The TRUTH About Makeup Pricing: are you paying for quality or branding??

[@sharlap4664]

For me in Canada, I feel like the drugstore makeup has gone up SO much in price. That $10 lipstick is now $17… at that price point, I might as well spend that money at Sephora.

[@Kate.g.]

It’s crazy, I am Canadian too, the other day I want to save I go shopping a new mascara l’Oreal panorama is at 22.99$ I was you kidding me 😅 Normaly I use Lancome at 40$ but couple time during the year 50%, I never pay regular price for it. During lipstick day I pay 17$ for MAC lipstick LOL. I made the same choice as you, I'm going to Sephora, I'll have a similar price and at least I'll be able to test the products 😅

[@annec6200]

Totally agree. (I’m guessing it’s the exchange rate that also plays in our Canadian prices.)

[@Kate.g.]

@@annec6200 in general, we pay more than just the conversion 🫠 for everything

[@SharonRaeRyan]

Plus, if you're shopping online, the drugstore apps and websites are terrible. Compare Shoppers to Sephora and there's no comparison.

[@Kate.g.]

@@SharonRaeRyan we can talk about Shoppers 🤣 it’s web site it’s juste an horrible experience!

[@uraddiictOnx3]

If drugstore foundation would label their shades, or even had instore samples like the higher end ones I would love that.

[@evajawidzk2068]

I agree great idea

[@joannebayron1509]

Same !!!! My exact thoughts 💭 reasoning from shopping drugstore makeup

[@lights3589]

In germany it is normal to label shades and have samples in drugstores to try. Didnt know it wasnt normal where you live😮

[@maddy3562]

Exactly! It’s one of the main reasons why i don’t buy drugstore makeup.

[@muddyotterspottery569]

We know where some of the costs come from for Tarte - purple i-Pads, Hermes bracelets and trips to Bora Bora for influencers.

[@AlcideIzMine]

Exactly. I'm not funding that BS. Tarte and TirTir are on my no buy list.

[@kristinasportal]

I just made this exact same case on another comment. 😂 Influencers like Mikayla just grate my nerves. Those ridiculous brand trips too. I refuse to buy tarte

[@Willowy13]

😂☺️😂👏 This is why a lot of their products have less than TJ Max quality.

[@AP12360]

I agree. We are paying for these brand trips by purchasing their overpriced products.

[@theprousteffect9717]

What a silly comment. Before there were internet influencers, brands would lavish celebrities with brand deals and free products. You just hear more about influencer trips. Brands do this because it's good for business. They're not deliberately charging more to fund influencer trips, the trips are probably part of their advertising budget.

[@janicedevereux2839]

Even ELF have gone up in price over the last couple years. ALL of their products were in the single digits… that it is no longer the case.

[@monejohn9973]

But the formula approved by a million! I started buying elf as a kid in 2005 and those 1$ products were trash 😅the eyeshadow & blush was like dry chalk and the Brow gel was worse than school glue 😅....so be tf 4 real

[@amandak7334]

There quality is on point now!

[@mschenandlerbong8539]

I'm pretty sure that was always their goal. They entered the market at unsustainable price point and I think it was mostly just marketing to become known, so they could justifiably raise price shortly down the road. Kind of a masterclasses in marketing actually.

[@kathleenstoin671]

What do you expect? Everything has gone up in price, but I feel that makeup hasn't increased in price as much as groceries!

[@Shotbytino914]

Back in the days elf was $1 . But they did upgrade the products so I don't know how to feel

[@selenachan4230]

Marlena knows her stuff. Giving specifics about formula, packaging, marketing, etc.❤

[@dhayden1981]

marketing does drive up the cost of makeup not just the ingredients, packaging, labor costs, and everything else. Those who market the brands whether its the brands themselves, influencers on social media platforms, tv, radio, they all get paid whether its thru commissions, salary, or hourly wages. Anyone who works in the makeup/beauty industry makes money.

[@kristinasportal]

@@dhayden1981Influencer Brand Trips and deals fall under the marketing too, don’t they?

[@renadempsey842]

I have done product development in makeup…trust me, you’re paying for the brand. Very few do their own proprietary development….we’re being totally snowed. 🤷‍♀️

[@ellecee453]

I'd add that "four times the price" for a package sounds like a lot. But if the drugstore component costs 50 cents to make and the luxury brand component costs 2 dollars, that still doesn't explain the other 50 dollars in the price for the blush she is using for an example.

[@renadempsey842]

Unfortunately your math is correct.

