7 Things the Makeup Industry Doesn't Want You to Know

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Marlena
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Disclaimer
I am a cosmetic brand owner, former makeup artist, and have worked in cosmetic product development for over 14 years so all opinions are based on my background in these areas. The products I use in these videos are either purchased by me or sent to me by companies which I will always disclose. Some of the links in this description box are affiliated. My opinions reflected in these videos are 100% my own.

[@eddiegreene7334]

I have worked in cosmetics including cosmetic formulations as well. Everything you stated is 100% true. I would add a huge part of the price of cosmetics is advertising, it cost brands a ton of money to advertise a product. The same goes for skincare as well….there is so little difference in the formulations that it just doesn’t warrant the tremendous price jump. I know many pro artist working on major campaigns that use drugstore products…often in expensive packaging so no one knows they are using drugstore. Just know you are really paying for packaging and advertising when you buy most high end.

[@MarlenaStell]

All of this! Advertising is so expensive too

[@sovrappensiero1]

Yes this is so true. I’m always on the hunt for brands that don’t advertise much. As with the retail store tip, a high increase in advertising usually signals a decrease in quality. They hope to gain a loyal following who won’t notice the decrease in quality.

[@20thcenturyrelic]

Why can't I like this comment 1,000 times??? You're also paying for high salaries, big bonuses, and extravagant perks for the brand's executives.

[@theblondeflower1471]

@@20thcenturyrelic now that’s what it comes down to! You need to be able to pay those big salaries and bonuses to admins,boards,etc…

[@suzannecampbell2260]

Thanks I knew this already. I love pretty makeup bottles. Yet I've for years. After I found out what I was paying for. I've paid a lot of money on foundations. That sucked. To be blunt.

[@cinachandler6097]

This was incredible! How lucky we are to hear the perspective from a professional that has seen the industry from all angles. Would love more of these educational type of videos. Thank you so much, Marlena!

[@lorece94]

100% agree!

[@josiebradley1831]

I agree!

[@jamiegolden6776]

I agree!! I would definitely love more videos like this one

[@leannkidactivities2373]

I feel like I've been lucky for over 10 years. I watched her from the beginning. ❤

[@bmloveofficial]

She’s gonna have more soon; a great great thing is about to happen with Marlena ❤❤❤ (per a podcast I watched) 😅

[@nichegoseberazdvatri]

Well, I will say I used to use a lot of eyeshadow and someone gifted me Estee Lauder palette. The difference between affordable and this designer brand was noticeable. EL eyeshadow didn't smudge and even after wearing it and sweating at parties all day stayed on me. There were no lines or spots. It was nice smooth application and blended so well. I could never blend other drug store brands so well.

[@PisciLover]

YES PLEASE! Please do more of these types of videos, I enjoy learning the behind-the-scenes of the makeup industry. Thank you for doing this.

[@barbr100]

I worked for a cosmetics brand many years ago. We were able to purchase our products at cost, so I learned how vast the markup is. For a face moisturizer that sold for $20 retail I paid around $2.50. It was an eye opener, yet I still buy all the pretty things I cannot resist.🤪

[@recherche4528]

@@Soleil5291 Don’t forget the exorbitant salaries of the upper level echelon.

[@recherche4528]

The Ordinary is a godsend. I used high end skincare for years convinced that the results justified the cost. Been using The Ordinary serums for a couple of months and my skin has never been better.

[@peachesandcream22]

@@recherche4528 the friend of mine has acne, she used some products from Ordinary and she said it helped her a bit

[@tjcole6249]

I use Paula's Choice .. just love the formulations!

[@sherryroberts1821]

Very proud of you for speaking up truthfully about the makeup industry. If you get some flak that just means they don’t like their secrets exposed. Good for you!!!

[@EmorettaRobinson]

I had a brother who taught me to look at the ingredients between different brands (name brand and generic). And that if the ingredients were the same between a higher cost item and a generic product then buy the generic. It's interesting that this applies to cosmetics as well. I'm so glad that you made a video about this. Btw you, your hair and your makeup look gorgeous.

