Is the Makeup Geek Academy an MLM? + Wayne Goss Tells ALL! | What's Up in Makeup NEWS

[@jenluv]

Thank you to Scentbird for sponsoring this video! Click here sbird.co/3MySUAL and use my code JENLUV55 to get 55% OFF your first month at Scentbird. What’s your favorite fragrance? Comment below!

[@dornita1516]

UOMA beauty is being sold at CVS by Sharon. I have brow products and a 4 pan eyeshadow palette I have purchased. It’s been in CVS at least a year if not more. 30:25

[@montananerd8244]

​@@dornita1516really? That may only be in your area? I saw Walmart in Montana closed it out last fall, and that was the only distributor here. That makes sense with our demographics (3 out of 10 is prob our median skin tone shade, and only 1-2 chains have enuf customer base to sell strong shade ranges - WM has become the defacto 'everybody' store here), but I haven't heard anyone else still seeing it in stores in the US. I love the lip oil stains, would love it if the brand is still going. Very glad her more posh line is still out there, I've been passing on some of the Uoma I get in boxy to a friend who does have a deep skin tone and buys her makeup randomly at drugstores so she never finds the limited highly pigmented stuff in time...

[@debrabritt1581]

I loved my subscription to Scentbird. Top quality products. Very transparent in their presentations.

[@jessica1587]

Have you looked into the cult the the owner of scent bird runs?

[@heatherlynn9591]

I’m trying to do the order, but it already offers 55% off my first month. I try to use your code and it says yours is less of a value than what the site is already offering. I want to make sure you get the commission. Am i doing something wrong? I did go to the site separately from the link. Same thing..

[@lucyjane3803]

"Online courses" with no official accreditation, run by influencers, are already pretty much universally considered a cash grabbing grift at this point, and when you add an "affiliate" aspect, it is red flags all round. It is a very questionable move from someone so well respected.

[@mistymoon883]

In my experience these online courses are usually regurgitated information that could be found for free elsewhere. The Makeup geek academy is probably no different, with the exception of the name recognition and experience. Makeup tutorials are everywhere and all the same information can be found online but what you are paying for is having it all together, organized and delivered in a consistent format. The community aspect sounded appealing but the price tag is just way way too much. My guess is the target market is people who are willing to pay more because it’s Marlena. It might just be me but I don’t know anyone who would want to go through an entire course and learn all these makeup skills and not have accreditation to prove it after spending $3000-3800 on it. I do realize that it’s not intended or advertised as career training and just for funsies and your own personal enjoyment but seriously, at that price point you might as well take an online course that does give you a real diploma/certification. Heck, in my city, for that price I can take the in person course that covers makeup, nails, sfx and micro tattoos. Plus add on the teeth whitening and laser treatment workshops. Or for a bit more money I can do the aesthetician course and have a guaranteed job when I’m done.

[@sammyocgirl7411]

yep its all about grabbing the cash

[@xoxostaci]

I had heard about ther academy and it was in the works - but I have been looking into Esthetics for a long time and know that a lot of states require a license from the State. Marlene cannot give those out because she's not on the state board for actually giving those accreditations. How sad she wants to charge over $3,000 for basically nothing.

[@sammyocgirl7411]

@@xoxostaci im guessing she is broke and she is throwing a wet noodle at the wall to see what sticks

[@2nicnag2]

Sounds like Brittany Dawn and her exercise workouts and diets

[@sweetteacurls]

$3,000?!?... You might as well just go to an actual beauty school to become an actual MUA. This is super sketch, especially considering she just shut down her brand. Its giving MLM money grab. We are not dumb, Marlena. I'm not buying the whole pre-launch affiliate page placeholder excuse.

[@samanthadelahunt3698]

To be fair though $3000 is a lot different than $30,000. That's what the cheapest school in my state quoted me and it was only for hair, they didn't even have cosmetics teachers.

[@samanthadelahunt3698]

But then again after I finish all my gemology certs I will have only paid $10k. Different industry tho so it's hard to compare

[@sweetteacurls]

@@samanthadelahunt3698 Wow... $30,000 is wild. We have plenty of MUA courses in my state for under $3,000.

[@Varikas]

@@samanthadelahunt3698there is a lot of financial aid in a lot of states! But you’re paying $3000 for nothing. The certificate is worthless.

[@thelastnashie8811]

@@samanthadelahunt3698I don’t believe getting a basic aestheticians license is $30k. A full cosmetology program with hair and everything is entirely different from what you’re talking about

[@emmkells]

Even if this isn’t an MLM, the price are exorbitant for classes and lessons you can easily find on youtube/the internet and that will not lead you to have an actual certification as an esthetician…

[@WendyandBradPitt]

Yeah it feels like something that might have worked in the 90s. In today's day and age, the concept is a little dated.

[@emmkells]

@@WendyandBradPitt very true!

[@samanthadelahunt3698]

It would be really cool if she actually made an aesthetics school that you can gain real certs from.

[@wlk3607]

agreed!

[@kagitsune]

​@@manimaniboobooExactly. This whole thing seems like her only possible customer would be the clueless and desperate?? I know that's harsh but I have disliked this business concept from the beginning

[@horsenlady]

In reference to Makeup Geek- I don't understand what people are paying for if it doesn't make you a certified makeup artist? It feels to me they are trying to sell it as a school without it being an actual school where student loans would help the financial burden and a real certification would be provided. This feels like a scam to me.

[@angiej9535]

💯

[@Wattooo141]

I feel the same! I don’t know what the process is like to have training become accredited in the United States but where I’m in, in Australia becoming an accredited trainer takes a bit of effort, but it’s not hard and it’s worth it. It gives legitimacy to what you’re offering

[@palladium607]

It's not a scam. You get what you pay for BUT it doesn't help you land a job (which it never claimed it would)

[@tristalynn8381]

I mean this in the nicest way. I am a fan of Marlena and Makeup Geek. I honestly feel like she tried to get away with it. Once backlash started she backpedaled. She's not new to this

[@UhapiBeauty]

Agree 100%!!

[@BlancaPerdomo]

No matter how you slice and dice it, it has MLM written all over it. For as long as Marlena has been in the game, she should’ve known better than to publish things before everything was fleshed out. The excuse of them saying that specific page wasn’t meant to be seen by the public comes off extremely shady.

[@cocowhite2854]

I get your point, and you're right. But I work in website development, and unfortunately that actually happens more that what you'd think

[@omegasobsessions]

Wasn’t meant to be seen by public doesn’t fix anything anyhow. Why was THAT language chosen as a filler if that wasn’t the direction they were going? There is plenty of “stock” wording for every business imaginable so why was mlm language used? Seems as if it should have been beauty school templates used if that was the intent…

[@lizcademy4809]

I'm also in web development, for a major financial investment firm. It's critically important that our pages are checked thoroughly ... we have 3 or 4 different people reviewing every page before it goes live. And you know what? We still have errors go through. Fortunately, almost all are simple typos or spelling errors, nothing that could get is in legal or regulatory trouble. A small company, with fewer people on the web team, and less need to be risk averse, will probably have more mistakes go through. BUT ... wording as bad as "army of affiliates working 24/7 to earn you money" goes way, way beyond a simple error or typo. That's not wording a developer would add to fill space. [We use things like "Lorem ipsum dolor sic amet" or "something something blah blah".] The developer was given those MLM type words ... by who? And why?

