Just A Random Beauty Though...

I'm constantly exposed to a large variety of beauty products. My full time job as a Beauty Advisor at a national retail store exposes me to a lot of economy brand proucts. By economy brand, I mean brands such as L'Oreal, Neutrogena, Revlon, etc. I also work with premium French brands such as La Roche Posay, Vichy, and Lierac. Other brands in the premium category include Clinique, Estee Lauder, and Lancome. In my personal venture as an Independent Consultant with Arbonne International, I am exposed to products in the ultra premium product category.

While at work today, I began thinkin to myself...

In the past, I've used economy products. Personally, I would find that these products would work for a little while, but the results that I would see were not consistent. I'm very oily and prone to acne, and when using economy brands, my skin would be great one minute and then break out again. My mom is always shopping for something, and she would order Philosophy's Microdelivery Peel, as well as other Philosophy products. This is when I began to notice the difference in my skin when using premium skin care products versus economy brands. The texture of my skin began to change. Instead of excessive oil and pimples, my skin began to look clear and smooth. At one point, I had landed a Consultant position at the Clinique Counter in Manhattan. When I began to use their 3-Step skin care system and cosmetics from this brand, I began to notice a huge difference in how my skin looked. The oil in my skin was controlled, but I wasn't using a bunch of products with salicylic acid that were creating reverse effects on my skin (too much salicylic acid will absorb the oil in your skin, and eventually trick your sebaceous glands into producing MORE oil...leading to MORE breakouts. The result is NOT cute). I also noticed that when I used better quality cosmetics on my face, the results were much nicer as well. The makeup wore better. The eye shadows had stronger pigment and did not look chalky or wear off during the day, as some economy brands do.

For the past few months, I've been using ultra premium Swiss skin care products from Arbonne. And let me tell you, I've noticed a major difference in my skin. Now, I'm not being biased because I'm and Independent Consultant. I'm being honest because I've worked closely with a number of different brands, and I've also used a million different products. I have not had a problem with lots of oil or major breakouts since I've started using these higher quality products. When I wear makeup, I find that it looks and feels incredibly natural on my skin. In fact, the ingredients in the cosmetics actually benefit my skin rather than clog my pores and increase breakouts. I think I'm just finding that products that are better quality, and made with better ingredients are just better for me.

So, my though at work today was what do most women prefer? Do most women look for a great price on their skin care and cosmetics? Or, are consumers more partial to the quality of their beauty products?

Did You Know...??

Did you know that 90% of visible aging is caused by external factors? The main cause of skin aging is not time or family genes, but it is actually from the sun's UV rays.

So what does this mean to you??

Well, this means that you are able to PREVENT 90% of the aging that will happen to your skin simply by using sunscreen!

Do you use sunscreen on a daily basis?

Arbonne Eye Liners

Its been a while since I've written anything...I kind of consider myself like singer Sade. She only records and releases songs when she has something to say. I guess that's how I am with my writing...I can't post if I don't have something to say! So, after two months, I've finally got something to rave about!

I'm definitely a skin care and makeup junkie. I've been playing with makeup since I was about 5 years old. I remember it like yesterday...my first makeup set was Tinkerbelle. The face powder was 12 shades too light, the lipstick was HOT pink, and everything felt like chalk and wax! But, I loved it and wore it every day. My experimentation with cosmetics and skin care started years before I knew I'd ever be trying to build a career in this industry, and I'm always looking for THAT product that just WORKS.

With that said, let me tell you about Arbonne Eye Liner. Back in March, 2010, Arbonne reformulated their cosmetics line, so you know I had to get my hands on some of the new products. I purchased Arbonne's new eyeliner in Cocoa and Plum, and I'm in love with them.

First, the colors are beautiful. They come out with deep, rich, natural looking pigments. The colors are very distinct, and true to tone, but they aren't "wild" colors. They add just enough POP without looking too "made up".