[@20thcenturyrelic]

I also follow this rule. However, sometimes I'll pay more for packaging that functions better - not just looks better.

[@EmorettaRobinson]

@@20thcenturyrelic function does make a difference.

[@TheOpy83]

Very good tip! :) thanks

[@casperinsight3524]

Same ingredient match applies to skin & health care items but careful of other added ingredients

[@Christine-Golden66]

Thank Marlena for being bold enough to tell us the truth behind the products. I appreciate your honesty & integrity! I love MakepGeeek. I can’t wait to see what your working on for us next!

[@RoamIntoYoga]

I would love a video on "non-toxic" or clean makeup. As always thanks for the tips! :)

[@mariansheilamansilla6431]

By the way "talc" is what we always called talcum powder, now often called baby powder. I use cornflour on my body - it's just like talcum powder, comes in bigger containers, and is cheaper. My Mum used to use starch as baby powder.

[@GoBlueGirl78]

All makeup is non-toxic & clean. The ingredients in cosmetics, food & drugs have to be non-toxic as per the FDA & other health regulators. “Clean” is a marketing term & doesn’t mean anything scientifically.

[@mariharrik5987]

Clean and non toxic makeup is a scam

[@lostnfoundbox4326]

Non-toxic makeup is nothing but a scam and marketing ploy. Same thing goes for clean beauty brands.

[@dutchgram3799]

I am never disappointed in any thing you put out there for us to learn. You are a gem Marlena!

[@melissaparrish7146]

Thank you for your transparency! In the 80s while in college, I worked for a cosmetic brand. I couldn’t afford the brand, so I bought their drugstore counterpart in the same colors. Some of our nail polishes matched the 69¢ Cutex brand. I sold a lot of our $11 polish from people asking what color I was wearing-they were pretty much identical!

[@divadream]

Marlena, you are an icon and role model for a reason! Please keep going with this series as it's beyond fascinating 🥰 thank you for being real and not fear mongering - it's scary to see how "clean" beauty has invaded everywhere with so much misinformation and often at the cost of removing preservatives... which can be a great topic to cover! 👏

[@bibigems]

Make up Geek has always been TOP OF THE LINE in quality!!!!

[@raffaelae1020]

Production prices and the markup is crazy. I worked for an e-commerce company that was selling makeup as well and I could see the production price put into the system. It was shocking

[@hermajesty52]

I have loved you for YEARS since you first began your internet journey. You were pretty much the only one out there. So glad I found you again.

[@midlifemom5829]

Excited to see your new brand come to market! I do wish brand could create formulas for mature demographics. Wish there were more shadow palettes that had satin finishes rather than so many glitters, wish there were more creamy , shine lipsticks (tired of matte), and wish foundations came in satin (im too oily for dewy and to textured for matte). Hopefully your makeup line will keep us mature gals in mind. My concern about talc , is its "replacement " ingredient safer for consumer and the environment ?

[@MarlenaStell]

In my opinion, mica is safer. It’s mined the same way so you have to make sure it’s mined ethically but I always request documentation from the lab I work with that their supplier provide that

[@nancykerrigan]

@@MarlenaStell Interesting. But is mica the replacement for talc? Isn't mica's purpose to create a slight glittery/shiny finish? And isn't talc the base for all powders for them to be I don't know powdery? LOL.

[@MarlenaStell]

@@nancykerrigan mica is the closest replacement for Talc but it can be mixed with cornstarch or rice powder too. Mica has a slight sheen but it’s not shimmery like a shimmer shadow. All of my matte eyeshadows were made with mica and they never had shimmers

[@MyCleverHandle]

Sorry I'm so late to the party! But I can tell you that using cornstarch instead of talc in body powders can cause more problems with yeast on the skin. Cornstarch feeds yeast. If you still want body powders made with talc, look for foreign brands. I use powders from Mexico. The talc is quite rich feeling, and the fragrance is strong but it usually dissipates rather quickly. These are the bottom shelf, off-brand powders at CVS or Walgreen's, sometimes sold where the "ethnic" products are. The slight risk of talcum powder causing respiratory illness is lessened when you apply it carefully and don't inhale right as you're shaking it out of the container. Or you can shake it onto a lightly dampened velour powder puff to spread it on your skin. I wouldn't use it on my face, unless it's formulated with mica and other ingredients to further reduce the risk. I'm 63, and I've been absorbing talcum powders since I was a baby and I have no detectable lung damage, even after smoking cigarettes for 18+ years (of course, I quit that nastiness 30 years ago).