[@Shell_Herbs]

I agree 100%, not only was the video *very* uninformative, it seemed to actively contradict itself in many ways. For example, Korean beauty has incredibly efficacious products w/ amazing innovation & ingredients-so how is that factored in? Another example is- Milani’s blushes &, highlighters, which are made in Italy, yet are drugstore price. So these “answers” to the questions kind of answer... nothing. Because, as you said, the brands are just ripping people off because they can. MOST IMPORTANTLY- the fact that she said “we pay people less for labor in china because the dollar amount goes soooomuuchh further than, say, in Italy.” And while that’s technically true, it’s missing the issue entirely, which is exploitative outsourcing of labour that takes advantage of the already disadvantaged. Like Uh, Marlena, it’s called human rights violations, wage theft, workers rights violations-not only for the conditions worked in but for the hours and low pay. There are a bunch of bullshit economic articles out there trying to legitimatize the rampant practice of outsourcing labor to increase profit margins *even more* for these multi billionaires & their share holders. But that is so easy to see through, with the smallest amount of research. Some countries will claim they have implemented “laws” to curtail any scrutiny, but it has been proven time and time again that these laws are just lip service. Whatever, I could keep going on, but I’m likely just screaming into the void. This video pissed me *right* off, obviously, lol.

[@Khaleesi_Of_Kittens]

Perfume is even worse. Particularly designer perfume. The retail price is so inflated compared to cost. Considering almost every perfume brand uses chemical compounds instead of raw ingredients, that's the biggest scam going. $185 for something that cost around $6 to make.

[@Khaleesi_Of_Kittens]

@@Shell_Herbs I get it. If Korea does it so much better, how are their products so much more affordable???

[@nadaahmed-g3t]

You forgot Germany, essence is produced in Germany and Huda beauty as well.

[@richavasdev3009]

i use essence products

[@slavbarbie]

I don't like their nail polish but the lipsticks, eyeshadows, blushes, eyeliners... I've been using since highschool. And with the fact that I use makeup maybe 3 times a year it just doesn't make sense to buy expensive. EDIT: I just realized this can be read as if I've been using the same product since highschool, well no XD

[@lights3589]

Catrice also is. And it is sooo good

[@hervar1401]

german cosmetics are great, Catrice and Manhattan both are amazing

[@shakke565]

Lol I'm todays years old to learn that essence and manhattan are german brands (I'm German)

[@elizabeths9152]

The only influencer who will give us this information! So helpful !

[@mercedesvelasquez8781]

No lmfao she isn't the only influencer that gives proper helpful information infact look up TheLipstickLesbians they too are very helpful

[@LenaSheppard]

I rarely buy hi-end; especially after seeing how they lavish "influencers" w/ products & trips. Thank you for being here for me !

[@namemiddle]

The trips are just part of their marketing budget. A short trip for ten can be 20-30k still WAY cheaper than a commercial

[@LiveAlcheme]

@@namemiddleThe waste brands create with their influencer packaging makes me choke. So off putting that I cut my makeup buying by 99%.

[@mschenandlerbong8539]

That influences are MOST of their marketing. I'm not sure how that would be offensive to you. It's a lot cheaper than commercials and magazines.

[@susanstewart5194]

I only use drugstore makeup brands. L'Oréal, Revlon, Neutrogena, Physicians Formula, Milani are all excellent quality makeup brands. I usually don't purchase them in the drugstores any longer because I can order what I want for a good bit less from Amazon.

[@kathleenstoin671]

So true! Many stores don't stock every product or shade in a specific brand, but Amazon usually comes through!

[@kimberlyduette8367]

I feel that more people are buying prestige makeup because drugstore prices are too high. If I am going to spend $21 on a drugstore foundation, why don't I just save my money a few extra weeks and get the one I want for $50?

[@elayari9748]

Because one costs 21$ and another 50$😅😅

[@lee-annek6969]

exactly

[@kimberlyduette8367]

@@elayari9748 which is why I said “why don’t I just save my money a few extra weeks”

[@reginaroza3154]

I'd rather have a high end foundation better quality ingredients on my skin!

[@MarlenaStell]

@@kimberlyduette8367 that’s what I’m thinking too. The price difference now between drugstore and prestige isn’t as wide as it once was

[@20thcenturyrelic]

Even before I watched this, my belief was that you're paying for branding. The markup on all beauty products - makeup, skin care, and hair care - is eyepopping, even for drugstore brands. It's stratospheric for luxury brands. Also, I keep telling people that makeup at all price points is pretty much made at the same facilities. But nobody wants to believe this!!! And, for me, $52 is just out of the question to pay for blush. I can afford it, but it offends my frugality to even think of spending that much!!!

