Category Archives: cleanser

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Pick of the Week…Makeup Remover Facial Towelettes

It’s late. You’re tired. You’re too lazy to take off your makeup. All you want to do is flop face down on your cold fluffy pillow and clock out. There’s only one problem. That voice in your head nagging at you about the breakout you’ll probably wake up with because you slept with your makeup on. The solution? Makeup remover facial towelettes. It’s a fast, convenient way to remove all your makeup and sleep stress free. It’s ideal to remove makeup and thoroughly cleanse your face and moisturize every night, but let’s be honest…it doesn’t happen that way.



Here I review my top 3 picks for facial towelettes. The first is MAC Cosmetics Wipes (maccosmetics.com, $19.50). These remove makeup very well, have natural botanicals to help sooth and brighten skin, and have glycerin to attract moisture. The second is the Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes (Drug Stores, $7). I love these wipes because they have Dead Sea salt which help to tone, brighten and clarify skin for a radiance boost. The third pick is The Body Shop Tea Tree Wipes (www.thebodyshop-usa.com, $12). In the summer, my skin tends to get a little oily and I break out occasionally. Tea Tree helps to keep skin clean and clear of acne without stripping any natural moisture.

Enjoy my video review of my top 3 makeup remover facial towelettes!

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Ask Marissa…Prevent Eye Infections

3 Comments

Jane Doe: I have an eye infection (stye) that keeps recurring. I’ve now washed all my brushes and replaced my mascara (i know it should be replaced or I’ll get eye infections, which is now very obvious). I start a job next Monday, should I replace all my other makeup too (powders, blushes)?

Me: If you keep having infections and you are using your brushes and couble dipping in your eye shadows, then those are most likely infected too. face makeup should be ok to keep. Now some q’s for you:

1. what are you washing your brushes with and how often?
2. how long have you had your makeup you are thinking of replacing?
3. how often do you clean your makeup?
4. how often do you change your mascara?

Jane Doe: ‎
1. Just washed my brushes for the first time in a year with dish soap.
2. About a year. And it’s my face powder – bare minerals.
3. WTF do you mean by “clean your makeup”?
4. Just bought new mascara because of eye infection.

Also, I admittedly do not always wash my face before bed (too tired, meh). So I know I need to change that. And my pillowcases, and my washcloth.

Me: Infections are not caused by not washing your face, pillow cases, etc. Here are some tips on how to prevent eye infections.

1. Your brushes should be washed after every use, but get in the habit of at least once a week for now. Dish soap is ok, but can mess up your brushes. Just be sure it’s a mild formula and anti-bacterial.

2. Your face powder should be ok as long as the brush you are using for it never came in contact with your eyes.

3. especially if you don’t wash your brushes regularly, you should- spray alcohol on, then swipe your lipsticks on a paper towel once a month.
wipe the tops of any dry pressed powders with a dry tissue once a month
spray a paper towel with alcohol, then wipe off the top layer of any cream makeup you have once a week.

4. Mascara should be thrown out after 3months of the first use…and that’s the extreme maximum. When you pull out the wand and don’t hear that kissing sound, then it’s time to get a new one. Also, don’t pump the wand into the tube because you are providing more air for bacteria to breed in there.

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Ask Marissa…Moved to the Desert

11 Comments

Jane Doe: (I just moved to the desert.) Do you have any recommendations on skincare products. I have been using Clinique, Shiesido, and other stuff, but looking for a good affordable one to try out. The weather here in Vegas is dry so something new will be good. Thanks for your help!
Me: It depends on what your main skin concern is. I like different brands for different things.
Jane Doe: I have sensitive skin but mainly dry out here in the dessert. Funny, my skin was oily in the Bay (Area) haha. Any good suggestion on moisturizer?
Me: For the day time, I would stick with Clinique. I love their Superdefense cream for very dry skin ($42.50). Here’s my blog about it:





At night, I love Origins Night-A-Mins cream ($36). It’s really thick, but it won’t break you out.


I know you wanted something less pricey, but you really get what you pay for in a moisturizer.
Cleansing can be a little cheaper though. I like either Aveeno Positively Radiant cleansing pads (average price, $7) or Oil of Olay Daily Facial Hydrating cleansing cloths (average price, $6).


Hope this helps.


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Marissa’s Pick of the Week – Brush Savers

I love, love, love The Brush Guard! ($5.50 per pack) They help to expand the life of your cosmetic brushes by preserving its shape and allowing upside down dry time (!) after washing.
Caring for your makeup brushes the right way can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run. The most important thing to know is how to wash them. Use baby shampoo, antibacterial dish soap, or makeup brush cleanser to thoroughly cleanse each bristle until water runs clear. Never leave your brushes to dry standing upright. This can cause water to drip back into the ferrule (look at the diagram below), loosening the glue that holds the hairs together. The result? Your $50 powder brush starts balding. Until I discovered these money savers via Michelle Phan, I laid my brushes flat to dry.

To use, slip the appropriately sized Brush Guard over your cleansed brush extending the tube about 1/2″ over the bristles. Place the brush upside down in a cup over night. When your brush is dry, slip the tube off (upwards, not down the handle) and your brush is good as new!

If you can’t purchase brush guards right away, you can do wonders with rubber bands! :)

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Marissa’s Pick of the Week – 18 Uses for $15


It’s gratifying when you find a product that exceeds your expectations at a great price. It’s even better when you find one that works 18 different ways! Peach Nut Oil Liquid Soap 18-1-Uses (C.O. Bigelow, $15) is a must have in every home! I have used this wonder soap on my face, hair, and body, and I’ve given my children a bath in it. It’s great for sensitive skin and smells so good! I’ve also used it to clean my leather couch and car dashboard. The oil makes the leather and vinyl soft and shiny while effectively cleaning.

C.O. Bigelow has been selling this product since 1905 in their little West Village apothecary in New York City. The main ingredient, peach kernel oil, is a fast absorbing moisturizer perfect for sensitive skin. This essential oil soothes itching and irritations such as eczema. Lavender extract is an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic that balances, soothes and heals. This added ingredient can help treat acne and balance oily skin. Since ancient times, Lavender extract has been used as a household cleaning agent. Other ingredients include glycerin to retain moisture and vitamin E for antioxidant protection.
List of uses:
  1. body wash
  2. shampoo
  3. face cleanser
  4. shave soap
  5. hand soak
  6. nail soak
  7. foot soak
  8. dish soap
  9. laundry soap
  10. floor cleaner
  11. car washing
  12. boat washing
  13. surf board wash
  14. pet baths
  15. jewelry cleaner
  16. comb and brush cleaner
  17. household cleaning
  18. carpet shampoo