STOP SPENDING MONEY on the wrong makeup products: Shopping tips from a PRO

[@therealdonnawagner]

The white cast on that lip pencil is wax bloom and indicates the pencils were stored at too high a temperature at some point before purchase. This isn't difficult to believe since their place of origin is Mexico. You can also see this phenomenon on chocolate that is stored in temps high enough to allow some waxes to come out of the crystalline structure without being hot enough to liquefy it completely. Wax bloom is harmless, but the loss of wax in the structure can change the textures of things slightly.

[@phyllistallent4149]

I’ve had the white cast before- as you pointed out, most likely from temperature exposure

[@kfemme68]

Yes, I remember buying lip pencils and maybe eye pencils in the past that had the wax bloom. I don't know that I've had one like that in quite a few years but I'm 54 so I've been wearing makeup for a long time. 😜 Thanks for the information. Take care all and big hugs, k

[@MarlenaStell]

Great info! I had feeling it was wax bloom but I’ve never seen on a pencil like that before so it was concerning. The texture on that one vs the Italy one was much different though. The one with wax bloom was super dry

[@carla8687]

Like on reeses cups?

[@jmk1413]

I was coming to say the layman's version of this, thank you! I've had wax bloom on my Colourpop liners (eye & lip)... I'm surprised so many people don't know or are unsure what this phenomena is when they see it. Thank you for dropping the science knowledge!

[@yukikowu5695]

“$9.99….just say $10, why do we keep doing this bullsh*t” 😂😂😂 I love her

[@DanaFruit]

Marlena, your content lately has been impeccable! Thank you so much!

[@MarlenaStell]

Glad you're enjoying it! If you have any types of videos you want to see, let me know :)

[@blazingstar9638]

Love Marlena!❤

[@707tich]

RIGHT! Always have but yes loving this 100000%🔥👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾💓🔥

[@Aleena8700]

DanaFruit agree 💯

[@AlwaysAnnie1]

I was about to comment the same! I've really been enjoying them :)

[@Aleena8700]

Im loving loving these break downs. No one else has done this and im so interested in ingredients. Can you do a foundation section on this series as well? awesome content,

[@MarlenaStell]

Yep! I’ll do some foundation videos starting next week

[@Aleena8700]

@@MarlenaStell omg thank you so much! I'm such a fan of yours! Makeup geek was my first ever eyeshadow brand I ever bought! Hugs.

[@Loffia]

@@MarlenaStell Can't wait!

[@josenieves3843]

You’re quite literally the GOAT, please keep doing these kind of videos, you should be on a major brand’s team to elevate them. PERIODT! 😂

[@EmorettaRobinson]

I'm so glad that you are doing this series. You knowledge of the ingredients and where the products are made is very helpful.

[@PersianPowergirl]

You were made for public speaking. I love the way your speak. So loud, crisp and precise. ❤

[@trishamarie]

I need a tutorial on your eye look. It’s so beautiful, Marlena!

[@StormSongs7]

I think it was last year or the one before, she gave tutorials (LIVE, ifrc), on eyeshadow placement for various shaped eyes. She had umm, cards with various shapes & color combinations. I KNOW there had to have been a ton of planning to make the presentation. *whispers, I took screenshots of a few that I thought would work for myself*.

[@08lunaluna]

OMMGGGGG this totally makes sense with NYX I was going crazy wondering why my 2 lip liners feel different and one has that white cast. oh wow!!!!

[@myshittyreviews]

Love your integrity and honesty…we need more of this in the beauty community.♥️

[@prettyacct]

Years ago Wayne Goss said there were only 3-4 companies that made lip liners. I've seen a white cast plenty of time on lip pencils. I've always found it to be a slightly drier pencil and that's the only difference.

[@unicornL]

Maybelline is my favorite lipstick. The creme formula is amazing ❤

[@sabinekreuz]

My NYX lip liners are made in Germany. And I love the colors nude pink and pale pink

[@jessicacollins9033]

I’ve worn the Loreal Voluminous mascara for 35 years!!!❤ It’s the best!

[@lexvirgilio]

You’ve been killing it with the content girl!!!! Love love love it!!!

[@MadTeacher]

This KZbinr is absolutely underrated. She should have a lot more followers and reach than what she has rn.

[@jenem9618]

Because she actually knows what she's talking about, and isn't just a glorified salesperson like most of the beauty community. Sad that the salespeople seem to get the most views.

