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

[@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) 😅

[@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.

[@LeftysGarden]

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.

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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!

[@dutchgram3799]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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).

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@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! 👏

[@reyes1341]

ive been using Wet n Wild black and brown pencil for yearssssss and its still the best easiest pencil out there

[@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

[@chihaibe69]

Marlena please do a video how long should we keep each different makeup and expiration of different makeup products.

[@tisa6193]

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

[@yulianagonzalez2428]

Pat McGrath for lashes Pat McGrath and Natasha Denona for eye shadows Foundation:Chanel, nars,Lancôme, Pat McGrath Highlighter: Natasha Denona, Pat McGrath and Gucci Finishing powders: hourglass Setting powder: Huda beauty , la Mer & Sisley Setting spray: Charlotte tilbury ❤❤❤❤❤

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@shelby-lynn-nelson]

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! 💗✨💋

[@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.

[@bibigems]

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

[@bibigems]

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

[@feoltmanns7624]

Marlena, I have been watching your videos for a very long time, since 2008. You are a gift to all who love makeup and are eager to learn proper application techniques etc. You’re so consistent and have stayed true to yourself. Honestly, all the brands you used in your past tutorials owe you a great debt. To this day I still use Revlon’s Colorstay foundation because you were such a fan of this low cost makeup. Thank you for your desire to share your vast knowledge. Beauty lovers like myself adore you and I am just so grateful you continue to share your knowledge. God bless you and your beautiful family.

[@SunlightSpeaking]

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!

[@kristalarmstrong420]

Thank you for shinning a spot light on knowledge that has been hidden from consumers!

[@courtneymarie3339]

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

[@MarlenaStell]

For those warning me about Dr Berg connections to Scientology, thanks for sharing as I wasn’t aware! The statements he made about talc I’ve known for quite awhile while working in product development, so that’s why I referenced that video to show another person talking about that same issue. Talc and asbestos are both minerals that are formed together. As of November 2020, 14% of makeup with Talc had traces of asbestos in it. Not fear mongering but buyers deserve to know what they are purchasing to make informed decisions for themselves.

[@20thcenturyrelic]

Ms. Stell, also, he's a chiropractor, not a dermatologist or cosmetic chemist.

[@eb7694]

Dr Berg is not a medical doctor - he is a Chiropractor. His Scientology links are correct. His son Chris (I believe that's his name) is very scathing of him. I stopped watching him years ago.

[@MarlenaStell]

@@20thcenturyrelic I never said he was?

[@acdcmiami]

@@eb7694 So what? He does research and shares his findings. Doesn’t matter if he is a phd or not, or a scientologist or christian.

[@20thcenturyrelic]

@@MarlenaStell It's just something to keep in mind when evaluating his credibility.

[@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!

[@KaraChapman]

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

[@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!!!

[@mattier.9095]

Yes, my good friend since high school, graduated fro college with a chemistry degree, works in cosmetics and told me this years ago because of her job. Forever grateful for her insight before KZbin! ❤ love your channel, keep up the good work and being beautiful!

[@nancykindergartenteacher8637]

Great vid. I was a fan of make-up Geek, and wondered what happened. So glad to have found your channel. Paula "Cosmetic Cop" Begoun said the same thing 30 years ago - the only difference between high end and drugstore products is the packaging. 40 years ago, it was an open secret that "big name" companies had a high end store brand, and a "low end" drug store brand (think L'Oreal and Lanco'me). I don't know how it works today. So much "this company owns that company" and it makes it hard to figure out what is a good company to support. Thanks for the Colorpop nudge - I will check them out.

[@jessislistless]

The difference is often a combination of all the reasons mentioned. For example Charlotte Tilbury for foundation and the original KKW contour sticks are 100% not luxury status. In contrast, Milani the drugstore brand has a much better design and more sturdy packaging for their foundation and Kiko’s packaging is better executed for their sticks. In both cases involving CT and KKW, you’re paying mostly for the name, the formula and nothing else.

[@TheGlamourIndex]

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

[@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!!

[@jacquelineh5029]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@DoctorStyle22]

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

[@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

[@mermish4]

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

[@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.

[@BlingyBea]

I sure miss your eyeshadows especially your foiled ones, they were sooo good, I still use mine.❤❤

[@et1016]

Your honesty is so refreshing.

[@MarlenaStell]

Thank you! ❤

[@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.

[@Patti-1962]

I have never purchased a high end blush because the drugstore has such beautiful formulas for SO much less. I'm more concerned with complexion products that will cover the entire face. I did make the decision to buy talc free face powders, and am loving the Kosas Cloud Set powder. Thank you for making this video. I am 60 and have a "laundry" list of autoimmune diseases. It makes me wonder if certain ingredients in beauty products can have a cumulative negative effect on one's health..... especially if these health issues run your family!

[@queenofscots2004]

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

[@lizmillner414]

Wow, just stumbled upon your videos and so so very happy to see you BACK! I, like so many have missed your intuitiveness and honesty with ALL YOU DO. Please do not disappear again as we can all benefit from your wealth of knowledge……Marlene, welcome back.

[@nickadams1519]

Sending Love ❤️....Liz...Are you single? ❤️🌹🌹🌹

[@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 😊

[@sandramclaughlin9624]

I loved MakeupGeek! Thank you for your insight.

[@YouTubeGalPal]

Thanks so much for this info! I do have to say Estee Lauder Double Wear is the only foundation that's the best. No way it can be similar to L'Oreal. I've tried them all!! I do think some high end is just made better.

[@ichuze7312]

Excellent video and information. Thank you! I’ve been watching Eric Berg for years. He’s the best doctor out there.