[@Terry21-c4p]

The reasons I don't buy drugstore is because a lot of times they don't have any testers and you can't return it. So you end up with a bunch of makeup that you can't wear, money down the drain. Going to sephora allows for testing and returning so win win. If drugstores did the same thing then I think a lot more people would purchase from there.

[@KateSparkle]

i have seen a lot of drugstores having testers tho? (at least in the uk) with nyx, maybelline, revolution

[@RaelNikolaidis]

Since my makeup gets absorbed into my skin, gets into my eyes, eaten off my lips and breathed into my lungs, I am a little bit picky about the quality. I don’t use a lot of makeup. I prefer to spend my money once or twice a year on high quality, beautiful makeup that gives me joy, rather than buy a lot of cheaper makeup I don’t love. Just my personal opinion.

[@MarlenaStell]

That’s how I am now also. I’d rather buy fewer high quality and use them every day and get my money out of them

[@elenal2012]

I agree

[@user_f1]

Same here, though I don't use it often I also don't like to spend too much on it. Anyone know any good natural cosmetic brands without much toxic stuff in it?

[@jocelynramirez6623]

​@@user_f1check out elite cosmetics 💄

[@embera.1202]

@@user_f1the original Bare Minerals is really good! It lays on the skin nicely and isn’t cakey. I think you get a full size powder mineral foundation, an application brush, and the mineral veil for around $40, which is a good deal to me because it will last me all year. I also recommend Clinique! This was my first higher quality makeup when I was 14, and I’ve been using it since! The blush is incredible and lasts all day. Looks very natural as well. I am wearing the “Even Better” liquid foundation today, and my skin is not oily at all and looks like I applied an hour ago versus at the end of long work day!

[@TheArcoiris12]

I find that i am happier in the long term with luxury makeup. The colours are better, the package doesn't break so easy. I prefer to have less, and enjoy it more. It seems i even save money and end all my products. Before, with mass makeuo i was not so happy with the texture, or the shade, so ended buying more

[@Patti-1962]

I decided to only buy affordable makeup years ago when I had to retire early due to health issues. I can honestly say that the products I use feel like they're high end! And, I will not buy the super high priced drugstore makeup, as some brands are really pushing the prices by "adding" skincare ingredients (which are probably not that expensive!) I don't want more actives on my skin, as my skincare routines are the perfect amount. Often, more is NOT better, especially with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide! Elf continues to be my go to brand, although my favorite complexion product is the Wet n Wild Tinted Hydrator. If I need more staying power, I mix in some L'Oreal Fresh Wear foundation, and I'm good to go all DAY!!!

[@ChristinePacinda]

The nerd in my LOVES this video. The beauty admirer in me loves your look today... the auburn hair, red lip, neutral eye and fluttery lashes, gorgeous skin... It's a beautiful autumn look on you.

[@MarlenaStell]

@@ChristinePacinda thank you so much 🥹❤️

[@grishkotoe]

Having worked in the U.S. printing/packaging industry for 30 years I can well assure you that the higher end brands that produce product in more sophisticated packaging charge more for foil stamping, embossing, and 4/C process printing coated with arty gloss or matte finishes. Those processes are labor intense and the very expensive brands are most likely produced in smaller quantities because fewer can afford to buy them - the smaller quantities alone raise unit pricing.

[@HB-xw6im]

I bought a drugstore Essence brand dupe for the Charlotte Tilbury pillow talk, I was amazed how it was so similar in colour but it didn’t last! 😢 so it can be a good dupe for 5 minutos but there is a reason why formulation plays a role

[@varvarahatzoglou1219]

You are so right, this is my experience with many dupes. I like them so much but they don't last on me.

[@foxwaffles]

Having olive undertones and extremely dry skin, I find the color choices of luxury and higher end prestige to just match me better if I am not shopping in the Asian market.

[@yourfuturewaifu9061]

Fellow dry olive here and I agree.

[@MDWhite-qg6yb]

Not olive skin but a black woman and I agree. For me, the higher end brands provided better options in terms of blush (no ashy look) and concealer (no 2-3 shades of brown but a spectrum). I don’t have a lot of makeup so it works to go higher end. I’ve also noticed the texture is smoother and pigments are richer for the higher end products in most cases.

[@janicedevereux2839]

Charlotte Tilbury… I can remember buying my first product of hers. It was her pressed powder for my under eyes. Yes, I purchased the mini to keep in my bag, however …. When I opened it up and took it out of the package 😳 I was shocked because it weighed absolutely nothing! I immediately knew it was very cheap, thin lightweight plastic . The beautiful reflective rose gold paint is deceiving , I thought it was going to be much heavier at first sight until you pick it up. At Charlotte’s price point, it was disappointing . Looks luxurious, but does not feel luxurious.

