Inside BeautiControl

by Gary Jones, BeautiControl

An Interview with Jim Tentler, Director of Quality Services and Regulatory Affairs

I thought it would be interesting to kick off my internal interviews with someone who plays a very critical role in our organization. While so many of you get an opportunity to meet some of us that are more visible in the company, there are so many that play crucial roles in the organization that you may not have had the chance to meet. As the Director of Regulatory and Quality Control, Jim Tentler is one of those people whose role in the company affects every one of us. BeautiControl is unsurpassed in this industry for product quality and consumer responsibility, and Jim leads a team that spend countless hours every day working to ensure that BeautiControl remains on the fore-front of this highly competitive industry in regards to product testing and quality control.

Jim, how long have you been with BeautiControl? I have been at BeautiControl for 7 years. I started as Director of Manufacturing for 3 years then spent an additional 3 years in Supply Chain Management. For the past year, I have been in Quality Services.

Wow. That is unusual that you have moved around so much within the company. I am sure that gives you a very broad understanding of how the business functions. Where were you prior to joining BC? I spent 5 ½ years in the beverage industry dealing with quality services, product testing, and consumer complaints. After that I moved into the health care industry and was responsible for International Quality Control.

Tell us exactly what it is that you do at BeautiControl ? I am responsible for the incoming quality and final product quality of all of our products. I support the transfer from R&D into product manufacturing and production.

What goes into testing the incoming quality? We conduct a chemical analysis of all raw materials as well as complete microbial testing on each ingredient.

So, every ingredient is tested? Yes, every ingredient is tested to ensure that it meets our quality standards. Every time we receive any ingredient through the door, they go through a complete clinical evaluation. Nothing here is used until is has passed inspection and has been released from quarantine.

How do you support the transfer from R&D and to production? We test the stability of the product as well as conduct a stability and microbial challenge to ensure that it meets the development requirements as the product will be shipped in the “real world”.

What do you mean in the “real world”? Typically, companies test under general stability guidelines to challenge the ingredients at a temperature that might cause them to break down. We test our finished products under the ICH Standards. This is the International standard for product testing that guarantees that we are putting the product under the most rigorous and demanding testing protocol to ensure that the product is not affected by temperatures and are free from microbial contamination. After-all, we ship our products to Minnesota in January and Phoenix in August. They are put through some pretty demanding heat and freeze conditions and we have to make sure that they can undergo these extremes and still ensure that they retain their guaranteed shelf life.

So, when a product is launched, is the testing over? No, not only do we continue to test each ingredient as it is received, we keep “real time” stability on our products to ensure that we have samples of each batch to guarantee the shelf life and continue the microbial challenge of every batch that is produced or has ever been produced.

In comparison to places that you have worked previously, how does BeautiControl measure up in regards to product quality and safety assurance? Actually, BeautiControl practices quality standard practices that are far superior and far more demanding and robust than many other companies in our industry. We are always making strides to improve. We test well above and beyond what is required by our industry standards.

What happens when we receive a returned product that a consumer feels did not meet our quality standards? The first thing we do is ask the consultant for the lot #. This is the number that is printed on each package that identifies the specifics of that formula. When we have this information, we check to confirm whether we are seeing the same things in our product retains. We check stability data and product retains. We research consumer feedback trends, then try to identify the root cause of the problem to determine if it is formula related, shipping related or packaging related. When we have assessed our data, we meet with the R&D Department and discuss the feedback, assess the situation and make changes if necessary.

So, is every customer complaint investigated? Yes. It is a laborious and time consuming process, but that’s what allows us to continually improve. Wow, is that typical in our industry? One thing about the cosmetic industry is how well it is monitored. We are an active member of the PCPC (formerly the CTFA), the organization that works hand in hand with the FDA to ensure the safety of our products and the accuracy of our claims. Last year we signed the Consumer Commitment Code. This is a document that we signed that guarantees our commitment to produce products that we know are safe for the consumer. It is a commitment to the PCPC (Personal Care Products Council, formerly the CTFA) to ensure that all the ingredients in our products are tested to be safe for consumer use. We follow strict documentation and processes to ensure this safety. We share this information with the FDA through the Voluntary Formula Registration Process (VFRP). Should there ever be any significant adverse events, these are reported to the FDA as well.

Not every company chooses to be this diligent. In fact, I would say that many do not, but that is what continuous improvement is all about. you talk a lot about “continuous improvement”, is this the mission of your department? We are ISO Certified (International Standards Organization) and FDA compliant. These were things that we didn’t have to do…we did it to make us a better organization. Continuous improvement initiatives are part of our day to day mission. We recently modified our quality policy. It reads, ”Our Mission is to produce and deliver a product that we would be proud to give or receive.” We post our policy around the building so every associate knows and understands why we are in business. We want something that is memorable and that each associate understands what they can do to affect the quality of our products.

That’s pretty cool. I have not seen that kind of statement anywhere. Basically, we are doing what we say we do….and we can show it! I want every person on my team to feel personally responsible to our Consultants and Directors out there working in the field. After all, these hard working men and women keep us in business and pay our salaries.

I can hear the pride in our voice…I like that. Ok, one last question, what would you like to tell our Consultants? Keep us busy and let us know how we are doing! Thanks, Jim. I know it was hard to sit down for this long. I appreciate your dedication to this company and your personal commitment for excellence that you pass along through your teams. You make BeautiControl a great place to work. I hope all of you have found this fun. I had a blast and love to hear the pride that exudes from Jim when he talks about what he does. This is a man that loves his job, and I think you will all agree that he is doing a great job.

Do you live a life you love?

Melissa Brisbois, Executive Vice President

from BeautiControl

With BeautiControl you can!

Imagine a world where you can be your best because everyone wants you to succeed. You can feel great and have days that you wish would never end. Living your best life... being happy... and ultimately feeling fulfilled is all about the choices that you make. BeautiControl Consultants have work and family responsibilities, just like you. Through BeautiControl , someone showed them a way where they were able to make choices to be happy and create lives they love. Thousands of women have taken that step to make a positive difference in their lives.

