If you haven’t seen makeupbymingles work her glossy magic on YouTube check her out here and, of course, subscribe!

Q: What is your name?  Do you have any nicknames?
Melissa. I go by either Mel or MIngles which is a combination of my first and last name.

Q: We usually see you sitting down on camera! How tall are you?
I’m 5’4 but I wear heels 95% of the time so that makes me about 5’9.

Q: Does anyone ever tell you that you look like someone famous? If so, who?
Not until lately actually. My parents and my cousin Tom keep telling me I look like “Flo” (Dana Patrick) from the Progressive Insurance commercials. I don’t see it, but she’s cute and I love her bubbly personality so I’m okay with that.

Q: When did you become interested in cosmetics and beauty products?
I’ve been putting on makeup since I was pretty young. I will never forget the first time I got busted. I was in the 6th grade, my mom showed up to school unexpected and I had bright red lipstick on. I was in so much trouble.

Q: Who are your inspirations as far as fashion and beauty?
When it comes to fashion I wear what I like regardless if anyone else thinks it’s the “in” thing. I like to be comfortable and feel confident and I can’t do that wearing something that doesn’t work for me. Most days I’m in a pair of jeans, black tank top and heels. As far as beauty goes I have been so inspired by Lauren Luke. She is beautiful and so down to earth. She shows everyone that you don’t have to be a size 2 and perfect to make it big. I’m so happy for her.

Q: What is your philosophy on makeup?
Do what is right for you. What works for one person isn’t gonna work for everyone. Identify the best products for you and how you feel comfortable wearing makeup and ROCK it!  If your just starting out with makeup don’t feel discouraged watching people on YT who have large collections of makeup. It takes time to build up a collection. Use what you have and be proud of it!

Q: What are a few of your “obsessions” right now?
I’m really loving Greek food. My husband got me hooked a while back for one of our date nights. My taste in everything else is pretty much the same. I like watching real crime shows, and Days of Our Lives. As far as music goes I love anything that has a good beat. I’m really hooked on Kings of Leon and Chevelle.

Q: How old are your sons?  Did becoming a mom changed your beauty routines or your outlook on beauty?
My oldest is 9 and my youngest is 4. The biggest change for me since becoming a mom is time.  With kids anything can happen. I try to get ready first thing so that I’m not running to school to drop off  something my son forgot or running to the hospital for a bump on the head without any makeup on.

Q: How did you and your husband meet?  What does your he think of your YouTube adventures?
Brian and I had some of the same friends and hung out together casually. That friendship developed into a romantic relationship. We got married after only 9 months of official dating. He is my best friend and the most amazing husband, & father. He is so supportive of everything I do including my YT videos. He keeps the kids quiet and understands when I’m editing, and have makeup all over the place. He even helps me name tutorials and will run to the MAC store if I need something.

Q: What are some of your favorite channels to watch on YouTube?
I have so many favorites that I couldn’t just name a few. Most of what I watch is beauty related but what keeps me watching/subbed to someone’s videos is not only skill but personality. There are so many talented people out there but they are not fun to watch. I would rather see someone who makes mistakes and who’s look isn’t perfect every time but who makes you smile and feel good when you watch their video.

Q: What got you started doing videos on YouTube?
I’ve been sharing advice with friends and family for several years and I love when someone asks my opinion. I figured YT would be a way for me to continue to share my advice and meet other makeup loving guys and gals.

Q: How does it feel to have over 1,300 people care about you and your opinions?
It’s hard for me to believe. I’ll never forget being so excited that I got my first subscriber and it wasn’t a family member haha.. I think it’s so cool. I really appreciate everyone watching and being subscribed.

Q: Has YouTube affected your life?  If so, how?
Oh yes definitely. I have learned so much. I love that you can watch different people with different techniques and skill levels without leaving your house. I have met some really nice people through YT and developed wonderful friendships. I don’t have very many “real life” makeup loving friends so I feel really lucky to have developed the friendships that I have because of YT.

Q: What do you do to keep your channel a positive place despite all of the negativity constantly coming at YouTubers?
I believe in treating everyone like I want to be treated. I also realize that most of what people say on the internet would never be said face to face. It’s all just words and it has absolutely no affect on my life outside of the internet.

Q: We know you love your subscribers! But is there anything that you get sick of being told or asked?
Absolutely not. I get the most supportive comments/compliments all the time. The only thing that has been consistently brought up is the fact that I have kids. According to some really sweet people I don’t look old enough to have children.

Q: Do you ever have buyers remorse for spending your hard earned money on beauty products?
No not at all. I enjoy beauty products of all types and try hard not to impulse buy. If I’m not 100% sure about something I’ll just wait on it. If I still want it after I leave I’ll go back and get it. I also shop at places that have a return/exchange policy just in case that amazing product I bought isn’t so amazing once I’ve gotten it home. This way I’m never out any money.

Q: What draws you to buy a certain product or brand of makeup?
Oh I’m such a sucker for cute packaging but over the years I’ve learned that it’s not all about packaging. I judge by versatility (multi-use products), the uniqueness, and then of course my personal taste. If it’s a brand of makeup that I haven’t used before I reach out to people who have used it and ask their opinions.

Q: Do you have any classic “go to” cosmetic items?  What are a few of your favorites?
I definitely do. I find that I’m always using my Blacktrack Fluidline, Ardell Demi Wispies false lashes, Shroom e/s, Peachy Keen blush and Aquafor or MAC lip conditioner. I would never want anything to happen to my makeup collection but I could survive with at least those items.

Q: Do you have any beauty secrets or tips that you think most other people don’t know about?
Unfortunately I haven’t discovered that one thing that no one knows about yet. I do think that everyone should have a really good makeup remover, facial scrub and face mask. However, my mother who is gorgeous uses a tiny bit of olive oil on her skin to moisturize. She has the softest most youthful skin. I can only hope to age as gracefully as she has.

Q: Can you tell us anything that we probably didn’t know about you?
I always wanted to be an only child. So much that when my sister was born (I was almost 2) I used her as my “piggy bank”. While my mom was washing dishes I went to my sister’s buggy and stuffed pennies down her throat. My mom heard her choking, ran in, turned her over and all my money came pouring out. Surprisingly my sister and I are very close and she still loves me.

Q: We want to play Pee Wee’s Playhouse. Will you slip a “secret word” into your next video for our readers? The secret word is “Bouncy”.
I loved Pee Wee’s playhouse and used to do the “secret word” game with my sisters. I will definitely be putting some “bouncy” in my next video.