Kris’ Question: I’m testing out Arbonne right now, but am thinking I can’t afford it. My mother-in-law is a “beauty consultant” for BeautiControl and they seem to have a pretty extensive line of skin care products. Do you know anything about the quality of their line (I’m looking mainly at cleansers, toners, anti-aging products and moisturizers) and/or can you recommend any of their products? 
The Left Brain Lashes Out:
I’m surprised anyone can afford Arbonne! Just kidding. Based on what I’ve seen, the Beauticontrol products seem to be of reasonable quality. They’re also very pricey, but if you afford them, that’s your decision.
What bugs me, and the reason that I would not recommend them, is the way the company hypes their products. I understand the need for creative marketing, but when a company makes statements that border on untrue, that disturbs me. I just hate being lied to and I REALLY hate being lied to under the guise of science. To me there’s at least 3 tip offs when a company is stretching the truth about their products. Let me give you some examples using Beauticontrol:
Lie #1: Claims of Exclusivity
What’s the lie - they tell that “only” their products can give you a certain benefit.
What’s the truth - the truth is, unless they have a patent or a documented trade secret, they’re using the same technology as everyone else in the industry.
What’s the example -Beauticontrol says “only BeautiControl offers comprehensive, customized skin care that addresses what your skin needs¦when it needs it.” Based on their product catalog they appear to have typical cleansers, toners, lotions, etc. that are offered by many, many other companies. Why do they say “only” Beauticontrol offers this kind of treatment?
Lie #2: Implying Superior Performance without Substantiation
What’s the lie - they tell you their product works better than anyone else’s.
What’s the truth - if they make claims like that they’d better have some kind of proof.
What’s the example - Beauticontrol says “Far beyond traditional dry, combination and oily skin care, BeautiControl takes an innovative, personal approach, to provide total skin wellness through¦” Blah, blah blah. Again, with conventional products there is no way they can convince me that their products are far beyond traditional ones. Yes, they may be applying a different marketing spin, but there is no technology muscle behind their mouth.
Lie #3: “Magic” Ingredient Claims
What’s the lie - they say that some sexy sounding ingredient makes the product work.
What’s the truth - in reality, most of the time it’s the formula as a whole and not any single ingredient that makes the product work.
What’s the example - Beauticontrol says one of their products is “formulated with the rejuvenating minerals of the Dead Sea.” Minerals don’t rejuvenate skin, moisturizing agents do.
Ok, now that I’ve gotten that out of my system, maybe Beauticontrol isn’t “lying” to us (I’m going to catch hell from the Right Brain for this post!) but they certainly are overstating the uniqueness of their line. And as a scientist, that kind of hype turns me off.
For more about Arbonne products see this post.
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Sharon Says:
Great tips! Love the new site, by the way.
Shelli Says:
I was a beauticontrol consultant for a while. I liked their products but not enough to go out and boast and “sell sell sell” like the company strongly encourages you to do. I was not very impressed with their company overall, and feel that many other beauty products meet and exceed what they sell. Mac cosmetics being one of my faves in the performance area.
Left Brain Says:
Thanks for the comments Shelli. Reports from “insiders” give great insight.
Virginia Says:
This is so helpful. Now I know how to look beautiful but keep my skin safe at the same time!
Tina Says:
I have been using Arbonne for a year now. I decided to become a consultant after my friend gave me a sample. I chased her down to find out what this stuff was. I have tried alot of products out there and really fell in love with this one. After a year I have learned so much stuff about this company and the products. The do major testing before they but anything out on the market. Arbonne’s products are botanically based, pH correct,hypoallergenic, never tested on animals, no animal or human by products, no dyes or chemical fragrances, no lanolin or collagen and no mineral oil. Our toners have no SD40 Alcohol, it is a drying agent in hair spray. All of our skin care products can work together. I would say if you really like a product do your own research first, then use it. Just make sure it is safe. I know one of the things that you said was it was expensive. Did anyone tell you about how to become a discount shopper. You get every discount that a business builder gets but you don’t do the business. Also, The products last a long time. The anti-aging line last anywhere from 4 to 12 months. It just depends on which product you use. If you brake it down the wash ends up being less than $3.00 a month. There are so many other products that Arbonne has that are GREAT! There are over 350 products. I hope that I answered some of your questions. If you would like anymore information I would be happy to give it to you. Thanks Tina
marcia Says:
After falling out of love with liquid foundations that seem to accentuate the negative and are gone by noon (I know that there are some that stay on, but I hate the cakey, globby look). I am skeptical about certain claims, like the “Dead Sea minerals” whose ingredient list looks like nothing minerally except sea salt, so when someone told me about Bare Escentuals I decided to try it because it looked good on her. Of course, she was 26 and I am 55! I did try it and it took awhile before I felt confident in my purchase. How much of their hype is the buffing procedure, and how much is the actual product? I like the stuff, in spite of myself, but it might be the application, the natural unmade-up look that I really like, as well as the comfort of light powder foundation. Another friend told me that Physicians is just as good and cheaper.
Yeni Says:
I think Left Brain hates Beauti Control for no reason. To dislike a company just because of their marketing is unreasonable. I have been using their products for 2 months and I am in love with them. I use them because they were recommended from a friend, I know nothing about their marketing ideas, so to express like that about a company just because of the phrases they use, and not by the quality of their products is very Not-scientific.
thebeautybrains Says:
If you read the review, I said “Beauticontrol products seem to be of reasonable quality”. I do not hate them at all.
I just get bothered by companies that stretch the truth to get people to buy their products. It gives everyone in this industry a bad name.