[@MarlenaStell]

@@janicedevereux2839 that’s the one brand I will say is consistently overpriced for the quality 😩 I like a few products but the packaging is so cheap and formulas are ok but not amazing 🫣

[@LSSYLondon]

I prefer Besame for quality since they have metal refillable compacts.

[@beamyd4650]

As someone who has always shipped prestige - and worked in that environment - I am now switching to drugstore for the first time ever. I have found so many incredible products that work better than the higher end brands and saving me loads of money ! 🎉

[@krisrowan]

My main issue with drugstore cosmetics is that people will not keep their fingers and other body parts out of the products. If drugstore products had better safety seals or, in some cases, any safety seals on them at all. I think I would be more inclined to use some of the products. The nyx, butter bronzers, and butter melt blushes at Ulta are a prime example of this issue. We went in there the other day, and every single one of them was opened, and people had just scruffed their fingers through them, and it was so gross.

[@marywebb9264]

I had this issue too. I wanted to buy a shade of lipstick and every single one had its seal broken. I think it’s because there are no samples on display for people to try. So they open the actual products.

[@hiddenpearl22]

Test in store and buy online.

[@Tagehano]

In my country drugs store make up are sealed and we have testers and sale assistants for each brand

[@beautywithas]

Eewwww...what if you ordered them online?

[@krisrowan]

@Tagehano Most stores here do not have testers. Four drug store makeup. so these people are just ruining makeup up. That is actually for sale.

[@QManagerin]

At the end of the day the consumer must decide if it's worth their hard-earned money. You can drive from A to B in a Toyota or in a Ferrari. Both will bring you to your destination, but the experience is different. In some products I will always prefer high-end/prestige like foundation or mascara because I just haven't found a suitable alternative drugstore option that works for me...but that doesn't mean the drugstore products are bad, just that I like to pay more for the experience.

[@Katushkin13]

That's a great way of putting it! ❤

[@yourfuturewaifu9061]

That's an excellent point.

[@mayathebraveofkitwanga448]

Agree.

[@madulunia]

we also pay for the cost of advertising

[@riri_hins]

So true. We actually pay for the influencers

[@QManagerin]

yes, but you also pay for the service you will get on the counter. Of course, that's wasted if you just buy online or don't care so much. But I work in a store where we offer make-up service, samples etc. for free- while often in drugstore you don't even find testers for every product on display.

[@PanteraBagiraLady]

Cost of distribution, which includes service that you get at the counter, and advertising make very high percent of the overall cost for luxury and prestige brands. More so than the ingredients. So, yes, you pay for the brand.

[@MarlenaStell]

@@riri_hins brands if they didn’t use influencer marketing would still be paying for commercials, paid ads on social (like Facebook or ads shown on KZbin) etc…

[@denise8791]

Yes exactly. We pay for the influencer but the influences do such a good job it's a fraction of what they would spend on traditional advertising.

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

Marlena, you bring such unique and interesting content to this platform! Loving learning the behind the scenes of makeup creation and perhaps debunking some myths on the way :) Please keep making these kinds of videos.

[@MarlenaStell]

@@NicollesDreamsShop so glad you enjoyed it! 🥹❤️

[@jmg_1960]

Marlena, I have watched you for years. I got to meet you in Mesquite years ago (my mom and I posed with photos with you and your mom). Love how you share your knowledge and skills with all of us. You're amazing! Thank you!

[@MarlenaStell]

@@jmg_1960 I remember both you and your mom!! I still have the pictures saved actually 🥹❤️

[@jenysanchezm]

I invest money in foundations, I love hi-ends foundation because I love the luxury finish in my skin, also for setting powders. 😅 but I don’t mind for the rest of the products. Most of the times. Excellent video, Marlena ❤ thank you for making this gem 💎 ❤

[@LynneConnolly]

I suspect it's similar to skincare. Several years ago, a chemist working in a lab for a major, expensive skincare company noted how cheap the raw ingredients in the product were compared to the price. Brandon Truaxe started his own company, using the same ingredients, but making the packaging a lot simpler, and not spending so much on marketing, relying more on word of mouth and free exposure in magazine columns etc. That company is still going today.

[@amyslowikgrossman835]

Also make sure to check the manufacturing on indie brands that are based in the EU. For example, Oden's Eye is Swedish, but they're manufacturer is in China. That may explain why they have amazing color stories for their palettes but are hit or miss on quality for certain shades.

