Why I Picked Beauty Society

I don't think I ever got around to explaining why I picked Beauty Society out of everything I tried did I? Well, honestly it was the most impressive to me in how my skin felt after using it the first time. It was that same feeling I got when I first tried Sensaria 7 years ago at my friend's spa party. It was nice to have that feeling of soft, smooth skin that just glowed! Also, when I started looking at the products in more detail I noticed how similar certain items were and some were almost identical! Here are just a few...

Set Me Free ~ I haven't done an exact ingredient to ingredient comparison but just how it feels and smells it is VERY similar to Sensaria's Balancing Cleanser. It is a gel cleanser that foams up and smells minty. I like it a lot and the minty scent helps wake me up in the morning when I use it in the shower. Plus, it gets this song stuck in my head which is fun too.



The price on Set Me Free is $29.50 for an 8oz bottle which works out to $3.69/oz. Sensaria's was $19 for 6oz which works out to $3.17/oz. The Beauty Society product might seem like a lot more but really it is only $0.52 more per ounce! I wish this item came in a refill but it seems like they were having too many issues with the refill pack leaking so it is on hold for now. I love that this company offers refills which means you can save 15-30% and feel good about being eco-friendly too!

Crystal Ball ~ This one is almost identical to Sensaria's Microdermabrasion Creme but it feels creamier to me. Again, I haven't done an ingredient comparison but it has the same volcanic micro-crystals suspended in a light blue lotion-type base. The really nice thing on this is the price! Crystal Ball retails for $34.50 for 3oz of product which works out to be $11.50/oz. Sensaria's retailed for $28 for just 1.25oz which means it cost $22.40/oz or about double Beauty Society's!

Our Little Secret ~ Now this one again seems almost identical to Sensaria's Advanced Firming Treatment! I don't know what percentage Sensaria had of the Matrixyl peptides but Beauty Society has 4% which is the most you can have without a prescription. I also seem to recall that Sensaria claimed results in a few months but with Beauty Society they say you get results in 2-4 weeks. Impressive! Sensaria sold theirs for $55/oz and Beauty Society sells theirs for $59.50/oz. The great thing is it is only a few dollars more and you get faster results plus you can buy the refill packs and save 15-30%!

Making Shade ~ This is another item that is almost identical to Sensaria's! I really could not tell a difference at all between the two and the great thing is that you get 4.5oz for just $28.50 ($6.33/oz) with Beauty Society. Sensaria's cost $25 for just 2oz or $12.50/oz which is practically double the price!

There were other items too that I can highlight later that will make good replacement items for your Sensaria favorites. I just need to play with them more and some I need to buy still too. However, in the meantime I am asking past Sensaria reps to be guest bloggers on my site. They will highlight one product from their new company that they feel is a good replacement for a Sensaria one and post their review. I have one to post tomorrow so look for it!

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What I loved about Sensaria

It is hard to talk about Sensaria in the past tense but that is the reality. They are gone and I am sad I lost a lot of my favorite products. At least I stocked up on the ones I really can't go without! They closed their business while I was on vacation in Sweden but now that I am home and recovered from my jet lag, I have been researching other skin care companies like crazy! I have been reading and watching where other reps have gone so I had a good list to start with. Also, I have mostly focused on skin care as that was one of my main loves. I figured I could find a lotion, body wash and body scrub much easier than a good skin care line. I am done with my rigorous testing of many different product lines and found one that I really like. Before I go into why I like that company and their products, I feel it is necessary to explain why I loved Sensaria so here we go!

However, maybe I should go back a little further first? I was blessed to have been introduced to some good skin care in my teens as I started out with using Clinique. It was great for my skin at the time and established a good foundation for me. However, when I went to college it wasn't always in my budget so I tried other things. I even sold Mary Kay for a short while too but that ended up irritating my skin after a while so I stopped selling it. I don't remember having problems with bad acne in my teens but there certainly was a problem with breakouts like any normal teen I suppose. I do remember having oily skin. I know my acne problems developed as I got older and especially flared up when I had kids. In my mid-20's, it was bad enough that I tried Proactive but that didn't last long as it was too harsh on my skin. I ended up settling on Origins for a few years before I tried Sensaria. I liked that they were sort of natural and stuff smelled good and it also seemed to work well for my skin too.