[@b.k8051]

You are the godmother of all things beauty and cosmetics

[@asena1181]

Very very interesting! Thank you Marlena for the work gone into making a video like this. You’re the only one I see doing videos like this and I just want to thank you for that and the education!

[@MarlenaStell]

Thanks for such a sweet comment! ❤

[@dionline88]

I always appreciate your videos, especially when someone with the inside scoop tells me where to spend my $$ and what to save it on. Thank you!! I'll be waiting for the next one!!!!

[@CheyenneRosero]

For me, I really only splurge because of color preference that I can’t find in the drugstore. Basically what you were saying when you got to lip liners. Love this video, super informative!

[@johannajf7914]

I use powder over my sunscreen to mattify it. As my current sunscreen is a bit too greasy it ends up making my powder go hard pan quite fast. I use cheaper powder so I don't feel bad about wasted product from scraping off the hard pan, saving that money to find a better sunscreen is more worth the money to me.

[@Patti-1962]

These kinds of videos are so valuable to me. Having retired very early due to chronic health issues, I had to start buying more affordable products. Since I was stuck at home, I started learning about ingredients and I can honestly say that my makeup collection is almost all affordable products! The most difficult product for me to find was face powder. But the Elf Halo Glow powder is working beautifully~ LOVING your content!!☺

[@lauracorral3594]

Tha white cast is wax bloom. It is harmless. There is a Mexican makeup brand made completely in Mexico and believe me it is pretty good. 🥰

[@thedhufty]

Also taking in consideration that eyeliners, mascara and lipgloss should be changed every so often. I wouldn’t drop a lot of money on those.

[@Katzku]

Can't wait for that talc free video! I try to avoid talc but it's everywhere 😩

[@mehreenjaved5636]

The content is always good, but holy crap this makeup look is 🔥🔥🔥 Clean, glamorous, classic all at once!

[@lindareeves7779]

Marlene is so beautiful! I have always respected her opinion because she’s always been honest with us and she explains things so that I am able to understand also she has so many good videos showing us how to put on our makeup. I started buying her products over 10 years ago and they were always top quality and so low priced

[@cherisenunez2530]

You are the perfect bridge between cosmetic chemist and ingredient geek and I am loving it. While I love watching the chemists go into the molecular formation and break down sometimes my brain loses the plot and I don't bring it back around to the product in my hand. This is fantastic for spring to my 12yr old budding mua - she's just like me and interacts with things based on how they work and less of what label they're wearing. Thank you 😊

[@Crystal0139]

Love these kind of videos so much!! They’re so helpful and informative ❤❤

[@julsz528]

Marlena you are amazing on helping us get the best, good products for our money ❤. You let us know what to get and what to stay far far away from ❤.. I can’t wait to see what your next venture is and to support an honest, caring person that wants the best for us !

[@mammabear8774]

Can u please do a video on the higher price luxury brands that own drugstore brands? Would be so interesting to know who owns who. Love your bravery on your new video line up!!!❤❤

[@samantharuiz6481]

I've been loving Marlena's latest videos. Also, can we talk about her gorgeous caramel highlights? So stunning!

[@biogirl1381]

i’m loving your content, and i’m learning soooo much throughout your series!!! thank you so much!!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@cinachandler6097]

You are such an invaluable resource! Thank you for educating us! ❤

[@mithryanna]

I miss makeup geek brand cosmetics. Excellent quality, safe products, for a good price. Could always rest easy knowing I was getting good quality ingredients.

[@kawealuv952]

I stopped watching makeup vids across the board and have been off the “trends” for years now. But now that I’m older and want to evolve my look I need guidance-especially when it comes to ingredients. I’m so glad I found you again! This content is exactly what I need. I would love to hear about the ingredients you are wary of as I never really thought about it in my 20s and most of my 30s.

[@Venutian5]

Love these types of videos ! You are so unique with your content ! Not only does this help us science nerds who love makeup, but also an average consumer who doesn't have any interest in this but will still BENEFIT from this. BRAVO ! KEEP IT COMING !

[@zinn2214]

Thank you so much for always being honest with your viewers. These videos help consumers so much. I have watched you for so many years, I’ve spent my hard earned money on makeup geek products and I absolutely love the human being you are Marlena. There simply needs to be more people out there who are so upfront and transparent the way you are ❤❤❤

[@janelambley807]

Marlena, these videos are so informative! Thank you for all you share with us ❤

[@jewelie1981]

Id love to see a video on your favorite options for people who prefer to go cruelty free (including the parent companies) because those options for skincare and makeup are much more limited.

