3 -1 Facial Cleansing Clothes - Product Info

A great option for cleansing! Just as the 3 - 1 cleansers, the clothes are designed to cleanse, exfoliate, and freshen/tone the skin. The product is already in the wipes. The strength of the wipes is impressive. The amount of product in them is extremely generous, as a matter of fact, I tell all of my clients that unless they love spending more than they have to to cut the wipes in half or even quarter (for the very frugile) because the foaming agent is amazing and actual almost too much for just a single use. (this tidbit also enforces the belief my clients have in me that I am not trying to sell them everything under sun.) They realize I watch out for their best interests. I find that if someone is extremely dry they don't seem to be the best choice.

I personally still love my tube in the shower and by the sink but the clothes are great when traveling (they don't take up alot of space, don't weigh much, and you can throw them away to make more space {haha} in your suitcase to bring other stuff home if you shop while you are traveling.)

They are also great for a quick clean up if you work at a gym and want to freshen up a bit. I always have a couple in my purse and they have come in handy if I don't have a handy wipe, etc... for other clean ups. (I offered one to a mom in the Walmart ladies room once that had a baby with a "oops" and she didn't have any wipes left) - she was very appreciative. (No, I didn't offer her my card - she had her hands full but told her my name).

My experience except for one client, most of my clients opt for both - one that loves just the clothes tends to buy four to five packs at a time. She also travels alot.

Oops, forgot it is the last day of the month and of the Seminar year, what the heck am I doing writing blog posts and playing online?? Oh, that's right, Balance! :)
sorry couldn't help the sarcasim. :) - Now perhaps I will go do a little work!

Words from a Former Director

Thank you so much for posting Lucky Law Girl! Your testimonial is strong and I feel worthy of a post all of its own. I hope it is okay to feature it as a stand alone instead of just a comment!

LLG said...
Hasn't anyone ever heard the phrase "buyer beware?" I am a former director and although things did not work out for me, I harbor no ill will towards the MK company. I went pretty fast into becoming a director, but then didn't really have the sales or active team members to support my unit. I did not, however, get myself into massive debt trying to hold onto my unit or to buy my unit in the first place. I just can't believe what I have been reading over on PT!! I don't see how people can make their own choices to buy inventory they don't need, etc, and then blame it on the company or their director. Nobody can force anyone to do anything they do not want to do!! As far as the buyback policy, it is clearly stated on the intouch website and on the IBC agreement! it just makes me shake my head that people are so easy to blame others for their decisions.
P

Director Income Figures

These figured were provided by a director to pt - - Year 5:

CASH IN:

COMMIS. 24,821
SALES 5062
TOTALS 29883


CASHOUT:

Prod Purch 1311
Sect 2 supp 1113
MK Ded 10954
Seminar 1000
Leadership 750
Career conf 250
Fall Retr 250
Meeting sp 1500
Przs, nwslt 375
dir suit 250
website 125
office help 1000
Total Expenses 18878

Net income $11,005

These are figures that were provided from a director to pt as "proof" that directors don't make much money. Now according to what I read this director was a cadillac director and from the entire chart (this is year 5) year 4 was her first year as a cadillac director and year 5 was her second. What I find interesting is at first glance everyone would probably just agree, that there is not much money to be made as a director. I am going to preface this with I was only a Premier Club director last year and my commissions and car value was $14 shy of $50,000. So ...this "Cadillac" director earned 1/2 of what I earned in commissions??? Then if you look under expenses MK Deductions, well, it is copays and insurance payments for the Cadillac, with that large amount, this director had to have been paying the full coop payment of $900/month. My question would be, why not just step down to a Premier club director? No, it wouldn't have been easy but a director friend of mine was in this situation and shared her heart - any one that I knew had the utmost respect for her decision and totally supported her. Had she stepped down a level, she would not have paid over $10,000 to drive the cadillac and she could have been collecting $500/month cash comp payment... so she could have added over $16,000 to the above figures. (She would not have had to pay the Company the copay and she would have received $500/month). (and if she really wanted to still look like a Cadillac driver, the leasing company allows the driver to purchase the vehicle from them) - she could have purchased her car and then received the cash comp and I am sure more than covered her car loan payment.

My next point, look at her sales: $5,062 that figure is for the year!?! I know that it is "our business" and we can run it the way we choose but, I sold more in the month of June than she did in an entire year. Can we also see if she had increased her sales how she also could have added another quite a large figure to her income? Please don't say noone wants to buy Mary Kay, because it just isn't so. If I wanted to, I could have a booking every night, I don't care to. After 5 years as a consultant, she should have been able to have more money just in her reorders. So if she wasn't working with her unit and she wasn't holding classes and facials, what was she paying office help to do? And check out the amount of Product Purchases, her Sections 2 is almost as much?? If you aren't holding facials and classes and aren't selling anything, how do you spend that much on section 2?

The chart illustrated Year 1 - Year 5 from Consultant thru Director. Her best sales year was only $10,500. I am not trying to be insulting, simply pointing out, her sales were never strong.

These figures are not PROOF that a director can not make money, it is proof that we really need to build strong selling primary and recruiting secondary units. It also proves it is going to cost you money to "appear to be something you are not".

