Category Archives: skincare

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…Tinted Moisturizers with Good Coverage

Jane Doe: What’s a good tinted moisturizer that still has decent coverage?

Me: I have 2 tinted moisturizers that I LOVE! The first one is MAC Studio Moisture Tint SPF 15. It gives great light to moderate coverage while providing 8 hours of time released moisture. It really evens out my skin tone and has a natural finish so it doesn’t look like I’m wearing any makeup. I love this product because while it perfects the look of my skin, it also protects and prevents my skin from environmental damage and aging. It’s water based, so it’s safe for all skin types.

My second favorite is Lioele Whitening & Wrinkle Care BB Cream SPF 30 (or Triple the Solution BB Cream on some websites). This is a Korean tinted moisturizer that contains ingredients like yogurt and hyaluronic acid to keep your skin soft and moisturized, and a high SPF to prevent sun damage and aging. This has medium coverage ans makes my skin look flawless. Since I started wearing this, I get so many compliments on my skin.

Ask Marissa…Clinique Discontinued Clarifying Makeup!

Jane Doe: Clinique stopped carrying the foundation I use, what do you like as a medium coverage foundation for oily skins? I’ve been looking around and nothing has jumped out at me yet. I am almost out, so I am going to need to get some soon.


MeWhich foundation did you use? Have you tried their Acne Solutions foundation ($24.50)? It’s pretty amazing. I also like Teint Idol Freshwear ($32) by Lancome. I know you don’t have a MAC near you, but if you ever make it Louisville, try Studio Fix Liquid foundation ($26). Studio fix controls oil throughout the day and has buildable coverage.


Jane DoeI can’t remember the name of it. It was their last acne one that was in tube. It always separated if it sat for too long. I am sure that’s why they got rid of it.


MeIt was either Continuous Coverage Makeup or Clarifying Makeup.

Jane Doe: Clarifying. You are on it!


MeSome people use their brains for money. I use mine for beauty. It’s way less shallow. LOL.
You would love the new Acne Solutions one then. Its not thick. It’s actually kind of creamy. It has a natural finish so you don’t look all dry and cakey. Plus it controls oil and keeps skin clear with salicylic acid.

Jane DoeCool. i will have to check it out. Thanks for the advice!
MeClinique gives foundation samples now too. 😀

Ask Marissa…Moved to the Desert

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.


Marissa’s Pick of the Week – Lioele Pore Clean & Tightening Pack

A couple weeks ago Promise Phan (one of the most talented makeup gurus on YouTube) posted a link to http://prettyandcute.com/ on Facebook. There, I discovered a magical brand of Korean cosmetics called Lioele. It’s a fairly new company whose business model is the Cinderella story (evident in their packaging). Lioele believes that true beauty can be found in everyone.

Lately, I’ve been seeing pores that I never saw before.
“Great,” I said. “I’m aging.”

Thus began the search for pore shrinking skincare products that wouldn’t dry me out in the winter. On the Pretty and Cute website, I saw the Pore Clean & Tightening Pack ($20). The picture showed 2 tubes so I thought,
“This looks interesting. It’s like a 2-step pore tightening system.”
Well I was wrong. Only 1 box came. So then I thought,
“Okay? So maybe it’s like a gel peel or something.”
Wrong again.
What it actually is, is a mask. Yup. Just a mask. I was really disappointed, but then I tried it.

The clay mask was a dark gray color that had the same consistency as other masks I’ve used. It did have a distinct smell of leeks. Leeks aren’t in the ingredients, but I don’t know what else to compare it to. It was very fresh, crisp, and green smelling. Not quite grass. Not quite celery. just plant like.

Here is a list of some ingredients and what it’s supposed to do:

During application, the scent of the mask started to calm me. I was liking it more and more. When it started to dry, I could feel it going to work. It felt almost as if there were little suction cups sucking all the crap out of my face. It didn’t hurt or feel itchy like some other masks do.

(Ever wonder what your skin would look like when you’re 80?)
Rinsing off the mask was easier than other masks. I didn’t have to scrub or rub it off. My skin felt really smooth and soft. I didn’t feel any film or oils or anything at all, just my skin. Even though it felt clean, it wasn’t squeaky and tight. I could easily glide my finger across my cheeks without skipping. It’s hard to explain. My skin just had a nice slip to it without being slippery? My skin looked brighter and more radiant.
Here’s how I knew it worked:
After I completed the process, I noticed a little blackhead and blemish that I didn’t have before.
Here’s a tip– If you use a deep cleansing mask for the first time and you don’t have any new blackheads or blemishes, then it’s probably not working all that well.
In the end, I really liked this mask. I would have never tried it, if it wasn’t for the misleading picture and mysterious lack of info on the website. I already have a couple masks that I like, but this mask is definitely a favorite. It’s fresh, gave great results, and is perfect for my acne prone skin that turns dry in the winter. *Two thumbs up*