[@Lmaoitscoco]

@@BeautifulMessyBall Oops, would you believe me if i said i butt commented?

[@ToniMBullock]

It comes off extremely shady because it’s a lie. She’s lying lol.

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

I think Marlena is going to crash before launch. This MLM taint isn’t going to wash off or go away, ever. I am sorry if her intent was something different but the suspicions won’t go away. If you contrast Marlena’s launch with Wayne’s launch, your gut feelings are entirely different. The transparency, ownership, business strategies are miles apart. We are disappointed in Marlena and appalled. We are moved by Wayne’s story and are very much looking forward to his success.

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

I saw Linda’s review and you’re right, it is Linda 😂

[@callieadams3671]

Beautifully said my dear.... Also ppl forget she was BFF 's with Jacklyn Hill!!!

[@denisem8570]

There's just something off about Marlena now. Her judgement seems to have suffered somewhere along the way.

[@freckledandred]

Marlena's explanation would make this all more believable if she hadn't spent years exposing other influencers for doing thr exact same thing. She constantly preaches about brand accountability and how doing stuff like this is never acceptable even if it was just a "mistake" if you can't take the heat, do better or dont be an influencer

[@lindsayhoffman2688]

I’m in the camp of Buyer Beware. Marlena can try and sell whatever she’d like but it’s up to consumers to be savvy. MLM or not, this is a silly idea and a scam to pay that much money for courses that get you accredited with absolutely nothing.

[@lolamurder1882]

I hope that people don't think that this certification can get you a job as a MUA. You still need to be licensed in a lot of states (like my state) to work professionally, and you need to have finished an accredited program to get a license. I think people are going to be disappointed.

[@CrystalLynnBeauty]

It also sounded like all the worksheets and look books were just downloaded printables? Like you are not even receiving quality course materials you can reference for years. Or did I misunderstand?

[@misshell2223]

Facts!!!

[@FlailTV]

We absolutely should be savvy, but we should not blindly accept that caveat emptor bollocks. We need to use our power as consumers to turn it into caveat venditor. Let the SELLER beware from now on. They're nothing without us, and they need to be reminded of that more often. Companies live and die on how the public perceives them and whether the public chooses to do business with them. We have the power. They want us to think otherwise, but WE hold it. We just have to stop being so complacent and bloody start using that power properly before we actually do lose it.

[@cydneyewing]

Agreed! There's information all over the internet just like this for free!

[@halieransom]

I love Marlena. She is the OG. I want her to win so badly. But this idea is so bad. We are all broke in this economy, we have access to probably a lot of these same tips for free on KZbin, plus as cool as it would be to be trained by Marlena herself, you get zero marketable credentials for this as was noted in the video. It's just not a good plan. I wish Makeup Geek could have made it.

[@mallorydurrick]

I'm a Web Developer and it's pretty simple to hide a page in draft mode prior to final approval and Go Live. No way do I buy this was a simple mistake but I do appreciate that it's being rectified to make people happy. Thanks, Jen!

[@maitly4473]

Marlena is outright lying to people by saying the affiliate program is set up the same as her old Makeup Geek Cosmetics affiliate. The Makeup Geek Cosmetics affiliate program was a coupon code for 10% commission and never gave you 3% off what your affiliates sold, that is a downline! It’s also a misnomer that you need a physical product in order to be an MLM, look at ones like Igenius that isn’t physical. The entire affiliate page was copied from NeuroGym but with the numbers updated to reflect Marlena’s program. The fact that she admits the 10% commission and 3% downline to be true shows it was her intention all along and she’s backpedaling because it’s not getting the reception she expected

[@ambersmith2612]

If there’s no physical product it’s just an actual pyramid scheme

[@maryeckel9682]

That's absolutely an MLM. She has lost my trust

[@petraalexander9269]

I have followed Marlena for over 10 years so this is hard. I always root for her, so I hope I’m wrong. I hate to say it, but I feel like the Makeup Geek Academy is not going to work. Why would you spend $3000 to take classes about stuff you can learn for free online AND you can’t put it on your resume? About 25% of doing good makeup is the theory. 75% is the practice. It doesn’t seem like you’ll get the practice through Marlena’s school. She should have spent her money and re-launched the makeup geek brand or co branded with another company for a while. The equity is in Marlena as a person and the makeup. Tutorials are everywhere and they’re free. Good luck to her though.

[@coffeee-1840]

For that price I expect Marlena to come to my house and tell me how to hold a brush, if i put too much pressure, if i add too much product etc. How can you pay 3K for something that doesn't even give u a licensee and you do it online? What's the difference between paying that much and binge watching MUA's on youtube?XD

[@angiej9535]

In this economy, people should take their money and actually go to a beauty academy

[@mercystreet45]

A major concern with the Beauty Geek Academy that you neglected to mention: Marlena explicitly touts the fact that she teamed up with TONY ROBBINS' consultants for her business plan. If that is not a big waving red flag for a potential scam, I don't know what is.

[@jilliansmaniotto2326]

when ever tony robbins is mentioned in a business launch, it’s like lighting the MLM-bat-signal.

[@currentusername3533]

She intentionally didn’t mention Tony Robbins imo. She’s not unbiased

[@theschnauz2138]

It’s sad to hear the Tony Robbin’s connection. He is less than reputable and I’m couching my description.

[@itsmaggiemoomoo]

On the MUG story, even if you take away the MLM / affiliate kerfuffle, the issue still remains that what Marlena is selling is waaaaaaay too expensive for anybody in this economy. For anybody wanting to become trained in make-up artistry that money would be far better spent on a recognised course from a recognised institution. Quite honestly, I think it’s pretty tone deaf for Marlena’s concept to have even seen the light of day 🤷🏽‍♀️ Edit: Jen, I appreciate you covered this story in the most unbiased way that you could. It must have been particularly difficult as Marlena’s friend

[@theamandacypert]

I'm sorry, but the MG Academy affiliate page gives me red flags. Whether it was meant to be seen or not, I'm just not a fan of the company choosing to go in that direction. I almost feel like the brand saying it wasn't meant to be seen because it wasn't ready yet seems even more shady 🤷‍♀️

[@samanthadelahunt3698]

To be fair though, lots of companies/schools have referral programs. I have all my certs from GIA and they partner with jewelery stores to get more certs to more people. And the store I work for has a $1000 referral bonus. She messed up by calling them "affiliates." Had she used "referrals" as the word, I feel like less people would have an issue with it. But the word affiliate is inherently MLM-y.

[@callieadams3671]

😂 yes!! Put out too early is a lie she got caught and Tony R. Is the king of mlm she's being shady and I don't like it!!!