[@karenh8418]

First things first…you’re working on a new line?!🤗👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I love the idea of a series on this type of topic!

[@iwantascreenameplz]

I love your range of info about talc. Can you talk about what factors to look for if you're choosing to use products that contain talc? Stuff like specific brands, or looking at where it's made, price points, or even product shelf life if applicable?

[@MargaretBouse]

Dr Berg is amazing. Long-time follower.

[@tisa6193]

Love that you're sharing your knowledge with us! Love behind the scenes info. Thank you and please keep them coming!

[@nicole_a_11]

Just to be on the safe side, I've stopped purchasing makeup from any brand that contains talc - I stick to only talc-free products. It's a little more limiting in what I can buy, but there are surprisingly a fair amount of brands that have products that are talc-free. One brand I like that has beautiful talc-free eyeshadows is Mineral Fusion - they are amazing quality and very buttery and blendable.

[@josiebradley1831]

Thanks for the recommendation. I am also sticking to only talc-free products, too!

[@marinelaroman5672]

Where do you buy Mineral fusion brand?

[@nicole_a_11]

​@@marinelaroman5672 I purchased it from Whole Foods but it's sold other places like Amazon, Target, and Vitacost.

[@marinelaroman5672]

@@nicole_a_11 thank you

[@peachesandcream22]

Mineral makeup rands are fine with it cause they usually don't use talc. Also, some vegan brands also refused to use it in their products. I had heard that many people are actually allergic to talc so it can be very helpful for them.

[@Thebutterflyglow]

Thank you Marlena! I have been more into clean products and being careful what I put on my face. You definitely have the teaching power and I’m here for it!

[@delona322]

I am obsessed with your being so open about what makeup deserves the cost. Thank you for the transparency and I am looking forward to more videos like this!

[@jacquelineh5029]

omg... this video was INCREDIBLE. it needs to be hyped up

[@JamykaG]

Love this Marlena! Definitely enjoy the transparency and honesty when it comes to behind the scenes. I can't wait for your next video!

[@courtneymarie3339]

Oooo I’m here for this. You are looking fabulous as ever Marlena

[@bibigems]

Marlena your eyeshadows and blushes are so good and I noticed the great quality immediately.

[@gerri1135]

I love you Marlena. Everyday girls need you. Whatever you do next, I support it. But damn, we need a Makeup Geek 2.0

[@shelbylynnnelsonnn]

Marlena thank you so much for taking the time to do this! I have been watching basically since the beginning and am still a working pro mua! Please do the video you suggested where you show us how to shop like a pro mua! It would be so helpful, especially with our expensive everything has gotten since Covid. So glad you still make videos and am so proud of all you’ve been through! A true inspiration! 💗✨💋

[@iamfilipinas]

Always educational ! Thank you Marlena❤ so glad to see you posting content again!

[@joni4taz]

Absolutely loved and appreciated this behind the scenes! Definitely would like to see more of these.

[@DSkye-n7m]

❤ I LOVE the behind the scenes info. I’d also love to hear what big brand names own the drugstore products. Thanks Marlene! ❤️

[@dzatfsu]

I love and appreciate this so much. This is exactly why I loved your brand so much because I knew I was getting high quality and talc free products. Can’t wait for what’s coming. You already have a customer!!

[@mermish4]

Yes more behind the scenes this information is gold and consumers deserve transparency, thank you marlene!

[@belleofsweden]

Cant wait for the video on what to shop! SO excited

[@kimbeale797]

Love this behind the scenes information. Can’t wait to try your new brand!

[@kristiannem6786]

Great video, Marlena. Please more of this! Would love a video of which brands are the safest and highest quality for the money in your opinion.

[@RetroNerdGirl]

You came out swinging with this one! Great video with so much value! THANK YOU!