So, I was in my early 30's when a friend invited me to my first Sensaria spa party. I had never heard of them nor did I know what exactly a "spa party" was. My friend told me we were going to get pampered, soak our feet and drink some wine. That was all I needed to know! I ended up going with very little expectations and was very pleasantly surprised how much I liked it. I really loved the mango body butter and the skin care which really shocked me! I couldn't stop touching my face as it felt so soft. I think my husband thought I was a bit crazy for asking if he could feel a difference too. I ended up trading parties with this friend for about 2 years before I decided to join Sensaria and sell the products myself.

That was 5 years ago and I still love the products. I loved the way the skin care products smelled and how soft they made my skin feel. I loved the Citrus Cleaner and it was one item that could do so much! I could use on everything from blood and ink stains to washing windows and veggies. I even did my laundry with it! I loved how the body butter was never greasy or sticky and hydrated my skin all day. I loved the Nourishing Moisturizer and how it helped my son's eczema. I loved the mango, coconut and rosemary mint scents. I miss that sweet orange scent too that they had for a while. It was the best shampoo & conditioner until they discontinued it. I loved the Sweet & Smooth body scrub because of that orange scent and it was great to shave with. You get to exfoliate with the sugar and salt and then shave with the remaining oil. I loved the Optimize Eye Serum for getting rid of any puffiness and dark circles. I loved the Men's Face Scrub as it was sort of citrus-y and foamed so it cleaned and exfoliated at the same time! I also loved the Microdermabrasion scrub too as it was the gentlest scrub I have ever used and it made my skin so soft. I loved the foot scrub too as it was so minty and fresh and it made my feet feel great too.

Honestly, I could go on and on and on about what I loved. However, since I focused mainly on skin care during my search maybe I should tell you exactly what I used so maybe you can get a better idea of what all the other companies had to compare with? Here goes!

- Balancing Cleanser (PM ~ I felt it took off my makeup better)
- Mineral Genesis Cleanser (AM)
- Mineral Genesis Conditioning Mist (AM/PM)
- Optimize Eye Serum (AM)
- Line Diminisher (AM ~ even though it was discontinued, I still love it)
- SPF 28 (AM)
- Night Cream (PM)
- Mineral Genesis Gold (AM/PM)

Also, every other day or so I would exfoliate with either the Men's Face Scrub or Microdermabrasion depending on what I felt like. I also tried to mask with the Sea Silk Mask in between the days I scrub but I fell out of habit with it and used it about once a week. So, I think that about covers it!

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July Monthly Specials

The theme this month is "Made in the USA" and I am really proud to have a product that can boost this feature. Did you know that all of Sensaria's products are made in a small town in Washington state called Shelton? I also have the added bonus of saying that Sensaria's products are a local product which is very appealing to my buyers. People love supporting local companies! However, even if you don't live where I do you can still say that it is "local" because people are supporting a local woman (or man!) in their business. Now, on to the specials!

If you host a spa party or catalog party this month with just $350 in guest sales, you will earn one of my most favorite products Sensaria has to offer. It is an amazing deal because you will get Mineral Genesis Pure Gold repair product for FREE! ($95 value)


Also, as a host this month you can chose this special duo of products that you can purchase for 1/2 PRICE! ($80 value) You will get our Microdermabrasion Creme and Optimize Rejuvenating Eye Serum which are products I absolutely love!

For all spa guests and anyone else who just wants to place an order this month, there are a whole slew of products that are on sale for 15% off! These are all the products that will be discontinued at the end of the month so once they sell out ... they are GONE! If you see a product that is one of your favorites then contact me right away! Here is a list with photos of all the discontinued products that are on sale this month which I posted on my Facebook page.


Finally, if you spend just $75 or more this month then you get our luscious Night Cream for only $5! It normally retails for $23.50 so that is a great deal!


