Get Mario's viral Lip Lift technique by following three effortless steps to enhance, lift, and fill lips with a comfortable matte finish.
Makeup By Mario Ultra Suede® Lipstick and Sculpting Lip Pencil
The Ultra Suede® Lipstick is formulated with ingredients such as Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Dimethicone, and Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, offering a comfortable matte finish. Its ingredient list also includes Microcrystalline Wax, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyethylene, and Kaolin. The formula aims for a long-lasting wear with a pigmented, matte finish. The accompanying Ultra Suede® Sculpting Lip Pencil is designed for precise application and definition, featuring ingredients like Triethylhexanoin and Polyethylene. Both products are subject to ingredient list changes.
MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Serum: A Hydrating and Glossy Balm
As a dedicated fan of Mario Dedivanovic's creations, my expectations for new products are always high, and I have yet to be disappointed. Among my extensive makeup collection, his long-lasting lip liners, pigmented matte shadows, and inky eyeliners are daily favorites. Naturally, I was eager to try his signature lip treatment, the MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Serum.
Billed as a "hydrating, melting, glossy balm," the MoistureGlow lip serum is part of a new wave of enhanced lip-plumping products, joining the ranks of the Fenty Heat Gloss Bomb Heat and Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump, both of which are current favorites. It was time to put it to the test.
Shade Range and Texture
Unlike most tinted lip care products, the MoistureGlow offers a remarkable variety of shades, which is not entirely surprising given Mario's expertise in color. I opted for the shade Honey Glow, a luminous, warm glaze that instantly brightened my complexion. The balm itself feels like a solid serum, possessing a luxurious texture that melts upon contact with the lips, leaving a subtle minty sensation. The stick formula is particularly convenient for on-the-go application, minimizing the risk of mess in my purse. As someone with naturally thin lips, any product that aids in hydration and plumping is highly welcomed.
Performance and Wear
I am delighted to report that this product causes absolutely no stinging or burning sensation. The plumping effect is subtle and creates a soft, pillowy look with a juicy tint. I enjoyed wearing it alone for a hint of color, and it also served as an excellent primer for matte lipstick before applying the rest of my makeup.
MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Color: A More Pigmented Option
If you desire more color payoff, Mario has you covered. My colleague, beauty editor Megan Decker, is a fan of Makeup By Mario's MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Color (also $24). This product offers increased pigmentation while delivering the same glossy, plumping finish as the Lip Serum. Megan describes it as her "new favorite summer lip color," appreciating the compact tube that fits easily into small purses. The doe-foot applicator is perfectly sized for precise application, especially on smaller lips. The formula is a lightweight cream that wears more like a stain, providing long-lasting color without feeling heavy. While she sometimes adds gloss or balm on top for extra shine, she finds the petal pink color beautiful on its own.
Value and Experience
At $24 each, both the MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Color and Lip Serum are premium products, and they feel like it. While other lip plumpers often aim to mimic the appearance of injectable fillers, Makeup by Mario's products provide a naturally full, hydrated pout while feeling like an intensive lip treatment. Combined with the beautiful sheen and tint, these products offer a comprehensive lip solution.
I have accumulated a significant collection of lip products throughout my years as a beauty enthusiast, but I don't believe I've ever loved a lip product as much as the Makeup by Mario Glow Lip Serums. When I first heard about Mario's makeup line, I anticipated the best, and he has surpassed those expectations. The Lip Glow serums were the first Mario products I purchased and quickly became my most frequently used lip product. These serums are among the most unique lip products I have ever encountered, and I now own three shades, with plans to expand my collection.
Understanding the MoistureGlow Plumping Serum
These lip serums are precisely that - a serum. They are highly hydrating, melt beautifully into the lips, and provide a very glossy finish. They apply like a balm but offer enough opacity to be mistaken for a lipstick. They effectively combine the functions of a balm, gloss, and lipstick, resulting in a hydrated, glossy balm finish. They are truly an all-in-one lip product.
Benefits of the MoistureGlow Plumping Serums
As expected from high-quality modern lip products, the MoistureGlow Plumping Serums offer numerous benefits. They are formulated with an ultra-hydrating and nourishing blend of oils, including Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, and Argan Oil. You can feel the oils penetrating your lips, delivering much-needed moisture. The "plumping" aspect is also present, providing a tingling sensation that is less irritating than some other plumpers I have used. These balms genuinely plump the lips, and a slight difference can be observed within a few minutes. While my lips don't necessarily require plumping, they provide a pleasing, fuller-looking effect.
Texture and Feel
Thanks to their balm-like foundation, these products glide onto the lips effortlessly. They do not feel overly slick or greasy; there is a minimal amount of tackiness without being uncomfortable or sticky. I find myself reaching for these when I'm undecided on other lip products, desiring a glossy look without the typical glossiness. They impart enough color to feel like more than just a balm, and the shimmer effect adds a special touch, catching the light in a uniquely beautiful way. They represent a more sophisticated lip product than your average lipstick, gloss, or balm. I liken them to the "black t-shirt" of lip products: they complement everything, always look good, and are easy to style.
As previously mentioned, I own three shades: Bare Glow, Blush Glow, and Mauve Glow. I purchased two of these lip kits during the Sephora sale in the fall, and they have become my go-to lip combinations. I also appreciate the accompanying liners.
Makeup By Mario Lip Kits: A Mixed Experience
One user reported loving a Mario lip kit, noting that the lipstick was highly pigmented with a beautiful color, describing it as their "perfect pink nude." The formula was described as long-lasting and comfortable, though a desire for more hydration was expressed. The matte finish was considered very pretty, and the pencil was easy to use and creamy.
