Tag Archives: makeup

Ask Marissa…Prevent Eye Infections

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.

How To Spot Fake MAC Cosmetics On eBay

My new video shows you what to look for when shopping for MAC Cosmetics on eBay. There are thousands of counterfeit M.A.C. Cosmetics in the world, and the internet makes it that much easier to dupe people into thinking it’s the real thing. In my video, I cover brushes, eye shadow palettes, and the Hello Kitty collection. I’ve learned from my mistakes, and I now know that there’s no better deal than buying MAC from real MAC counters, real MAC stores and the MAC website. They are extremely reasonably priced, and the US sells it for less than any other country in the world. This tutorial is meant for those of you who seek out those discontinued or limited edition products that are no longer available. A tip for brushes: JUST DON’T DO IT. The video explains why…

Ask Marissa…Eyeshadow Primer for Red Eyelids



Jane Doe: I’m looking for a good eye primer for red eyelids but can’t decide which one to go for. I want something that neutralizes the skin on my eyes (I have a lot of redness) but also gives my shadows mega staying power.


Me: I have 3 favorite eye primers; M.A.C. Paint Pot in “Soft Ochre” ($16.50), Lancome’s Ombre Perfecteur Pen ($23), and Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion ($18). All have yellow undertones to neutralize redness, and the staying power of shadows are amazing!





 Urban Decay Palette 468 x 60

Non-Pencil Eyeliners

I love cream, gel, powder, and liquid eyeliners. They last longer, glide on smoothly, and are easier to manipulate. “Unpenciled” eyeliners are perfect for creating shapes and effects such as cat eyes or smokey eyes. I generally use an angled liner brush for all these formulas (except liquid), but most companies have a brush specifically made for their cream/gel eyeliners. When it comes to liquid eyeliner, I prefer the foam tips as opposed to the brush applicator. It’s less messy and more precise. Here are some of my favorites:


Liquid eyeliner:

Artliner (Lancome, $28)
Liquidlast Liner (M.A.C., $16.50)
Metal Eyed Liner (Too Faced, $17.50)


Cream eyeliner:

Brush On Cream Liner (Clinique, $14.50)
Ink for Eyes (Urban Decay, $22)
Aqua Cream Liner (Make Up For Ever, $20)


Gel eyeliner:

Fluidline (M.A.C., $15)
Ink Artliner (Lancome, $23.50)

Powder eyeliner:

Carbon Eye Shadow (M.A.C., $14.50)

Brushes:

266 Small Angle Brush (M.A.C., 19.50)
Get Bent Brush (Benefit, $16)
Smudger Brush #10 (Lancome, $24.50)