[@KaraChapman]

This is so interesting to learn about. Also, your makeups is flawless!!

[@Haley-hz9gj]

Yesss, this was so beneficial! I love behind the scenes content. Keep it coming!!!

[@anna-marialestrade6698]

THANK YOU MARLENA for always speaking the truth! I have followed you since "the beginning" and I love your personality and makeup knowledge! ❤️

[@RebeccaLyn]

This info is always a plus. Any little insights is never a bad thing!

[@santisanti8386]

Gorgeous make up, especially eyes. Tutorial please! Thank you, Marlena, for the valuable information. Having you as an adviser is everything!

[@tracyfrederick5606]

You have no idea how excited that you're going to be making makeup again 💚💚💚

[@HappilyEllaAfter]

Yes, please! More of this. I learned lots and want to know more. ❤

[@regulusaldebaran8401]

Love Dr Berg he’s amazing

[@SouthernBelleReviews]

I literally use blushes as eyeshadows and eyeshadows as blushes. They're almost exactly the same. 💯

[@Melli6000]

I don't think you honestly know the absolute gem that you just shared! Thank you so much! As a makeup lover this doesn't mean I'm going to go to the dollar store for my makeup from now on LOL. I just feel a little more educated and will be much more conscious of where I decided to splurge, save and or go the clean beauty route. Your amazing💛💛

[@olgaath1511]

Oh dear, dollar tree has some tinted lip balms that are truly gems!

[@Bladesauce]

My dollar tree has nyx, maybelline, revlon, flower beauty. Always worth it to check dollar tree!!

[@LynetteYoung]

This is GOLD thank you for sharing your expertise!

[@simplythebestgirl]

Awesome! I'm excited to see what brand you launch next! 💓

[@MsCNail-fe1sj]

TY for your honesty, we can always count on you Marlena!

[@enchanted1800]

Dr. Eric Berg is a Chiropractor not an MD.

[@bethzbeautycorner]

Thank you Marlena, your video was very informative and eye-opening 🙌🏾 Looking forward to more of these type of content from you🙏🏾

[@kimberlywilles8343]

Loved this video! Please continue to share more with us! Thank you! 👍🏻💛

[@TheGlamourIndex]

YES. YES. AND YES. This should go viral. Thanks for the information.

[@et1016]

Your honesty is so refreshing.

[@MarlenaStell]

Thank you! ❤

[@pixelscanon]

This video is incredible!! Everyone should be watching it!! Thank you for educating us and/or giving an educational update refresher on ethically made beauty products. 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙏🏻

[@newdayprophetic]

Amazing and engaging explanation. Thank you! Love how respectful you are of all the brands. You really are educating those of us without that inside knowledge of how cosmetics are made, without criticizing or dismissing any brands. Knowledge is power! Love!

[@katllanos9]

Amazing video. Thank you for always being transparent and honest with your viewers. Looking forward to your next makeup endeavor and more of these videos. 💜

[@katiemccarter4791]

😱 you're back!!! Congratulations on your baby girl!! So happy 😁❤️💕

[@geebrewer8186]

#6 totally makes sense. We as consumers tend to only think of our bottom lines, costs to us, and forget the product we are buying also has workers to pay, rent to pay, power bills to pay etc. As for a limited number of manufacturers making products for many different brands, that happens in most retail. There aren't 100 different manufacturers of washing machines, many of them are made in the same factories, just with a particular companies name badge, and so on.

[@thisgirlkarenn]

This video is powerful 🔫🔫🔫 1. You're a natural in front of a camera. 2. Without you making disclaimers, I can always feel that your opinion and experience is sincere. 3. You shared valuable matter-of-fact, neutral information that keeps the dignity of all three niches (high-end, pro makeup, drugstore). I'm just relieved to be better familiar w my skin type and what suites my face. The trends are too overwhelming and thankfully I'm in a place where I strategically spend my money. This info is great. 🙏 Thank you Marlene. 👑

[@DoraSometimes]

This is just one of the reasons I've always admired you, as a person and as a brand owner. Love your honesty and bluntness.🥰

