What's Next Since Beautycounter Closed?
Personal Update
I’m embarrassed to admit I shed tears about a company closing. I’ve never lost a job before and this felt like being fired. More details of the closing at the very end.
I didn’t realize how much I loved Beautycounter’s effective products. How much energy I expended finding a brand I trusted. It wasn’t until the doors closed that I put into words the friendships I’d made with other Beautycounter leaders meant something to me.
While my family was never dependent on the small income it produced, not having that side hustle limits the “fun money” I spend on my children. The only family vacations we’ve ever taken were because of Beautycounter.
Even though I have a small stash of extra products, eventually it will run out. Plus several of you were waiting for the next Beautycounter promotion to refill your supply.
It’s an honor that you trust my recommendations. I feel the Lord has given me the ability to sort through the chaff and find nuggets of truth – to bring those to the top. I’m good at sifting through the noise to elevate what is important. This is what makes me a memorable teacher and effective communicator.
That said, I spent a crazy amount of time deciding where to go next. Who do I trust in an unregulated world of hormone disrupting chemicals? At the same time I want to be frugal.
Two companies rose to the top for different reasons.
Crunchi - Their standards meet and exceed Beautycounter’s. I will be trying their makeup and expect a promotion for Memorial Day. Company is 9 years old.
Arbonne - Started 43 years ago and has extensive products. Price point is better than Beautycounter with a higher B Corp rating.
What Stood Out in My Research
I am forever with Beautycounter and will continue to be a part whenever that may be. No one can say what it will look like until October.
In the hours of research, reading, watching videos as well as talking with other brand advocates in several companies, a few nuggets of truth stood out to me.
America has so few regulations in the personal care realm (this we knew), that it makes sense to buy personal care through direct sales. In the absence of these laws, direct sales companies strive to set themselves apart with rigorous third party testing, EWG and B Corp ratings, and education of brand advocates.
Beauce of my research I was convinced of the wisdom of buying through brand advocates who spends copious time sifting through details to offer extreme customer service. My kids will attest how I value time and efficiency. Brand advocates can save time and money.
As opposed to buying from a box store, most direct sales companies offer a 30-90 day free return policy. I will forever be a frugal woman. I hate wasting time and money.
The earth matters to me. Plastic packaging is not only harmful for hormone disruption but I strive in multiple ways to reduce my footprint on this earth (sometimes to the chagrin of my husband when I ask to compost on vacation!) Both of these companies value the earth.
Why These Two Companies
Crunchi - Their focus has been high performing, super clean makeup. Many Beautycounter brand advocates love the makeup from Crunchi, who offers 30 day free returns, and a similar customer loyalty program as Band of Beauty. There will be a Memorial Day promotion and I will find out details Sunday night.
Arbonne: Like Beautycounter, they have a similar NEVER LIST, third party testing and higher B Corp ratings of valuing people, profit and the planet. I like their robust product offering with lower price points and generous 90 days of risk-free trial. As the chaos of my life increases, there is value in streamlining purchases to one place and I’m excited to try so many things from Arbonne. I placed an order this week for skin care (anti-aging for me and acne prone for my teen daughter) and cult-following clean energy fizz drink. I need to finish a few supplements before I try more of those. I’ve heard good things about the self-tanner and several hair and body products. They are in the process of revamping their makeup and why I am partnering also with Crunchi.
Would you trust me as we walk through these products together and find out what works? When I started Beautycounter 5 years ago I hadn’t tried many products either, but was willing to figure out what could work for myself and for you. Thank you for trusting me in that endeavor.
I know you will have questions and that is WHY I am here. Never hesitate to reach out by email or text. I want to WALK through this process of finding replacements and help you save money.
Hit me up when you need to talk options. Here are links to Crunchi and Arbonne.
Julie
PS - until the end of May, as a gift to Beautycounter clients, Arbonne is offering free Preferred Client status for a year (sort of like Band of Beauty) when you add to cart Preferred Client and spend $150 which gives you free shipping, free full size gift, extra gifts and 20% off. No obligations for auto-ship. Another option is to use code ARBONNE10 at checkout for 10% off right away. I have 5 samples of the anti-aging skincare line if you want to try it.