The eye liners are retractable (which is always a plus for me because I do NOT want to be carrying around a bulky sharpener. I carry more than enough unneccesary items with me!) But the great thing is that the eye liner actually does come with a sharpener built into the bottom for those indivduals who are looking for an even finer application. Creative, huh? I thought so too.

Applying Arbonne Eye Liner is quick, easy, and incredibly smooth. These liners are almost effortless. The eye area is the most delicate part of the face, and there is no pulling or tugging on your eyelid as you try to line your eyes with Arbonne Eye Liners. There is no more lighting the tip of your liner with a cigarette lighter to make application smoother, either. They glide right on. The creamy texture allows for a smooth, flawless application!

Lastly, once the eye liner is on, it stays on! Since I've started using these liners, I've never had to check to make sure that my eye liner hasn't fallen on to my cheeks! Raccoon eyes are no loner a part of life! These liners STAY PUT!!

..And if all that isn't good enough for you, Arbonne Eye Liners are formulated mineral oil free, vegan friendly, use natural botanicals, and include Vitamins C and E which help to brighten and keep the eye area hydrated. So, not only do they work, but they work WELL, and are good for your eyes!! Can't get any better than that!

These liners are fabulous! They are available in six colors including Charcoal, Ebony, Cocoa, Olive, Toffee, and Plum. Arbonne products are sold only through Independent Consultants, so if you are interested in trying Arbonne's Eye Liners, or any of their other products, let me konw!

So, what are some of your favorite liners, and what do you like about them?

Beauty and Network Marketing Go Together Like Birds of a Feather!

My main profession is within the beauty industry. At the age of 18, I decided to enroll in cosmetology school. By 19, I was a licensed professional, and the very day that I graduated from school, I started working as a stylist in a salon. For the past 5 1/2 years, I've diligently worked my way around the beauty industry. From working hands on as a stylist, to exploring other avenues as a make-up artist, and eventually developing a love for skin care, I am truly on my way to becoming an expert in the field. So what made me decide to get into the field of Network Marketing? The two just don't seem to to fit. Or do they?

I was first introduced to Network Marketing by a random friend request on FaceBook. I befriended a woman who is an Independent Consultant for Arbonne (the company in which I am now and Independent Consultant for). As I was checking her page out, I became incredibly interested. Being that Arbonne is a skin care company, my interest was sparked immediately. What also drew my attention was the "marketing" part. You see, I recently completed a Certificate in Marketing this past December. As I delved into this unheard of concept a little bit deeper, I discovered the earning possibilities that the network marketing industry provides. I was completely blown away. Right away, I felt like this was the opportunity that I had been praying and waiting faithfully for.

The network marketing industry tumbled into my life at just the right time. Exactly one week prior to "discovering Arbonne" and network marketing, I had gone through a very personal situation that I would never have had to go through if I were better off financially. Once I learned what exactly this opportunity that fell into my lap was all about, I made a promise to myself that this would be my solution for the future. Network marketing was my answer. It IS my answer. This industry has great earning potential, and as a young woman who is just beginning her life, there is no other option in my eyes. What other industry offers anyone, no matter your education or experience level, such immense financial stability? What other industry allows you to become a President of your own company and teach others how to do the same? What other industry allows you to leverage your time and TRULY focus on the important things in life like spending time with loved ones and just enjoying your LIFE without being on your employer's time? The answer to that is none. No other industry offers the simple things in life as just a normal benefit of working.

I am so thankful that I found this opportunity. I feel that without my awareness of the network marketing industry, my future would not be my own. It would belong to whoever I work for. My time would be worth whatever someone else feels I deserve. Network Marketing and the MLM industry allows one not only to take control of their life, but also to LIVE their life. And for that opportunity, I am greatful.