I am not trying to be insulting and I really want everyone to understand there is money to be made but it must be done doing this business the proper way. "buying your way there, or faking your way there isn't going to make you money, it is going to cost you money. And once you set yourself up on that slippery slope, it is going to be like stepping in quick sand, you are going to go down and the more you struggle the faster you are going to sink. Why not start the right way and build strong. Then when there are only 4 days left in the Seminar year and month, you can be having fun at the races, attending a pary, attending another race and painting the bedroom and planning a super duper graduation party for you beautiful daughter!! & Not changed to the phone and the computer or dialing for dollars. The bottom line, this director could have easily given herself at least a $16,000/yr raise!

Now lastly, if she was happy driving the Pink Cadillac and earning $11,000/yr than she has every right to be happy - perhaps she really doesn't need the income - well - she didn't loose money - she did earn some money and in the area I live a fulltime worker earning minimum wage would earn roughly the same. I would not be happy with that, but to each his/her own.

I hope this piece helps open some eyes to how just because you "see" it in writing doesn't always prove anything if you don't really know what you are looking at.

Have a Great Weekend Everyone!

MK lipsticks take the heat

I've noticed something. OK so you know I receive products by mail from MK4ME who lives many states away from me. I live in North Carolina where it is blisteriing hot right now.

Not a single MK lipstick I've received has melted, sweated, broken, or deformed during its bumpy trip with the postal service or during its sauna-like stay in my mailbox, which is probably more like a miniature oven. They always arrive in perfect condition.

Try that with another company's lipstick, I dare ya!

eyebrow pencil

OK so I got out my brow pencil and did the best I could lowering the inner half without shaving anything off or drawing too far below where the hair actually grows...I could get it about 1/16 inch lower. scuse the crappy cell phone pic; that's all I have on me right now.

Brows!!

Miranda you do such an awesome job with your makeup... but I kept looking at the pic and after taking a couple of classes on how to make your eyebrows enhance your eyes, I wanted to give something a try. First sorry it isn't perfect but it is the first time I tried playing with the "paint shop feature" I wanted to see the difference just dropping your brow a little tiny bit toward the nose so it contoured the shape of your eye. I think it really brings your eyes out even more! What do you think? You are going to have to try it with a pencil and see how it looks!

MK look for the club

This isn't a new photo, but I already have it on my hard drive so I'll start with it...

eyes: Steel(lid and inner crease), Sweet Plum (outer crease and outer 1/4 of lid), coal (deepest outer part of crease) black liner, Ultimate mascara
cheeks: Cherry blossom
Lips: (discontinued color) Plush violet
face: cream to powder foundation Ivory 1

Art lessons for your face

Specifically, your eye shadow.

When we talk about colors, there are three basic qualities they have: Hue, saturation, and value.

Hue is which color: blue, red, green, etc.

Saturation is the dominance of that hue in a given color or pigment. A pure hue is saturated; gray is desaturated. I think of it as the intensity of the color.

Value is the lightness/darkness of the color.

When I do an eye look, I make sure to have three values: light, medium, and dark. That's regardless of which or how many hues I use. I could have a monochromatic look with shades of green, or I could do a multi-hued look with green, purple, and pink; the principle will be the same.

We can run into trouble and make a boring look if we confuse hue and value. Suppose I put green on the lid and purple in the crease, but they're the same value. Doesn't matter that the hues are different: You get no contouring effect by doing that. It looks blah. I have to have, for example, a light green on the lid and browbone, medium purple in the crease blending up into the highlight, and a very deep/dark purple in the outer V. Think in terms of having high contrast. Always blend where colors meet, of course, but make sure the contrast is there.

As to saturation, that comes into play when you decide whether you want a subtle look or a bold one. Saturated colors are bright and bold, suitable for going out in the evening. Colors that are more desaturated are muted and suitable for work.

I recommend no more than 3 hues of shadow in an eye look. After that, you get muddy or you look like a rainbow. If you're doing a monochromatic look, you can blend some black into that outer V.

What think you all?

Sorry

Will get something new up soon, sorry! Just for a little chatter,I had read a post on pt and had a comment pop into my head when I read it. It is just stuck up in my brain so I just wanted to make it public. (Let me preface the thought with, I have oftened heard the expression "one doesn't have to be a rocket scientist to....." well.... this one poster talks about being an engineer at Nasa. (I have not figured out what "too much debt" ie: what is acceptable versus what is not) but when this person posted she was $54,000 in debt because of her MK and it sounded as if she wasn't even a director. - well, all I could think of was, I am sure glad I am not an astronaut and will never have to be in on a space mission, because if one couldn't figure out before $54,000 in debt that MK wasn't going to work for them, lordy, lordy, please don't let them work on something that could in turn kill someone. ohvay!!

Summer Open House

Wow, Day 1 of my unit's summer open house is done, I finished right around $1400 in sales, not too bad, really for having a delightful day with great people. Finished the open house from 7 - 8:30 with a pampering Footsie Tootsie party and a parafin wax hand dip - we had a blast. Tomorrow starts at 9:00 with muffins and makeovers and the 10- 4 open house. I just love getting to catch up with my clients, they are just so awesome! As for the first feedback on the summer products....

8 Tropical Pineapple Sets and several others that intend on getting it! and... I was really more surprised at the number of people that couldn't wait to try the new tinted lip balms. I only have one each of three of the colors left and only a couple of tropical pineapple sets, I want to wait until tomorrow night but I need to order!! Did I mention I had a blast?