You can live this life with BeautiControl. BeautiControl creates an environment that nurtures success. The way you move up in our company is by taking others with you. Isn’t that wonderful! Everyone wants to see you succeed because you never succeed alone. The only ceiling is the one you choose. At BeautiControl there is room for everyone who wants to have more and be more.

You may be thinking, “Oh, I could never do what those women did!” Many of them thought the same thing. It’s natural to have self-doubts. The difference is, they chose to try. When you think about it, what’s the worst thing that can happen? It’s never too late to take action and be the best you can be—for yourself and your family.

I invite you to join us and turn all those “somedays” into “todays!” With BeautiControl, you can create a life you love! Now, you may be thinking, “where do I start?” Take the next step and click ‘find a consultant now’. By telling us a little about yourself, we can match you up with a Consultant in your area who is ready to share this opportunity with you. So, do you live a life you love? Remember, with BeautiControl you can!


Melissa Brisbois, Executive Vice President


To become a BeautiControl Consultant send an email to CustomerCare @ eFashionHouse.com

Customizing Products for Your Clients – Identifying Their “Problems” and Offering “Solutions”

by Gary Jones, BeautiControl

Ok, I hope you all think this is as cool as I do. Last week, I began working on a training piece to use within the company for those who answer product questions. It is kind of an “If/Then” chart … IF your client has this problem, THEN you would recommend this product. The further along I got in working on this, the more I realized that this would make a fantastic blog topic. So, I look forward to hearing what you think about this and if you think this is something that can help you when working with your clients and developing a skin care regimen for them.

Before I get into it, I just want to make a few quick comments. Remember, our goal in building a successful skin care regimen – whether it is for ourselves or for our clients – is to establish a good foundation on which to build. MRP is our formula for optimal skin health. M = Maintenance (Skinlogics), R= Repair (Regeneration), P = Protection (Cell Block-C). A complete skin care regimen should contain each of these MRP products to address our skin care needs.

All too often, I think we forget that MRP are the basics and we try to throw more specialty related products into our regimen without first building a strong foundation. Specialty products, although effective on their own, are not addressing the total well being of the skin if they are not combined with a proper MRP regimen customized for the specific needs of the skin. Many times, we try to offer too many products to our clients in one sitting. While that works for some people, the majority of your clients will get the products home, feel overwhelmed with their variety of products and abandon their routine because they don’t remember “what does what”. Additionally, should your client have any type of negative reaction to one of the products, it is far more difficult to determine which product is the culprit and the client discontinues the use of all of them in frustration.

The key to creating a successful skin care routine for your clients, and an amazing repeat/re-order business for you, is targeting their needs and offering them an effective, concise skin care regimen that is appropriately customized JUST FOR THEM!

MRP products are our “bread and butter” products and the products that will guarantee that your clients come back again and again.

Ok, now back to business. The following is a very basic Skin Care Questionnaire that asks a series of simple questions. These questions will identify not only their basic MRP needs, but also identify “problems” that you can offer “solutions” for.

You will see that I have grouped the products into several categories:
• Basic MRP Regimen
• Advanced PM Regimen
• Specialty Solutions

You will have clients that want to purchase everything you recommend to them, although there will be others who only want a selection of the products that you have recommended. Above all, remember a solid regimen that consists of MRP products is the foundation on which you build your sales and your customer loyalty.

For those who have clients who want it all…congratulations to you - you just made a HUGE sale. WARNING: Follow-up with these clients is crucial. They have just purchased a lot of products and can become easily confused and overwhelmed with their choices. Be sure that you have given them an “order of application” chart as well as a detailed description of “what does what” so they continue to remember the reason that they are using the products that they purchased.

For those who only want a selection of products, I firmly believe that the best thing you can do for them is get them started on the “Basic MRP Regimen” as a starting point. Follow-up with these clients is equally as important, but for a different reason. Once they experience the dramatic improvements in their skin, they are going to be ready to try other products that you have to offer. This is your opportunity to come back to them and offer additional products to fit their needs, starting with the “Advanced PM Regimen”, then adding a selection of “Specialty Solutions”.

Skin Care Questionnaire
• What is your age?
o Under 20? 20-29? 30-39? 40-49? 50+

• Would you describe your skin as:
o Very Dry? Dry? Normal? Oily? Very Oily?

• Do you experience redness, rashes or easily irritated skin or consider yourself to have sensitive skin?
o Mildly Sensitive? Moderately Sensitive? Severely Sensitive?

• Are you prone to acne breakouts?
o Mildly? Moderately? Severely?

• Are you prone to blackheads/clogged pores?
o Yes? No?

• Have you experienced loss of firmness and elasticity?
o Yes? No?

• Do you have more pronounced lines and wrinkles?
o Yes? No?

• Have you experienced age spots or other forms of hyper-pigmentation?
o Yes? No?

• Do you have concerns with facial puffiness?
o Yes? No?

• Do you have concerns with eye puffiness?
o Yes? No?

• Do you have concerns with dark circles under your eyes?
o Yes? No?

• Do you have an increased dullness or lack of clarity in your skin?
o Yes? No?

Basic MRP Regimen
• Cleanser - Gently removes impurities from the skin without stripping skin of essential moisture.

• Scrub - Gently removes dead skin cells, polishing skin’s surface. (used 2 to 3 times per week)

• Tonic - Final rinse to restore moisture mantle and refine pores

• Regeneration face and neck cream - Customized for your age, containing naturally derived acids and peptides that help to expedite the exfoliation of the skin to encourage skin to act younger, firmer and more resilient

• Cell Block-C SPF 20 - Contains advanced antioxidant and full spectrum UV protection to help prevent future environmental damage

• Moisturizer - Seals in moisture to help maintain the skin’s natural hydration

• Eye Cream - Customized by age to help target line prone areas around the eyes. Firms, moisturizes, helps diminish the appearance of dark circles and under-eye puffiness

• Microderm Abrasion facial buffing crème - designed to physically remove dead surface skin cells, encouraging the development of new cell production.

