Archive for the ‘ How to use the Wonderbar ’ Category

Need to address this Mineral Powder and Wonderbar thing….

Sunday, March 14th, 2010

mineral powder

I think this has been confusing for some, so we wanted to clarify further.  When we recommend against the use of mineral powder with the Wonderbar, we are specifically referring to the kind that you “buff” into your skin.  The combination of the two products can cause a breakout.  Other liquid makeups that contain minerals are okay and people do use them without any problem.  Just make sure that you are staying away from added chemicals and fragrances.  Also, it’s great to experiment and find what works best for you.  Some people use a loose setting powder, while others mix in a bit of foundation with their pure moisturizer.  There are many options out there so play around until you find what’s best for you!

Correspondence from a client who got dry and gave up too soon….then reconsidered.

Friday, February 26th, 2010

mad girl

Dear Wonderbar,

“What a ripoff scheme you have going. I was shocked that I paid $40 for a sliver of soap. I have been using it everyday, and all I get is burning eyes. I would love to have my money back!” KW

Dear KW,

We are very sorry you are not satisfied with your purchase.  I do want to take this opportunity to clarify a few things.  The Wonderbar is not a bar of soap and if thought of that way, the size would be very deceiving and disappointing. It is made of clay and algae and lasts at least six weeks.  As an all-in-one product (cleanser, toner, exfoliate), it comes out to less than a dollar a day, which makes a lot of sense economically speaking.  Most beauty regimens are much more costly, as you probably know.   I am concerned that you are experiencing “burning” in your eyes.  It should not be used in the shower.  It should be applied before or after you shower in the morning and night, and left to permeate your skin for 3-5 minutes.  Then you should rinse off and apply an all-natural moisturizer or oil.  If you lather too much and apply too close to your eyes, it might get into your eyes and sting.  If you are using any other products in conjunction with the Wonderbar that contains chemicals or fragrances, that could irritate your skin and sting.  If you get dry, continue to use the product until your skin adjusts.  The dryness that occurs in the first 2-3 weeks is a normal reaction and will pass.  If you wouldn’t mind sharing with me how you have been using it, I would really appreciate it.  It is very good for us to hear people’s experiences and we welcome it.  The testimonials on the website are genuine. The overall acceptance of the product has been fantastic, but it has to be used correctly.  Please let me know if you get a minute.   We appreciate your business and would love to identify what exactly is causing the problem.  Sincerely, Wonderbar

no response……..flash-forward several weeks:

Dear Wonderbar,

I really love the wonderbar now! I guess I didn’t give it a chance before writing to you.  You are so right about the benefits using the wonderbar. (correctly, not using in shower)  I now see how it is not soap, but as a skin treatment! I have really changed my mind about how great this treatment really is! My skin is really looking great! People keep complementing me about how fresh my face looks. After wearing my makeup for more than 5 or 6 hours, people have asked me if I just put on makeup, which I have not!  Love , love the Wonderbar..Thanks so much for following up with me, and making sure I was satisfied with my purchase.   God Bless You!! KW

This is a great example of someone who simply misunderstood the product and came close to never realizing the many benefits.  While she was incorrectly using it in the shower and not seeing results, others might use it correctly, but get dry and stop, not understanding what is causing the dryness.  The initial dryness is normal and it will pass.  Reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns, too.  99% of the time, there is a simple solution.  We are always here to help!

Would you train for a marathon and stop at 13 miles because you got a cramp?

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

MarathonNewYorkJpeg

No, because that would be a waste of time.  But it’s the same thing as giving up on the Wonderbar at three weeks!  You are throwing your money away, not to mention denying yourself the gift of healthy skin.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, “I’m dry, should I quit using this?” or “I’m broken out.  Does this mean I’m allergic?”  The answer to both would be no.  This is a process and it takes time.  People who give up at three weeks are misunderstanding what the Wonderbar is and what it does.  I understand that it can be uncomfortable and less than ideal to break out and get dry, but if you want to get the toxins out and heal your skin, then you have to run the marathon.

I have a friend who recently bought a Wonderbar.  She is a skeptic, it’s okay- I knew she would come around.  Anyway, she understood the product before she started.  I’d describe her as mentally prepared.  Mainly because she spent the weekend with me at the beach and listened to me talk to clients about the healing crisis the whole time.  So, when she got her first “cyst” five days in, she was so excited.  I got this voicemail and it said, “Guess what???? It’s working!!  I have a big pimple on my forehead and I’m so excited!!”.  I was immediately worried she would quit- some people do.  However, she hung in there like a champ and I have to tell you in all honesty, she has never looked better.  Her skin is even, balanced and the bumps and redness that have been there since college are gone.