PSS - Just before sending this, a sampler package came from Arbonne. I tried the Sports Hydration drink because I was sweaty from the garden. I’m not exaggerating to say it’s the best sports drink I’ve tasted. Some are too salty or overly sweetened with stevia. This one was, in the words of Baby Bear, “Just right.” It has a bit of cane sugar and a bit of stevia but doesn’t have a terrible stevia aftertaste.
I also tried the best selling LipOil which is a cross between a lip gloss and lip balm. It is not sticky or tacky. Super impressed.
On Tue, May 7, 2024 at 7:50 AM Julie Majors <luvmyhub@gmail.com> wrote:
Friend,
It's with a heavy heart that Beautycounter will not reopen until October. The sale back to the female founder, Gregg Renfrew, has led to the company taking longer to relaunch. This was not what Gregg envisioned two weeks ago.
She bought the company back from investors because it was on the brink of bankruptcy. (Who does that? Someone who loves and believes in a company.) What she didn't know was the full financial picture nor understand allll the legal details.
I've known some of you for twenty years (or more!). Some of us have been on a health journey for all of that. Some have just begun to clean up what goes on the skin and in the body. It matters! Keep going. Don't stop just because of a bump in the road.
I'm disappointed because I've used Beautycounter for nine years now and been a consultant for five. I truly love their products (what will I use now?!) I was honestly excited for the products that were about to launch. I'm sad for the consultants whose livelihood depended on this gig. Thankfully I kept my paychecks separate and my family only used that money as "fun money."
What will I use now for skin care? I don't know. The unknown is part of all my feelings in the 6 month closure...having to start back at the beginning of finding clean products that actually work.
I would love to hear recommendations from you. I've purchased deodorant, tooth powder and my husband likes the face serum from Just Ingredients. I've heard good things about Toups & Co Organics as well (but not tried any). If you're close to Ulta, you will find a select handful of Beautycounter items there. Some are already sold out at Ulta online (like my fav vitamin C serum). I have a handful of products in my stash.
If you don't get my food newsletter, please sign up for it. That will be the best way to keep in touch moving forward. I will write about products I find there.
On a brighter note - we picked up my college son from the airport last night. He's home for two weeks!! Today is Caroline's 14th birthday! We have celebrations planned and I will be cooking all the things for my people.
I love spring. It's the most wonderful time of the year.
Julie
PS - Found clean beauty products you love? Please reply and let me know. Let's crowdsource and help each other out!
On Wed, Apr 24, 2024 at 9:57 AM Julie Majors <luvmyhub@gmail.com> wrote:
I've hesitated to send an email about this -- thinking that most people don't care (or even noticed the website closure). But several have reached out and asked so here goes...
Why is the Beautycounter website shutdown?
The female founder, Gregg Renfrew, sold her shares in the company in 2021 to a worldwide investment firm (Carlyle) with hopes of giving clean beauty a greater reach.
Since then she has not been pleased with how they are running the business. This is not uncommon amongst founders. She bought back the shares so that she can give leadership and direction. As a result, the website is down for a few days. I don't fully understand why this is taking so long but nonetheless I am happy she is back!
When will the website be back?
The target date is May 1.
What changes should we expect?
I haven't noticed any negatives or major changes in the company in her absence per se, but I love her passion for clean beauty, education, and raising the bar & making changes in the beauty industry as a whole. Excited leaders make a difference.
What if I had product credit that expired in April?
One thing I am confident of is the customer service at Beautycounter. It has been my experience in the 9 years I've been using their products that they will make things right -- and usually at their expense.
What's coming for May?
The KY Derby is the first Saturday in May - whoa! Hold on to your horses!
In all seriousness, there are several new products in line. One is a bronzer that several of you have asked about. I have all 4 shades in my possession and they are good. Plus a fantastic high quality angled brush.
Will there be promotions?
I fully expect something in early May. Before the website closure, consultants were gearing up for a fragrance BOGO. Since the closure I am expecting a percentage off sale, which is my favorite promotion. Alls to say, I can never predict these things and will let you know when I know something which is usually only 24 hours before the promo.
Julie