Are you someone who is content with existing in a job where the hourly pay is minimal, your time is not your own, and growth potential is limited? Or, are you someone who is interested in living and experienceing your life, structuring your time as you please, and promoting to top levels within the company you work for? I'm always big on helping others learn, grow, and advance, so if you're someone who is truly interested in living the life you dream of and deserve, check out this link for some free information on network marketing:
Free Network Marketing Advice

...If you have a great leader, or if you ARE a great leader, there is no way that you can be unsuccessful!

How Are Your Actions Reflecting Your Desires?

I've been reflecting on my life and the things I want lately.

I think this serious reflection may have come about because on my next birthday, I will be turning 25, and I feel as though I should be in a "different" place than where I am right now. Now, I must admit that when I was younger, I was completely unfocused, and didn't set goals to save my life. And also, we're currently in this crazy recession, so it's truly difficult to get ahead right now. However, I still feel that for myself, I should be further along in life...more stable and more independent.

So this brings me to ask the question: How are my actions reflecting my desires??

I really had to sit down and think about this one. After posing my initial question, I had to ask my self, "Self, what ARE your desires anyway?" The answer to that is very simple for me to answer. I want to be able to pay off my debt, move into a place of my own, purchase a new vehicle, help my parents out (because they always help me...its time to return the favor), invest my money for the future, enjoy my career, travel, and spend more time with the important people in my life. Those are my desires. I've always used the phrase "Don't talk about it, be about it", and I truly feel that right now, that's exactly what I need to do.
So, what am I doing to work towards fulfilling my desires? First off, since I've always been passionate about the beauty industry, I'm currently holding three (yes, THREE) jobs in that industry. I work as a Beauty Advisor, who specializes in skin care. I also work as a Stylist in a salon. Lastly, I'm Owner of my own home based network marketing business with a skin care base. Each of these positions push me a little closer to fulfilling my desires because they give me knowledge, experience, and the opportunity to network. My ultimate goal is to grow my home based business, invest in opening a few Salon/Spas (and developing a training system for my staff...possibly even opening a cosmetology school), and retiring at some point in my 30's. Some might say I'm crazy, considering this recession and all. However, I beg to differ...the steps that I'm taking now just might lead me right where I think I will end up. In fact, I'm quite confident.

So I ask you, my friends, how are your actions reflecting your desires? Are you actively taking steps to reach your goals?

Just think about this...if you continue to do exactly what you're doing right now, where will YOU end up in five years?

Skin Care.....So What?!?!?

So, I work as a Beauty Advisor for a national retail store. It is part of my job to talk to people about skin care, products, and building a regimen. I want to educate my consumer. Its not that I push products on people, but its very common that they come to me looking for a solution to their skin concerns. This is where a consultation comes in. During a consultation, I try to get to the root of their problem by asking questions, like if they have any pre-existing skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, etc., if they are sensitive at all to any specific ingredients or fragrance, and I discuss their skin type (dry, normal, combo, or oily). I also like to find out what it is that the client or customer is currently using, and why they are looking for something else...and to my chagrin, what I find is that people aren't really using much of anything!!! Let me elaborate:

It is unbelieveabley common for people to tell me that their skin routine consists of them just "splashing water" on their face to cleanse it, or even using a simple bar of soap. Water alone does not remove dirt (do you just use water to wash your body in the shower?), and bar soap normally isnt pH correct to your skin (skin has a normal pH of 4.5-6, whereas a bar soap has a pH of around 9-10...can we say DRY SKIN?!)

A normal skin care routine usually consists of a quick and easy three step process: Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize. At times, depending on your skin condition or concern, a fourth step of "Treating" the skin may be added. These steps, when used for your specific skin type and concerns, have been clinically proven to improve the quality and health of your skin. However, I speak to so many people on a daily and weekly basis, and its so suprising to find out how many people are NOT following these three steps.

There are all sorts of excuses as to why people do not properly take care of their skin: "I dont have time", "I cant afford it", "I'm not really into beauty". Let me give you the one reason why you SHOULD find a little extra time, money, and interest for taking better care of your skin.