[@kathrynbaker7529]

Yes, please! Same.

[@theredhedgewitch]

I would love so hear your thoughts/review on Beauty Pie products. They seem to have a love or hate relationship in the beauty community, but as someone knowledgeable with labs and ingredients, I'd love your thoughts. Your content is a light in this dark consumerism world. Keep it coming!

[@arcybarrios]

Always one step from the competition! It's been great growing along with you for almost the 14 years that you've been on here. Can't believe it.

[@Emmsays]

I love L’Oréal lipsticks but the smell of those I just can’t ! It makes me sick because of my anxiety

[@ArizonaprincessM]

Your hair color is beautiful!! I need this in my life ❤

[@christiedugal279]

Thank you for explaining Isododecane! I have a bad reaction to it and always break out when I use a product that has it. I’ve never been able to get a clear understanding of what exactly it is.

[@beajat]

Now this was an interesting video! Excellent content Marlena! This this the Marlena that captivated me back in 2006! ❤️

[@nikiholman5740]

Omg this explains why the NYX lipliners I have some feel dry and some creamy. Just checked and YUP I never would have noticed on my own I thought they had QA issues so I stopped buying it

[@wildflowers100]

Love you so much, Marlena! Thanks for posting these helpful tips. ❤

[@mrs.dianavanessahill]

I love you Marlena! You make a Huge difference in the Beauty industry so genuine & caring ❤🎉

[@p31heart]

So excited for you to source a talc free and mica free makeup that is clean thank you

[@lisapierce525]

I am loving your content. So glad I came across this channel! Thank you Marlena!

[@MarlenaStell]

Glad you found me too! Xoxo

[@paulettejs2613]

I have just found your you tube channel and now I am binge watching you. Thank you for all the information you are passing on. Prayers to you and yours.

[@kayanataslam1766]

Can we please have a similar video, but for skincare?

[@LAOM3423]

You are the OG when it comes to make up! Keep these videos coming!

[@vcr6854]

I LOVE this series!!! It’s super interesting to know and compare the products and ingredients in a different way

[@TaraLynnbeauty]

I'm such a luxury girl, this video was INCREDIBLY insightful and having your background, I appreciate these types of videos❤ Thank you so so much, as always, you're amazing ❤

[@raeleeneloraine4941]

Hi Marlena, this video was so informative. Thankyou for explaining the ingredients and what to look for when comparing products.

[@utoobr10]

In your last video, (which was fantastic, BTW), you do your face makeup first. How do you deal with fall out from eye shadow? And how do you deal with cleaning up under eye mascara from when you accidently stab yourself with the wand and blink hard?

[@ruthfilippini3297]

I was looking at you and I went back to the days when you were younger and I have to say, you keep being my favorite influencer and looking super polished!!! I love watching you!!!!

[@schabs1]

These videos are so great and informative and just help me so much ! Love your makeup look especially your lip combo. ❤

[@klewe13]

I appreciate the way you’re comparing. So helpful. Thank you!

[@Dominique129]

Marlena thank you! Your videos are always helpful to me as I still navigate what I am doing with makeup lol I am also looking forward to seeing your next projects. Kudos to you for also always speaking your truth and saying what you mean 👏🏽

[@blazingstar9638]

This is awesome information, as always. Thank you Marlena!

[@painttheface]

Love this! I would love to know why where the product is manufactured affects the product itself, other than labour costs what else affects the product and the cost?

[@veronika__asmr_]

I'm loving these types of videos 🩷😻🩷😻🩷😻🩷😻🩷😻🩷😻🩷😻

[@MLLL1234]

This is so informative!!! Wish more beauty KZbinrs did this!!!

[@kathleenp3135]

LOVE these videos! So educational! Looking forward to more. Thank you so much! ❤

[@bci905]

Thank you so much Marlena! Look forward to seeing comparisons with setting sprays😅

[@AlisonInCT1971]

Love that you're giving us insider tips! I would never have looked at where something was made before this video. Great advice! Thank you!

[@StormSongs7]

I’m always on the lookout for scents, fragrances, “parfum”, etc…in products. I tried L’Oréal’s Infallible Waterproof concealer. The smell did NOT fade, even after 30 minutes. The scents made me nauseous. Their lipsticks cause it for me, as well 🤢. Thank you for always being honest. 💜💞♥️ .

[@carolinabock2453]

I’m loving all this info Marlena! Amazing content

[@nicole_a_11]

Love these educational videos! You have so much knowledge on this stuff, it's so helpful to us, thank you!!