Conversely, another user expressed disappointment with a lip lift kit, finding both the lipliner and lipstick formula to be quite drying. While acknowledging it's a matte formula, they felt it was "a little too matte" for their preference, despite generally favoring matte formulas. They continued to use the lipliner due to its beautiful color, pairing it with other matte lipsticks that worked better for them.
Makeup By Mario Ultra Suede® Cozy Lip Creme: A Matte Revival?
In the Trial Run series, TZR editors and writers rigorously test the latest beauty products. This week, our writer is reviewing the new Makeup By Mario Ultra Suede® Cozy Lip Creme.
There was a period around 2013 when matte lipstick seemed to dominate the market, with nude hues and occasional pops of red being particularly popular. Formulas promised all-day wear without flaking. Reflecting on this era, Mario Dedivanovic, Kim Kardashian's long-time makeup artist, created that signature barely-there matte lip. Now, two years after launching his successful eponymous brand, Makeup By Mario, he has introduced a lip product designed to recreate that look: the Ultra Suede Cozy Lip Creme.
While matte lips were the trend of the early 2010s, current makeup trends emphasize moisture and a dewy finish. This made me eager to test the founder's latest lip product, touted as a truly matte lip cream. By definition, a lip cream falls between a lipstick and a moisturizing cream, lacking the shine of a gloss. Lip creams typically promise longevity, harkening back to the days when 24-hour wear was the ultimate goal. Read on for my assessment of the matte lip's resurgence and whether the Lip Creme lives up to the hype.
What Makes the Ultra Suede Cozy Lip Creme Unique?
This product is available in 12 shades, ranging from soft pinky neutrals to deep vampy maroons. Lip creams often prioritize staying power above all else, but this new offering provides a "comfortable cushion" that blurs the natural texture of the lips for a smoother finish. The result is wearability that doesn't settle into fine lines, creating a fuller-looking pout. Passionfruit seed oil is highlighted as the key ingredient contributing to this "cozy" formula.
Testing the Ultra Suede Lip Creme
Once I adapted to using a doe-foot applicator-something I hadn't used since I was 16-I was surprised by how lightweight the product felt. Matte lip products can dry almost instantly upon application and, in some cases, even flake off throughout the day, generally lacking comfort. However, the Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Cozy Lip Creme boasts an airy, almost whipped texture. While the final result is full coverage, the application felt less high-stakes than with liquid lipsticks I've used previously. The sample I received was in the shade Vampish, a deep plum brown. While not my usual choice, this is part of the experience of being a beauty writer. I felt intimidated when I first opened the product, given the dramatic claims like, "This is the only lip product I’ll ever wear again," or "I’m literally speechless." My personal trial was somewhat less theatrical.
I was pleasantly surprised by how supple the product felt on the wand and how easily I could refine the edges around my lips after the initial application. The final result was a true satin matte-a finish I would have previously considered an oxymoron. After a few minutes to dry down, it still felt breathable and comfortable on my lips. My personal preference leans towards lip pencils or classic lipstick tubes, but with careful application, the doe-foot applicator proved manageable, requiring two or three swipes for complete coverage. The real test for any long-wear lip product is its performance throughout the day. I drank my tea and water, and had dinner with a friend, all without reapplication. Upon returning home, the look was, understandably, less pristine than when I left. Some fading occurred at the corners, but my lips did not feel dry or cracked. While the color was outside my comfort zone, I can imagine the perpetually sold-out nude Mocha Latte shade being an easier color to wear.
Should You Try the Ultra Suede Cozy Lip Creme?
As with all makeup, the decision to purchase this product comes down to personal preference and budget. At $24, it aligns with the market price for a high-end lip product. Regarding personal preference, lip creams are not typically my first choice, but if you are seeking a long-lasting formula with intense color that doesn't dry out your lips, this product genuinely delivers. It appears that Makeup by Mario might be spearheading a matte lip renaissance after all. We at TZR only feature products independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission if you purchase a product through a link in this article.
I tragically lost this product back in March. It broke my heart because I loved it far too much to lose it in such a manner. THE BACKSTORY: I was highly intrigued by this type of twist-up gloss stick formula last year. I observed how some of these products went viral on social media, with those from MAC receiving the most attention. THE PRODUCT: I appreciate the packaging of these. The color of the component matches the color of the product inside, which is always helpful for selecting your desired shade if you own multiples. The exterior, while entirely plastic, has a matte finish and differs from standard, smooth plastic. The somewhat questionable aspect of this product is its dispensing mechanism. You twist the bottom to push the product up. If you twist it up too much, you cannot push it back down. This is precisely why you must be mindful while using this product. Dispensing too little may not provide enough product to coat your lips. The consistency of this product is also quite interesting. It resembles a melting balm. It melts onto the lips and applies smoothly. The adherence is decent, but its longevity is not. You will need to touch up after drinking or eating. What is good about it is that the hydration it leaves behind is retained, and your lips will not feel crusty or dry once it wears off. An interesting observation is that it tends to sit on top of lip lines or dry patches. I love that it has a glossy finish. I also enjoy the slight minty tingle it provides. While it claims to be plumping, I am not entirely convinced by that aspect. The thing is, I absolutely loved this product and used it at every opportunity, but then I… lost it. I genuinely misplaced it somehow. I suspect either someone at my last workplace took it, or I simply lost it. Hoping for the best in people, I sincerely wish it was the latter. ♥ OVERALL: I really like these and would even go as far as to recommend them.