[@wlk3607]

the thing is having placeholder pages when creating a website is not that unusual… but really not a good idea to have stolen text on it regardless. one because it’s stolen and two because it’s saying things you don’t mean. rookie mistake in posting the website but that’s on her webdesigners

[@thelastnashie8811]

@@samanthadelahunt3698the difference is those are actual certifications that mean something. Marlena giving you an e-certificate for buying her makeup tutorial videos means about as much as me writing a ‘good job’ on a post it note and giving it to you lol.

[@GiovannaIwishyou]

@@wlk3607 Exactly. Lorem ipsum would be enough.

[@forevercandace714]

Wayne Goss is an absolute treasure. I feel like he's so passionate about everything he does and he stays true to who he is. You can feel he has integrity and thats definitely not easy to come by. Cant wait to see what next for his line. Mel Thompson adored Wayne and I loved their respect and love for make up and each other. ❤

[@amypanddirtytoo1926]

I was so so happy when Wayne started talking about how awesome Mel was on his channel. He was one of her idols and it made her so happy! I was just thinking about Mel the other day. She was the first person I subbed to on YT when I was just getting into makeup years ago.

[@forevercandace714]

@@amypanddirtytoo1926 Just a brilliant soul and so very talented. Mel was a force and beautiful inside and out. Truly miss her. 🐞

[@LydiaTarine12]

He truly is. I subscribed to him early on (I've been with KZbin since the early years before Beauty Influencers were even called Makeup Gurus), briefly unsubbed when I found I wasn't watching a sizable chunk of his videos at the time, but resubbed because of a video he posted about filters in videos and the feeling I had that something was missing without him in my feed. I've been with him ever since. 🙂 I have a set of all his brush lines (two of the original, though I intend to sell one of those because I don't need four brush sets), all of his shadow palettes, all of his eyeliners, most of his face palettes (the ones suited to my skin tone), and I've sampled everything else. The video he posted broke my heart because I love his emphasis on his makeup looking good on all ages. I can't help but wonder if the people who approached him are the same people Allie Glines is working with for Ravie.

[@sherryelle225]

​@@amypanddirtytoo1926I'm so happy that people are keeping the memory of Mel Thompson alive. I miss her so much and I think of her often. Wayne seems as pure of heart as Mel was and the beauty community lost big when she passed away.

[@JutaStokes]

@TJ-bn2cn Same. I stopped watching him years ago because I found him very condescending and occasionally misogynistic. He repeatedly said or inferred that "women do their make-up like this and it looks awful", before demonstrating how to do it properly by badly applying some patchy eyeshadow to just one of his eyes and not even finishing it. When I compare him to someone like Robert Welsh, who is always respectful of women even when disagreeing with their techniques, I know what kind of man I'd buy products from, and it isn't Goss! Also, he seems to keep planning and announcing business things without making sure he can manage or keep up on them, which makes me think that declaring his line with his new investors will include his current brushes AND more make-up AND a cheaper brush line AND skincare is a bit irresponsible. He needs to learn from his mistakes and just release a small range and only branch out when he's shown (to himself at least) that he can keep up with that under his new arrangement.

[@BinahTarot]

I paid less than €150 for a one year subscription to watch masterclasses with some of the most recognized professionals in Spain, Latam and names like Danessa Myricks, Linda Hallberg, there’s at least one new lesson per week, on all sorts of looks (social, editorial, bridal, etc.). Not only value for money 💰 but I’m a million more interested in this content than in anything that Marlena can come up with in professional makeup. She does seem lovely and I have bought several MUG products, but she’s not currently working as a professional MUA in order to better display her techniques and if she’s updating her kit and up to trends. An influencer or makeup creator course would make more sense coming from Marlena. Sorry if I sound rough but I’m outraged by the fees she’s intending to charge.

[@laikanbarth]

It feels like just a cash grab for Marlena to me. You still have to get certified and licensed in your own state in the USA. Basically you are just taking classes to learn about makeup for yourself. You can go to cosmetology school in my state for less than what Marlena is charging. You only get a fake certificate that doesn’t certify you to do anything. Plus you can learn all of the techniques you want online already. There are already a bunch of professional makeup artists that teach you on KZbin for free!!

[@BinahTarot]

Yes, it’s madness… Was this coming from Lisa Eldridge, Hung Vanngo, Hindash, Andreea Ali or even Nikki La-Rose, the story would be a little different but exactly what’s her portfolio as a professional MUA… for that amount of money one can buy a professional kit and go to some Academy that will provide an actual certification. She needs to get over this and move on, I have always sympathized with her but lately I’m loosing respect.

[@frumtheground]

100%. I also feel like Marlena's makeup style is dated... not to be mean. People can wear what they want, but I've seen what's currently on her youtube channel. It doesn't seem to ever cover things I've seen other MUAs doing, they tend to evolve over time, keep up on what's trending, what's classic- a MUA should be able to do all kinds of styles of makeup, or even have their own signature kind of makeup. She's just not very adventurous outside of what she's been doing for years.

[@nguyenthuca.t4746]

Hi darling. I was about to buy Marlena's course but caught your comment. May I ask where can I get that subscription? Thank you

[@BinahTarot]

@@frumtheground Exactly my thoughts, her style is dated and that's what happened with MUG too, trends kept rolling but the products weren't changing. The industry is ultra tough and keeping up to date is hard.

[@midlifemom5829]

Eager for Wayne's new chapter. He deserves all the success because of his transparency and perseverence

[@astridburke3616]

I’m sorry Jen but this is a pyramid. She can backpedal how much she wants but you can see that that was her intention. She saw the backlash and said never mind. It’s all about intent.

[@angelabrolund1373]

Marlena got caught. Sure it was a mistake (wink, wink).

[@sammysoppy3361]

getting a referral bonus isn’t necessarily a pyramid scheme. my apartment building will give you a small payment if you refer someone and they end up moving in, my apartment building isn’t an mlm lol. i don’t think marlena’s was intended to be one either but i do think what’s she selling is ridiculous and cash grabby overpriced nonsense which is sad to see

[@tater82]

@@sammysoppy3361a lot of services will do that. Tv companies, home security…

[@krk6216]

@@sammysoppy3361but that’s a set dollar amount per resident, one time. You aren’t getting a percentage of the rent these people pay every month, and then of the people they may get to come to the apartment too. That’s what makes a referral bonus not pyramid-y. It’s one time money and it doesn’t depend on purchases or payments of the people you recruited

[@chelseataylor5244]

@ sammysoppy3361 but so you get a fee if the person you referred refers someone else? That’s the difference.

[@SolvitaLux]

I am sorry... Marlena and her team have been around long enough to know now to launch a website/program when the main concept isn't fleshed out. I don't know Marlena, I love her products, and Jen, you did your best trying to be unbiased but this must be hard for you. I am not buying Marlena´s explanation.

[@forevercandace714]

I couldn't agree more with you. I feel like she's backpedaling because we all caught that and called her out on it.

