The queen bee of cosmetics
December 14, 2005 | 12:00am
Factoids of the day: The queen bumblebees are the most powerful insects of the bee colony. The queen bee is often referred to as "quasi-social," which means she is typically able to survive on her own, for at least a short time. Another cool thing about her is that she works doubly hard to make beautiful flowers bloom.
Believe it or not, the queen bee is what inspired Mary Kay Ash to start her own colony – Mary Kay Inc., which is one of the largest direct selling skincare and color cosmetic companies in the world. Her goal was to provide women with an unlimited opportunity for personal and financial success.
Do you want to know Mary Kay Ash’s secret? She used the golden rule as her guiding philosophy and encouraged employees and sales force members to prioritize their lives according to a simple but empowering motto: God first, family second, career third.
"Mary Kay was like a Broadway star – very glamorous and hardworking," says Lynne S. Tribino, sales and development training director of Mary Kay Philippines. "She even set up the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation committed to battling cancers affecting women and ending domestic violence." Now, that’s a super queen-bee move.
Recently, Mary Kay Philippines invited members of the press to "Tickled Pink," a beauty and relaxation day at the New World Renaissance Hotel. Guests were treated to foot spa, hand spa, facial treatment and makeover with Mary Kay products, of course.
"We wanted to celebrate and share this year’s good performance," says Bernard Mercado, general manager of Mary Kay Philippines. "There’s a 60 percent growth rate from last year." Not bad for an American company that’s been here for six years already.
For those who don’t know why the fuss over Mary Kay products, here is a little background.
One could turn back the clock with TimeWise, a skincare program with anti-aging benefits. The TimeWise Miracle set includes a three-in-one cleanser (enriched with antioxidants that clean and exfoliate the skin), age-fighting moisturizer (provides 10 hours of hydration and speeds up the skin’s renewal process), day solution with SPF 15 (protects the skin from UV rays), and a night solution (refines wrinkles and fine lines). The end results are soft, smooth, radiant and younger-looking skin. You could call the product a miracle waiting to happen.
Women can now age gracefully with Replenish C, a treatment that revitalizes the skin because of a pure dose of vitamin C. The second formula acts as an emulsion and botanical blend of herbs that will give the skin an instant burst of energy for a rejuvenated look. Combine the two formulas, apply it on the face and rinse off in the morning. Just wait for your skin to glow.
For instant gratification, use the TimeWise Microdermabrasion set for baby-soft, smooth skin – and all it takes is just two steps. First, refine the skin with an exfoliating cream with micro-fine crystals that remove dead skin cells. Second, replenish the skin with a nourishing serum that makes the skin super-soft. By using these products twice a week, you will notice smoother, suppler skin with smaller-looking pores and less fine lines. You will definitely cut down on diamond peel sessions with the dermatologists.
For those too lazy to go to the spa, do it at home with Mary Kay’s Embrace Harmony Private Spa collection. It comes with body wash, moisture lotion, sheer fragrance mist and Mint Bliss Energizing lotion for feet and legs. The great thing about these products is that they contain botanical aromas of flowers, fruits, bamboo, cypress, and seaweed that will invigorate the senses and bring total bliss.
For hardworking and tired hands, try Mary Kay’s Satin Hands Pampering set. Includes four products – an emollient night cream, Satin Hands buffing cream, cleansing gel and hand cream – that will keep your hands oh-so- smooth and oh-so-soft.
Aside from skincare and body products, Mary Kay is known for its signature cosmetics as well, like foundation that gives you the perfect shade with the perfect formula. For gorgeous eyes, the eye colors come in single or duet sets, plus brow-liners and mascara. The cheek color gives a flush blush. They have lip liners, lip outliner (keeps lipsticks and lip gloss from bleeding) crème lipsticks in 15 shades that moisturize the lips. I love the Cream & Sugar lip gloss. Not only does it taste like cream and sugar, it is also a neutral shade that goes well on top of any lipstick.
"Mary Kay Inc. has a try-before-you-buy policy with no pressure at all. We give skincare classes and facials to women," says Tribino. "The company has developed a strong culture over the years." Mary Kay events around the world are uniform. So, whatever’s happening in America is happening here as well. The beauty consultants of the company have this immediate bonding, a sisterhood of sorts.
Yes, there are a lot of direct-selling companies around the globe that are here in the country. But what makes Mary Kay different is their way of doing business and it is not in terms of monetary gain. Actually, it’s about dealing with people, giving their independent beauty consultants gifts and incentives. Like the diamond bumblebee pin that’s valued at almost $1,000, or even pink Honda cars.
"Bumblebees are small insects that fly timidly but are very determined like a woman," explains Mercado. "At Mary Kay Inc., we want to produce more queen bees. So, we take time to train and educate women by developing speaking skills, teaching the golden rule, and focusing on the priorities in life. We concentrate on the totality of women and empowering them."
So, now you know what the buzz is all about.
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