of the lash and brows.
Here is the Product Profile on this product.  This should help you address any questions that you may have about how this product works and instructions for use:

CONCEPT OVERVIEW
•  Breakthrough technology with deep conditioning action that helps lashes and brows appear longer, stronger, fuller and more lustrous.
•  Transparent gel with natural plant extracts glides on smoothly, colorless and odorless.
•  Clinically proven results in just four weeks.
•  Ophthalmologist, Dermatologist, Sensitivity and Allergy tested.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
•  Transparent gel with natural plant extracts glides on smoothly, colorless and odorless.
•  Square mascara type tube with eyeliner brush.

KEY INGREDIENTS                 
•  Water (Aqua)
•  Hydrolyzed Lupin Protein
•  Butylene Glycol
•  Polyquaternium-55
•  Hydroxyethylcellulose
•  Glycerin
•  Polysorbate 20
•  Artemia Extract
•  Niacinamide
•  Inositol
•  Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
•  Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1
•  Lactic Acid (Alphahydroxy Acid)
•  Apigenin
•  Oleanolic Acid
•  Panthenol
•  Phospholipids
•  Folic Acid
•  Sodium Lactate
•  Sodium PCA
•  Glycine
•  Fructose
•  Urea
•  Disodium EDTA
•  Carbomer
•  PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
•  PPG-26-Buteth-26
•  Sodium Benzoate
•  Benzoic Acid
•  Dehydroacetic Acid
•  Phenoxyenthanol

TO USE:
Apply as close to lash line as possible both top and bottom.  For the brow, apply directly on the brow hair.  Use AM and/or PM.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I apply this product to my lashes and brows?
A: Apply as close to lash line as possible, both top and bottom.  Apply directly to your brow hair.  For the eyes, apply as you would a liquid eyeliner, brushing onto the lash line for both your bottom and top lids.

Q: How many times do I use this?
A: You can use both AM and PM.  More frequent application will offer faster results.

Q: Is this product safe around my eyes?
A: This product has been ophthalmology tested.

Q: What kind of results should I expect to see?
A: You should expect to see an improvement in the appearance of the length and fullness of your lashes and brows.  Clinically proven results in just 4 weeks.

Q: Do I need to continue to use this after I see results?
A: After results are achieved, it is recommended to use the conditioner a couple of times a week to maintain your results.

Q: Can I use this with my makeup?
A: This will dry and leave a clear line of conditioner where applied, you might experience issues with your applying eyeliner.  You shouldn’t have a problem with your eye shadow or mascara.  You will have issues applying brow powder or pencil over the conditioner.  You might consider using this in the PM only.

Here’s What People Are Saying About This Product:
I absolutely love this product! I can really notice my lashes getting longer, especially on bottom. This product has become one of my favorites. Thanks sooo much!
Christie Mitchell

Hi Gary.. once again thanks for a great product. You old gals like me who have thinning brows and lashes and are losing the color, this is for you... My brows are not only thicker but are regaining their natural color.. no more eye brow pencil for me.. and my lashes are once again thicker and longer thanks to BeautiControl and Replenishing Conditioner... You guys are awesome..
Patt Woodward

Great product Gary! I have had incredible results since using this product. About a year ago my eyebrows got so thin so I was using a lot of brow pencil trying to fill in. Now after using the Replenishing Conditioner my brows are full and beautiful. Not only did the hair fill in but the hair is healthier, thicker and fabulous! And of course my eye lashes are longer and fuller as well! This product is incredible! Thanks!!!
Maria Krehel

Gary, I LOVE LOVE this product!! THANK YOU! I have been using it faithfully and can see a huge difference in my lashes. I had been looking into adding lashes/sticking on a few fake ones etc. because I had such short squatty lashes-now I do not have to thanks to this product. My lashes are so much longer and thicker now it is unreal especially the outer corners. Others have noticed too. My clients have been asking what I am doing I have so many “pre-orders” for this product just from what they can see on me. That is what is so exciting when people ask “what have you done” before you get a chance to tell them. Thanks for saving me time, money and much effort!! This is SOOOO easy and the results are awesome! Kudos once again to you and your team! Sexy lashes here we all come! Eva Longoria MOVE over BC girls on the move with long luxurious lashes!!!
Tammy Clary

So, if you haven’t yet tried this product, and are one who would like to improve the appearance of thinning, stubby lashes or brows, then this is definitely the product for you. 