Advanced PM Regimen
• Regeneration Time to Go (in place of Regeneration face and neck cream) - Contains retinol which helps kick-start the production of new skin cells, increasing the rate in which the skin renews itself.

• Time to Go Time Capsules (in ADDITION to your eye cream) - Contains retinol which helps kick-start the production of new skin cells, increasing the rate in which the skin renews itself. Contains Vitamin K which helps diminish the appearance of under-eye dark circles.

• Cell Block-C PM (in place of CBC AM) - Restores moisture and helps skin recover from daily environmental stress.

• Reprogram - Helps protect new cell development, encouraging the reproduction of healthier, younger acting skin cells

Customizing a Skin Care Regimen for Your Clients:
• If your client has “Dry”, “Normal, or “Oily” skin and is not prone to acne or skin sensitivity recommend the MRP skin care regimen specific for their age.

• If your client describes themselves as having “ very dry” skin with no acne or skin sensitivity, move to the next MRP regimen up from their recommended age specific regimen.

• If your client describes themselves as having “very oily” skin with no acne or skin sensitivity, move to the next MRP regimen down from their recommended age specific regimen.

• If your client describes themselves as having mildly sensitive skin, recommend the age specific MRP regimen for them as a starting point.

• If your clients describes themselves as having moderate to severely sensitive skin, recommend the Skinlogics Sensitive regimen. Do not recommend any repair and prevention products until the skin adjusts to the daily basic regimen, then add either Regeneration Gold or Platinum Regeneration products, as well as Cell Block-C-AM and PM for repair and prevention. Do not recommend the use of Microderm Abrasion products, Time to Go Products, Chemical Peel or any of the clay based masks for these clients.

• If your client describes themselves as having mild acne breakouts, recommend the MRP regimen for 20s skin.

• If your client describes themselves as having moderate acne breakouts, recommend the MRP regimen for 20s skin, with the substitution of the All Clear Tonic in place of the Skinlogics tonic.

• If your client describes themselves as having severe acne breakouts, recommend the complete All Clear system. Do not recommend the immediate use of Repair and Prevention products until the skin adjusts to the basic daily regimen, then add the Regeneration Gold, Time to Go and Cell Block-C AM products for repair and prevention.

It is best to get your clients adjusted to an effective MRP regimen before recommending the use of other products. Once your client has established an effective daily MRP regimen, other products can be added to help with specific skin concerns.

Specialty Solutions
Below you will find a variety of products listed under each “problem”. This does not mean that you necessarily need all of the products that are listed. This is a list of products that specifically address the problem at hand. While they can all be recommended, they can also be used individually based on your customer’s preference. Some of the products listed in the following categories my also be listed in the Basic MRP Regimen, but are specifically suited to address the skin condition listed.

• Oil Control
o Cell Block-C Multivitamin Capsules (used during the day) - Provides potent antioxidant protection by delivering concentrated levels of pure vitamin C and Vitamin E to the skin. Helps restore skin vibrancy and provides the perfect environment to help the skin naturally produce collagen and elastin

o Time to Go (used at night) - Contains retinol which helps kick-start the production of new skin cells, increasing the rate in which the skin renews itself.

o Secret Agent Natural Makeup Primer (used under foundation as a primer) - help to absorb oil in the skin and delay oil breakthrough.

o Hide the Shine (used as a blotting treatment during the day) - will help to absorb oil and reduce shine.

• Excessively Dry Skin
o Skinlogics Platinum Heavy Duty Moisturizer (in place of daily moisturizer) – oil rich moisturizer to help target very dry skin condtions

o Regeneration Extreme Repair Face and Body Cream (in place of daily moisturizer) – moisture rich cream that helps to increase cellular hydration, helping the skin to retain moisture more effectively

• Skin Sensitivity, Irritation or Allergic Response
o Skinlogics Sensitive Protective Services - For those with red, irritated skin or rosacea, this quick absorbing serum contains hydrocortisone, known for its anti-irritant properties, along with protective and restorative panthenol. *not available in Canada

• Black Heads/Clogged Pores
o Therma Del Sol Detoxifying Body Facial – Clay based mask that helps absorb excess oil, helping to pull impurities from the pores.

o Luxuries of the Sea Fango/Seaweed Mask - Clay based mask that helps absorb excess oil, helping to pull impurities from the pores as well as ground pumice to help exfoliate the skin when used as a scrub.

o All Clear Deep Cleansing Treatment – Self foaming cleansing treatment that deeply cleanses pores.

o Microderm Abrasion products - designed to physically remove dead surface skin cells, encouraging the development of new cell production.

• Loss of Firmness and Elasticity
o Regeneration Tight Firm and Fill - Offers both immediate and long term benefits – helping to relax the appearance of expression lines, instantly plump lines and wrinkles, instantly firm, and help strengthen the skin’s support system through moisturization.

o Sculptique Face and Neck Contour Creme - Improves facial contours by by helping to improve moisture balance of fluids in the skin and offering skin firming compounds to the lower layers of the epidermis

o Microderm Abrasion products - designed to physically remove dead surface skin cells, encouraging the development of new cell production.

• Lines and Wrinkles
o Regeneration Tight Firm and Fill - Offers both immediate and long term benefits – helping to relax the appearance of expression lines, instantly plump lines and wrinkles, instantly firm, and help strengthen the skin’s support system through moisturization.

o Regeneration Chemical Peel - designed to chemically loosen dead surface skin cells so they can be more easily removed to encourage the development of new cell production. Used 2 to 3 times per week.

o Microderm Abrasion products - designed to physically remove dead surface skin cells, encouraging the development of new cell production.