The first pic is just the registration table with the slips for the door prize drawings and then the prizes for the lucky numbers ( every invite has a number on it, if their number is on the board and they bring their invite to the open house and there number matches one of the lucky numbers, they win the prize that has that number! (this helps people to safe guard their invitations and not just toss them aside) - plus it is fun watching everone whne they come in an check there number. Table with the tree is the Summer fun Table, last - one of my decorations - surprise, it is a Hawaiian tropical theme. (sorry me in my grass skirt will not be posted). (now ask yourself,did she or didn't she?) hehe -- Had more assorted tables but this is just a sampling.

One of the best things about Mary Kay, is that I love what I do. I have an awesome unit, delightful clients, and a great product. I must admit, the old saying, "if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life" is so true.

I have an idea

Just went and looked at Shades's blog and saw lots of eye looks posted. Does anyone want to do stuff like that here? Do various looks and post eyes, lips, whatever, with a list of products you used and how you applied them? I know not everyone wants to show their whole face on a public blog (just crop the eyes or lips and show them) but I don't mind myself; I think everyone knows from the photos on my own blog what I look like. Long as I'm not horribly broken out beyond hope of all concealers. lol

If you're directing customers here by any chance, nothing makes people want to buy makeup more than seeing an awesome look that's been done using it, with instructions on how to duplicate it.

Thoughts?

NEW!! Mary Kay Car Options

Left Top: Chevy Equinox Right: Chevy Malibu
Left Bottom: Toyota Camry

Published 06.18.09



Career Car Program Debuts New Models!

From www.marykayintouch.com

We’re thrilled to roll out new car options for Grand Achiever and Premier Club achievers!
Beginning with June qualifiers, the Grand Achiever car options (Pontiac G6, Pontiac Vibe) will be replaced by the Chevy Malibu in dark gray. Premier Club car options (Saturn Aura and Saturn Vue) will be replaced by the Toyota Camry and Chevy Equinox, both in silver.

How did we select these models? They’re safe, they’re fuel- and cost-efficient, and they’re exciting! We know everyone’s keeping an eye on gas prices these days. These new Career Car options offer you better gas mileage – and support our Pink Doing GreenSM efforts. Plus, dealership locations are widespread and available in most areas where independent sales force members live.

Warm Chatting / Building your Business

I am sure there are people that have a natural gift for this avenue of meeting new people. I do not happen to be one of them. For that very reason, I do not build my business or my clientelle on warm chatting. If I am uncomfortable, there is no sense in coming across "fake". When I was a consultant and my director thought it would be fun to go warm chat, I said see you later alligator. No way, no how.

I use bridal fairs, health fairs, business expos, craft fairs, fashion shows, county fairs, etc... where I can setup a display and have people register for a product trial with the grand prize of a product trial & a gift certificate for products. On my registration form, I have the question -Have you ever tried MK? Y or N, Do you have a consultant? Y or N , if you didn't win the gift certificate, would you still be interested in trying Mary Kay products? y or n? - Guess what, using this technique, I know which people are interested in trying MK, often I only call the ones that say they are interested in trying the products, if someone isn't sure instead of spending alot of time, I select the more promising leads to personally contact and send the not so promising ones a nice "thank you for stopping" letter with an invite to attend a show or schedule appointment with me and leave the ball in their court. No, not everyone will call, the majority of them won't but.... the ones that are actually interested will. Using this approach has saved many of my unit members the horrible feeling one gets from getting all no's! And guess what, when you have so many leads you don't know what to do with them all, you don't mind being able to sort them like that.

I have to admit, I usually have very little trouble booking but I really think that it is because I have an attitude of "if you aren't interested, no big deal-" your loss. I am not hungry, I don't beg, personally, I feel it is their loss- I don't over sell, I am sincere and honest. I know these products and am great with color, application, and techniques, if they don't want to spend time with me - so what. Often I find because I dismiss people so easily, it leaves many wondering and coming back in the future and asking me to make time for them.

I have had people ask me why I haven't ever offered them the chance to try MK, is there something wrong with them, etc.. I apologize and say, no, I am sorry, I just don't ever want someone in a place I frequent to feel obligated to try or purchase Mk from me so I tend to be over cautious, never realizing that for some people that can be just as insulting as been warm chatted, oh well, it is still fun when they ask you.

Contrary to anti MK sites, MK doesn't consume me, if I am out shopping, I shop, I don't scan every aisle for sharp woman, as a matter of fact because of the volume of clients I have, I often end up having to talk to people who start talking to me, there are times, I would just love to run into a store, pick up what I need and leave - When in Church, my focus is were it should be on what is being said. I do not understand how some of the people on negative sites, were so OCD about it. My advice, chill, relax, be natural, be real.

I don't target woman if what I do comes up in a nature way in a conversation often I just tell them what I do, most ask if I have a car, I say yup the Pink CTS is in the parking lot, and it becomes a game to me because they end up questioning me to pieces because I only answer what they ask, I don't jump and offer and usually by the end of the conversation, I am being asked if I would have time to get with them! Got to love it. It all about attitude.

For all of those that continue to make fun of MK tactics and the "warm stalking" - how can you not see that "chatting about pt" to people is no different than talking about MK. Worse in my opinion because you are wasting a person time for nothing.
Hmmm.. and we are accussed of cult like thinking?