If you have your own testimonial for this product, please be sure to share it below in the “comments” section.  If you have any questions, be sure to email us at product@beauticontrol.com.
Have a great week, and we will see you on Friday.

Your Questions Answered

I have noticed that the hair care products are on “while supplies last”. Are these being discontinued or reformulated?
Unfortunately, yes, the hair care products are being discontinued due to poor sales performance. This is one area that it is difficult for us to remain competitive, regardless of how exceptional the products were. Remember that the products have a shelf life of 5 years unopened and 3 years opened, so if you wish, you can purchase enough to keep in reserve for a while.

I am having problems getting the e-profile to work on any browser other than Internet Explorer. Is this being corrected?
Currently, the e-profile is only compatible with Internet Explorer. We are working on making it compatible with other browsers, but currently we are not there. This should be corrected in the coming weeks.

I have taken the e-profile and it has recommended the Skinlogics Sensitive regimen for me. In that regimen, there is not a mask that is recommended. Can you tell me why?
Our masks are pretty potent, and are formulated to be problem solvers. While each of them might be suitable for someone with sensitive skin (depending on the level of their sensitivity), they should be recommended with caution and discontinued if any irritation should result. Because of the higher risk of skin irritation, we do not recommend any masks for those with sensitive skin conditions.

There are so many choices of masks in our product line, how do I know which one will be best for me?
We have several mask choices to offer a variety of choices for a variety of different concerns. Not every person will want to use every one of these products as they are really designed for varied purposes. Below is a description of each of the masks as well as their intended use:

• Therma Del Sol Detoxifying Body Facial – This is a clay based mask, intended to absorb oil and toxins from the skin. Best for normal to oily skin conditions, or for mild to moderate acne.
• Luxuries of the Seas Fango/Seaweed Mask – this is a clay based mask which is supplemented with pumice stone particles. The mask will absorb oil and toxins from the skin as it dries. Once dry, wet with water, then scrub the mask to remove, exfoliating the skin’s surface layers. Best for normal to oily skin conditions.
• Warming Trend Green Tea Mask – This is a moisturizing mask containing the ingredient potassium silicoaluminate, a water activated ingredient that warms the skin as the product is applied, helping to breakdown cellular debris and opening the pores to accept more moisture. Good for all skin types.
• Spa Enzyme Mask – This is one of my all time favorite products. This is a face or body mask that is formulated with enzymes. Enzymes feed on dead skin. The enzymes used in this formula are high potency enzymes derived for papaya and pineapple. When applied as a mask, the enzyme will eat away dead skin cells, helping to clear the skin of hard to remove debris. I love to use this product right before doing a Microdermabrasion treatment to remove the upper-most skin cells, allowing the physical exfoliation of the Microdermabrasion crystals work more deeply and effectively. Because this is an “active” product, some redness will occur, but should subside within an hour. Good for all skin types.
• Skinlogics Clear Purifying Scrub/Mask - contains clay to help absorb oil and toxins, it also contains to help destroy bacteria and dry acne blemishes.

What products help with a skin condition called keratosis pilaris?
Keratosis Pilaris is a condition that is very common among both men and women. It results in dry, bumpy skin, usually on the legs or back of arms. The best way to treat the symptoms of this condition would be a 3 step approach that includes a chemical exfoliator, a physical exfoliator and a good moisturizer. Here is what I would recommend:

• Apply a chemical exfoliator, such as the BC Spa Facial AHA tonic, BC Spa Pedicure Foot Spray (with enzymes) or the BC Spa Resurface Resurfacing Peel to help dissolve the compacted dead skin cells that result in the bumpy appearance. Leave on the skin for a minimum of 10 to 15 minutes.
• Next, using an abrasive scrub such as Microdermabrasion buffing cream or BC Spa Pedicure Foot scrub, exfoliate the area to help remove the dissolved skin.
• Next, apply the BC Spa Body Ultra-rich Body Moisturizer to soften and condition the skin.

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend.

The e-Profile is here! The e-Profile is here!

At long last, the much anticipated Skin Care e-Profile is here!  Hooray!