Regarding that dryness people feel…..they tend to think immediately that it is a bad “dry”.  Like a soap “dry”.  Just to reassure you, it is not.  It is a good “dry”.  A healing“dry”, and necessary to the process I might add.  If you scraped your knee and it was red and raw, what would happen next?  It would get dry and itchy?  Then would it get darker and maybe turn into a scab?  Then it would come off and what might be underneath it all??  New skin would be underneath it all and the old damaged skin would be gone…….this is the healing process.  You can get dry patches with the Wonderbar and they can even turn a little brownish, right before they come off!  This would be an extreme healing crisis, but it happens occasionally and right where it needs to.  It happened to me on my neck and it only took 13 days for me to see healthy skin underneath…..others simply describe a tightness and dryness that subsides as their skin begins to find the perfect balance.

So hang in there, you are not alone.  There are hundreds of other faces running this marathon with you, but in this case, it doesn’t matter who gets to the finish line first……only matters that you get there!



Dear Mineral Powder…..

Sunday, January 31st, 2010

break-up-main_Full 

There is no easy way to say this, but it’s over.  I know we haven’t known each other that long, but when it’s not right, it’s not right.  I know you will make someone very happy, though, and I hope you know that I wish you the best.   We work against each other and every time I try to do my job, you come along and it ends in disaster!  We don’t work well TOGETHER.  You always seem to just want to cover things up, but I like to tackle our issues and get everything out in the open.  Almost every time there is really dramatic crisis, you are the culprit.  Frankly, you smother me too much and I feel the relationship is toxic.    

So, I wish you all the best and I will hold the memories close- even though they are slightly traumatic. 

Regretfully,

The Wonderbar    

p.s. You can keep the acne, I always thought it liked you better anyway.

From your head all the way down…to your TOE!

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

The thing is, I am a runner.  I don’t go crazy with it, but I do run around 9 miles per week.  I began to develop this this issue with my large toe.  It was red, swollen and painful and it got worse over the course of about one month.  TO the point that my shoe was hurting me and it was too uncomfortable to run.  I almost wanted to blame it on my ill-fitting wedges that I wore meandering around NYC, but I’ll never know for sure.

SO….because I am aware that people use the Wonderbar for many different types of issues, I decided to try it out on my toe.  I rubbed a little on the side of my toe TWICE.  It completely went away in two days and even when I pushed on the spot where it was so painful, I can’t feel it anymore.  It really seemed to reduce the inflammation and heal my skin.  I don’t know what it was, but it doesn’t matter because it’s GONE.

If you have any skin conditions that you want to get rid of , try it.  Take a picture first and then use the Wonderbar.  If it works and you provide us with before and after pictures, we will send a Wonderbar to you- on us!  We are always hearing new stories about this little miracle-worker…and we can use those stories to help others!

Stick-to-it-ive-ness is the KEY to success with WONDERBAR…..

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

Consistency


I want to tell you all about a “thank-you” email I received from a client.  She wrote that IF she had STOPPED using her Wonderbar at two weeks (which she almost did because of the dryness she felt), she NEVER would have believed that a product could change her skin SO dramatically….and for the better.  I know that there are many people who bought a Wonderbar in early 2009 and gave up simply because they didn’t understand the PROCESS.  Today, we send a more detailed explanation with every Wonderbar so that people will really be clear on what to expect…..and to send the all-important message:  “Hang in there! You won’t be sorry!”

The key things for a new user to remember are as follows:

  • Do not worry if you get dry in the first 2-3 weeks, it is a typical reaction.

  • Please do not try to “scrub” or exfoliate the dry layer of skin off, let it happen on its own.  It will come off when it’s ready.

  • Try to stick with all-natural, non-toxic products.  A pure facial oil and a physical sun block are good for our skin and will work well with the Wonderbar.

  • Pay attention to your skin, if you feel you need more or less, act accordingly.  The Wonderbar is something you’ll get to know and understand how it best works with your particular skin.

  • Do not hesitate to reach out with questions or for guidance!  That is what we are here for…you have made an investment with expectations and we want to make sure you get the most out of it.



“Don’t forget your sunscreen!” said my mother……last week

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

vani_spf35_sport

I’m 41 and this comment from my mother still takes on a frantic, insistent tone after all these years.  Someone is very passionate about her sunscreen- and she’s right, of course.  I am not a fan of products that have sunscreen added though.  I like my sunscreen straight up.  Now that the Wonderbar is in my life (my little one-step wonder),  I have the perfect skin care routine to go along with my physical block.  It’s that great kind of sunscreen that goes on thick and white and then melts into your skin right away and becomes invisible.  It’s also great for slathering all over your child’s face and not having to worry about it stinging their little eyes.  No worries if you have sensitive skin, no irritation or break-outs with Vanicream 35!

It is for sensitive skin.  You can buy it on-line at drugstore.com and it is very inexpensive.  I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.  Tell ‘em my mother sent you…..

Sleeping with the Wonderbar? Only if it feels right….

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

sleeping

I feel like I should revisit this topic.  I get many phone calls and emails every day from people who are applying the Wonderbar as a mask and sleeping in it.  Many people rave about the results, while others wonder why they get too dry.  Is it normal?  How can I tell?  Yes, it is normal to get dry in the first 3-4 weeks.  Your skin is adjusting.  Anything and everything can be normal in the beginning, but after the first few weeks, if the dryness is still a problem, look to the products you are using and the amount of time you are leaving the Wonderbar on your skin.  Tweak your routine until you find what works best for you.