[@understandablylost]

I so so agree! I appreciate the coverage and attempt to be unbiased and while I am glad she’s at least went back on this idea and rectified it after feedback from her audience, I hold no ill will towards Marlena but I’m seriously side eyeing makeup geek academy from now on…

[@KatherineGowan4221]

Still a MLM no matter what was intended…

[@smlskeletal]

Yeah I didn't quite like the use of the phrase "passive income" on the website. That's a major red flag right there. Also I would argue that the major buy-in would be these $300-3600 courses that give you a "certification" that can't actually be used for anything

[@SolvitaLux]

@@smlskeletal And this terminology often used in MLMs - an army of yadda yadda making you passive income -... It's cringe to backpedal. They knew what they were doing. You can't cover it up. You just can't. And if this was JS or JC and their new attempt at a business, the live chat would be revolving around the drama and Jen and others would be milking the story and burying them alive.

[@DonnaleeC.]

For $3000, they should provide a full makeup kit. Way more than 12 classes. Major push on social media by Marlena. At least one private class with Marlena a week.

[@kaseysmith798]

that’s honestly the standard price for that type of class. i’m a hair & makeup artist & i’ve paid that much for an online course by a lesser known artist. it’s made for people in the industry that will profit from learning under her. you have to compare the cost of the class to the earning potential for that knowledge. a makeup artist in a mid-size city can make $3000 after just a two or three big wedding parties.

[@withexpectancy5818]

Agreed.👍

[@YogaCheryl]

So do MUAs have to do continuing education credits to keep their certification?

[@clo_beanery]

@@kaseysmith798totally agree. I’m don’t think Marlena is marketing this properly at all

[@jnettttttte]

Let's say that it was a mistake for that landing page to be seen by the public. Now, my concern is that she's working with people who are very obviously involved in MLM. She referenced Tony Robbins in her video. That was NOT a mistake. So, it's not an MLM, but it was created in conjuction with MLM creators. I don't think this will end well.

[@fabby0421]

I googled Tony Robbins and OMG! 😳😬😵

[@lolamurder1882]

People are speculating that the "John" she mentions is John Assaraf, who owns the mlm Neurogym, which is the website they used as a placeholder.

[@angelic_venom]

It's astounding that Marlena has put something out there so expensive and yet worthless. And then to have copied another dodgy website word for word and not proofed it before setting it live. She's admitted it was a finders fee. That's MLM. So she's admitted it was an MLM and she's changed her mind when she was called out. She's been in this business and vocal in calling others out so much, that this is just awful. She knew better. She knows better. She still went ahead with it and it's predatory and useless.

[@sheepylamby7320]

I completely agree with you. I don’t think someone like Marlena can have it both ways - saying that she’s so savvy, such a boss, calling out others’ mistakes for years. But turning around and saying she was too naive to realize an MLM grift is bad? That’s a no from me.

[@sages9394]

exactly this. She's the most experienced and knew exactly what she was doing. It's extremely disappointing.

[@juliebaird4539]

My problem with the Mlm aspect is that didn’t Marlena herself said that she was working with some of Tony Robbin’s former people for this project on the launch video? He is heavily associated with MLM companies. She may not be understanding completely what the people around her are trying to do. I don’t think she has malicious intent, but I hope she educates herself about some of the things these folks are associated with.

[@jilliansmaniotto2326]

exactly!

[@lifewithklc]

Exactly. When she mentioned him I was really surprised, and not in a good way. Full disclosure: way back in the day when he first started I vibed with what he was trying to do, then it became icky in a slick kinda way.

[@bvezos]

When she mentioned Tony Robbins the red flags went off for me. He’s the original shady con man.

[@muddyotterspottery569]

So glad you mentioned this. I absolutely love her and everything she’s done on her KZbin channel to simplify makeup instruction, but… the minute she mentioned Tony Robbins, alarm bells went off. She really needs to pull back and rethink this. Her stellar reputation is on the line, and it seems to me she’s being scammed herself here.

[@omegasobsessions]

Honestly, I started watching her video and it felt “off” and then she mentioned him… I turned video off and never finished watching it. He is so icky.

[@annavancorbach6347]

For that cost she should be including makeup. Especially since they don't actually give you a certificate to work in the field. I think it's a rip off

[@its.jyssicawith.a.y7882]

I think that would have been great if she still had her brand and with the courses and each level you buy you get some make up.

[@jkpiowa]

Why did MUG copy and paste the content from an MLM page in the first place? And put the page public if it wasn't finished? I'm in marketing myself and if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck...

[@jenluv]

I’m honestly not sure, but they probably counted on that no one would hand type the URL. There was no link on the website to lead to that page. If it was what they wanted for the brand, there would have been a link to get there.

[@jkpiowa]

​@@jenluvI hope it ends up turning out positively!

[@WendyandBradPitt]

That was my thought. It's great that they want to create an affiliate program, but don't use MLMs as a template. Big red flag.

[@ninalee31]

​@@jenluvI work in web and publication design. We use Lorum Ipsum as placeholder text. We don't copy and paste from questionable mlm websites. Also, if management/marketing is thinking about fundraising options, we don't add the text to a website and get coworkers opinions. We share a Google doc or include the details in an email. Nothing goes to the web designer until it's close to being complete. There might be some tweaks on text and layout before it goes live, but whatever does on the website has already gone past marketing and management approvals. So the fact that it was on the MUGA website tells me that it was planned, and the wording was close to finalized. But when they got the backlash, they backtracked and made up what is an unlikely reason, but they hoped the community would accept it.

[@jilliansmaniotto2326]

@@jenluvhuh? that’s not true. people got to that page organically. there definitely was a link. marlena *removed* the link *after* CC called her out.

[@MichelleCoford]

Unfortunately I call BS on this Makeup Geek thing. I think Marlena has been around long enough to know about MLM marketing. It’s not like they randomly copied that information down from a website, there was intention in that. I think they tried to get away with it, were caught and now have to backtrack and say it wasn’t real. Here is what I think really happened: Marlena & her marketing team wanted to find a way to bring in more people and referrals with monetary gain are effective. They added the second level because they know this is a hard sell being so expensive and there not really being any gain besides knowledge. There are other programs out there that offer a certification that has real world value at the end and they needed to compete with that. I am not convinced they were trying to create a MLM company but once there was a backlash on the second level they had to backtrack and make an excuse. This excuse just doesn’t make sense to me. The thing that really bothers me is the excuse. I think they made a mistake in choosing that type of marketing and should own up to it rather than saying the website shouldn’t have been live. This leaves a bad taste.

[@1mstaub]

Beauty Geek Academy is seriously overpriced you can get an aesthetician license at a community college for 1800.

[@its.jyssicawith.a.y7882]

I think it’s over price as well. But for $1800 and if it is that price I would question the institution. I got my esthetician license ten years ago and it was about $10k .

[@1mstaub]

That is the price at New Mexico Jr. College in Hobbs N.M. Paul Mitchell Beauty in Abq. is 10,000.@@its.jyssicawith.a.y7882

[@TaraBosstick]

I was going to say the same thing!!!!

