In the ever-evolving beauty landscape, where celebrities and influencers frequently launch their own brands, it's natural to question whether the appeal lies in the product formulation or the famous face behind it. Makeup By Mario, founded by the renowned makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic, aims to bridge this gap, offering products born from his decades of experience and perfected techniques. This review delves into some of his most talked-about offerings, exploring their performance, value, and whether they live up to the hype.
The Philosophy Behind Makeup By Mario
Mario Dedivanovic, widely recognized for his work with celebrities like Kim Kardashian, has channeled his expertise into creating a makeup line designed to empower both professional artists and everyday consumers to achieve his signature look. His style is often described as minimalist, with a strong emphasis on flawless skin, neutral tones, and strategic pops of color. The brand's ethos is not just about following trends, but about mastering technique. Dedivanovic has meticulously developed user-friendly products that aim to simplify application and enhance natural beauty, many of which have achieved viral status and sold out rapidly.
The initial launch of Makeup By Mario featured a diverse range of products, including matte and metallic eyeshadow palettes, a liquid manipulator for eyeshadows, eye priming and color-correcting kits, highlighters, a highlighter balm, eyeliners, and a set of cruelty-free makeup brushes. Subsequent releases have expanded the collection to include eyeshadow quads, lip glosses, lip palettes, and new eyeliner shades. The brand is committed to being cruelty-free, with many products also being vegan and gluten-free, though individual product checks are recommended.
Key Product Reviews
Master Eye Prep & Set Palette
This palette, retailing at $28, is marketed as a secret weapon for a flawless, long-wearing eye look. It includes two cream concealers/primers and one pressed powder. The concealer products are described as thick yet blendable, offering medium to high coverage. They can be effectively used on both the eyelid and under the eye area to create a smooth canvas for eyeshadow. While the quality is noted as good, and the product is considered solid and worth the money for its coverage capabilities, some users found it ultimately unnecessary for their personal routines. It's suggested that this product might be most beneficial for makeup artists or those deeply invested in the Mario Dedivanovic aesthetic.
The creamy shades apply and blend easily, providing a flawless base for eyeshadow application. The accompanying powder effectively sets the creams, ensuring that eyeshadow does not crease and remains in place throughout the day. While the results are impressive, some reviewers feel that a regular concealer can achieve a similar effect, making the necessity of this dedicated palette debatable for the average consumer. Consequently, while enjoyable to use, it may not be a repurchase item for everyone.
Master Secret Glow Highlighter
The Master Secret Glow Highlighter, priced at $22, comes in a compact white case with a mirror. This product has been met with significant criticism, with one reviewer describing it as "Vaseline" - a clear, sticky balm that feels unpleasant on the skin. It's noted that the product can only be applied to bare skin, as it tends to pick up any powder underneath. While it does provide a "sweaty glow," the sticky texture is a major drawback. For those seeking a subtle glow on bare skin, better alternatives are available, leading to a strong recommendation against purchasing this particular item due to its perceived lack of value and uncomfortable finish.
Another reviewer found this highlighter to be disappointing upon initial swatch, expecting more shine and glitter. However, it performed better when applied to the eyelids, offering a buildable glittery and sparkly effect. While it can create a cute look and is buildable for varying intensity, the high price point remains a concern, with the possibility of achieving similar results using existing pressed glitters.
Soft Pop Powder Blush
Described as an easy-to-blend formula in natural-looking shades, the Soft Pop Powder Blush has earned a permanent place in some daily routines. It's considered a favorite among Mario's blush offerings, providing a soft yet impactful pop of color. The available shades, in both shimmer and matte finishes, are praised for their ability to add a healthy flush to the cheeks. However, the limited shade range (currently five shades) leaves room for hope that more colors will be released in the future.
The blush is an ideal way to add color to the cheeks, and its formula is noted for being weightless with good "wattage." It's ultra-silky and melts onto the skin, blending beautifully for a seamless finish.
SurrealSkin Foundation
A newer addition to the brand, the SurrealSkin Foundation offers medium coverage with a luminous, glowy-not-greasy finish that enhances the skin's natural luminosity. The coverage is buildable, allowing for a sheer to true medium finish depending on application. It's noted for its compatibility with various textures, working well with both creams and powders, and boasts impressive longevity throughout the day. Application can be done with a brush for even coverage or with hands for a more natural look. Some users find it beneficial to cocktail with other base products for an enhanced finish.