I slept in it from the beginning and have never experienced any dryness since week 4, but people have different skin, habits, genes, environments, diets, etc.  Make-up and powders and creams and potions can sometimes clog your pores, thus contributing to  breakouts…your skin will react to the Wonderbar based on exactly what YOUR skin can handle.

Final answer: only use the Wonderbar for 3-5 minutes twice daily until your skin is balanced.  After that, experiment.  You might find that you can sleep with the suds on your face every night, or not.  You may find that you want to only use it once per day.  There is no hard, fast rule.  You can have a long, beautiful and evolving relationship with the Wonderbar, as long as you don’t let a little dryness discourage you.  Just make the appropriate adjustments and enjoy the results!

On our quest for healthy, radiant skin, Wonderbar is key, but there’s more….

Monday, November 30th, 2009

The Wonderbar has changed my skin for the better and I really don’t feel I need one other thing in addition to the bar, a great moisturizer and sunscreen.  I am 41,  though, so I want to do everything possible to keep my skin looking youthful.  I notice a huge difference when I don’t drink enough water, for example, or get enough sleep and exercise.   I also notice a change for the worse when I eat junk food……so, I recently did a little research on great foods for skin health and I am listing them here for you:

Tomatoes
“Tomatoes contain lycopene; a powerful antioxidant that repairs damaged skin cells and premature aging cause by your hanging out in the sun for way too long.  Of course, this isn’t to insinuate that you can worship the sun and eat tomatoes and be fine; you need to start avoiding the sun and eating tomatoes more often.  The natural chemicals in tomatoes increase when cooked.”

food 3

Seafood
“The goodness of fish has been touted for years and the news just keeps getting better and better. Selenium, which is known to fight off damage caused by sunburn, is found in yummy seafood such as halibut and oysters.  If that weren’t great enough, fattier fish (and don’t worry, it’s the good kind of fat) like salmon and tuna, contain Omega-3 fats , which are known to reduce inflammation and soften skin.”

Olive Oil
“Packed with monounsaturated fat, olive oil, eaten raw, helps your skin to not only remain touchably soft; it also helps your skin maintain its natural oils.  The best of all the olive oils on the market is extra virgin olive oil, because it is rich in antioxidants and oleic acid. Olive oil also contains squalene, which is believed to help repair and rejuvenate skin’s texture.”

Avocados
“Not only is this fruit loaded with monounsaturated fats, it also contains plenty of fiber, vitamins B6, C, and E, potassium, magnesium and folate.”

Berries
“All berries contain a high amount of vitamin C, a necessity for collagen production (collagen keeps your muscles and skin tight and reduces the chances of developing fine lines).  Another fantastic trait of berries, besides the fact that they taste so awesome, is their ability to reduce inflammation.”

food 1

Almonds
“One ounce of almonds provides you with half of your daily recommended vitamin E to fight off free radicals (as bad as they sound, free radicals destroy your body’s naturally produced elastin, which causes wrinkles).  Almond skins also contain an antioxidant known as flavonoids, which protect cells from damage – namely skin cells.”

food 2

Carrots
“Carrots are chock full of beta-carotene, the most active form of carotenoids; a plant substance that forms vitamin A. The vitamin A, in turn, helps prevent the skin and eyes from getting dry.  And because of their high mineral content, carrots also lend themselves to healthier skin, hair and nails. But beware – consuming too many carrots will, indeed, turn your skin orange.”

Ground flaxseed
“Flaxseed will not have any skin healing properties unless they are ground, so you need to make sure that if you decide to purchase them, that they are already ground.  Ground flaxseed is full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support skin health and increase energy.”

 

Of course, there are many more……..sunflower seeds, low-fat dairy, green tea, citrus fruit, kiwi, sweet potatoes and whole grains are just a few.  People who know me, know I wouldn’t touch an avocado or seafood for anything.  However, tomorrow I am going to make a smoothie with an avocado and try to disguise the flavor with some whey protein powder!  I’ll let you know how that works out for me and post the recipe, incorporating many of the foods listed above,  for you tomorrow. :-|

 

Wonderbar + 100% Facial Oil= A very good thing

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

I posted a while back about the Sponge Ladi Avokanto, and while I liked it, it did end up breaking me out.  So now, instead of letting it sit unused, I use it on my arms and feet and it’s perfect…just not for my face.  I have since done more research on oils and different moisturizers and have been able to isolate at least one culprit: fragrance.  The difference between the Sponge Avokanto and say, the Josie Maran Argan Oil or Rodin Olio Lusso is the fragrance.  This explains why I can use the latter two and never experience even one clogged pore.

The Wonderbar does something, with regular use, that results in a totally smooth application of make-up, powder, serum, moisturizer etc.  It exfoliates the skin, yes, but it cleans out the pores too, allowing products to really soak in.  In the past, they all just seemed to just sit on the surface.   More evidence that the Wonderbar is a great decongestant…..