• Age Spots or other forms of hyper-pigmentation
o Cell Block-C Intensive Brightening Elixir - Helps fade the appearance of skin discolorations and uneven skin tone

o Skinlogics Platinum Plus (in place of daily moisturizer) - Seals in moisture to help maintain the skin’s natural hydration. Helps even the appearance of skin tone and diminish skin discoloration

o Microderm Abrasion products - designed to physically remove dead surface skin cells, encouraging the development of new cell production.

o Reprogram - Helps protect new cell development, encouraging the reproduction of healthier, younger acting skin cells

• Facial puffiness
o Sculptique Face and Neck Contour Creme - Improves facial contours by helping restore moisture balance in the skin and offering skin firming compounds to the lower layers of the epidermis

• Dark, Under-Eye puffiness
o Time to Go Time Capsules - Contains retinol which helps kick-start the production of new skin cells, increasing the rate in which the skin renews itself. Contains Vitamin K which helps diminish the appearance of under-eye dark circles.

o Eye-X-Cel - help target line prone areas around the eyes. Firms, moisturizes, helps diminish the appearance of dark circles and under-eye puffiness

o Platinum Regeneration Rejuvenating Eye Treatment (eye patches) - Instantly minimizes the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and dark under-eye circles and puffiness

• Under-eye circles
o Platinum Regeneration Eye Crème - help target line prone areas around the eyes. Firms, moisturizes, helps diminish the appearance of dark circles and under-eye puffiness

o Time to Go Time Capsules - Contains retinol which helps kick-start the production of new skin cells, increasing the rate in which the skin renews itself. Contains Vitamin K which helps diminish the appearance of under-eye dark circles.

o Platinum Regeneration Rejuvenating Eye Treatment (eye patches) - Instantly minimizes the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and dark under-eye circles and puffiness

• Dull Skin Tone
o Cell Block-C Multivitamin Capsules (used during the day) - Provides potent antioxidant protection by delivering concentrated levels of pure vitamin C and Vitamin E to the skin. Helps restore skin vibrancy and provides the perfect environment to help the skin naturally produce collagen and elastin

o Microderm Abrasion products - designed to physically remove dead surface skin cells, encouraging the development of new cell production.

o Spa Organic Enzyme Mask – contains enzymes that help dissolve dead skin build-up to reveal more radiant skin.

For a specific order of application chart, please see my blog dedicated to the topic of “Choosing a Skin Care Regimen and Order of Application”.

Ok, I know this is a lot to digest, but I really think this can help you feel more comfortable about customizing a regimen both for yourself and your clients. Please let me know what you think of this and if this is something that will benefit you as you build your client base and create “customers for life”.

Have a great week.

About the Author

Gary Jones is Vice President of Product Development R&D for BeautiControl. Gary has a blog and posts very helpful information for BeautiControl Consultants world wide. The information is information, education and product-driven for client satisfaction. BeautiContol is a perfect way to earn extra cash or work full time. To learn more about BeautiControl click here.

Making your own spa cucumber water

from At Home with Kim Vallee

Since it is no more fashionable to serve bottled water, the trendy hostess needs to dish up the tab water. Last summer, I showed you how to serve a pitcher of water with fresh berries. The look was great but the taste of the water is not distinctively altered by the berries.

Cucumber water improves the taste of tap water. Spa aficionados already experience the benefits of cucumber water for improving the look of your skin. On top of it, this drink is simple to make at home.

Cucumber Water Recipe
In order for the cucumber to fully release its juice, you need to prepare it the day before your event.

Ingredients:

1 cucumber, sliced and unpeeled + 6-7 cucumber slices for decoration
1 ½ to 2 liters of water
3 mint sprigs + 2 mint sprigs for decoration
Half a lemon, sliced and unpeeled
Ice cubes
In a pitcher, mix the water, cucumber, 3 mint sprigs and lemon. Let it rest on the fridge for 24 hours. If you prepare the water at the last minute, cut the first cucumber in three or four pieces. Then, squeeze the cucumber pieces to release all the juice.

Before serving remove the cucumber slices used to flavor the water. Then stir with a wooden spoon, add some ice cubes, 6 or 7 fresh cucumber slices and the remaining 2 mint sprigs. Enjoy this refreshing drink.

Putin generation: Opportunity – and corruption – test a young entrepreneur

Yulia Barabasheva A Moscow businesswoman she works 12-hour days at her new beauty salon– sometimes closing up shop at midnight. She feels intense responsibility for her 14 employees who she says have become like a family to her.

Yulia Barabasheva puts in long hours at her beauty salon, which she opened last April.

By Christa Case Bryant

Moscow - Yulia Barabasheva never wanted to have her own beauty salon. She's not even that passionate about nail design, despite having coached her mother to a Russian championship this year. But with a dream of securing a steadier income and starting a family, she opened her unmarked brown metal door to the public in April last year.

It took the help of her husband, Igor Barabashev, a businessman, to get $180,000 in start-up loans and complete a six-month slog through Russia's formidable bureaucracy to obtain a license. Now, she and her staff of 14 take clients up to 12 hours a day, seven days a week, giving them thinner eyebrows or 5-inch nails.

At 25, Barabasheva is politically unengaged, like many of her "Putin generation." But she enjoys a rising prosperity, which Russians typically chalk up to President Vladimir Putin. Serving that new wealth has opened the door to opportunities that would have been unheard of for average Russians just a decade ago. But even as Mr. Putin's Russia allows ever greater numbers of people, like Barabasheva, to move up the economic ladder, it demands a scrappy persistence to battle red tape and corruption while trying to get ahead.

"Moscow is a city that eats people up and doesn't leave any time for life," says Barabasheva, who has worked since she left home at age 14. "We have a kind of family atmosphere here [at the salon] and I don't want to destroy it for the world."

A reluctant entrepreneur in many ways, Barabasheva finds herself caught up in a life she didn't expect. Her hopes for a family of her own were shaken six months ago when she and Igor decided to separate, their relationship strained by the new business. But despite having lost the impetus for undertaking such a challenging venture, she remains resolutely committed to her middle-aged employees, many of whom would have difficulty finding new work in a society that prizes youth and glamour.

"I feel responsibility to them and I know none of them will ever fail me," she says, sitting in her office crammed with boxes and beauty supplies. "I can't just simply line them up and say, 'Thank you girls, you're free to go, I've decided to change my life.' "

Dramatic boost in wealth

Barabasheva and her employees are reaping the benefits of an economy tamed since the 1990s, when a few well-connected businessmen accumulated huge wealth while 40 percent of Russians lived in poverty. Her clients, shimmering in fur coats as they arrive, easily slot in $80 monthly manicures between Mediterranean vacations and children's English tutoring sessions.