Some people don't want to hear about MK, and there would be some of us that would not want to hear about PT. Some of us are not in a pink fog or brainwashed. We have the capacity to think for ourselves and make our own decisions and if someone approached me to tell me about a negative site, I wouldn't stand there in shock, but they would know what I was thinking! ;)

ohvay, just be real, it works! One of the most valuable question I teach my consultants if they are in a situation where they want to be able to call the person again or back but don't want to come across as "pushy"... in closing, simply ask (what a concept? :) ) - would it be okay if I checked back with you next week? or would it be okay if I followed up with you after the new PCP books come out. As long as they say "yes" and you respect their time when you have them on the phone, they will respect and appreciate you. So what say you? What way have you found to build your business by warmchatting or any other avenue?

Marketing Info!

“Online” Is Where It’s At! (From Marykayintouch)

Yes, you have what women want! Not only are customers searching for practical, how-to advice online – they are searching for Mary Kay in particular!

AOL recently ran a post on the top 10 most researched makeup brands on AOL Search entitled “What Make Up Do You Wear?” And, Mary Kay came in at number 2!

Also, the Mary Kay makeup artist videos featured on Mary Kay’s YouTube channel showcasing how consumers can “get the look” of their favorite One Tree Hill characters are a HIT*! You can help make the most of Mary Kay’s 2009 Advertising Campaign and promoting these online videos featuring the looks of popular One Tree Hill characters as well as application tips your customers can use when you consider: (also Army Wives!!)

Sending your customers the MKeCard® with a link to the videos promoting these looks!
Referring customers directly to your Mary Kay® Personal Web Site, Marykay.com or Mary Kay’s YouTube channel (www.YouTube.com/Marykay) to view the videos!

Personal note: I have had so many clients, friends, & family comment on how they love the Mary Kay commercials they are seeing. I must admit, I have seen an increase in sales and in new people seeking me out. My referrals seem to be increasing and everyone is loving the products! It is very exciting!

Product reviews

3 in 1 Timewise cleanser for dry skin
MK eye primer
Shell lipstick

Two thumbs up for all three of these.

The 3 in 1 cleanser gets your skin well and truly clean without stripping and drying it. Great for effortlessly getting all your makeup off after an evening at the club, not to mention every day. It's a big tube and it will last a long time. Also removes body makeup such as the theatrical tattoo cover I use to hide the allergy rash on my legs.

MK eye primer: a creamy, waterproof liquid in a tube. No irritation. It goes on invisibly and dries smoothly, no tacky feel, no grabbing your brush bristles as you apply shadow. Holds shadow where you put it and prevents creasing/fading until you take it off.

Shell lipstick: if you have light to medium skin, this is that "your lips but better" shade that everyone searches for. Work appropriate anywhere, yet not boring. Excellent moisture and staying power.

Oh and one more...MK loose powder foundation. I tried Ivory 2 which matches me well in this particular product. I like this much better than the pressed version. Medium coverage, very natural look, super silky feel. Doesn't cake up and get nasty on your skin after a few hours like some other brands do.

Make sure you test foundations and powders for color match before you order. For example, in the cream to powder foundation I could wear Ivory 0.5 or Ivory 1, but in the mineral powder, I seem to be an Ivory 2.

Cake Eyeliner

Do you like old fashioned cake liner better than pencil or liquid? Or have you never tried it?

Try this: Get some MK Coal eyeshadow and a firm, small angled liner brush. Moisten the bristles of your brush with water or sterile saline solution and run it over the Coal shadow a few times. Then draw it across your lash line.

I did this before going to the club last night and I swear I have never gotten such a velvety smooth deep black line in my life. And it takes very little product to do this. You don't have to make a big goopy mess on your eyeshadow; just pick up some dry product with damp bristles and the brush will do the rest.

Customer Service

Well this story isn't about Mary Kay, it is about Customer Service but I think it really shows what going above and beyond with our service will bring - (ps,if you need some entertainment, you have to read the pt post from yesterday - they had a MK visitor, it is quite amusing!)

Ducks Quack,Eagles Soar
received from Randy Skagen and Todd Montgomery from Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa

No one can make you serve customers well. That's because great service is a choice.

Harvey Mackay, tells a wonderful story about a cab Driver that proved this point.
He was waiting in line for a ride at the airport. When a cab pulled up, the first thing Harvey noticed was that the taxi was polished to a bright shine. Smartly dressed in a white shirt, black tie, and freshly pressed black slacks, the cab driver jumped out and rounded the car to open the back passenger door for Harvey .

He handed me a laminated card and said: 'I'm Wally, your driver. While I'm loading your bags in the trunk I'd like you to read my mission statement?'
Taken aback, Harvey read the card. It said:
Wally's Mission Statement: To get my customers to their destination in the quickest, safest and cheapest way possible in a friendly environment.

This blew Harvey away. Especially when he noticed That the inside of the cab matched the outside. Spotlessly clean! As he slid behind the wheel, Wally said, 'Would you like a cup of coffee? I have a thermos of regular and one of decaf.'
I said jokingly, 'No, I'd prefer a soft drink.'Wally smiled and said, 'No problem. I have a cooler up front with regular and Diet Coke, water and orange juice.'
Almost stuttering, Harvey said, 'I'll take a Diet Coke.' Handing him his drink, Wally said, 'If you'd like something to read, I have The Wall Street Journal, Time, Sports Illustrated and USA Today.'

As they were pulling away, Wally handed me another laminated card. 'These are the stations I get and the music they play, if you'd like to listen to the radio.'
And as if that weren't enough, Wally told Harvey that he had the air conditioning on and asked if the temperature was comfortable for him. Then he advised Harvey of the best route to his destination for that time of day. He also let him know that he'd be happy to chat and tell him about some of the sights or, if Harvey preferred, to leave him with his own thoughts.