Your skin is the largest living, breathing organ of your entire body. Your skin acts as a barrier to all of your internal organs, and protects them against external environmental aggressors. Your skin probably does the toughest job of all your other organs...without your skin, your organs will be exposed, and you will not survive...you don't see people walking around without skin, do you? People spend so much time and money on methods to keep their insides healthy (sure, you SHOULD be taking care of your body from the inside out), however, no one seems to think about taking care of themselves from the outside in.

By making a daily habit of Cleansing, Toning, and Moisturizing your skin twice each day, your skin and body will thank you. Some would ask: "Twice each day??!! Isn't once each day enough?" The answer to that is an honest "NO". The cleansing process in the morning prepares your skin for the day. If done correctly, it will remove any impurities that have found your skin overnight, prepare your skin to recieve moisture and makeup if you wear it, and it will also protect you from external aggressors such as pollution, and the sun's harmful rays which cause Cancer. When done at night, the cleansing process will remove all the dirt and debris that have found your skin throughout the day, prepare your skin for treatment (anti-aging, acne, etc.), and ultimately correct and improve your skin concerns.

So, the moral of this story is take care of your skin!! If you already are, then GREAT JOB!! But if you are someone who just "doesn't have time, money, or interest", my professional recommendation is that you find it. Those three steps could actually improve your life, and in some cases, save it.

Welcome!

Hello there, and welcome to my blog!! Let me introduce myself...

My name is Melissa Wilson. I'm 24 years old, and I am located in Rhode Island (for now!!). I'm a licensed cosmetologist and skin care specialist. I have been studying the beauty industry for almost six years now, and this is something that I am very passionate about. As a cosmetologist, my focus is on hair, skin, and nails, however, my main interest lies with hair and skin. This is because the two go hand in hand: people notice you from the neck up (in most cases lol) when they first meet you, and if you are confident that you look your best, then you will be confident in any situation. I am also very passionate about the health of your skin and hair. Your skin is your body's largest living organ, and your hair is an appendage of the skin...so take care of it!!!

So, let me tell you a little bit about my experience. I worked as an assistant in a salon while in cosmetology school. This means that I shampooed clients for stylists, swept up hair after their cuts, and basically did all the work that nobody else wanted to do. Once I became licensed, I became a stylist. I've worked with many different product lines, and have attended many different trainings for hair styling services. I have worked under and next to numerous stylists, whom I have learned a great deal from. I've also met a lot of great people. My interest in skin care and cosmetics came about while I was living in New Jersey. I began working at Macy's Herald Square in Manhattan as a Clinique Consultant. The knowledge that I gained from working as a Clinique Consultant, combined with my Cosmetology training, gave me the fundamentals I needed in order to speak confidently to others regarding their beauty concerns.

I have been trained in numerous hair care and skin care lines, and I take special interest in learning about what makes each line different and effective. I make it a point to further my experience and education. I am constantly attending trainings, seminars, and tradeshows, or just reading books and online articles about the industry. In addition to my cosmetology and skin care training, I also went to school for Marketing, and am working towards my degree in the field.

Currently, I work as a Certified Beauty Advisor for a national retail store. I also work part time as a Stylist in a salon. I provide hair and skin care services. In addition to those two endeavors, I own and operate a home based online skin care business. I'm quite a busy girl!! In my spare time, I enjoy sleeping (gotta get the beauty rest!!), learning, spending time with friends and family (and my Chihuahua Macho!), and just trying to enjoy life in general.

...So there you have it!! That's Melissa Wilson in a nutshell!! Please feel free to check back on my blog regularly. I plan on posting LOTS of useful information here for anyone interested in the beauty industry, or in the marketing/sales industry. If you have any questions, or if I can help you in any way, please let me know! Hopefully, you will enjoy my blog, and find the content here very useful.

Thanks for reading!!!