Master Metals Eyeshadow Palette
While not as widely discussed as the Master Mattes palette, the Master Metals Eyeshadow Palette is highly regarded for its bold colors and performance. The sleek white packaging contains five brilliant metallic shades that are both reflective and pigmented. These shades can deliver a wet-look effect due to incredibly fine shimmer particles, functioning as a cross between an eyeshadow and an eye gloss. They can be used alone or layered over other shadows for added depth and impact. This palette is particularly noted for its ability to create dramatic and reflective eye looks.
Pro Pencils (Eyeliner)
The Pro Pencils have garnered significant praise and are considered a standout product by many, including one reviewer who declared them their absolute favorite. These pencils are celebrated for their extreme creaminess, smoothness, and ease of application. They feature a blending brush on one end, and while the creamy formula allows ample time for blending, the product sets down to a long-wearing, smudge-proof finish. This combination of blendability and lasting power is a key reason for their high recommendation.
The creamy texture ensures easy application without tugging, and once set, the liner remains in place all day without smudging. This makes them a reliable choice for creating precise lines or smoky looks.
Glosses
The Makeup By Mario glosses have received positive reviews for their subtle yet visible sparkle, reminiscent of high-end glosses but with a more understated finish. The formula is described as thin and not sticky, with only a slight tackiness when lips are rubbed together. They also provide a hint of color, adding an extra touch to the lips without being overwhelming. These glosses are considered approved for their comfortable wear and appealing finish.
Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil
This lip pencil is highlighted for its tug-free formula and dual-ended smudger, making it a user-friendly option for lip lining. A popular technique involves overlining the cupid's bow and the center of the bottom lip, then using the buffing brush to diffuse the lines for a fuller, natural-looking pout. The creamy, easy-to-use formula is credited with making this technique foolproof.
Master Crystal Reflector Highlighter
This product is noted for providing a subtle, barely noticeable highlighter, ideal for those who prefer a less intense sheen. It can be applied as a sheer dusting or built up for a bolder effect. The silky pressed powder blends seamlessly into the skin, offering a luminous finish without appearing glittery or overdone.
E305 Eye Shadow Blending Brush
Beyond makeup products, the brand's brushes are also lauded. The E305 brush, with its dome shape and soft, low-density bristles, is specifically praised for its ability to blend powder eyeshadows with exceptional ease. Even for those not skilled in eyeshadow application, this brush helps achieve a perfect eye look effortlessly.
Other Noteworthy Mentions
- Awakening Concealer: This self-setting concealer is finger-friendly and designed to not require setting powder, drying down without creasing or caking. Its shade range is expertly developed for various skin tones.
- SoftSculpt Shaping Stick: Praised for its creamy, immovable formula and on-point shade range, it's considered a top contour stick that blends well without transferring or smudging easily.
- Plumping Lip Serum: This multi-beneficial product offers hydration (thanks to hyaluronic acid), a glossy sheen, color, and a plumping effect, making it a convenient one-and-done item.
- Master Metals Eyeshadow Palette: While the Master Mattes palette is popular, the Master Metals offers bolder colors with brilliant, reflective metallic shades perfect for creating impactful eye looks.
- Brow Pencil: The angled pencil with a gray undertone is designed to mimic the look of natural brow hairs, making it a convincing tool for filling in brows.
Overall Verdict and Value
While Mario Dedivanovic's expertise is undeniable, the reception of his product line is mixed. Some items, like the Pro Pencils and glosses, are highly recommended and considered repurchase-worthy. The brand's complexion products, including the foundation and blushes, also receive considerable praise for their performance and wearability. However, certain products, such as the Master Secret Glow Highlighter and potentially the Master Eye Prep & Set Palette, are viewed as less essential or overpriced for the results they deliver, with comparable or better alternatives available at lower price points. Many reviewers express that while the products are good and perform well, they often fall short of being truly "flabbergasting" or revolutionary, especially given the premium pricing. Despite some criticisms, the brand's commitment to quality, technique-driven formulas, and cruelty-free practices continues to garner a loyal following, with many anticipating future releases in hopes of discovering more holy-grail products.