'Tell me, Wally,' Harvey asked the driver, "Have you always served customers like this?'

Wally smiled into the rear view mirror, "No, not always. In fact, it's only been in the last two years. My first five years driving, I spent most of
my time complaining like all the rest of the cabbies do. Then I heard the personal growth guru, Wayne Dyer, on the radio one day.
He had just written a book called You'll See It When You Believe It. Dyer said that if you get up in the morning expecting to have a bad day, you'll rarely disappoint yourself. He said, 'Stop complaining! Differentiate yourself from your competition. Don't be a duck, be an eagle. Ducks quack and complain. Eagles soar above the crowd.''

'That hit me right between the eyes,' said Wally. 'Dyer was really talking about me. I was always quacking and complaining, so I decided to change my attitude and become an eagle. I looked around at the other cabs and their drivers. The cabs were dirty, the drivers were unfriendly, and the customers were unhappy. So I decided to make some changes. I put in a few at a time. When my customers responded well, I did more.'

'I take it that has paid off for you,' Harvey said.

'It sure has,' Wally replied. 'My first year as an Eagle, I doubled my income from the previous year. This year I'll probably quadruple it. You were lucky to get me today. I don't sit at cabstands anymore. My customers call me for appointments on my cell phone or leave a message on my answering machine. If I can't pick them up myself, I get a reliable cabbie friend to do it and I take a piece of the action.'

Wally was phenomenal. He was running a limo service out of a Yellow Cab. I've probably told that story to more than fifty cab drivers over the years, and only two took the idea and ran with it. Whenever I go to their cities, I give them a call. The rest of the drivers quacked like ducks and told me all the reasons they couldn't do any of what I was suggesting.

Wally the Cab Driver made a different choice. He decided to stop quacking like ducks and start soaring like eagles.

Save money with high quality cosmetics

Raise your hand if you have ever done this.

You're in the drugstore to get some Excedrin and a roll of paper towels. You see an attractive cosmetic display. OMG the stuff looks so pretty. You grab something...a lipstick, a mascara, whatever. Hey, it's on sale for $6!

You get home and try it on. Wait, what? Where's the pigment? What's up with this awful texture? This isn't what I was promised! You fling it into the trash can in disgust.

*raises hand* I've sure done it. A lot. I am promising myself to stop. If you waste your money this way on even an occasional basis, you've literally thrown away enough money to buy a nice haul of MK makeup that actually does what you want, or you get your money back. Chances are, though, you won't have to cash in on that guarantee but every once in a blue moon.

It's actually cheaper to buy the good stuff in the first place. Lasts longer, stays fresh all day, won't end up in the trash can, won't leave you feeling "obligated" to use up something that doesn't make you look your best because you spent money on it.

Furthermore, have you looked at those drugstore prices lately? A L'Oreal lipstick is $12. A MK lipstick is $13. What d'ya know?

As a side note, I tested 5 different brands of black eyeshadow yesterday. MK had the blackest black of all, beating even MAC Carbon. And it sure blends better.

How to have Great Skin w/ basic skin care!

I have always read that in order to have the best skin possible we need to have a "recipe" for good skin. The 5 processes bring forth great results. One needs to cleanse first (this would remove dirt, makeup, etc.. anything that has accumulated on the surface of your skin), the 2nd would be to exfoliate or mask (this removes the top layers of dead skin cells and helps draw out "ick" in your pores), the third step is to tone or condition (this brings the skin back to its proper ph balance, completes the cleansing process, and helps makes the pores look smaller, and then moisturizer, (which softens and smoothes the skin and also helps foundation go on better), lastly is to "protect" and this is done with a good foundation which is non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and safe for sensative skin. This actually works as a barrier between your good skin and the elements such as free radicals, etc..

In the early days of Mk, we had to use five steps to acheive the good results, fortunately the Timewise line was introduced which combined the first three processes into one product. This is our new 3-1 Cleanser. It cleanses, maskes, and freshens all in one step. ( the little beads are the masking agent to give your skin a gentle 2x/day exfoliation - for even more exfoliation one can add the microdermabrasion to their program). Our 3 - 1 Cleanser comes in either Normal/Dry which is a cream based product and all one needs to do is massage it onto their face, massage it around (upward outward motion, down the nose, and in and around the eyes-gently) and rinse it off. The Combo/Oily 3-1 Cleanser is a gel based product and it is highly suggested that you have your skin damp before application.

If your preference isn't a liquid cleanser, we also have a 3-1 bar for those who prefer a bar for their cleansing product. Another choice-our facial cleansing clothes that have the product already in them and they just need to be wet. (I always suggests to my clients that they cut them in half or in quarters because they foam up so well. (I love these for traveling). (Cleansing should be done morning and evening.

Pat skin dry and apply your moisturizer - once again there are two formulas, age-fighting moisturizer for normal/dry skin and one for combo/oily. Thin layer and you are good to go onto the foundation step. (Mk also as the age-fighting moisturizer with an spf in it). (Application as with the cleanser is both morning and evening)

And in the morning only you would use your foundation (aka protection) - there are several different types: medium coverage foundation (great for normal to oily skin), full coverage (good for more dry to dry/normal skin), we have tinted moisturizers, we have mineral powder foundation, we have cream to powder foundation, and even the original day radiance cream foundation. This works as a "barrier" to help prevent your skin during the course of the day.