[@xxviciousbeautyxx]

$1800 is very low and not going to be the price for most people even at community college. Average price at community college for esthetician program is $4000 to $6000

[@xxviciousbeautyxx]

​@56KSCNo need to be rude. $1800 is not likely. Even everything online states average cost for esthetician program AT community colleges is still $4000 to $6000

[@Dingdongaccountant]

Sorry Jen, Marlena is lying to you. She is trying to save face for her friends. This is not a good way make money. She is going to look at lawsuits from that “certification” wording alone. This is taking advantage of young people, IMO.

[@sammyocgirl7411]

yep she banking on the younger crowd to pad her bank account...SAD she is running out of money is my guess

[@anakreyszig303]

Wayne Goss has always been so open about the whole process of being in the beauty space and being in the beauty industry. He also gives wonderful makeup advice to us ladies of a certain age (over 50) who most of the beauty space ignores. Every time I have tried to buy his brushes, they are sold out. The eyeshadow palette I covet (cool-toned) is perennially sold out as well. I hope with these new investors, we see his Wayne's products more consistently available. He is just wonderful.

[@thecosmicemo]

Yea still sounds like an MLM and that she’s just trying to back track after she saw peoples reaction to it. Major red flags about the whole thing.

[@samanthadelahunt3698]

I think if she used "referral" instead of "affiliate" it would be easier to digest. But "affiliate" has an MLM-y connotation. Lots of companies do referral programs. My apartment complexes have it and the place I work for. But the language used was just wild.

[@gigiwhispersasmr4344]

On top of the fact that this was very clearly set up as an MLM under the guise of an affiliate reward system, the courses themselves are also extremely pricey. A grand or two more, and you can actually get licensed by an accredited institution, not just a certificate of completion.

[@annysa3662]

Marlena got caught and now she is course correcting. She should course correct on the Academy prices also, because it scream scam. Now that I’ve said that, I think the whole thing will crash and burn. So sorry she put you in this position, Jen. Please distance yourself from this mess.

[@karlamarinee]

She had a live video and she addressed all of these. she’ll fix the prices she said.

[@thebetterthird6402]

I love Wayne Goss! You CANNOT be on YT for 10 years plus and not show your real face, your core humanity! And his is all goodness! Such a decent man! I will always support his endeavors!

[@kulettee]

When Marlena mentioned on one of her videos that she was listening to Tony Robbins courses or something along those lines, my heart sank as I knew that MLM was coming.

[@Stacey7742]

I’m so glad things are starting to look up for Wayne Goss. His eyeshadow brushes that I have are my favorites and was very unhappy when I couldn’t find them anymore.

[@tleigh4583]

Sorry but Marlena is full of it. I’m supposed to trust her to show me how to run a business when she apparently can’t even proof read her own website? I’m not buying the excuses.

[@Lilithe1]

I appreciate that you were in a pretty impossible situation regarding MUGA but did you consider just opting out of covering that particular story knowing it would be impossible to be unbiased? I feel like it would have been more honest to just say "I'm staying out of this one because she's my friend" instead of getting put in the position to share in her very obvious backpedaling... It's almost like she's making you complicit in it and it feels icky. It doesn't sound like someone could earn commission without first buying the product themselves (as opposed to normal beauty affiliates where you can still promote products that you received in PR or someone could give as a birthday gift or whatever but the buy in isn't crazy like 300-3000$) and no matter how you slice it, this is an MLM. I feel like you would have done this story totally differently if it were someone you weren't friends with and in that case it's probably better to just not do it at all.

[@jilliansmaniotto2326]

PREACH.

[@lisafeldmann9863]

What a great idea! Just describing the controversy and some links for others' perspectives and then sharing that you are opting out of putting your own spin on it.

[@SodaPop282]

Yes, she could have easily "recused" herself. But she is so impressed with herself that minding her own business is likely a foreign concept. Now, she's apart of defending the dirty work. Also, Greed can manifest itself in different ways. Sometimes it is loud and direct and sometimes it is quiet and subtle. This is not the first time Marlena has seen dollar signs and has thrown caution to the wind. She also is so impressed with her own knowledge it is possible that she figures that the average person doesnt know what from what. Or cannot tell the difference between completion and certification! IDK- just thoughts and opinion. But nobody is innocent here and i would never pay for MUG's information that is widely available on YT. Foolishness.

[@prettystreetchic]

Jen would of been dragged for filth if she would of skipped mentioning the MLM. She did it right; acknowledged her basis, laid out the facts then gave her opinion and moved on. She didnt try to convince us that Marlena wasn't at fault but just told us what she felt. Not speaking on it would of been disingenuous to her brand.

[@GoblinsAreAGirlsBestFriend]

I was really annoyed that Marlena got sainted just because people were against James Charles and Jaclyn Hill when she's had plenty of problematic moments herself (that she conveniently erased before going on her 'poor me' campaigns). I'm tired of the internet opting for deliberate amnesia as soon as they're out for blood from someone else.

[@carla8687]

💯

[@Karmaisabreez]

I love Marlenna but she's basically monetizing something that is free on youtube for years. Video tutorials, products review and recommendations. The certification means nothing more than me saying I've been watching beauty videos for 6 years on internet.

[@karlamarinee]

What’s wrong with making money? It’s ok to monetize

[@Karmaisabreez]

@@karlamarinee never said it was wrong to make money. I'm saying pretending to deliver a certification that means NOTHING for 3000$ is ridiculous.

[@katie8325]

@@karlamarinee she’s monetising information that is already available for free. That is ripping people off.

[@JaimeLeighArt]

I appreciate that you presented all the info on Marlena’s controversy despite being her friend. That’s why we watch your channel - you are a true professional!

[@jcs137]

Breath of fresh air,

[@OrlyyaRly72]

It was about 1/2 that to attend esthetician school (public school) and I'm state licensed to do basically anything under my scope of practice. This feels similar to the Morphe (?) Academy or whatever it was in the mid 2010s. That's a lot of $ to shell out not to be state certified. There are too many nuances in relation to providing beauty services that cannot be covered in an online course.

[@pankreas2195]

Not Marlena going down the internet coach pipeline 🤦‍♀️ I kinda suspected it would be this when I saw the name "academy" and I'm sorry but we're almost in 2024 and if there's one thing I've learn on the internet is to never trust influencers coaching programs 🤷‍♀️ I can watch Robert Welsh for free 👀 Edit: not the "affiliates" who will bring you "passive income" omg what in the Mary Kay!?

[@dawnbonome9056]

I wish Marlena would bring back makeup. That is really her baby. Not into this Academy business.

[@margomcgeough3610]

Still shady, I think (MUGA) - paying all that money, and you get a "certificate of completion" - But can you do anything with it other than do your own makeup better? It certainly doesn't look like it certifies you as an MUA. Throwing money away, hard pass. We expected better from you Marlena. This smacks of a Jaclyn ripoff, tbh

[@elisa-beary]

Even when I read the title I thought wow, that’s gotta be tough. Marlena is her friend & I’d seen CC post about it potentially being an MLM. I was like…🤦🏽‍♀️ I can’t imagine what that’s like Jen but as always you don’t compromise the trust of your audience even in a tricky situation & I, as well as many of us appreciate that transparency more than you know. 💜 You handled it respectfully & diplomatically. Look forward to WUIM every single Sunday morning.