The photo above is what comes in our business kit if you decide to join my team. However, it isn't 100% accurate right now because Sensaria is getting ready to announce the new products and some of those are going to go inside that kit! These new products will bring the kits value to over $500 worth of full size product, samples, catalogs and more! It contains everything you need to start your business and there are great incentive programs where you can earn even more. I can't wait to see what is announced this month! Contact me right away for more details!

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Microdermabrasion: Is it for you?

I was talking to a customer of mine the other day about our special this month which is a FREE Microdermabrasion Creme with any 4-step skin care system (aka "Build Your Own" system). It is a great deal since you are already saving up to $22 on the skin care system but then you get a $28 product for FREE as well. Wow!

Anyway, my customer was leery of trying the Microdermabrasion Creme because she has super sensitive skin and has had bad reactions to other chemical treatments. I let her know that there is no chemical stripping of the skin and that it is a super micro-fine scrub that is extra gentle on your skin. It's like no other scrub she has probably ever tried. So, a few days later I brought in my jar and had her try a small amount on her hand. She was impressed!

This also got me thinking that people probably don't know what this spa treatment is and how it is a very different treatment than a chemical peel. So, here I am searching online for some information and thought I would share it with you:

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Sensaria in Sequim writes this on her Facebook Fan Page:

"When you use the microdermabrasion creme, it lifts all the dead skin off, plus old makeup, sebum, oil, sweat & environmental polution, it allows other products you are using like the toner, repair products and serums & moisturizers to be better absorbed by your skin. You've essentially removed the barriers so your skin can drink up what it needs.

Here's how it minimizes fine lines & wrinkles: Think of a facial line or wrinkle that's filled with some dead skin, etc...it looks deep. When you remove the dead skin, etc. you are freeing it allowing it to plump up naturally.

The microdermabrasion creme stimulates new cell growth underneath and that's how it can reduce sun damage (freckles), age spots, pregnancy spots and generally uneven skin tones." Read More >>>

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Skin Care Resource Guide has this to say about the differences between microdermabrasion and chemical peels:

"Both chemical peel treatments and microdermabrasion treatments are used to resurface and exfoliate the skin. The treatments work in different ways to achieve similar results.

Microdermabrasion is recommended to improve superficial skin imperfections. This includes mild acne scars, age spots or sun spots, enlarged or visible pores, and fine lines. A chemical peel, whether it is lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or other variation, is recommended for more serious skin conditions such as deep or severe acne scarring and moderate wrinkles or extensive sun damage. This means that the recovery time from a chemical peel may be longer as well." Read More >>>

Skin Care Resource Guide also wrote this article about home and professional treatments:

"Professional microdermabrasion treatments administered by a dermatologist or esthetician uses a special machine which sprays aluminum oxide crystals onto the skin. Only licensed professionals are allowed to use microdermabrasion machines. Professional microdermabrasion treatments are somewhat costly and usually at least ten treatments are recommended for dramatic improvement." Read More >>>

Of course, this site is promoting their own skin care line and products but I still found their articles interesting and informative.

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The Ultimate Microdermabrasion Guide has this to say about it too:

"In a nutshell, microdermabrasion is a skin resurfacing treatment that uses tools or products designed for home use, in order to rejuvenate and restore natural glow to the skin. The micro dermabrasion procedure is simple and painless AND (this is the best part) is equally effective to surgical procedures (laser skin resurfacing, dermal abrasion) and chemical peels (for superficial skin imperfections only). Read More >>>

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Smart Skin Care points out the difference between Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion:

"Dermabrasion is a much more invasive procedure performed using special sanding devices. Dermabrasion causes as much or more damage to the skin as laser resurfacing or deep chemical peels. The skin recovery after dermabrasion takes several weeks or more. [...]