So remember when taking care of your skin it is important to use all the "ingredieants" - could you imagine how icky a cake would be if you made it and forgot to put in the eggs?

making eyes

Here is an eye look to try.

Shadow Colors: honey spice, sienna, blue metal, vintage gold.
Liner: Black, brown, or navy
Whatever shade of mascara you use

First, use primer on your lids. I really suggest you get one. Your shadow will look brighter and last longer. Good ones are: Boots no. 7 (CVS or CVS online), Aromaleigh (online), or Urban Decay Primer Potion (Ulta or Sephora).

Now, apply honey spice from crease to browbone. Then put blue metal on your lid. Add sienna in the crease, add vintage gold on top of it and blend them together, then blend where the crease color and highlight color meet. Now put vintage gold in the outer V of your lid and along your lash line, which brings the blue together with the rest of the colors. Then apply liner and mascara.

Review: Tropical Pineapple products

Got this yesterday; tried all of it. omg the bag is so cute. I was storing my makeup brushes in a shoebox before... *shameface* lol

So anyway. First, I hopped in the shower and tried the sugar scrub. I wish they'd ground up the sugar more finely; this is a really coarse exfoliant. I recommend using only on back, elbows, bottoms of feet, and ankles, or where the skin is thick and/or calluses tend to build. It smells good, it looks good, just watch where you use it.

Lotion: Smells great, soft, silky, sinks in fast and leaves your skin nice.

Perfume: Just like it says, smells like pineapple. Makes me hungry. Haha, I could add the passionfruit on top of it and be a fruit salad!

Date (Day) Codes/Shelf Life on Products

(I found this helpful little tidbit very useful and saved me from having to type it, so I must give credit to Laura (?) - I feel it is very informational and she did a very good job compiling it.)

Mary Kay Product Shelf Life Secrets Revealed by: laupost
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What IS Shelf Life?
Shelf Life is the period of time during which a product can be stored, unopened, under specified environmental conditions and remain suitable for use.

How Shelf Life is Determined
Here's the information provided by the company itself in material provided to its sales force:
"Most Mary Kay® products are manufactured to have a minimum shelf life of three years from the date of manufacture. This is the standard for the cosmetic industry, not a regulation. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the shelf life of over-the-counter (OTC) drug products such as sunscreens, antiperspirants, etc., as follows: If the shelf life is less than three years, then the expiration date of the product must be clearly indicated on the package. This is not required if the shelf life is greater than three years. Some Mary Kay® products (e.g., Acne Treatment Gel) may have an expiration date because they have a shelf life of less than three years. For these products, it is particularly important to check the expiration date before using them. ..."

"We recommend storing products at a temperature between is 59-86°F. When products have been exposed to very high or low temperatures, examine them carefully. Note the appearance, odor, and color of each product. If these appear normal, the product has probably recovered completely. Occasionally, separation or an “off odor” will develop several weeks after exposure to high temperatures, but this is not usually the case. If your products have been overheated or frozen, it is NOT a good idea to refrigerate or heat them. Let them return slowly to room temperature, and then examine each product." So, most of the products have a shelf life of more than three years. Unopened and properly stored cosmetic items typically last from 5 to 8 years. After that, some products start to deteriorate and lose their effectiveness. Common signs of age are separating, color change, & odor. Here are some common warning signs that your items have gone bad:
*"Off odor” from ANY lotion, mask, or other cosmetic
*Cream eye color that is cakey or dry
*Foundation that has separated significantly in the bottle
*Grainy or hard-to-apply lipstick
If you notice any of these characteristics in any item you have, toss it.

Finding the manufacture date:
All Mary Kay products carry what is known as a “Date Code.” This is a four-digit code consisting of two letters followed by two numbers. This code is usually located on the bottom of a container or on the crimp. With this code, you know exactly when the item was manufactured. NOTE: This is not an expiration date, as some mistakenly believe.

For example, an eye color refill tray might be marked Crystalline #882800 FX05.
•“Crystalline” is the product shade name
• The six numbers (882800) indicate the part number
• The second four characters (FX05) indicate the date of manufacture, which in this example would be December 5, 2004.

The following products have a TWO YEAR shelf life:
-Acne Treatment Gel* -TimeWise® Day Solution With Sunscreen SPF 15* -Sunless Tanning Lotion*.
*Over-the-counter drug product

You can interpret the day code using the following legend:
Character 1: Letter representing the year in the decade in which the product was produced.
A=2000 H=2005
B=2001 K=2006
C=2002 M=2007
D=2003 R=2008
F=2004 T=2009
Character 2: Letter representing the month of year in alpha order,
as follows (please note that the code skips some letters to avoid confusion and mistaken identification):
A=January K=July
B=February M=August
C=March R=September
D=April T=October
F=May V=November
H=June X=December

Characters 3 and 4: Numbers representing day of month.
So, put it all together and here's what you've got. If the date code is CT14, then the item was manufactured on October 14, 2002.

Date Codes for products manufactured before 2000:
If your item was produced before the year 2000, the date code will not follow the form explained in the above section. Prior to 2000, date codes began with a number, not a letter. Here are a few of the corresponding codes.

If the first digit of the code is the item was manufactured in the year
5 1995
6 1996
7 1997
and so on.