[@darkydoom]

Hoping all the best for Wayne Goss. I like what I've seen of him as a person on his channel

[@laikanbarth]

People can learn how to do makeup by watching makeup artist on KZbin. I’ve learned a lot from Wayne Goss and other well known makeup artists on KZbin!! I’m sorry but Marlena’s “academy” seems shady to me. You still need a license from the state you work in!!

[@EstyJami]

In general licensing isn't required for makeup artistry.

[@ambersmith2612]

@@EstyJamino one wants to go to a makeup artist who isn’t certified

[@ellegilyard1348]

@@ambersmith2612Of the makeup artists I know, only one of them is certified. She struggles to get clients while those with no certifications have no problem.

[@EstyJami]

@@ambersmith2612 not the slightest bit true. Many makeup artists in the industry are self taught

[@PastelBrushes-n-Donuts]

And her classes won’t give you the educational requirements to get the state license. This is not much better than the “scam” beauty trade schools that are in every major city.

[@jacquelinealbin7712]

1. Even if that page didn't exist and was never seen, the whole thing seems really sketchy and gross. Affiliating with Tony Robbins of all people? Ew ew ew ew ew. And any sort of business consulting course from an infleuncer? Always a huge red flag for me, sorry not sorry. Just what she was saying, proudly, with her whole chest in her video? Ton of red flags. 2. Marlena is a smart woman. She would have known that this is an MLM while coming up with it. Even if the wording was nicer, it would be like putting lipstick on a pig- the wording isn't the main issue here. 3. She still is charging thousands of dollars for, essentially, youtube videos. That's ridiculous. It won't get you a license or any sort of accreditation. If she went the PLouise route and opened her own actual cosmetology schools? Cool, that's what I thought this would be, and I'd be so here for that! But selling tutorial videos for hundreds or thousands of dollars without ever applying makeup onto a real person? That's an absurd business model, I'd even say a scam. Sorry Jen, I think you dropped the ball on this one. It may be hard to realize that your friend did something really shady. She could have been brainwashed by the Tony Robbins kool-aid, and legitimately thought this is a good business idea that will help pull people out of poverty and blahblahblah, but it's still sketchy af, even if she's misguided at best.

[@sages9394]

That's a good point - when I was in cosmetology school and started doing makeup on others, holy crap I felt like a wobbly baby deer and it was so much more difficult than doing it on your own face. Without having that practice you literally CANT do it.

[@jacquelinealbin7712]

@@sages9394 yup! Totally different beast. I sometimes do makeup on my friends, and the movements are totally different, even almost alien to me, to the point that it ends up looking like trash unless it's a grungey, smokey look that requires no precision, since the muscle memory for that precision straight up isn't there! Meanwhile, on myself, I can do detailed, intricate liner looks in just a few minutes since I'm used to those motions. I can't picture the results of a "MUA" who only ever trained online and practiced just on their own face being anything people would want to pay for.

[@inainoslo]

I’m very excited to hear about his skincare line because I remember over 10 years ago now I watched a video of him explaining how he “cured” his acne, when I got very bad acne I few years ago I remember the video and started doing what he did and yes it worked 😀

[@callieadams3671]

What did he do ... I'd love to know ..thankz

[@inainoslo]

@@callieadams3671 basically he used benzoyl peroxide to cure it because it’s antibacterial.

[@DeeDee-ze8sx]

3k? I'm so sorry, THREE GRAND? These influencers are out to lunch thinking their offerings are worth that kind of money. WOW. Delulu.

[@clo_beanery]

As someone said above though, a working MUA can earn that in one weekend wedding. If Marlena had just marketed this course to MUAs I think people would have been more receptive to it. But to market it to beginners etc was a huge misstep imo

[@Celestia--]

I'm not buying the story Marlena told you. Makeup Geek Academy is obviously a scam, and I believe that if everyone hadn't flipped when they saw that it was going to be an MLM, she would have spun the narrative around that webpage very differently.

[@jilliansmaniotto2326]

10000%

[@gimletrose1985]

I love Wayne. He strikes me as an honest genuine guy. His brushes are amazing and I cannot wait for his new line

[@livesouthernable]

I love Wayne Goss. I imagine he worked like a dog to create his brand. As a business owner myself, I can tell you that there are SO many costs involved in running a business that you don’t see until you get in the weeds. And I don’t make anything that requires the artistry of makeup. Big makeup companies spend literally hundreds of millions on product development to churn out launch after launch. They also negotiate lower prices on materials because they buy in bulk. All this is impossible for a privately funded company.

[@chasingautumns]

The fact Marlena keeps name dropping Tony Robbins during her pitch turned me off - Robbins is a straight-up scammer. Thinking that would give her academy some sort of legitimacy was either supremely unaware, or a major Freudian slip as to what is the true intention of this 'academy.' Offer private classes to people. I'd buy that.

[@Nail.geek.kiki7]

I personally know how hard it is to be unbiased with people that you have a relationship with. I think maybe she did not think it through, but they 💯 knew what they were doing when they published it. You just did PR for them.

[@karinaketcup]

I saw marlenas launch video before this video came out and i thought the concept made no sense. I originally thought it would be schooling to become a working MUA kind of like paul mitchell or milan institute (if you aren't in northern NV those are beauty schools/colleges). But when she explained that this is for you to learn about how to apply makeup on YOURSELF!? That alone makes no sense. Like why would anyone pay $3k to learn how to do makeup on themselves? That can be learned over time. The schooling is usually so you can build a portfolio, learn on other people, hygiene, etc. And once i immediately read how the affiliate codes would work it is a huge red flag. I do commend you Jen for at least bringing this to your viewers' attention instead of just ignoring this and choosing another topic to talk about.❤ EDIT: I also wanted to add that it also doesn't make sense to basically invest that much money for a piece of paper that can't get you employment. I work at a college so accreditation is a huge thing we pride ourselves on. So it's wild to me that she thinks people will see the value when there is none.

[@jillholod34]

The second I heard "academy" I thought, NOPE.

[@sydeezy17]

I feel like her coming out about Jaclyn recently has all led to this. Get her name popular again and get everyone talking and on her side so she can get people to join… Just an observation. Seems well timed out

[@jasminchavolla1920]

100%!!! I thought the same thing.

[@therancidqueen]

There’s a mlm trend called MRR (master resale rights) being people can buy courses, and then sell the courses to other people and also recruit them people to sell the courses too.

[@tleigh4583]

Yup this was my immediate thought when I saw the business model! Hannah Alonzo did a video on it recently but I’m guessing they sent her a cease and desist because it was silently taken down.

[@KathysKritiques]

I had to read all the comments to see how ppl were responding to this because it did not sit well with me! Seems most everyone feels the same. This is a LOT of money for a cert that does nothing, and info (videos) you can watch for free from other creators. I would never spend that kind of money for this and I'm very surprised that Marlena went this direction!