Microdermabrasion, on the other hand, is only a mildly invasive procedure. It causes virtually no downtime and the patients can usually return to their regular activities the same day. In fact, some call microdermabrasion a lunchtime peel. Convenience and minimal recovery period account for much of the popularity of microdermabrasion." Read More >>>

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Finally, Wikipedia has this to say about microdermabrasion:

"Microdermabrasion (often referred to as Microderm) is a family of cosmetic procedures popular in day spas, doctors' practices, and medical spas in which the stratum corneum (dead outermost surface of the skin) is partially or completely removed by light abrasion, to remove sun-damaged skin and to remove or lessen scars and dark spots on the skin." Read More >>>

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The Importance of Exfoliating

I truly believe that exfoliating your skin once or twice a week is essential for good skin care. I know that my skin seems to need it in order to keep breakouts away and plus, it just plain makes my skin so soft and smooth. I just feel that my skin builds up dirt and dead skin cells quicker than some so I tend to exfoliate every other day. Another benefit of regular exfoliation is that it allows the other products that you put on your skin to penetrate deeper and work better too. I am excited to have such a great selection of exfoliators from Sensaria to offer people with every different skin type and problem!

Sea Kelp Scrub ~ This was the first scrub that I fell in love with. I enjoy the scent and the walnut shells and apricot seeds provide the physical exfoliation in this scrub. It will really help keep your pores clear of debris and dirt which can lead to clogged pores and blemishes. People with normal, combination or oily skin can use this scrub. I just gently massage onto my face after cleansing and then rinse and follow with a toner and moisturizer. Also, massaging your skin can help promote the skin to create new skin cells so not only are you revealing newer skin after exfoliating but it will help keep you skin looking fresh for longer!

Enzyme Exfoliating Treatment ~ You should not use a physical exfoliator on skin that has blemishes because you will just break open the blemishes and spread the acne causing bacteria around your face and can potentially cause more breakouts. That is why I recommend this exfoliator and plus it is great for anyone who has dry or sensitive skin too. Instead of a physical exfoliant, this one uses fruit enzymes from Papaya and Pineapple that gently dissolve dead surface cells. It is just like putting on a creamy lotion on your skin. I put this on after cleansing in the shower and continue washing my body or conditioning my hair for as long as possible. Rinse it off and follow with a toner and moisturizer.

Face Scrub For Men ~ This product isn't just for men! I love using it especially when my face exploded when I got pregnant with my daughter. Plus, sometimes I am in a rush (what mom isn't?) in the shower so I will use this scrub since it foams up slightly and I feel like I am getting clean and exfoliated at the same time. This product uses microbeads of volcanic pumice to provide a physical exfoliation. For men who use this product, massage your face before shaving as it will provide you with a closer shave. It will help raise up stubble and get rid of dead skin cells which can clog razors. It will also help prevent ingrown hairs. I would suggest that men and anyone with acne prone or oily skin could use this scrub as well.

Microdermabrasion Creme ~ If people think scrubs are too harsh on their skin then maybe they are not using a good quality scrub or perhaps they are using it too often. Or perhaps they just need to start using our Microdermabrasion Creme! This product is gentle enough even for people with sensitive and dry skin who might not have thought they could use a physical scrub before. It uses a gentle blend of volcanic microdermabrasion crystals suspended in a soothing, conditioning crème. It is really far superior to any scrub I have used before. The crystals are so fine that you barely notice them at all but you certainly won't miss the results! I was looking around at various spas on their microdermabrasion treatments and they can cost anywhere between $90 and $130 for an hour treatment! This little jar will last much, much longer and you don't have to go to a fancy schmancy salon either!

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A Sensaria Facelift

Today's tip comes from Nancy who is a super fabulous Sensaria Rep! It was featured in one of our weekly newsletters so now I am sharing it with you! This tip is a way for you get a "Sensaria Facelift" and it takes just a few minutes over a 2-day period. Your skin will feel so refreshed and tightened that you will be oohing and ahhing over the results. Let me know if you try it and what the results were for you!

DAY ONE: Start with the Microdermabrasion Creme as directed. That means gently massaging a 1/2 teaspoon of the product on your skin for about 2 minutes. The super gentle microdermabrasion crystals will sluff off dead skin and other impurities. Plus the massage helps promote the new generation of collagen in your skin which gives you that youthful glow. This product is even more effective when used with the Clarisonic face cleansing brush!