Whether you buy from me or someone else, I hope this helps you to be an informed consumer.

Laura
(The information presented here is true to the best of my knowledge and opinions expressed above are simply that--opinions. I make no guarantees, implied or otherwise, about this information. Nothing here is in any way affiliated with Mary Kay corp.)
(updated 06/01/09)

Future Product Repackaging - Next Phase

Published 06.05.09 on www.marykayintouch.com
Product Rebranding Continues

Like the Miracle Set, other items in the TimeWise® skin care line are about to get a makeover. The new pink packaging, which is accented with black graphics, is a modern and fresh design. The following products will be repackaged beginning Sept. 16, 2009, to reflect the updated Mary Kay® branded product packaging and graphics:

TimeWise® Firming Eye Cream and sampler
Extra Emollient Night Cream and sampler
TimeWise® Targeted-Action® Line Reducer and sampler
TimeWise® 3-in-1 Cleansing Bar (with soap dish)

Please note that beginning Sept. 16, 2009, the price of the Extra Emollient Night Cream will increase from $11 to $13, suggested retail. In addition, the price of the Extra Emollient Night Cream Section 2 sampler (pk./12) also will increase beginning Sept. 16, 2009, from $4 to $6. The Emollient Night Cream has not had a price increase in more than 20 years, and this product remains the same great formula that you and your customers have always enjoyed.

The remainder of the skin care packaging updates continues through mid-2010. Remember to visit Countdown to Skin Care on Product Central often for all the latest updates.

New Customer Sweepstakest!!

Published 06.07.09

(What a great way to encourage your clients to visit your website!

Consumer Sweepstakes
From June 7 – July 5, 2009, Mary Kay is joining with two networks, Lifetime and Univision, to offer your customers a chance to win incredible grand prizes and Mary Kay® products!

Through a partnership with Lifetime, consumers can enter the Salute Beauty consumer sweepstakes on www.marykay.com for a chance to win a grand-prize trip for two to Hawaii. The Soñando Contigo consumer sweepstakes on www.marykay.com/español offers consumers a chance to win a grand-prize VIP trip to Miami to attend a taping of Univision’s Cristina Presents: Soñando Contigo TV special (two grand-prize trips will be awarded).

Consumers can visit www.marykay.com (make sure if you have a consultant to use her mk site) to see complete contest rules and enter the Salute Beauty consumer sweepstakes. Consumers can visit www.marykay.com/español to see complete contest rules and enter the Soñando Contigo consumer sweepstakes. Both sweepstakes run from June 7 – July 5, 2009.

Taking Care of Your Inventory

As I was visiting a friend the other day, she was unpacking a box of product and placing it on her shelf. As we were chatting I noticed she would take the one out of the box and place it in front of the one already on the shelf. - I asked her if that was the way she always unpacked her orders and she responded with a yes, why? - I will now make it a point to mention during new consultant training about product rotation. In the accounting world it is often referred to as FIFO - first in, first out. Where the product has a shelf life it is always wise to put the newer product in back of the product that you already have so that you are moving the older product first. I am sure that most of us know this but if one has never really given it any thought, I felt it was worth mentioning. Have a super weekend everyone!

TV Commercial!!

OMG, I was just sitting here curled up on the couch in my sweats watching (actually half listening to) Wifeswap on Lifetime and playing on the laptop when the music on the Commercial caught my ear.. I looked up and for the first time saw this particular MK commercial, I was just so impressed. It is a product focused one and I just loved it!

MK Face at the Club

I'm sorry I didn't get a photo. My camera battery died when I tried to use it last night. Mr. Gothboy has been using my camera and then the battery is all tapped out. :(

Anyway...on eyes:
Highlight: Moonstone
Lid and crease: Cranberry Ice (Dear MK: WHY did you discontinue this? Bring it back!)
Outer V: Coal
Eyebrows and eyeliner: Coal, applied with damp angle brush
Lashes: MK waterproof mascara, black

Cheeks: Desert Bloom

Lips: Black Cherry

Foundation: MK loose powder mineral foundation applied with a flocked sponge, over MK moisturizer, with Ben Nye theatrical redness concealer used in places. Yes, I have to use actual theatrical concealer when I'm broken out.

If you don't have Cranberry Ice eyeshadow, you could try Sweet Plum or Raisin or Cinnabar and layer Precious Pink over the lid so that part isn't *too* dark. Never be afraid to blend stuff together.

Anyway, I danced and sweated and even got rained on and the makeup still held up great. Used to be when I had cheaper stuff on, at the end of the night I looked frightful. I'd go to the diner and look in the bathroom mirror and go AAAHHHH and wash my face in the sink! No more.

F.Y.I. Product Info

We discovered at my unit meeting Monday evening that the new Tropical Pineapple Rollon Fragrance will fit on the Simply Chic Wand! So you can mix and match. Don't forget that if the lip gloss that came with the Simply Chic wand is gone, any of our regular lip glosses fit on it, too!