[@itsjistjessa]

How many of us already knew the basic answer to the 3 questions because Marlena is an amazing teacher 😊😊😊 This was a fantastic video, thanx Marlena ❤❤❤

[@MuaSunny]

The queen has spoken and teaching us all makeup junkies.. i wish one day you return with your makeup brand. I never got the opportunity to buy it then, but i can now

[@beautywithas]

I still have some of her brushes that I use daily.😊

[@Divya_B]

What was it called and why did it close down

[@MarlenaStell]

@@Divya_B makeup geek cosmetics and I lost it during Covid

[@beautywithas]

@@Divya_B it was called The Makeup Geek. Not 100% sure why she closed it but I believe it was around the time she moved to TX.

[@eliseraifman4766]

I personally buy a lot of elf makeup due to the price point and quality. I have ventured into some brands at Sephora as a lot of drugstore make, especially here in Canada has become so pricey. For skin care I use some of The Ordinary and Inkey list products but the majority is drugstore. Great info Marlena! You really know what you’re talking about.

[@jeepinwithjulia]

That is such great information, thank you! I don't buy any make up made in China. So, that leaves out a lot of drug store cosmetics. Some prestige brands will use the term "Made in PRC". I believe they think it looks better than Made in China, but it is, Peoples Republic of China (ABH lipsticks do this).

[@thitsarmin]

PRC and China are the same. If it said Taiwan, it’s really different.

[@danny8198]

I never buy Chinese. I always check where it was made when buying Essence. I buy made in Italy or Poland.

[@OceanluvOC]

I find very few drugstore brands I like. I do like LOreal. I mostly buy prestige brands and once in awhile will splurge on luxury brands. Some have great formulas and some are not great and I won’t buy those again. I won’t buy makeup made in China for several reasons so I always check to see where products are made.

[@fereyal]

I also do the same, and I like L'Oreal over other drug store brands.

[@MelaniaT-r6m]

My sister has always spent thousands on Lancôme. I has spent hundreds on Wet & Wild, Elf and Maybeline. Sometimes L’Oreal.

[@sweetchick88866]

Love your videos on formulations and how cosmetics are manufactured

[@greekozygirl599]

You truly are the GOAT of make-up, i have been following you for years❤

[@MarlenaStell]

@@greekozygirl599 thank you so much!

[@isisny801]

I am so glad you continue to share your knowledge and experience with us. We are better for it.

[@crystalpaul4161]

Such great information! I would love to see a video like this on foundation. Ive tried lux foundations that were horrible and drugstore foundation that was great.

[@PopTartsForBreakfast-n9k]

Marleeeeenaaaaa! OMG I adore you. I love when you de-mystify this stuff. As a Brand Manager, I truly admire good branding with high-end packaging and products that perform well. AND the practical me knows a bulk of the price tag is spent on packaging and marketing and would rather have simple, no fuss packaging and no fancy, Madison Ave marketing agencies. Love this video. Thank you so much!

[@MartharadicallysavedbyJesus]

I'm a 62 yr old CoverGirl Simply Ageless user and it's been just as good on me as Estee Lauder 😊

[@cecibee3495]

Great video! The reason prices have skyrocketed is that the price increases haven’t deterred demand -until recently. After the pandemic, people have continued to spend and spend, and companies have gotten away with higher profits. The stock market is at an all-time high. As of late, thankfully, there’s been a little more pushback on price gouging and corporate collusion.

[@angelrose7451]

Exactly, as long as we keep buying they are able to keep increasing the price. I don't think overconsumption has ever been this high. Only when this will stop and people will be pushing back and stop buying things will this crazy increasing of prices stop. I don't think it will stop anytime soon.

[@biancapeters5806]

I think that part of it is due to the massive marketing in social midia. We buy a product, and in a week we feel that there are other better products, and it goes over and over again. It became a compulsion. We used to have 3, 4 major brands, and it used to suffice.

[@jana_4_klu]

One of the best videos from a beauty creator! I'm soaked in all the information! I love high end and drugstore make up!

[@LydiaKrow]

This is such a solid walkthrough on lux vs non-lux, and you are very balanced and kind with your comments (e.g. very generous about Essence blushes). I am a sucker for packaging, to be honest, but it has to be both - packaging AND quality, and sometimes I can get both for a more reasonable price, but it's rarely what I would call "deal" or "inexpensive." LOL. My solution for my conservative budget is to buy what I want, but buy fewer of each category. I also don't buy dupes, I just buy whatever the market has now. I've definitely had an "overbuy" and "FOMO" era and it was difficult, but liberating, to leave that behind.

[@Clovergirl7934]

This has been so informative to us as consumers. I have always felt that most of my money was going to packaging. I always consider that now before I buy any high ticket item. I don’t care what it looks like, I care about how it performs on my skin! Experience? My experience with an item, in general, is about two seconds finding, getting it on my face and getting out the door!