Ok, let me start off my saying, this is a work in progress!  Is it foolproof?  No.  Is anything in the world foolproof?  No!  This is step one of a process that will help you and your clients locate the best choices for their skin care needs.   While all of our formulas in general are age appropriate, there are some conditions that require customization that is more in-depth than simply recommending the skin care regimen suited for your client’s age.  For instance, let’s say that you are in your 30s and have terribly dry skin.  If that is the case, then chances are good that your skin is actually acting older than it is and may show the same signs as someone who is chronologically in their 40s.  On the opposite end of the spectrum, you may have a 50s client who has extremely oily skin and has never been exposed to the sun.  Chances are, her skin is acting more like someone who is chronologically in their 40s.  While further customization is not a problem for a more seasoned Consultant, for a new Consultant, when their initial recommendation to a client doesn’t fit their exact skin care needs, they can become frustrated, disheartened, and quickly loose interest in their business.  Do you get where I am coming from?  Let me be more direct…if you are a seasoned Consultant and are comfortable with your current method of customization, then this tool was not designed for you.  This tool is designed for a Consultant who is looking for an easy way to build the confidence of their client and get them off on the right foot with minimal need for additional customization down the road.  Getting your customer off on the right track from the beginning will make you and your client feel more comfortable, confident and loyal.

Now, that is not to say that there will absolutely not be a need to fine-tune the regimen more closely with time, but it will direct you in the right direction for the client’s exact needs.

Here’s how it works…

• The Skin Care e-Profile can be located via BeautiNet.com for Consultants or BeautiControl.com for clients.
• When you click on the icon it will prompt you to answer 12 short question regarding your skin care concerns, age, skin type, etc.
• Based on the results of your answers, it will recommend a quick menu that tells you which basic skin care regimen you should be using, then give you a prompt to view your AM regimen, your PM regimen and the list of specialty products that can offer you solutions to the problems that you identified in the questionnaire.
• You can also download and print your complete AM/PM regimen.  Now the regimen that is available to download includes every single product and the correct order of application. 
• When you download and print your regimen, you can simply check off the “Specialty Solutions” that are recommended for you to determine a complete regimen.  It is important to note that the “Specialty Solutions” in some cases will offer you multiple options.  For instance, if you have excessively dry skin, it will suggest either the Skinlogics Heavy Duty Moisturizer or the Regeneration Extreme Repair Face and Neck Cream.  You would just choose one of these options in the event that the products that are recommended are both moisturizers or both masks, etc.   Does that make sense?

Here’s what it can do for your business…

• So, you may be asking, “how can I use this?”, “What can this do for me?”.  Well, the answer is easy.  This can be the tool you need to:
  1. identify you are the skin care expert
  2. build your client’s confidence in your recommendations
  3. better your chances of getting your clients off on the right foot with their initial skin care purchase
  4. offer your clients an order of application regimen
  5. quite simply, it will increase your sales by cross promoting and exposing your clients to more products that offer ‘solutions” to their skin care “problems”
• If it were me, I would use this tool in a few different ways, both with new clients, existing clients and as a tool for my hostess to use prior to a  BC Spa.
• For the new client, I would sit down with them or direct them to log onto BeautiControl.com and take the skin care quiz, download and print their regimen, check off their specialty solutions.  I would explain to them the benefits of MRP and help them construct a regimen of products that best fit their needs.
• For the existing client, I would use this as a contact tool on a seasonal basis.  You want to stay in contact with your existing clients.  We all know it is much easier to keep an existing client than it is to get a new one.  This tool provides you will all the incentive you need to pick up the phone, call your clients and say, “hey, here it is mid-October, the season is changing and so are your skin care needs”.  Then direct them to fill out the e-Profile and give them a reason to order.  Then, you can throw in the fact that skin care is on sale this month and really seal the deal.
• For the hostess, this could be a powerful tool for everyone involved.  Again, if it were me, I would ask my hostess to have every guest who will be attending take the quiz, print out their regimen, check off their specialty solutions and return it to the Hostess to give to you prior to the Spa so you will know what interests/concerns each of your guests have and be equipped to offer them solutions.  Even if you can’t get your Hostess to get these back from the guests, you can at least encourage them to bring their regimens with them to the Spa so you can help them place their orders.

Here’s what you can expect to see in the future…

• Like I said, this is a work in progress.  There will be additional features that will be added to this over the next months including:
  • the ability to put the e-Profile on your BeautiPage
  • the ability to email the results directly to the Consultant
  • the ability to put the items directly into a shopping cart
  • voice over
  • video education
  • and much, much more

This is meant to make your business easier.  I have already heard from many of you who have taken the quiz and it has recommended something different than you are currently using… and that may make you a little uncomfortable initially.  But, remember, there is more than one way to peel an onion (yes, I know that the actual phrase is “there’s more than one way to skin a cat”, but that saying gives me a sick feeling in my stomach).  The regimen that the e-Profile may not be exactly what you are currently using, or what you currently recommend, but who knows… the chances are that it might offer a different solution to the same problem.