Directors Income

As I have mentioned before, prior to Mary Kay, I was a Corp. Accountant/Analyst. I read an article listing a Grand Prix/Saturn Director's Salary. I looked at it and said, hmmmm something doesn't sit right. I have been very busy lately (more personal than MK) but busy all the same. I had written the numbers down because I don't want to do anything against bloggers rules by copying. I don't have time right now to list every discrepancy I have but here are a few to start. I am going to do this in two parts: the first is what as listed as income, the second post I will do expenses and bottom line.
The figures she listed:
Income:
Commission $20,678.84
Prizes: $81.23
Car: $6,000.00
Product Sales: $5,319.93
Returns & Allowances: (350.00)
Cost of Goods Sold: (3703.00)

Gross Profit $28,027.00

According to this director, she earned $6,000 for her car which meant she was earning the full car comp. so her unit production had to be very close to $8,000 or more a month.
At 13% (12 months @ $8000) her commission would be $12,480.00
Her unit production bonus would be (12 months @ $800) $9,600
If we calculate her team production at $3000 @13% (12 months) $4680.00
(strong directors could have more team production)
Personal qualifieds 12 @$100 bonus (court is 24) $1,200
Wellness Bonus - awarded once a year $750.00

now because all this may or may not have been achieved but I am sure some of it was, every quarter a director has 5 star consultants, she receives a $300 bonus
(possiblity of another $1200) any time we have 3 qualifed unit member in one month there is another $300 bonus and if a unit adds 5 that bonus increases to $500 and in the last several years the Company has done a "beat your month total from the same month in the previous year" contest and earn a $500 bonus. So there is a possibility of another approx $3000.00 + ( could be less or more)

Now based on her sales (less the cost of goods sold and returns and allowances) she shows $1,266.93 more income - I am sorry if I offend with my next statement but that is really, sad, I have sold more than that in one month and so have some of my unit members. so.... with her figures and the Company pay plan... she also received $81.23 in prizes.... The figures come out to $33,058.16 + $6,000 for her car ......that adds up to $39,058.16 close to $40,000.

so how does she only show $28,027.00? $12,000 is quite a bit of difference, don't you think?

(this is not using the maximums possible nor the minimums possible, I tried to provide a fair base line)

Seminar Extras

*We're bringing the celebrities to you on Awards Night! Joshua Allen, the 2008 winner of So You Think You Can Dance; Jasmine Murray, one of the top 13 contestants on this year’s American Idol show; and Cassie Lebouf, a 2004 American Idol contestant, and the star of the "Someone is Me" video will be performing! And, you could win a backstage pass to meet these stars!
*A real-live fairy godmother is coming to Seminar to grant some fairy tale wishes. With a tap of the magic wand and a sprinkle of fairy dust anything is possible!
*50 lucky winners per Seminar will receive discount coupons, valid at selected Convention Center businesses and other downtown area businesses. Coupons will be randomly distributed at Packet Pickup.
*You’ll be the first to hear about a brand new revolutionary TimeWise® product!
*Stars in Red White and Blue challenge achievers pick up their fantastic rewards and party with a DJ at a special reception on Day 0!
*We’re introducing a fun new way for you to connect and share with your sister independent sales force members!
*You'll receive an EXCLUSIVE product party favor in addition to your product giveaway that you can ONLY get at Seminar!

Booking Game

Lately, I have had several hostesses ask me if we could play any games to have the show fun. I found this booking game and it is fun and I just give away a little gift or two at the end. It may even help you increase your bookings if you are not good at asking for them. I do not know who to give credit to, but it is fun.

Booking Game

I wonder who came from afar
Give yourself 5 if you came by car.
Were you on time? Not one minute late?
Puctuality pays, so give yourelf 8.

A watch is worth 6 and each ring is 2,
10 points if your eyes are NOT blue.
Score yourself 5 if you show any pink,
But take away 10 if you left dishes in the sink!

Count all your buttons, each one give you 1.
Except if they are white, and then you get none.
For each bow you have, add on 2.
But each safety pin you are wearing, you must subtract 2.

One point for each year you have been wed,
but take away 5 if you have on red.
Now sons are neat- on that we agree,
so for each one you have, you may now add 3.
But when adding up points, girls are worth more,
For each one you have, go ahead and add 4!
If you brought a friend with you, you're Awesome, you're great!
For each guest who came with you, go ahead and add 8.

If today you kissed your husband or boyfriend, add 12.
But into your personal likfe we must delve...
if you kissed them BOTH you must subtract 20
Because you are in trouble, and trouble aplenty!

Now that's all there is, so total your score
Except if you are (hostess's name) 's special friend, there's just one more:
It's a 50 point bonus for a real VIP
If you'll hostess a Mary Kay Preview or a class with ME!

Give small gift to the person with the most points.

Pineapple Tote w/ order

Published 06.01.09 on Intouch
Get a FREE Pineapple Tote with your June Order, while supplies last!

Here’s an exciting offer to help you wrap up your Seminar year! From June 1 – June 30receive special limited-edition Pineapple Totes “FREE” based on the amount of your wholesale Section 1 order.* This limited-edition tote is large enough to hold a towel, sunglasses and other essentials such as your favorite Mary Kay® Sun Care products and its design complements the new limited-edition Tropical PineappleTM Gift Set. This fruity fragrance set features a juicy cut pineapple scent and includes a sugar scrub, body lotion, fragrance rollerball and matching canvas cosmetic bag!

Here’s how you can earn your FREE totes:
Section 1 Order Amount Number of Totes Awarded
$600 1
$800 2
$1200 3
$1800 4
$2400 5
$3000 6
$3600+ 7

*The limited-edition Pineapple Tote promotion is not available to new Independent Beauty Consultants with their initial order, however, new Beauty Consultants are eligible for product bonuses through the “Ready, Set, Sell” program. Please see the Ready, Set, Sell! brochure for additional details.