[@mmanda515]

Everyone is free to do whatever they want with their money.. For me, I'd use a Sharpie before EVER paying $53 for one blush. :)

[@R.L.Maverick]

😂

[@ellenkass9410]

#2 writing pencils are good for brows. ❤

[@mmanda515]

@@ellenkass9410 😁

[@kellimatz]

😂

[@yourfuturewaifu9061]

Silky Nutmeg Ganache, is that you?

[@AP12360]

Just because a product is made in Italy doesn’t necessarily mean it costs more for labor or is of better quality. Brands like Chanel, Armani, Burberry, YSL, and others have used Chinese migrant workers in Italy to manufacture products that bear the coveted "Made in Italy" label. One Chinese proprietor estimated that there are more than a hundred Chinese-owned workshops in Tuscany. Additionally, in July 2024, Italy’s consumer watchdog launched an investigation into luxury brands for unfair commercial practices, following allegations that these brands used underpaid and overworked workers.

[@MarlenaStell]

@@AP12360 I’m so surprised the EU hasn’t stepped in to shut that down as they’re super strict on ingredient safety and regulations. I’m curious to see how soon that gets shut down

[@HabitaulLineStepper]

Thank you Marlena so much for making this video! I would love to see more content like this where you get into the ins and outs of the industry and how everything works. I am a hard-core cosmetic and skincare junkie, and absolutely love this type of content. More please! ❤

[@tonyasuttie3296]

Great video. I have very sensitive skin, and most drugstore brands break me out. I’ve become an ingredient junkie and have a spreadsheet on what breaks me out.

[@mreyna6842]

Thank you for this Marlena ❤

[@lizcademy4809]

Another important pricing factor is the name brand of the product line. Some brands *have* to cost a lot to maintain reputation. Take Tom Ford. They could easily produce and sell a $30 bronzer - smaller amount in package, cheaper packaging, less mark-up ... but doing so would cheapen the value of the whole brand. In this case, the pricing comes first.

[@TheFolkyboy]

Thank you for going through so much detail. I know this was hard work and I appreciate you

[@dlj548]

This was an education in makeup pricing for me. I enjoyed this; it all makes more sense to me now. You did a fantastic job of explaining!

[@lizziewalker9374]

Marlena is keeping our pocketbooks flush with cash with all her fabulous tips and tricks! Thank you so much for all you do, Marlena! ♥

[@SoyCityBarbie]

We as viewers are so fortunate to have the insider point of view that you provide. Thank you! I always learn so much. ❤

[@lanaherteen1860]

Wow, what an informative video. Thank you so much, Marlena, for showing us behind the scenes so we can make informed decisions as consumers. Very appreciated!

[@hollydancergirl4]

I love your educational videos like this! Helps me make better purchasing decisions for a non- knowledgeable makeup girly.

[@Sherralyn]

I have an aversion to more expensive makeup just on principle. If there's a similar, less expensive product, that's what I'll get. I won't pay all that money for pretty plastic packaging.

[@seriously.....]

Jen Luv was telling us about your new fragrances are launching so i wanted to say congrats for that Marlana!! 🎉super exciting news!! Jen Luv also mentioned you used to have a makeup brand?!! Ive only been paying attention to the beauty space on KZbin for almost a year now even though im in my 40's but i guess i wasnt around to try your brand and i was definately disappointed i missed that era! Because you are literally some of the best of the best when it cones to KZbin beauty!! Ive literally started collecting products just about a year ago because i realized my little girll who has just turned 8 in october has no sisters to help her apply her makeup when shes ready so like i said im 43 and its getting therr but makeup has akways been hard for me. It breaks me out terribly but im doing this now so when shes ready i can teach her all about it and help her learn to apply it and wear it too! Ive bought so many products that just dont work f I r me lol and i give then to my mom lol i even had to learn about skincare as well and ive bough t a good amount of skin care but it all breaks me out so mu mom is majing out like a bandit- even though she nevet tiok the ti m e to teach me anout makeup once i was old enough ! Becaise i had no sisters either ! Wouldve been nice if she would have taken time to teach me about applying and wearing makeup but thats a whole other comment lollollol

[@mandapanda06]

Also, look into drugstore brands and who actually own them. Drugstore brand companies fall under the high end companies. Such like the people who own Old Navy own the Gap. Victoria Secret own Bath and Body Works.

[@tanispepe3363]

Your content is so high quality and thoughtful! I feel like when I watch your content I learned something valuable every time. Your knowledge and how you present everythng is great!

