Mario Dedivanovic hardly needs an introduction, but for those not yet acquainted with one of beauty's most influential figures, here’s a quick primer. Born and raised in the Bronx to Albanian immigrant parents, the New York native discovered his passion for pigments, creams, and brushes on his very first day as a fragrance consultant at Sephora. Armed with determination, talent, and a makeshift kit fashioned from a Nike shoe box, Mario embarked on a journey that would see him rise to the top of the make-up world and launch his own eponymous cosmetics line.
With two decades of experience under his belt, Mario has perfected his signature style of balance, symmetry, and harmony on some of the biggest names in the industry, including Jennifer Lopez, Ariana Grande, Salma Hayek, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, and more. His enduring collaboration with Kim Kardashian has defined iconic beauty looks, from unforgettable Met Gala appearances to moments immortalised on Keeping Up With The Kardashians, where Mario has even made on-screen cameos. Beyond his celebrity clientele, Mario has revolutionised make-up education with The Master Class, his acclaimed platform for sharing industry secrets and techniques.
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More importantly, Mario realised his lifelong dream in 2020 with the launch of his beauty brand, Makeup By Mario. The brand embodies his artistry, offering products designed to enhance an individual's natural beauty to its most flawless version. Today, Makeup By Mario stands as one of Sephora's top-selling brands globally, while his Master Classes have drawn an audience of over 30,000 aspiring make-up artists and enthusiasts across North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and Asia. Adding to his accolades, the Makeup By Mario Instagram account boasts over 14 million followers, cementing its place as one of the most-followed beauty accounts in the world.
Ahead, Mario reveals to ELLE Singapore the beauty trends set to dominate the first half of 2025, his secrets for achieving a flawless base, insights into his own beauty routine, and tips to elevate yours for the new year.
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How did your experience as a make-up artist influence the creation of Makeup By Mario?
The brand represents the culmination of my 24 years in the beauty industry, with every product at Makeup By Mario deeply inspired by my artistry. I begin with one of my signature techniques and transform it into a smart, user-friendly product that empowers everyday consumers to replicate it. My goal is to create effortlessly beautiful formulas that deliver flawless, flattering results—and it’s my years of experience as a make-up artist that make this vision a reality.
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What has it been like watching Makeup By Mario evolve from its beginnings to where it stands today?
It’s been absolutely incredible. While I had high hopes for the brand, I never could have anticipated this level of growth in just four years. The most exciting part is that I truly believe we’re only just getting started.
What’s one beauty hack or trick you swear by?
I always keep a couple of brushes with leftover foundation and powder nearby to blend and diffuse the makeup as I go. This helps me achieve a perfectly seamless finish every time.
If you could only do one make-up look for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Oh, that’s a tough one! I think I’d have to go with soft glam—it’s the makeup look I’m best known for and can have the most fun with.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
To not compete with others and only myself. This piece of advice has been my guiding principle over the years, helping me block out external noise and keeping my brand as authentic as possible. It’s also been the best motivator, pushing me to continuously improve both myself and the brand, launch after launch, year after year.
Take us through your beauty routine.
My routine is simple: A good moisturiser, my SoftSculpt® Bronzing & Shaping Serum ($62) to warm and even out my skin, a little of my SurrealSkin™ Awakening Concealer ($60) when I’m feeling tired, lip balm, a multi-vitamin, and lots of water. At least eight hours of sleep is also important, though not always feasible with my busy schedule—hence the need for a great concealer.
If you could only use three products on your clients for the rest of your life, what would they be?
If I had to pick three, they’d be my SurrealSkin™ Foundation ($82), Soft Blur Setting Powder ($65), and Master Mattes® Eye Shadow Palette ($102). I’d try to negotiate a fourth because I’m not sure I could live without my SoftSculpt® Transforming Skin Enhancer ($62)—it’s a cult favourite for a reason.
What is the key to achieving a flawless base?
I always prime the skin with a good moisturiser, then slowly start applying complexion products in soft layers with a lot of blending in between steps. I do this for two reasons: The first is so I only use the amount of product that’s needed to keep the skin looking as natural as possible, and the second is to help the make-up last throughout the day.
What beauty trends do you anticipate will dominate the first half of 2025?
I see a continued focus on fresh, flawless skin with soft, blurred finishes that enhance your complexion without covering it up and a shift towards juicy, understated lips paired with more standout eyes. Overall, I’m looking forward to seeing some experimentation with colour and texture that will serve up more playful looks that express our individuality.
What advice would you give someone who wants to elevate their make-up for the New Year?
Try playing with different finishes to add dimension and interest to your look. Shimmers and metallics on the eyes help them stand out, especially when they catch the light. It’s also a great time to have fun with bolder lip colours—just remember to keep the look balanced by pairing it with a softer, more understated eye.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Not to worry so much and to trust the process. Everything is going to work out eventually.
Could you let us in on any upcoming projects and exciting launches from Makeup by Mario?
I wish I could, but my team would not be happy. However, what I can share is that it’s going to be an exciting year regarding product innovation and some long-awaited additions, so stay tuned.
Makeup By Mario is available in Sephora at ION Orchard and VivoCity as well as on its website.
*The interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.