[@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! ❤️

[@hollydean4274]

That was a fabulout video, thanks Marlena!

[@sandyrice3559]

Great information, Marlena! I always appreciated how Makeup Geek sold individual pans in simple packaging, and I just popped them into a Z palette. Question for you, totally off topic: do you know of a dupe for the old MUG lipstick in the shade Shy?

[@sandyrice3559]

@@violetviolet888 Thank you for the info. I don't care for Temptalia; many of their suggested dupes miss the mark. I was hoping to get a recommendation directly from Marlena.

[@bellarosa009]

Thank you for sharing your experience about the makeup industry. As for the discussion on talc, I saw a documentary a few years ago about how talc is added to baby power and women were getting sick from it. I also noticed that my face powder had talc in it and I always getting eye irritations from it. My ophthalmologist couldn’t figure out why. I believe that it was because of the talc in the face powder and I stopped using it. Thanks for sharing!!

[@kalishajnz]

I love stuff from pro brands, they're super affordable. I have a lot of blushes from LA femme and one I've always used as a bronzer because I could never find any for my skin tone and now that they have them I'm good with my blush, lol.

[@babybijou969]

Can you speak about cosmetics and “forever chemical” ingredients (PFAS/PFOS?)

[@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!

[@TheQShow53]

You are so genuine ❤

[@karenh8418]

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

[@kimberlyh8549]

Well that makes sense about the eyeliners! None of them work in my waterline, high end and drugstore 😆. As far as lip liners, I love anything waterproof. Essence had a great 8 hr lipliner. So glad to hear you're working on another brand. I just made another order on Makeup Geek 😊.

[@StonesyBonesy]

LORD PLEASE PROTECT MARLENA AT ALL COSTS!!!!! Yes, please do more videos like this!

[@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

[@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

[@katiemccarter4791]

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

[@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

[@lindataylor3834]

Thanks for sharing! This is very useful information. Also, your hair looks really pretty like that!

[@Haley-hz9gj]

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

[@peachontopk]

What an awesome video! PLEASE do a follow up on products that are actually worth spending our money on!

[@teresalehtonen8499]

Oh YES from me for more behind the scenes videos Marlena! Im a pro mua and can tell that she is telling you the truth here. I have tried to tell people that you pay for the experience. You enter the fancy makeup counter and shop with the glamorous sales person in a beautiful store, and pay mostly for packaging. And then you have the illusion of " high end" .. I much rather shop at Kryolan. etc. By the way gorgeous hair here Marlena. Cheers from Finland, been here since very beginning.

[@MsCNail-fe1sj]

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

[@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!❤❤❤

[@user-mp8qn1kt5t]

Don’t know how to said it but so impressed so so thankful for all your honest opinions suggestions conversations thanks

[@missymorales7376]

So excited to hear you're working on another makeup/beauty brand. My Makeup Geek makeup is my favorite. I'm a huge stan and will be supporting whatever you release. Your just a real person in a world full of weirdos and I love your integrity, knowledge and work ethic. It was sad what happened to the brand but I strongly believe everything happens for a reason. The information that came out of it was extremely eye opening. I predict the brand you release is going to blow everything else out of the water! ❤

[@Donna-vh5ym]

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

[@kimbeale797]

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

[@simplythebestgirl]

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

[@BonitaLiving]

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. 👑

[@santisanti8386]

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

[@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

[@KewpieGirl]

Marlena is the most trusted and knows what's best for all beauty needs. I did watch Dr Berg, I had to act fast and started looking for talc-free makeup, beauty, haircare and skincare. And then your business MUG going away. I immediately order all of your talc-free makeup. Today, I STILL wear your MUG and had no issues like rash, no red eyes or allergies and it really saved my life before getting sick like cancer. MUG should bring it back business because ppl don't know this stuff. Anyway, thank you for sharing the good stuff!

[@lauram.3685]

Thank you Marlena, this was actually very informative and I appreciate it.

[@MarlenaStell]

You are so welcome! Xoxo

[@lauram.3685]

@@MarlenaStell since I have your attention, can you please make a video on duping some of your eyeshadows from Makeup Geek? :( I want to find a dupe to Aphrodite, frappe and grandstand, etc? Would so much be appreciated!

[@sacgeekgirl]

Oooh love this!!! Always heard whispers about how brands get into stores like Sephora and such and what the "rules" were for that cuz I SOMEbody is getting paid on that deal in some kinda way

[@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

[@nhi602]

Wow this video is reason why I still watch KZbin videos. Thank you for being so honest and generous w your knowledge! My only question is about eyeliners - why do they perform so differently if they are all made by a few manufacturers? For ex) I can’t find a product that comes close to the discontinued Marc Jacobs highliner gel liner. I’ve bought over a dozen to try and find something close to it. But they all disappoint! It’s so frustrating 🤯

[@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? ❤️🌹🌹🌹

[@nancyvalentine5923]

Great information. I really wish you had in the description box the eyeshadow, blush and lipstick you are wearing. I love your makeup and would buy that lipstick in a second.

[@felpa01]

Thank you Marlena!! Besides looking gorgeous is so amazing to listen a person like you to be so honest and transparent about the industry!! 🙌🙌🙌 On the other hand, I am really worried because I have used loose powders on my face since my teens. Could you recommend a talc free brand for all of us please??

[@Nicolee1973]

Well people or Osmosis are good😊

[@vlovesred9555]

For talc free (and cruelty free), I like Bare Minerals. Bare Minerals also has a huge color range too. 😊

[@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.

[@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 ❤

[@Gloria-LpzA]

I am loving this! Thank you !