[@amysmithssportsandmakeup1397]

Don't forget Essence, Catrice, and LA girl- their prices are great too!

[@Kimmie546]

Marlena dropped one heck of a knowledge bomb on us!!!!

[@danielaoliveira541]

Amazing video!! There are some information that only Marlena in KZbin can give us. Thank you so much!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼😍😍😍

[@MrsMcGwire]

I love when you do these types of videos! Flex that expertise, girl!

[@kavithakasturi4898]

So informative! The beauty nerd in me loves this type of content, thank you so much!!

[@jessikamoore5033]

The Essence blush is baked in Italy

[@lisahanley3790]

Can you do a video on red dye (carmine) allergies? More importantly, which makeup brands do not use it and are quality products.

[@victoriafine8209]

Fascinating and very appreciated! If a big brand such as L'Oreal owns several other brands such as Lancome and Maybelline among others, are the formulas identical or similar? Is there product crossover and sharing but in different packaging?

[@yourfuturewaifu9061]

Short answer, yes.

[@kleague41]

This was absolutely fascinating!! Thank you for explaining all that, Marlena!! I'd be interested in learning more along these lines!❤

[@lorainemcgillivray77]

Hi Marlena I’m really into texture and performance, but shade selection is a major part of my decision regarding products. I’m in a minority shade wise with ultra pale extremely cool toned skin and the majority of brands do not cater to someone like me. In the last few years the complete opposite end of the spectrum ie rich deep skin is finally starting to be given more options (long overdue as we all can agree and still a very long way to go unfortunately), but most brands cover light to dark tan pretty well and the rest of us it’s dismal. For reference I am 00 in Dior forever or 0.5 in Revolution as a really good shade match (yes I am that pale and no pure white is a mixer and not a foundation shade). I cannot find a shade match in probably 99% of makeup brands and my choices are very limited without having to mix my shade at every price point. I’m 52 with rosacea and eczema so formula is incredibly important further limiting my options and this is where Revolution is unwearable for my skin as it’s formulated for younger oilier skin than mine as it’s their target demographic. Colour is very nuanced and undertone is crucial for me to avoid everything turning orange on me - a huge problem in lip and cheek products. I have a mix of affordable, prestige and luxury - not for the packaging but for the formula, texture, shade and undertones in the product and how it performs on my skin. Best wishes x

[@stephaniebarker472]

Thank you for this, Marlena. Your walk-through of how a cosmetic item moves from concept to finished product is eye opening and helps me to understand the *time* and cost involved. Now when an item is sold out and is in the process of “restocking”, I can be more understanding of that delay time. I can imagine if the manufacturer has run out of some of those key ingredients and needs to wait for them to be produced again and shipped to the processing facility, that can take quite a long time. Also, since 2020, the cost involved in manufacturing all those separate ingredients has surely skyrocketed, so this has all been passed down to the consumer.

[@MarlenaStell]

@@stephaniebarker472 all of this for sure!

[@wendyarias9264]

I love you're sharing all these important information. 👏👏👏

[@cupiedoll9759]

I love that you share your experiences and knowledge with us. We appreciate it ❤

[@mfrance3834]

Such good info and well delivered! Keep it up, you’re a wonderful person to listen to.

[@jkp7096]

This was the informative and thorough video on makeup comparisons I have seen. Thank you Marlena.

[@tc432]

Also from Canada. Great information. So much value on your site. Thank you.

[@suzanneholman1203]

The Valentino looks smoother and more blended on you. The Essence looks a bit patchy, sadly. That's the one I own.

[@misssbev]

Definitely looked different didn’t it…

[@lynetteraab3107]

Wow this was super interesting and informative! One of the key factors to me with any type of makeup is longestivity. I don't want to spend time putting makeup on just to have it wear off after a few hours. Thank you for this great content!

[@amberp5207]

The information in this video is excellent. Thank u for trying to help consumers understand how these things work.

[@carmensiordia7097]

Marlena’s lips are so stunning I couldn’t focus on the content!😂 I was bummed she did not share what she was wearing.

[@justynakavi407]

One of the most interesting beauty videos I've seen and I've watched thousands. Also even though your gloss leaked here, I think you look so beautiful with red lip and you don't seem to wear it often, also I need to get this Essence blush, so affordable but looks beautiful

[@stephanietorres5679]

You have nailed this info. I can tell that I enjoy makeup from Korea and Italy. ❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊

[@Karyn-276a]

Much of the Luxury/ Prestige “brands” are the Exact same product. It’s just the packaging. Thank you for doing this! I research Every product I use… and all of them are “Budget” brands.