[@BlingyBea]

Loving your content, can you do one on eyeshadows and those teeny tiny pinpoints/glitters that I hate and how to know if a shimmer shadow has them in it. I can never tell on line and most utubers are not mentioning that horrible glitter fallout where it takes days to get it off your face.❤

[@evaingvarsoncerise9331]

Marlena, you are so wise and generous with your knowledge! Thank you for the straight talk. I trust you more than anyone else in the industry. And whenever you choose to sell something new, I'm buying it. Makeup Geek was my favorite makeup brand. xo

[@Smilin2bfree]

Thank you Marlena, I love when you post because I know I’ll get the truth from you. Enjoy that beautiful family 🦋.

[@kathleenem9207]

I’ve really been enjoying your videos- so informative. I’ve been hearing other KZbinrs singing your praises for years- now I know why.

[@kelly_nd2134]

Marlena! You are awesome 👏🏼 🎉 Thank you for all these recent “behind the scenes” videos. Such great info!

[@Nini-tj6se]

You are becoming one of my favorites! Thank you

[@kittykatkountry1317]

For the nyx liner made from Mexico, the white cast looks like wax bloom. If the liner has wax, maybe that's what makes it white. I got that answer from a customer service representative from pat mcgrath when inquiring about the same thing. I got a lipstick from them n it had a white cast and when they sent me a replacement, it had the same wax bloom. Thoughts?

[@aliciabrooks4779]

Wow very informationa!!! Love it❤ hope you continue doing more videos like this 😊😊😊😊 Thabk you for sharing !

[@milomazli]

OMG, Marlena,.... these inputs on the ingredients are SOOOOO VALUABLE!!! Could you please do these with other products, especially when it comes to parabens and other allergens? I would be SOOOO GRATEFUL! (and I already AM grateful!!)

[@kita3256]

Wow. We needed you doing this Marlena. You are a real one. Thee real one. Thanks.

[@AnnathePiana]

Been watching you since 2008 girl, and the warmer coloured hair reminds me of those early days. You look more beautiful and younger than ever!

[@Nikachu0906]

Loving this series! I can’t wear talc, and trying to find powders without have been hard. But the Covergirl clean line in the pink packaging is vegan, talc free, and cruelty free, so that is what I have been using for the past year or so. I think you should check it out when you are looking for a new powder :-)

[@daniellezadora7637]

This woman is a GODSEND

[@SunFlower-xp6hw]

You totally amaze me with your smarts! Love all your videos and so thankful that you are here helping each and every one of us!

[@beckieinnc12]

I bought a MAC mascara once and hated it. Went right back to my cover girl in the orange tube.

[@cmkarma5554]

I love these scientific 🧪 finds please do more videos also on eye shadows and foundations and face powders! ❤❤❤ great video Marlena.

[@mithryanna]

Thanks for sharing your expertise on the manufacturing! Made for a fascinating video!

[@jesssheppard7658]

Love the transparency!

[@dmg8211]

THANK YOU! For educating us viewers Marlena. Truly appreciate the HONESTY 😊

[@leistickit2953]

Enjoying your professional advice!! What's your obsession for the year so far??? lol

[@irmaradinson2320]

Outstanding video. Thank you so much. When it comes to lipstick I look for drug store brands. Love NYX it was a big surprise about that white stuff around it.

[@shinebright833]

Thank you Marlena! Have a beautiful day 🙏

[@TheMunchyelena]

Those tattoo liners are amazing. I use the white on my waterline and it stays on all day and night!

[@MarlenaStell]

They’re really good!

[@Nicolee1973]

Great video! I only use cruelty free products, so when a drugstore product is recommended instead of a more expensive brand, I usually won’t take advantage of the savings. ( even though I would love to) Can you do a video talking about brands and cruelty free practices? I think it would very interesting. Thanks!❤

[@lilajane3]

Agree, her inside manufacturing and testing product knowledge is very interesting.

[@agelessglamournotyourmamas688]

Thanks for the heads up on the NYX pencil. I never look at where something is made but I will now!😊

[@TheSayantis10]

Thanks Marlena! Loved the video! Could you please do a similar video on blushes and bronzers?

[@uraddiictOnx3]

Cannot wait for talc free vid👀

[@jacquelinekabugo-raderson1878]

Marlena to the rescue! I needed this video. Thank you! 🙂💛💛💛✨️✨️✨️

[@MarlenaStell]

Yay!! xoxo