Meet the beauty content creator who garners thousands of views by staying transparent and authentic
Related: How to Look Like a Modern 90s Supermodel Through Makeup
This is an excerpt from the Beauty Blog section of MEGA’s August 2023 issue
Influencer marketing is undoubtedly a successful method to sell products. When the pandemic hit and we couldn’t go to physical beauty counters to test makeup or skincare products ourselves, we trusted the influencers to discern which were worth our money. But what happens when every time you scroll through social media, somebody is always telling you to buy something? It becomes hard to differentiate between a real recommendation and an endorsement made solely for monetary gain.
In an era where it’s easy to drown in the crowded waters of online content, it’s important to know the influencers you can fully trust. Enter Marj Maroket, a TikTok influencer whose domain is filled with honest beauty reviews. “We have a responsibility as influencers, that’s why if you noticed, in my page, I choose to keep it positive,” she says.
Despite ever-changing algorithms and even unreliable engagement, Maroket never uses her platform to create drama for virality of content. Instead, she focuses on simply sharing her passion for beauty. “I choose to only talk about products I actually love,” she reveals. “I also make it a point to tell my followers that if you don’t see me talking about it online, it probably means it didn’t work for me.” She also applies this kind of transparency when she works with brands: “Before entering a partnership with a brand, I always test out the products first. If it works, then I agree to work together. If not, I simply decline or ask if other products might work for me, and we can try again. That’s how I keep it honest.”
BEAUTY TALKS
WHAT IS YOUR BEAUTY PHILOSOPHY?
Just do what makes you feel good and don’t care about what anybody else thinks.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO MAKE BEAUTY FUN AGAIN?
I don’t like it when people say that with makeup, you shouldn’t do this or you should only do that. To me, there are no rules when it comes to makeup; it’s just pure fun. It’s a form of self-expression and the impact of beauty might not be as big on others as it is on me, but it genuinely helps me mentally and makes me happy.
WHAT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF BEAUTY CONSUMERS TODAY?
It’s a huge responsibility for influencers and creators to produce honest and truthful content, but at the same time, as consumers, we should also be responsible in doing our research. Just because someone likes it, doesn’t mean that it’ll work for you. You have to test it out yourself.
NAME YOUR TOP THREE SKINCARE AND MAKEUP PRODUCTS.
For skincare, I have been using the ESTÉE LAUDER Advanced Night Repair since 2018, and I use the KIEHL’S Retinol Daily Micro-Dose Serum nightly. Sunscreen is also a personal essential. I use the SNAILWHITE Everyday Glow Sunscreen SPF 50+/PA++++ or the HAPPY SKIN Rescue Me Invisible Sun Gel Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 40.
For makeup, you can never go wrong with a blush. RARE BEAUTY’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush has a new shade which is Virtue and has a peachy-pink tone. My ride-or-die product is also the ISSY & CO. Active Skin Tint. I’ve bought more expensive skin tints from Sephora and abroad, but nothing has surpassed it. I’m also in love with lashes, so my favorite right now is the FABOULASH Lashtension in L20.
HOW HAS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH BEAUTY EVOLVED THROUGH THE YEARS?
I started by doing very strong brows, and I feel like everybody went through that phase. I also wasn’t very good at shade-matching my base, so my foundation would be too light or ashy.
Now, I’m more into a natural-looking complexion. I love blush, shiny lips, and looking glowy.
ARE THERE BEAUTY MOVEMENTS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE OF IN THE FUTURE?
I want straight men to wear makeup. My boyfriend’s a fan of Tom Ford, and I told him that Tom Ford has makeup and showed him a video. I’ve been encouraging him to use things like concealer, but he’s still on the fence about it, so I would love for straight men to be unafraid of experimenting with makeup.
Discover more of Marj Maroket’s top beauty tips in MEGA’s July 2023 issue, now available on Readly, Magzter, Press Reader and Zinio.
Art Direction NICOLE ALMERO
Sittings Editor AGOO AZCUNA-BENGZON
Makeup MARJ MAROKET, assisted by MALLORY MAROKET
Hair YUTO MANUYAG, assisted by VINCENT ABAD
Styling QUAYN PEDROSO
Nails CASEY MENDOZA
Photography Assistant JOBO NACPIL