DAY TWO: Wash, tone, and apply a thick layer of Sea Silk Mask. Take your Freshening Mist or Toning Mist and go relax for a while. Read a book or watch TV or lay on your bed for a few minutes. Mist your skin with toner every 4-5 minutes to keep the mask moist. After 15-20 minutes, gently remove the mask and finish with your regular skincare program.

Sounds easy and relaxing doesn't it? Why not try it today or this weekend?

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New Fall Products 2009 ~ Available August 1st!

Wow! I just got home from our National Convention this weekend which was a blast as usual. It was an informative, inspirational, energizing, motivating, heartwarming, compassionate, giving and compelling weekend. I don't know if I have enough words to describe it all! Of course, one of the most exciting things they reveal at Convention is our new product line for Fall 2009! As sad as I am to see at least one of our products to be discontinued at the end of the month ... I am super excited to have these 4 new products to replace them. Plus, we have a fantastic new catalog too! Are you ready?

1) Microdermabrasion Creme ~ Gentle resurfacing treatment that uncovers fresh, new skin, soften dark spots and dramatically smooth facial lines with this gentle blend of volcanic micro-crystals suspended in a soothing, conditioning creme. This anti-aging treatment provides deep exfoliation, minimizes the look of fine lines, rejuvenates sun damaged skin and balances skin tone. You can save hundreds of dollars by giving yourself regular microdermabrasion treatments at home. You will be amazed at how soft and smooth your skin will feel after just one application! (1.25oz ~ $28)

I just tried this last night and wow ... what a difference already! It was super gentle and the volcanic micro-crystals were so fine and soothing. You definitely needed just a small amount and if there is a little water or moisture on your skin, then it helps it go a little further. I love the other scrubs we have but this one takes it to a whole new level. I bet even people with sensitive skin would enjoy using this product too. It has that nice blue tint which means Azulene is a key ingredient. It is soothing and calming since it is derived from the Chamomile plant. I sure can't wait to try it again! You can even use this with your Clarisonic too which is what I am going to do next time!

After doing some research, I found an interesting WikiPedia article as it gives an overview of what the term means and the different methods you can get microdermabrasions. If you want a more medical and technical explanation then head over to How Stuff Works and read about it there. I also found very well done web site called www.skinabrasion.net which is written by a lady who gets regular treatments at the dermatologist. She has also reviewed various in-home products to help maintain her skin between professional treatments. Maybe we can get her to review Sensaria's newest product?

2) Cellulite Contouring Serum ~ A refreshing, non-oily body-contouring gel. CoEnzyme A and effective botanical ingredients help to energize and tighten body skin, lessening the appearance of cellulite. (6oz ~ $39)

3) Cellulite Smoothing Creme ~ A purifying body-smoothing creme utilizing bontanical ingredients for a decongesting and softening effect. Tones and hydrates body skin, lessening the appearance of cellulite. (6oz ~ $34)

I have yet to try these two products since I was thinking of trying to get some before and after photos. Wait until you see the one in the catalog! It is unbelievable! Also, using this with our Rejuvenating Salt Mud will increase the effectiveness of these two products. If you would like to volunteer to test these products and allow me to take anonymous and tasteful before and after photos then contact me!

4) Sweet & Smooth Body Lotion ~ Emollient formula intensely moisturizes thirsty body skin. Leaves Skin touchably soft and silky smooth with a subtle, yet long-lasting , citrus-vanilla scent. A perfect partner to Sweet & Smooth Body Scrub which is our #1 selling product! (6oz ~ $24)

Oh my! This was the very last product revealed ... just today in fact! I wanted to put on some lotion but decided to wait until our session was over. Well, much to my pleasant surprise they announced our final Fall 2009 product and handed out our newest body lotion! I miss our Sweet Orange scent when they discontinued it in 2008 and I am glad I still have 1/2 of a bottle left. However, I am so happy to have a replacement for it now! The new lotion is slightly different than the old Sweet Orange Body Lotion but I don't mind the difference at all. It is a bit richer but of course blends in without any greasy feel. The scent is a little more on the tangerine side of citrus for me and that mix with warm vanilla is a wonderful combination. I know my fellow Sweet Orange lovers and all those Sweet & Smooth fans are going to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this product! I can't wait to have people try it!

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