That shift toward broader prosperity, especially in Moscow, has been dramatic. In his first five years in office, Putin brought the poverty rate of his countrymen down to about 16 percent, according to the World Bank. Today, he said in a recent speech, it's less than 14 percent. Official figures put the middle class at about 20 percent of the population.

Barabasheva doesn't see herself as middle class, even though she runs her own business. In costly Moscow, she argues, people need to earn at least $15,000 a month to qualify, and she doesn't. She is evasive about her earnings, saying only that she earns as much as she can and shares a percentage of profits with her employers. "I stand on my own two feet," she says firmly.

Barabasheva has proved her mettle before. Born to teenage parents on the outskirts of Moscow and in her own apartment by 16, she passed high school by showing up just for exams, and worked in construction and a liquor factory before turning to nail design to make a better living. As she describes the pressures she has faced during a rare break from work, a radiant smile and animated demeanor suggest that her persistence and love for those around her have, if anything, been fortified.

"In order to live, I've got to believe in something," says Barabasheva, who keeps a photo on her desktop of her celebrating her parents' 25th anniversary with them. "And I really believe I can give a lot."

Working painstakingly under a fluorescent lamp, her arms covered in fine nail dust, she passes long hours trying to make her 100 regular clients – some 90 of whom are single women – "feel well inside." Her clients – doctors, entrepreneurs, and even top figure skater Elena Sokolova – leave happier, and not just because their hands are more beautiful, she says. They nourish her as well, she adds – enriching her mind with their experiences and expertise until she has a chance, someday, to finish her college degree.

Barriers of corruption

But the backstage of business in Putin's Russia is much messier, according to Barabasheva and other entrepreneurs. "The state structure is quite complicated, quite corrupted, and it requires a lot of financial investment and emotional investment," she says.

In a recent speech, Putin acknowledged such challenges. "To this day, it's impossible to start a business within months," he said, laying out his vision for Russia through 2020. "You have to go to every office with a bribe: firefighters, hospital orderlies, gynecologists, you name it. It's just a nightmare."

According to Transparency International, a watchdog group based in Berlin, corruption has increased slightly in Russia since 1999 and the country is now ranked 143rd among 179 countries profiled. Its national business environment ranking – compiled by the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report – has also fallen since 2001, from 56th to 70th, though most of that is due to the addition of new countries. In addition to corruption, the report cites tax regulations, bureaucracy, and inflation as some top concerns.

So despite a flourishing economy, Barabasheva and others say starting a business is still tough – even once it's up and running. And according to the liberal Levada Center, young people believe it's connections (49 percent) – more than talent (38 percent) – that enable one to succeed in Russia today. There has also been a marked drop in the percentage of young people who see hard work as integral to success, falling from 60 percent in 2002 to 48 percent in 2006.

Misha Sagiryan, the young owner of two fitness clubs in Moscow, says he used his partner's connections to resolve things when police took his computer to check if everything was "correct." He took the same tack when the antiterrorist unit visited to ask about reinforcing the windows.

"There are always things like that," he says. "In my business plan, I have the line 'solving problems' " – keeping officials happy with gifts and perks.

Igor, the director of a legal-consulting firm and a former government employee, writes that into his budget, too. "Everyone has it," he says, laughing. Still, local authorities can't meddle the way they used to, he says, citing his firm's successful resolution of a bankruptcy case in which local officials had tried to personally benefit from the company's demise. "It's a very good example; it answers the question, 'Are authorities interested in promoting business?' " he says. "My point of view is there is more order, especially at the federal level."

But Barabasheva doesn't feel protected from the law. She plucked her staff primarily from the salon where she used to work, an outfit owned by three ex-criminals who failed to inspire loyalty.

"That salon is 20 years old and people have connections, possibly at the level of local administration. The consequences could be quite great," worries Barabasheva, who says she didn't lose a single client in the transition. "I consider myself lucky enough already, but as I know these kinds of people, I think they might just be waiting."

Risking their wrath is a bold step to take for employees who don't have, Barabasheva says, her penchant for perfection. "In the old times, [hairdressers] taught their profession much better – I can't even compare to now. Not so many people realize how bad they are at their profession," says Barabasheva, who adds that she can size up a hairdresser by the manner in which she picks up a pair of scissors.

Looking beyond appearances

But for Barabasheva, her employees are more than professionals. The family atmosphere she has tried to cultivate has borne fruit: they're a crucial support to her as she goes through her second divorce at age 25.

"For the first time, I felt I was quite empty and couldn't give anything to anyone," she says. "But my clients and all my staff helped."

Her staff are all women, since she has been underwhelmed by former male colleagues. "They have almost nothing left of a man in them," she says despairingly. And it's not just colleagues: In general, she yearns to see men show more responsibility and devotion to their families – though she doesn't criticize Igor, with whom she says she is still friendly.

"There is something wrong in the society. Nobody looks inside, into your soul, but everyone is looking at your face and your figure – appearance is everything," says Barabasheva, who sees her salon as countering that through female camaraderie. "I think it is the women who are to blame for that. Everything is on sale. We sold ourselves.... I always thought that being rich leads to degradation, but being poor also leads to a degradation."

But, coming from "the wonderful city" of Pushkin whose residents are "hospitable, kind, open," she admits that she often judges people too harshly.

"I still can't accept people as they are," says Barabasheva apologetically, describing the sad, angry faces she sees on the street. "As soon as we learn ... to take them as they are, to forgive them, then we will live much better here."

Backstage Beauty - Stila at Marchese Beauty Breakdown

from Temptalia

Beauty Backstage by Stila: For four seasons, Marchesa has turned to stila cosmetics to complement their Hollywood-worthy designs with just the right makeup looks. Headlining makeup artist Talia Shobrook used lush, rich hues to complete the gilded splendor of the Marchesa collection.