[@kathleenquinlan4316]

Wayne was scammed by that accountant and he lost all his money. He was devastated but told all in that video and he had the guts gumption and bravery to start all over again.

[@paigebangle8040]

I was not apart of the KZbin makeup community when Marlena was big and I've never used Makeup Geek (unfortunately). So with what I would consider a pretty unbiased view, this seems like such a scam to me. The whole academy sounds like a grift to make cash after the company failed (again, super unfortunately, they seemed like a good company from what I've heard.)

[@P-kz9ol]

A certification for thousands with zero industry credibility means….nothing.

[@khills]

As someone who studies conflict of interest declarations, I applaud your attempts to declare without knowing the language. Unfortunately, I agree with everyone else: I think your friend is trying to use you to cover her butt after she got caught trying to start an MLM. Again, from someone who studies this stuff: if you’re going to cover your friends, it’s probably best just to say “here’s the accusations, here’s the response, I’m going to withhold my opinion because I do have a conflict of interest here…” and that then helps protect YOUR brand. Because as people have rightfully pointed out, you’re predisposed to believing whatever Marlena says based on that friendship (but likely wouldn’t take such an excuse from say, J*, nearly so well), and thus that’s something that can be used against you.

[@UhapiBeauty]

Brilliantly said.

[@khills]

@@UhapiBeauty Thank you. 😊

[@lef0503]

I love Marlena and her content, but this was a massive misstep. I’m a bit concerned that this “business coach” she’s been working with has encouraged this type of business model for her. It’s shady AF. There should never be a down line discount or bonus like that. This does not sound like an issue of “the wrong wording.” I hope she reconsiders this concept, because it’s predatory no matter how you slice it. The prices are not reasonable, especially given how much free content is available on KZbin, and the idea of a certificate just doesn’t read as valuable.

[@EmotionalLemonade]

I think Wayne Goss may be the nicest man on KZbin. I'm glad he's able to launch more makeup and brushes.

[@annettedoerscher618]

I was so looking forward Marlena's academy. Then she laid it out with prices. For those prices you should be getting a full makeup kit and an actual certification that actually means something and is worth something, has some value. This has none, other than personal and sorry but I would rather spend my money elsewhere. I'm really disappointed in her and this project. Looks like a money grab to me.

[@denisevermeulen4984]

Ok. As Bailey Sarian says “Suspish” I can’t understand after all the trauma Marlena has been through, the wording wasn’t thought out, is questionable. I’ve been burned a few times with MLM organizations. Also, why say “small” commission? Every influencer that says “small” grates at me. If you earn a commission, you earn a commission. One last thing…Marlena can charge whatever she wants for her course. It doesn’t matter what the state of the economy is currently. If people want it, they will pay for the expertise she is offering.

[@katien9371]

I have worked on dozens of business websites as a copywriter and I have never published any copy that does not apply to the company just as filler for a web page, because no business would want false information out there if a page did go live by mistake (like in this instance.) It's also a really bad idea to copy and paste content from any site that is not yours. That is plagiarism. Her response to that question seems really odd/fishy to me.

[@amya7850]

You are correct ✅

[@brendacoulter2173]

$3000 is A LOT for a course. I paid a tenth of that with another company. It also included brushes and a makeup kit. While I would be willing to pay for continuing education, It’s not going to be $3000.

[@maireadweaver8952]

Jen I appreciate that it must be hard because you are Marlena's friend, and I love Marlena too, but when I saw her video the other day it screamed MLM to me even before it all kicked off online. This Tony Robbins guy has had some really damning things written about him from reputable journalists online as well. As someone who worked in publishing you would never ever 'fill' in a draft of anything with wording like this if it was not intended. We would often have the blank paragraph filled in with something like 'Wording To Be Decided' and enough space apportioned to allow for text insert. She says she has been working on this project for over a year, so why go live with an 'unfinished' info launch? I think this is finished before it has even begun ... huge red flags. I am really disappointed in her, and for her. Sorry Jen - I still love you though!!!! xxx

[@callieadams3671]

I like Marlana but I don't like her that much!! That's outrageous for that!!! I believe it's shady and she got called out.... Something seems shady to me???

[@dcunniff]

I love Marlena and checked out her academy website. There is just no way I would pay that much money to get tips/skills for applying makeup. The whole thing struck me as a little nuts.

[@daniellecarpenter9000]

Professional makeup artist and esthetician here! I went to MUD and a Paul Mitchell beauty school. I feel like it is misleading telling people you'll receive a certification. Even if you go to a high-end make-up academy, you must be licensed to work in a spa or salon. Best to learn on your own, get your hands on as many faces, practice on different skin tones. Applying makeup on yourself is completely different than doing someone else's makeup.

[@JutaStokes]

That's the thing a lot of people seem to he missing, probably because the prices and MLM structure are so outrageous - this "academy" is only even claiming to teach you to do make-up ON YOUR OWN face. Why would anyone need or want a certificate for learning that? The whole thing is ridiculous and scammy and should just be a small fee to join the members area of MS's KZbin channel.

[@mallyflower844]

I was so wanting for Marlena just to relaunch her makeup brand not classes. Definitely would have bought her makeup but not interested in classes. I do wish her great success. I’m a huge fan of Wayne and he’s doing amazing! I wish him more success too

[@sages9394]

I love that you still try to be unbiased - it's why we all watch your videos. I think to add in your research, to watch John Oliver's piece on MLMs a few weeks ago. It lines up EXACTLY. It sucks, because I wanted Marlena to be successful and I miss her products, but this is no doubt in alignment with what MLMs do and prey on. Her excuse of the page not being live yet, you figure all that out BEFORE launch. She's been in the game long enough to know that, and we all also know that. I understand it can be difficult because it's a friend, but she's in the wrong.

[@itsmaggiemoomoo]

Hey Jen, UK viewer here 🙋🏽‍♀️ on the Uoma beauty story, in the UK businesses have to be registered with a government organisation called Companies House. Businesses are legally required to submit their accounts and other regulatory information on a regular basis which is then made available to the public on the Companies House website. I did not however know that if a business fails to maintain its legal duties that their property can taken by the ‘Crown’…that is honestly the most English thing I have ever heard 😂

[@jenluv]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@itsmaggiemoomoo]

@@jenluv no problem! 😁

[@HulaHula667]

@@jenluv just looked into this further on Companies House. Sharon is still listed as the only controlling officer of the company and back in September the listed office address changed - to a (potential) liquidation company working from a shared workspace. Used to have look at this type of info in my old career, been awhile.

[@LydiaTarine12]

I've been loving the classic red lip makeup looks lately. This one looks like something I've been wearing in a game I'm playing lately. I love it!

[@alexaburks]

I just am already disappointed that MUGA isn’t an affordable monthly subscription. I really wanted the personal makeup skills. But then to add a possible MLM intention onto it? Hell no. I might as well just take actual makeup courses for that money.