[@jessicasparks5319]

Can’t wait to see what you have in store for us Marlena! Please bring your GORGEOUS Makeup Geek shimmers back❤

[@leilani_808]

Omg I and many others knew all of this but it has never been said out loud. When I was in my 20s-30s, I’d buy “expensive” makeup and one day it all got stolen. I lost my love for makeup. I since picked it back up when all of a sudden applying makeup was “new” to me bc of all of this cool ways of applying. 😆 Since then, I’ve been buying from Sephoras and dept. stores & I still think my NYX liquid pen eyeliner is just as great as my favorite KVD eyeliners. I’d love a video like this for skincare. Thank you, Marlena 😊

[@christahodges]

Hey there! 👋 Thank you for sharing! Hopefully, you can do more videos similar to this one. Also, I'm super excited to hear you are working on starting another brand 💜💙😊 I absolutely loved MG. It was one of the first eyeshadows I purchased that started my collection

[@karlieneporter4939]

Thank you so much , I personally would love to hear more info from behind the scenes . Greatly appreciated ❤

[@pennylanemitchell3170]

So glad to see you back and yes I can’t wait to hear more from you particularly behind the scenes, if it helps us Pick a better quality product we are all ears

[@SarahSmile6]

Great video, I hope we see more like this. I can't wait for your new business! My MG stock up order arrives tomorrow I'm so glad I was able to get some extras to last me a little longer

[@nssnstn18]

OMG! I am SO glad that you talked about everything you did in this video! VERY informative especially the Talc stuff!

[@annaa.5863]

Awesome video Marlena! Thank you.

[@silmaril199]

I love this video, I used to follow you because you like Tati talk about differents brands , I been always sick and tired of buying some palette because I saw many influencers recommended it, and when I saved my money and purchase that palette just sucks, and realizing that the brand pay them to talk only good things about a product that is not good, that's why I really miss you this years in KZbin, thanks for coming back

[@deena681]

Thank you so much Marlena!! Great video and would love to know more behind the scenes. I done feel so bad about buying lower priced makeup because I can’t afford the 60 foundation. Indie brands are great and your brand was amazing.

[@BelindaMua]

Great video Marlena! Thank you for all the great info, keep them coming. ❤

[@joycekochalka8052]

OMGosh I’m so happy to hear that you are working on a brand for the future! Your makeup was the best. And thank you for sharing this much needed information.

[@lorettareagan7705]

Finally, finally, finally! Thank you for being courageous and honest enough to bring up the talc issue! I cannot understand, at all, why manufacturers continue to use it, knowing the potential risks. Our, the consumer’s health, is obviously less important to them than their profit margins. I m definitely going to check out your product lines…Thank you for the other helpful info in this video as well.

[@TallRedhead1014]

Could you possibly do a video on talc free alternatives? I already use your eye shadows, highlighter and bronzer, but the first thing I thought of that I'm going to need to find an alternative to would be a setting powder

[@LenaSheppard]

Thanks for doing this. I appreciate you being with us !

[@ginettem8]

This was a treat thank you ❤

[@lovinmyfam13]

Wow thank you for schooling us on the makeup game .. I have a total different view on things now I feel like I’ll make better choices from now on definitely going to look into professional makeup 💜 also love the eye look definitely face lifting

[@mdragon7]

I really enjoyed this video, i love behind the scene info videos like this. Also Marlena, thank you for not leaving us, it's so good to see influencers you can still trust still working it on the internet. THANK YOU

[@debbiedouglass1502]

Been following you since I was in my early 20s! I loved this video. Yes more videos like this! And some on types of makeup for our age women to wear. And videos on how to apply like you did before ❤️

[@johnperky2882]

Thanks so much for your beauty suggestions 👩‍⚖️🥰

[@notimportant123]

Would love more details on this! Especially regarding BLUSH! I have noticed a big difference between high-end glowy baked blushes (e.g. hourglass, RMS, MAC) and majority of affordable ones but not as much of a difference with matte formulas.

[@hollywaldo6926]

Thank you so much for sharing your behind the scene knowledge! You are so amazing and I appreciate your videos so much! You’re such a kind and beautiful person on the inside and out.