Inspired by the iconography of the 16th Century, Marchesa’s fall collection evokes the excess and elegance of the Golden Age. Drawing on the drama of the Spanish Armada, the designs embody the clash of lavish Spanish style and Elizabethan renaissance in an era marked by legendary monarchs. Shobrook captured the concept in a dramatic look that modernizes Elizabethan stylization, with dreamy, angelic complexions to reflect the soft, flowing quality of the collection.

stila offers you quick how-tos so that you can capture this majestic fall makeup style:

Step one: skin
The look for skin is matte and pale. Begin by applying stila sheer pressed powder. Then, apply stila perfecting concealer to areas that require more coverage.

Step two: eyes
Neutral tones contour and accentuate a smoky eye framed with dramatic lashes and brows. Apply stila eye shadow in chinois to brow bones. Next, apply stila eye shadow in bouquet and kamet to the creases of your eyelids and your bottom lash line. Line the lower outer rim kajal liner in smoky quartz. Then sweep multi-effect mascara in brown over lashes and apply multi-effect mascara in black to tips of lashes. Finally, fill in brows with brow set.

Step three: cheeks
Cheeks are natural but flushed for high contrast with pale skin. Use new cherry crush lip and cheek stain to create a bright flush against pale skin. Apply to fingertips to the high apples of the cheeks, blending out until the color diffuses into a soft stain.

Step four: lips
Lip color is shiny and saturated against matte skin and eyes. Apply cherry crush lip and cheek stain directly to lips for rosy color with a slick sheen. Next, dab SPF 20 lipstick in caicos over cherry crush with fingertips to finish the look.

BeautiControl Press Release

BeautiControl owned by Tupperware Brands

from Hoover's
PR Newswire

Tupperware Brands Reports Fourth-Quarter Sales Up 19% GAAP Diluted E.P.S. up 35% Tupperware Segments' Sales Grow 18% and Beauty Segments' Sales Grow 19%; Fourth Quarter Active Representatives Increase 8%; Fourth Quarter GAAP Earnings of $0.88 per Diluted Share

ORLANDO, Fla.-- Tupperware Brands Corporation (NYSE: TUP) today reported that fourth-quarter 2007 sales grew 19% year over year (11% in local currency) to $577 million with strong growth in all 5 segments ranging from 6% to 18% in local currency. Rick Goings Chairman and CEO of Tupperware Brands commented, "We are encouraged with the progress we made in the fourth quarter and the full year in further refining and implementing our strategies, which are working and delivering the positive results we expected to support long term growth. This came through in the fourth quarter with our high-teen year-over-year sales increase and our 35% increase in GAAP diluted earnings per share. Our sales and profit were both well ahead of our October outlook."

"As we look ahead to 2008, we're planning to capitalize on our year end sales force size advantage of 15% to further grow our businesses, and expect to be in our long-term outlook range for local currency sales growth of 5 to 7% per year. This includes high single, to low double-digit, growth from the 40% to 45% of our businesses that operate in emerging markets and, on average, a low single digit growth rate from the remainder of our businesses that operate in established markets."

"We expect to grow net income even more with higher profit from the segments and lower interest expense, as we benefit from the credit agreement we closed at the end of the third quarter, partially offset by a higher but still very favorable income tax rate in the 23% range." "Included in our 2008 outlook is continued investment to implement our strategies as we further develop our branded portfolio of direct selling companies, working to continue to innovate with our demonstrable product lines, our contemporized selling situations and the right sales force compensation plan in each market."

Excluding certain adjustment items, fourth-quarter earnings per share rose to 93 cents from 74 cents in 2006, or 26%. Stronger foreign currencies had a 10 cent positive impact on the year-over-year comparison. Profit from the segments rose 29%, interest expense was lower by over $3 million, reflecting lower borrowings along with a benefit from the new credit agreement entered into in September, and unallocated expenses rose by $5 million, largely reflecting higher expenses associated with management incentive programs. The quarter's effective tax rate rose to 17% this year from 10% last year (see detail in Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation Schedule).

As of the end of the fourth quarter net debt was down to $593 million, a reduction of $88 million from $681 million at the end of 2006. Net cash provided by operating activities, net of investing activities, for the full year was $152 million, ahead of October guidance of $100 to $110 million. Tupperware Brands will conduct a conference call tomorrow, Wednesday, January 30, at 10:00 am Eastern time. The conference call will be webcast and archived, along with a copy of this news release on www.tupperwarebrands.com.

Fourth Quarter Segment Highlights*

Tupperware Segments
In Europe, fourth quarter sales rose by 19% (6% in local currency) over the prior year. The positive sales force trends continued in the emerging markets leading to 22% growth in local currency coming most notably in Russia, Turkey and South Africa. Established markets grew 1% in local currency with Germany achieving a 3% sales increase, following double-digit declines in each of the first three quarters. The total sales force size advantage for the whole segment at the end of the year was 21%. The average active sales force increased 8%. Segment profit increased 33% (18% in local currency) reflecting a greater than 2 point higher return on sales from improved value chains in several of the markets in Western Europe and higher manufacturing volume.

Asia Pacific achieved a 24% (16% in local currency) sales increase with emerging markets up 30% in local currency and established markets up 9% led by Australia. The number of active sellers was up 11% led by Indonesia, Australia and Korea. Operating profit increased 48% (36% in local currency) and reflected a 3.7 pp improvement in return on sales. This primarily reflected a higher share of sales from Australia, with its high return on sales, and more efficient expense management by Tupperware Japan, as well as 0.8 pp from lower purchase accounting amortization.

In Tupperware North America, 12% (11% in local currency) higher sales, reflected increases in all three markets, the United States, Canada and Mexico. Although there was a drag in the last 2 and 1/2 weeks of December in light of the warehouse fire in the main U.S. warehouse, Tupperware United States and Canada still achieved a 12% local currency sales increase in the quarter. The total sales force size for the whole segment was down at the end of the year, reflecting a decrease in Mexico as the United States had a higher sales force count. Active sellers in the segment were down slightly. There was a 4.5 pp improvement in return on sales that brought the segment's profit up over 100%, mainly reflecting an improved cost structure in the United States.