[@sagebeauty]

Wayne Goss is a proper gentleman. If that sounds weird then so be it. He is English. They tend not to big note themselves, they tend to speak more quietly and more slowly than many…other English speakers 😂. I’m not saying this is every English person but I have met many/know many Poms and love watching British TV because …it’s better than TV from…other English speaking countries. Wayne Goss’ openness is refreshing and he also happens to be an absolutely superb MUA.

[@melodiephoenix]

Marlena registered on my radar when she and Jen Gerad started dogging Jaclyn Hill just before relaunching their businesses. The Karina Kaboom comments were not meant to be public but she said them and was caught in the act. Why Marlena is allying with that person is a mystery because I would not associate with JG. I am not a huge JH fan and I am not here to defend her honour one but the whole thing stank of publicity stunt. The thing that made mw pause the most was baiting the public and then saying “I am done I won’t give any more information” Sounds sketchy to me. I do not trust these brands! Also totally sounds like an MLM even the “ I am doing this to help people” is the number 1 mlm script 😂

[@UhapiBeauty]

Most professional beauty brands offer "University" classes. Danessa Myricks, for example, has it for free. Advanced classes are monthly subscription based. This is how I think Marlena should move forward, but the damage might be done here. Marlena has posted "master class" or "apply foundation, eyeshadow, etc like a PRO" videos in the past - all for free on KZbin.

[@ellemarr7234]

Jen I’ve followed you for years, and I know you’re biased, but you’re not dumb, frankly. Take her name out of it and then assess the situation. I am struggling here because you’re one of my OG favs … I TRUST you. Idk man this ain’t it. Integrity matters! Doesn’t it?

[@yeahyeahd]

affiliate marketing backtrack aside, and i still have a big issue with the fact that they used MLM buzzwords and popular sayings as placeholder text and don't seem to see the problem in THAT alone, this stinks the same way Jake Paul's Edfluence or Ninja's masterclass did. you can likely find all this information for free online or for way cheaper by taking a legit course at a community college or beauty school. at least then you'd actually be certified at the end of it.. shameful that that part is still up on the website.

[@aprilrich807]

I had to pause your video for just a sec - your hair is STUNNING today, Jen! I’d love to see how it was done!! Okay - “un” pausing now!

[@mus1quenonst0p]

wayne’s video about his accountant was heart-wrenching. it was at least a year or two ago. it’s worth watching.

[@christinecarver]

I would have loved to do the makeup academy, but that cost is ridiculously expensive. I love wayne goss! He’s seems like such a great guy.

[@CamilleRodriguez]

I was a part of an MLM for a while. No longer. No matter how you word a “finders fee” it does become an MLM. There’s just no way around it. I understand wanting to give incentives for helping grow the company but her team is heavy in the MLM world. It’s a business model that can work but doesn’t work for everyone. I don’t agree with how they sway people to start but I also think it’s everyone’s responsibility to do their own due diligence about any company you choose to buy in to. As far as the certification. I do think that for the pricing of the packages it should be something people can use for a profession. It costs to be a realtor. It costs to be an esthetician. So unfortunately I do not see how spending all this money on a completion form is going to assist someone in making real money or at least making their money back professionally. I love her vision. I love her intentions on teaching. It would hold more value if it could be an actual certification. I’m not sure how she could make that happen but I think this would all be more worth it if it had more benefit monetarily for the student. Just my opinions

[@laurenr5095]

I do think the makeup geek academy is a fantastic idea. But $3000????? I can literally go to a ligit cosmetology school near where i live and get an entire Mac professional makeup kit along an actual license included for the same cost

[@larinadorca5781]

I don't know how much it costs in US. But I live in Spain, and online courses (am I spelling right?) can be way more cheaper. As I already have my studies in the sanitary world, I'm looking to another one since my actual health isn't the best. I'm looking into clinical documentation, administration, etc. The prices at the schools I already looked at, won't pass 2000€. They include the online classes, personal classes, exams..everything. The only thing you have to "worry" about are the practices, but you can choose whatever hospital/center near you you want or like, and once you've finished you get your license and can work. When I saw Marlena's news I thought you would actually get a license and become a real makeup professional.

[@VanessaParadis91]

I think what it is something to be wary of Makeup Geek Academy and the way Marlena is trying to sell it as is saying “you don’t have to buy product like leggings or candles.” But you are buying the classes and they are not really affordable for a lot of people who want to start out in the makeup industry. You’re better off starting off by watching KZbin videos for free. I get you’re trying to be unbiased because you’re friends and I always appreciate your honesty, but I do think your judgement is a little clouded on this one.

[@elisepipia6076]

I’m sad to say it but it sounds like Marlena’s excuse is bs…it reminds me of Jaclyn hill trying to justify the fuzzy gloves during the lipstick scandal. I think she’s just back pedaling so she doesn’t get cancelled. Disappointing :(

[@jilliansmaniotto2326]

accurate!

[@Paige-xd1yv]

Marlina, why! That pricing for 12 hrs? I have 2 college degrees and COLLEGE CREDITS cost less and provided way more bang for the buck (and I'm saying that in this economy full of bs hiring).

[@jespinal555]

There was definitely a link, I just can’t remember how I came across it.

[@BabyGirlRaven]

As I see it, if you know the person that you are gonna talk about personally, that is when you should be the most unbiased because you have to keep your feelings separately, especially if it Has to do with business!!

[@Criticalbeauty411]

Marlena and her team honestly should’ve known better with all of it. I actually think they’re lucky that this all came out before launch because it gives them a chance to fix it! Regardless there’s no real excuse, they’re not new to beauty or the Internet, It never should’ve happened in the first place!

[@sagebeauty]

When she mentioned Tony Robbins in her video I 🏃🏼‍♀️

[@Paras98955]

Much love to Marlena and I've been a long time viewer (like since when she was an actual teacher and married the first time) but with all respect, I call BS. She should own the mistake. It was a MLM. Bad oversight on her part but it was set up that way. Dressing it up as a finder's fee doesn't make it not a MLM (lipstick on a pig and all). Also, the academy prices seemed expensive so it's an even worse look to have a MLM set up (or frankly even a referral system to begin with -- if you're actually proud of your product, and it's revolutionary and game changing, you've worked with the best yada yada, then let it stand for itself). No need for MLM. Maybe she's trying to go for the younger millennial or Gen Z audience but as an old millennial (sometimes now lumped with Gen X), I have no time to be influenced. It's not 2010 and I'm not in my early 20's anymore. I've got responsibilities, a big girl job/salary etc. -- so if your product is good, I'll pay based on authenticity and without the drama/hype. Also, Marlena is an experienced business woman and should absolutely have foreseen this. Period. Do better in advance. I'm so disappointed by how this was launched and expected so much more... And this is from somebody who supported through Makeup Geek and Marste. Some of my favorite pieces are still Marste. Had to stop mid video to comment. I'll stop my mini rant and go back to your thoughts now 😊 Btw, I greatly appreciate your candor of noting your bias. It's why I've continued to watch you for all these years too!