[@MarlenaStell]

You are so welcome!❤❤❤

[@cm4688]

Love this. Please make it a series! :)

[@DoctorStyle22]

Marlena you are so well spoken as a business woman so professional and articulate. God bless!

[@Ariel_dorsey]

Thank you so much for making this video and doing it in such a clear and concise way. I really appreciate making informed decisions with my beauty products and this video was very helpful

[@nickadams1519]

Sending Love ❤️...@MySmiles4miles...Are you single? ❤️🌹🌹🌹

[@20thcenturyrelic]

# 1- 5: THIS!!! The power of brands and advertising is so strong that people truly believe department store and luxury brands of makeup and skincare are actually better! #6: I wasn't aware of this, but it makes sense. #7: Meh. I suppose it's a possible problem. Please keep in mind that Dr. Eric Berg is a chiropractor; he's not a dermatologist or cosmetic chemist. My personal guidelines for buying makeup are this: I usually go with drugstore powder, mascara, blushes, and pencils because as Ms. Stell points out in this video, the formulas and ingredients in drugstore and more expensive brands are really the same. What I'll spend more money for: Matte eye shadows: It's difficult to find matte eye shadows at the drugstore price point. The Ulta and Sephora house collections have some. I've tried the Ulta mattes, and they're OK, but not great. I haven't tried the Sephora mattes. Unscented and unflavored lipsticks: At the drugstore, the Revlon Super Lustrous lipsticks are pretty much the only option, and there are only a few colors that work for me. Unscented and alcohol free foundation and concealer: I also have very dry skin, and there just aren't a lot of drugstore products in these categories that work well for me.

[@cmac6992]

Almay and neutrogena usually have some sensitive and unscented.

[@denisemcclain6816]

Loved this video! It’s so nice to finally have someone to give us the “Inside scoop”! Please make more of these videos! 💄❤️❤️

[@jackiek4159]

Absolutely loved all of this and we need more videos like this Marlena! 😍🙌🏻💞

[@xSunshinex4206]

Thank you for some real eye-openers! About indie brands... it makes me realise how incredibly much I miss Meow Cosmetics and the amazing mineral make up they had. I not only miss the products themselves but the color range and just visiting the website browsing for colors and pigments was just so wonderful. Tammi and her team was amazing, and all the time bringing new collections and colors ❤Loved it, still love the product I have left! If any of Tammi's family happen to read this (slim change but who knows) just know that you did an amazing job of keeping the business alive for as long as you did after her passing. Lots of love from a forever fan and customer ❤

[@michelle7281]

Great video! I adored Makeup Geek - I actually just received my order in the mail from your site closing sale! I love, love, love your shadows, they are my absolute favorite. I'm thankful to have backups now, but please if at all possible consider creating more makeup in the future.

[@MarlenaStell]

Aww thanks for your support! I’m so grateful!!!

[@9whilenine]

Always interested in hearing more “behind the scenes” content. This was great!

[@adonnarowe1811]

I been waiting for a video like this FOREVER! I want to know what is better to splurge on then others

[@tammystiletto]

When I stopped all talc in my makeup (except for eye shadow) my acne breakouts went away. I’ve never gotten acne on my eye lids. It makes me SO mad when brands refuse to use anything else. Also Colourpop is at Target now…ima still buy from Colourpop themself tho.

[@connieramsey6798]

I still have a Makeup Geek pallet. I don’t know if it’s expired or not but I refuse to give it up. Congratulations on starting a new company. Can’t wait to see what you brings!

[@Donna-vh5ym]

I'd personally love to hear more behind the scenes and truly appreciate you doing this.

[@ank9218]

Thx for the info!

[@Clovergirl7934]

I have felt this way about drugstore makeup for a long time now. They have come a long, long way! I have primarily bought higher end brands but started comparing recently to drugstore and have been blown away! No more! I’m tired of getting ripped off! The only caveat is that you have to do your homework. I bought a really lower brand eyeliner and found it chalky and hard to work with. Did not glide on as smoothly or was as pigmented as my brand name ones.