Beauty Segments
In the Beauty North America segment, the 13% (12% in local currency) sales increase reflected double-digit increases by both units, Fuller Mexico and BeautiControl North America. Both units also had double-digit total sales force size advantages as of the end of the year, with the segment up 13%. The active sales force was up 10%. Segment profit was up 9% (8% in local currency), reflecting a lower return on sales, principally from gross margin investment at BeautiControl to sell through inventories and higher distribution costs that were about offset by lower purchase accounting amortization.

The Beauty Other segment achieved a 30% (18% in local currency) sales increase, reflecting higher sales forces and sales throughout Central and South America, most notably in Venezuela and Brazil. Fuller Philippines also had a double digit sales increase. The Nutrimetics units were down as a group, with the largest Nutrimetics market, Australia, down just slightly, reflecting an improved trend from earlier in the year. The total sales force in the segment was up 12% and the active sales force was up 8% in the quarter. There was a loss of $0.1 million that included $1.2 million of purchase accounting amortization. Excluding purchase accounting amortization from both years, profit increased reflecting improved results in the Philippines, Venezuela and Brazil.

Full-Year Results
For full-year 2007, total company sales grew 14% (9% in local currency), to a record $2.0 billion versus $1.7 billion in 2006. The Tupperware brand segments grew by 14% (8% in local currency) and the Beauty brand segments by 12% (10% in local currency). The businesses operating in emerging markets had sales growth of 21% (18% in local currency) and the remaining businesses that operate in established markets had growth of 8% (2% in local currency). Active sellers grew 5% for the year. Profit from the operating segments rose 33% (26% in local currency), 9 points of which was from lower purchase accounting amortization. Diluted earnings per share was $1.87, up 21% (8% in local currency). Excluding certain adjustment items, full year 2007 diluted earnings per share was $2.25, up 26% (14% in local currency).

2008 Outlook
Full year 2008 sales are expected to increase 8 to 10% (5 to 7% in local currency) and GAAP diluted earnings per share is expected to be $2.37 to $2.47, including a 10 to 12 cent benefit versus 2007 from stronger foreign currencies. After adjustments full-year diluted earnings per share is expected to be $2.50 to $2.60 up 6% to 10% in local currency (see detail in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Outlook Reconciliation schedule).

Sales in local currency in the Tupperware brand segments are expected to increase in the mid-single-digit range and in the Beauty brand segments are expected to increase in the high-single-digit range. Excluding certain adjustment items, profit in the segments is expected to grow in line, to slightly above the rate of sales, except in Beauty Other where there was a loss of $3 million in 2007 and a small profit is expected in 2008.

Unallocated corporate costs in 2008 are expected to be about even with 2007's $44 million; interest expense is expected to be $33 to $34 million, versus $49 million in 2007, which included $10 million of expense associated with implementing the new credit agreement; and the income tax rate is expected to be about 23%, compared with 17% in 2007 on a GAAP basis and 18% excluding certain items.

First Quarter 2008 Outlook
First quarter sales are expected to increase 13 to 15% (5 to 7% in local currency) and diluted earnings per share is expected to be 50 to 55 cents versus 32 cents last year. Excluding certain adjustment items diluted earnings per share is expected to be 44 to 49 cents versus 36 cents last year. This includes a 5 to 7 cents benefit versus 2006 from stronger foreign currencies and a lower effective tax rate.

Rick Goings, Chairman and CEO of Tupperware Brands commented, "Many analysts and investors are concerned about the weakness of the U.S. dollar and the U.S. economy. Upwards of 84% of our sales and even more of our profit come from international markets. This means that our profit rises on dollar weakness, and while we could see some impact from lower consumer spending in the United States, the impact would be less than for many other companies given the size of our businesses here. To date we have not seen issues in our Tupperware United States or BeautiControl businesses related to the consumer spending environment."

Tupperware Brands Corporation is a portfolio of global direct selling companies, selling premium innovative products across multiple brands and categories through an independent sales force of 2.1 million. Product brands and categories include design-centric preparation, storage and serving solutions for the kitchen and home through the Tupperware brand and beauty and personal care products for consumers through the Avroy Shlain, BeautiControl, Fuller, NaturCare, Nutrimetics, Nuvo and Swissgarde brands.

The Company's stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: TUP). Statements contained in this release, which are not historical fact and use predictive words such as "outlook" or "target" are forward-looking statements. These statements involve risks and uncertainties which include recruiting and activity of the Company's independent sales forces, the success of new product introductions and promotional programs, the ability to obtain all government approvals on land sales, the success of buyers in attracting tenants for commercial developments, the effects of economic and political conditions generally and foreign exchange risk in particular and other risks detailed in the Company's most recent periodic report as filed in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company does not intend to regularly update forward-looking information.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The Company has utilized non-GAAP financial measures in this release, which are provided to assist readers' understanding of the Company's results of operations. The adjustment items materially impact the comparability of the Company's results of operations. The adjusted information is intended to be more indicative of Tupperware Brands' primary operations, and to assist readers in evaluating performance and analyzing trends across periods.

The non-GAAP financial measures exclude gains from the sale of property, plant and equipment and insurance recoveries; re-engineering costs; purchase accounting intangible asset amortization; purchase accounting intangible asset and goodwill impairment costs; and costs associated with terminating the Company's previous credit agreement. While the Company is engaged in a multi- year program to sell land adjacent to its Orlando, Florida headquarters, and also disposes of other excess land and facilities periodically, these activities are not part of the Company's primary business operation. Additionally, gains recognized in any given period are not indicative of gains which may be recognized in any particular future period. For this reason, these gains are excluded as indicated. Further, the Company excludes significant charges related to casualty losses caused by significant weather events, fires or similar circumstances. It also excludes any related gains resulting from the settlement of associated insurance claims. While these types of events can and do recur periodically, they are excluded from indicated financial information due to their distinction from ongoing business operations, inherent volatility and impact on the comparability of earnings across quarters. Also, the Company periodically records exit costs as defined under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities" and other amounts related to rationalizing manufacturing and other re-engineering activities, and believes these amounts are similarly volatile and impact the comparability of earnings across quarters. Therefore, they are also excluded from indicated financial information to provide what the Company believes represents a more useful measure for analysis and predictive purposes.

