I Tried 6 Iconic Makeup By Mario Products: These 2 Have Now Made it into my Daily Routine
Main image – Courtesy of writer
When Mario Dedivanovic—celebrity makeup artist and the man behind some of the most iconic beauty looks of the last two decades—launched his namesake brand, it felt like a natural next step.
Having worked with everyone from Kim Kardashian to editorial photographers and backstage teams, Mario’s artistry is grounded in precision, skin-first finishes, and timeless glamour.
Launched in 2020, Makeup By Mario reflects that same vision: wearable, high-performance formulas that feel as effortless as they look polished.
Of course, in an industry where it feels like celebrities and influencers launch brands on what feels like a weekly basis, it’s natural to wonder whether we’re paying for five-star formulas or for famous faces. But when the founder is already one of the world’s most respected makeup artists, the result can feel less like a cash-grab and more like a makeup masterclass in a bottle.
What’s more, Makeup By Mario isn’t just about trends—it’s about technique. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or someone who just wants to look a little more put-together day to day, the line has something for every kind of makeup wearer.
Prices sit in that sweet mid-luxury spot (£22–£67 /$22-68), and the line has expanded from eye palettes to a full makeup wardrobe.
From complexion to colour, every item has been designed to make application intuitive, results seamless, and the final effect flattering in any light.
Curious about where to start? Here’s my edit of the 6 standout products from the collection.
1. SurrealSkin Foundation
Mario calls the SurrealSkin Foundation (£43 from Makeup By Mario UK /$44 from Makeup By Mario US) his “skin in a bottle”, and I totally understand the hype.
The gel-cream texture makes skin look luminous thanks to tiny light-reflecting pearls infused into the ultra-hydrating formula. A single pump gives weightless medium coverage that smooths over pores; two pumps build to near-full without looking mask-like or feeling heavy.
Image – Courtesy of writer
Dry and dehydrated skins like mine will benefits from the squalane and sunflower oil-boosted formula (which also prevents the foundation from caking), while those with oilier complexions may need to set the T-zone with powder for longevity.
2. SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer
Part bronzer, part tint, part finishing balm—SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer (£32 from Makeup By Mario UK /$32 from Makeup By Mario US) is Mario’s answer to the five-minute face and my favourite product from the brand.
The sheer, dewy cream melts into skin and blends beautifully, adding a softly sculpted definition—a far-cry from overly harsh contouring.
Image – Courtesy of writer
I use it to warm the edges and high points of my face and define my cheekbones, but it can also double as an all-over skin veil on minimal-makeup days when I need all-over warmth and glow.
I hit pan faster than I’d like (there’s only 12g of product), but this product is so exceptionally good—and quite unlike anything else on the market—that I forgive the smaller size.
3. Soft Pop Powder Blush in Barely Blushing
Texture-wise, the Soft Pop Powder Blush (£30 from Makeup By Mario UK /$30 from Makeup By Mario US) is almost identical to the above, so again it blends seamlessly across skin and is incredibly easy to apply.
The magic of it is in the formula, which strikes the perfect balance between cream and powder, delivering the glow and easy application of the former with the longevity of the latter. It’s pigmented enough to deliver colour in one tap, but it’s also impossible to overdo it—personally, I much prefer this to a liquid blush.
Image – Courtesy of writer
There are five shades to choose from—Barely Blushing is a neutral rose that never pulls too brown or too pink for my fair complexion, but delivers a flattering and natural-looking flush.
4. Masterblade Brow Pencil in Almost Black
Think of the Masterblade Brow Pencil (£25 from Makeup By Mario UK /$25 from Makeup By Mario US) as brow micro-blading for commitment-phobes—it’s far more than just a brow pencil.
Image – Courtesy of writer
The angled tip sketches believable hair strokes, filling in gaps in three strikes max, while the rich, waxy formula clings for a solid 12 hours without fading or turning ashy.
I also appreciate the addition of a built-in spoolie for easy application—it diffuses colour for a true “did-you-just-get-your-brows-done?” finish.
5. Master Crystal Reflector in Bronzite
If, like me, you’ve long been on the hunt for “wet-look” sparkle without chunky glitter fallout, the Master Crystal Reflector (£30 from Sephora UK /$26 from Sephora US) is your product.
Image – Courtesy of writer
Pressed on with a fingertip, it lays down a veil of coppery twinkle that catches every beam of light; layered up, it morphs into a high-impact foil for party lids or even a glassy cheekbone highlight.
Tip: Use over a tacky cream base to prolong wear and minimise fallout.
6. SuperShine Lip Gloss in Rosewater
Current makeup trends are all about glowy, hydrated, healthy-looking skin, so it only makes sense that lip glosses are once again having a moment.
Of course, modern formulas are a far-cry from the gloopy, sticky formulas of the past, and SuperShine Lip Gloss (£26 from Makeup By Mario UK /$26 from Makeup By Mario US) is proof of just how far product formulation has come.
Image – Courtesy of writer
The lightweight, non-sticky liquid drenches lips in a hydrating blend of hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil and pomegranate extract.
There are eleven shades to choose from—Rosewater is the ultimate petal-pink: sheer enough to suit every undertone, yet pigmented enough to brighten a bare face.
My full face of makeup. Image – Courtesy of writer
The takeaway
While many celebrity lines rely on marketing, Makeup By Mario’s success is built upon Mario’s two decades of kit-testing and trend-setting.
The Soft Pop powder Blush and SoftSculpt Enhancer have earned permanent residency in my daily routine for their easy-to-blend formulas and natural-looking shades, while the Brow Pencil and Crystal Reflector are my new speed-glam cheat codes. If you’re curating a streamlined makeup bag that performs for special occasions and in real life, start here—you’ll see why even the pros keep coming back.
Get Glowing!