[@christinebrydges9847]

Marlena, you bring information to us that no other MAs have done. Thank you for expertise. You’re so beautiful as well! Can you post where to find your lipstick? Thank you for helping us.

[@NusratJahanAntoraa]

if u apply thee blushes side by side in ur face, there no significant differences like the price tag diff. more than how swatched, it is more important how applied

[@Viktoria-77598]

My problem with a drugstore makeup is that it’s always a lottery. You buy a $10-20 foundation or any other product without sampling. You can’t even see a texture until you get home and open it. I don’t bother returning cosmetics I tried and didn’t like, so for me two unfortunate trips to get a drugstore makeup = one trip to Ulta or Sephora, trying shades, and buying a product that I’ll actually use.

[@kristendaddow-rodriguez2959]

Some of the brands, elf for sure I know, has a shade match guarantee. I have received a refund from elf when I wasn't happy with the match

[@sandyrice3559]

I'm a total science geek, as well as a Makeup Geek 😊, so this information was fascinating. I used to be such a makeup snob, but over the past five years or so I've been able to embrace some drugstore products because they've seriously upped their game. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us, Marlena ❤

[@gillianmcgrath1929]

Marlena, you never fail to educate me! Now I’m off to drool over Valentino blushes 😂

[@thefreshmaker001]

I stopped buying luxury or prestige products several months ago. My wallet is better off for it. I enjoy changing my makeup frequently, and it's better to pay less.

[@PlugInKali]

It could be because I'm in the EU, but my Essence Pure Nude Baked Blush has no talc in the formula at all. It has mica and corn starch and it's completely smooth. Oh, and it's also made in Italy.

[@R5000-f9q]

Ty, Marlena! I checked out your other page and I love it! You're right; prices are soaring! I LOVE ELF! I only recently discovered Elf and it's wonderful!

[@flavialm1]

I worked at industrial engineering, and whenever people say it is the same product because it is produced in the same place when comparing 2 brands, I ask if every food they prepare the same? Is prepared in the same place, by the same people with the same equipment.

[@cm_mb]

Yes, it's baffling people actually buy into this! I guess common sense is not so common anymore.

[@MarlenaStell]

@@flavialm1 not the same product by any means BUT costing for that product won’t vary drastically because labor for that food will be the same. Hopefully that makes sense ❤️

[@2cmrinhfx]

I absolutely LOVE the quality of this video. It is obvious you took the time to make it a very high-quality video that matches the information. I enjoyed every minute of it. I have come to really enjoy & rely on your non-partisan views of products as they are knowledge-based, not creating a video of the newest hyped product for clicks. I will say while I enjoy some drug store products the main reasons I do not buy there are : No samples to try, returning can be a hassle and I believe the companies count on that and the people working at the drug store are rarely makeup artists, with the level of knowledge of products I am looking for. They are always helpful, but their information comes from the product reps. I once was shopping at Shoppers Drug Mart (Canada) and happened upon a product rep giving an in-service to the staff. I heard her tell them "This is by far our best-selling mascara and our most lucrative, you can encourage your customers to try it by emphasizing.....". Obviously, you would not try mascara on in a drug store, and then you could have the mental note of "Well it's a hassle to return and it was only $21".....which is why I prefer mid to higher-range products within reason. Thanks again for this OUTSTANDING video.

[@Life-vu5te]

Elf sadly smells like shit post opening it, maybe within 5 months. Also their packaging is very weirdly leaky for concealor and halo glow. I do live in a very hot climate which can get humid, but my products are always indoors in AC. This actually makes it more expensive for me, buying products again within 5 months. I have had products at same price range work and smell fine for over 3 years post opening.

[@PamelaH_HappyVibes]

I totally noticed the Quality Control clip showing lip sticks!!! 😂 I love learning from Marlena. ❤ If Marlena was my teacher in school I would have made straight A’s!

[@Spectralevidence-1692]

I think Milani products are all from good to excellent AND reasonably priced for all ages. Than kyou for another great lesson.❤

[@adavis4634]

This was an outstanding video! I learned so much! Thanks a million for educating me on one of my loves….makeup. 😊

[@jspohl]

Thank you! Very educational. I’m a big believer in how we feel about anything making a difference to our experience - even the food we eat and water we drink - (in terms of perception but also on a spiritual level some say our thoughts and feelings influence the molecules and how they perform) so it depends on the buyer or appreciator as much as any product and how much care goes into production. Food always tastes better when made or eaten with love. A good artist and positive person could get great effect with lower quality tools but sublime effect with the best quality - depending on how they feel about luxury and abundance or great deals. It’s lovely there are wonderful things at every price point for people to enjoy. ❤