The Company has also elected to present financial measures excluding the impact of amortizing the purchase accounting write-up of the carrying value of depreciable assets and certain definite-lived intangible assets, primarily the value of independent sales forces, recorded in connection with the Company's December 2005 acquisition of the direct selling businesses of Sara Lee Corporation. The amortization expense related to these assets will continue for several years; however, based on the Company's current estimates, this amortization will decline significantly as the years progress. Similarly in connection with its annual evaluation of the carrying value of acquired intangible assets and goodwill, the Company has recognized an impairment charge in 2007. The Company believes that both of these types of non-cash charges will not be representative in any single year of amounts recorded in prior years or expected to be recorded in future years. Therefore, they are excluded from indicated financial information to also provide a more useful measure for analysis and predictive purposes.

Finally, in 2007, the Company entered into a new credit agreement, which triggered the non-cash write off of previously deferred debt costs and costs associated with the settlement of floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps that were hedging the borrowings under the previous agreement. These costs are also not expected to be incurred in most reporting periods and for comparison purposes have also been excluded from the indicated financial information.

BeautiControl Company Description

BeautiControl, Inc. Carrollton, TX, United States

from Hoover's

BeautiControl has a firm grip on the business of aesthetics and enjoys calling Texas home, alongside direct-selling nemesis Mary Kay. A division of household products maker Tupperware Brands Corporation, BeautiControl sells its beauty care products to its independent sales consultants, who in turn sell to consumers. Consultants provide computer-assisted, head-to-toe makeup and fashion advice, usually through in-home demos. Its products include skin and nail care, fragrances, cosmetics, toiletries, nutritional and weight-management food supplements, and in-home spa retreats. Tupperware Brands purchased BeautiControl in 2000. Tupperware executive David Halversen took control of BeautiControl in 2005.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BRIEF: Home Interiors chief to retire

from Dallas Morning News, The (KRT)

Feb. 15, 2008 --Home Interiors & Gifts Inc. chief executive and president Richard W. "Dick" Heath said Thursday that he is retiring two years after he agreed to lead the Carrollton-based direct selling company through a restructuring. Heather Chastain, senior vice president of sales support, has been promoted to president, the company said. Ms. Chastain previously was vice president of operations at BeautiControl Inc., a Dallas-based company co-founded by Mr. Heath.

Top BeautiControl Competitors are Avon, Estée Lauder, and Mary Kay.

BeautiControl on Wiki - About Us!

BeautiControl, Inc. - ESCAPE to the Good Life (TM)

BeautiControl President Kristi Hubbard has been named one of the “Top 25 Most Influential Female Executives in the North Dallas Business Corridor”, by Addison Magazine in Dallas. Ms. Hubbard was chosen for this distinguished honor for her commitment to empowering millions of women through BeautiControl’s spa-quality products and opportunity, and for leading BeautiControl to record growth!

Photos of all 25 honorees were posted on the magazine’s Web site where the public can vote for their favorite candidate. The winner will be honored with the prestigious Enterprising Woman Award and featured in the Fall 2006 issue of Addison Magazine, published this August.

Administrative:
Orlando Florida
United States 32837
+1.4078265050

Registrant:
BeautiControl, Inc.
Carrollton Texas
United States 75006

BeautiControl Helps De-Stress & Pamper Yourself

from Letmespaaaau

eBay Reviews & Guides Online

The best day of my life is when I found Beauticontrol products and their earning opportuntity. I have tried almost every product in the lines and I havent found one yet that didnt do what it says. I love the way my entire body feels when I use the products. The fastest way to relax and de-stress yourself is to Spa Pamper Yourself. Why spend a fortune on spa parlors when you can give yourself comparable treatments in the comfort of your own home and at a fraction of the cost. This can be done with several products that treat your eyes, lips, face, hands, and feet. For more information about these products contact me thru Ebay.

The number one selling product in the company is Show of Hands Instant Manicure. It contains oils, Dead Sea salts,and a choice of honey or citrus oils. Just a quarter size portion worked onto the hands and rinsed gives your hands a silk glove feeling of protection. To soften and repair the hands even more, follow with Extreme Repair Hand Creme. It has a lasting protection up through 5 hand washings.

For someone looking for a way to make extra money for their family that is like no other job, I recommend Beauticontrol. For a small investment you can get all the products you need to get yourself started holding Spa Escapes or just sharing your products with family and friends. Believe me it requires no hard work because the products are so good that they sell themselves. Many spas that I do I rarely say that much about the products because they are spending time sampling my items and looking thru the catalog making their wish lists. The money and prizes you can earn are endless and the big BONUS is to earn a brand new Mustang-title free and clear. The month of July you can join BeautiControl for $179 plus shipping and tax. The kit usually costs $250.00 so you have saved $71. You receive over $500.00 in products and sales aids.

Take this opportunity to contact me and get more information on the products I have that will repair the problems you have with your skin and other areas of your body. Also contact me if you are looking for a opportunity to make extra money, but in a fun way. Who do you know that doesnt like relaxing and pampering themselves. Or the satisfaction of knowing you helped someone else de-stress and relax themselves.

BeautiControl Blog

Welcome to the BeautiControl Blog. It's a place to read about BeautiControl products and other news related to all the things that make a woman feel pretty. We love BeautiControl. On this blog you read about why BeautiControl has made a lasting impression.

"I just love the way they make me feel."

When you feel you have been transported from your home to an exclusive spa resort or a private beach, then know you have made your ESCAPE with BeautiControl products. From great-looking skin to a blissful spirit, BeautiControl products really do move you. If you want something, and you don't see it here, please send an email, and we'll do our best to get the BeautiControl products you want.