One more thing, currently the e-Profile is only compatible with Internet Explorer.  Future compatibility will be possible in the future.

I hope you have fun using this tool and I look forward to the enhancements that come over time.

Have a fantastic week and remember if you have questions, I don’t answer them on the blog so you will need to email product@beauticontrol.com.

Have a great one!

If Mamma Ain’t Happy…

If you are anything like me, I know you can relate when I say, “TGIF”!  Sometimes there are just those weeks where there is never enough time to get everything done that needs to get done.  We find ourselves using our weekends just to catch up on the things that we didn’t have time to get done during the week.  I have a friend who told  me that today at his work it is officially “no e-mail Friday”.  I loved that concept so much that I took it upon myself to declare this weekend “national pamper yourself weekend”.  That’s right.  Every one of you has a homework assignment this weekend.  Now, I am not asking for you to dedicate your entire weekend to pampering yourself, unless you absolutely have the luxury of spending a complete 48 hours of “me time”.  I am just asking for 1 hour from each of you this weekend.  It doesn’t matter what time of morning, evening or night, but each one of us has to carve out just one hour to ourselves to pamper ourselves. 

Ok, so here is what this involves:

• First, you let everyone in the house hear loud and clear that you are going to take 1 hour to yourself.  You have heard the old saying, “If mamma ain’t happy, then no one’s happy”?  Well, no truer words were ever spoken.  You inform all the children…yes, including the husband who can be the biggest child of all when it comes to being a little needy, that unless there is blood, they are to leave you alone.  No phone calls, no “mommy I’m hungry”, no “honey where are my socks”, nada!  This is your tiny slice of heaven and you are absolutely not to be disturbed.
• Next, you light candles and put the all around your tub.  Now, I don’t know what it is about candles, but they make “me time” just a bit more exotic, wouldn’t you agree.  Round up all the candles you can find.  They don’t have to match, this is about you.  Light them and put them all around the bathroom. 
• Next, you need music.  It doesn’t matter what kind of music, just make sure that it is something that helps you relax.  Turn it up loud enough to drown out cartoons, CNN, the children, your husband pacing outside the bathroom door or any other sounds of reality that might cause you to feel guilty about taking time for yourself.
• Now, using your Skinlogics products, remove all your makeup and put on your favorite mask.  We have so many to choose from, so pick the one that best fits what you are looking for:
  • Detoxifying – choose the Therma Del Sol Detoxifying Facial or the Luxuries of the Sea Fango/seaweed scrub
  • Moisturizing – Warming Trend Green Tea Mask or the Therma  Del Sol Olive Butter applied in a thick layer on the face (this is a great hair mask too)
  • Resurfacing – the Chemical Peel or the Spa Enzyme Mask
• Now, fill the tub with water and pour in your favorite bath additive:
  • Luxuries of the Sea Hydrotherapy bath minerals (add some of the Luxuries of the Sea Ocean Bath for added bubbles)
  • Therma Del So Detoxifying Bath soak or
  • Spa Therapeutic Bath Minerals
• Next, get your favorite scrub:
  • Luxuries of the Sea Salt Glow
  • Herbal Serenity Show of Hands (great in the bath…the peppermint and other oils helps to condition the water and works just as great as a body scrub as it does on the hands)
  • Microdermabrasion Body Scrub
  • Spa Sugar Body Scrub
  • Or any of our other amazing scrubs
• Now, turn off the lights, get in the tub, relax and completely turn off your brain.  No job, no kids, no stock market, nothing!  Let yourself think of absolutely nothing!

I promise you, when you emerge from your momentary hibernation, you will be so renewed, refreshed and revitalized that you family will not recognize you.

Do we have a deal?  Just one hour to a new you.  Oh yeah, there’s one more thing.  After you take your moment of relaxation, come back and post some of your favorite ways to “escape” with your favorite spa treatments.

Make it a great weekend, and check back in on Monday to learn all about the new E-profile that will be up and running within the next day or so.  Remember, if you have any questions, be sure to email us at product@beauticontrol.com.