I've Been Using Mascara Incorrectly for 15 Years—An Iconic Makeup Artist Just Shared a Game-Changing Tip with Me.

      Honestly, I don't use a lot of mascara—but when I do, I expect my lashes to be fluffy and sky-high, without a clump in sight. I either want full-glam lashes or none at all (with nothing in between), and for the former, I don’t compromise on perfection. Fortunately, Mario Dedivanovic, the founder of Makeup by Mario and a professional makeup artist known for his impressive roster of celebrity clients (recognize Kim K.?), shares the same view. That’s why he’s never created a mascara of his own, despite constant requests from loyal customers. "I'm a bit of a mascara snob," he tells me at the Makeup by Mario headquarters in New York. (To which I respond, Same here, Mario.) After years of perfecting the design, Dedivanovic is finally ready to introduce his creation: Master Mascara, a volumizing, inky black formula set to launch on March 27. I had the chance to try the product before its official release—glammed by Dedivanovic himself!—and received his brilliant (and neat) layering tip that significantly enhanced the doll-like appearance of my lashes. Keep reading for all the details.

      Before we dive into application tips (which I promise we'll get to soon!), let's discuss Dedivanovic's outstanding formula and design. The primary purpose of Master Mascara is volume, which he emphasizes is the top feature to look for in a quality mascara. Length, curl, and separation often come along with it, but "thickening is the most crucial," he explains.

      However, the challenge with most volumizing mascaras is that they usually have a dense, fluffy brush to apply the pigment, which often leads to clumping. This is exactly why I've avoided large volumizing wands, as my biggest makeup pet peeve is having to wipe off excess product from the tube or a tissue. Dedivanovic shares my concerns, so he designed a conical brush with custom-shaped bristles that evenly distribute the right amount of pigment. There's no need for pre-wiping. When he pulls the wand out of the tube—with that satisfying snap!—I can only see perfectly coated bristles and a clean, mess-free rim.

      Thanks to a vegan wax blend made from olives, rice, and sunflower seeds, the formula is highly buildable, allowing you to layer on as much as you want without worrying about flaky, crunchy lashes. This is particularly useful for Dedivanovic's preferred application method, which involves multiple layers: one applied horizontally, and one vertically.

      Let Dedivanovic explain: "I first apply horizontally, from root to tip," he says, wiggling the product onto my lashes. Then, with the wand held vertically, "I focus on the tips of the lashes," he adds. "This technique provides beautiful volume while also ensuring excellent separation, coating every part of the lash."

      This method is especially beneficial if, like me, you have "layered" lashes that often need more than one swipe to appear full and fluttery. By focusing on just the tips, you can add more product to those shorter, stubborn hairs that struggle to hold the pigment. The vertical technique also seals the lash hairs, potentially extending the longevity of your look—similar to how a manicurist seals the edge of a nail with polish to prevent chipping.

      I've been using this easy technique since my visit to the headquarters, and now I consider it the ultimate secret to achieving full, spidery lashes. Though it might seem simple, trust me when I say that enhancing those tips makes a substantial difference. Just check out my real-time results in the video below, alongside Dedivanovic's summer beauty predictions and the top three makeup must-haves everyone should carry.

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      ♬ original sound - whowhatwear

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      Surrealskin Luminous Hydrating Foundation

      We asked Dedivanovic to name his top three Makeup by Mario products (which is no small feat!), and he quickly pointed out this incredibly hydrating liquid foundation. "It’s essential for achieving a flawless complexion," he explains.

      MAKEUP BY MARIO

      Softsculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer

      I once mistook a fellow beauty editor for someone who just had a facial, only to learn her glow came solely from this product. Naturally, I added it to my Sephora cart right away. Dedivanovic himself calls it a personal favorite, noting, "It adds a beautiful and natural, healthy glow, and you can also softly sculpt the complexion with it."

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      Hydrating Supershine Lip Gloss

      "I foresee a trend of juicy and glossy lips continuing," Dedivanovic states when discussing summer beauty trends. This means his SuperShine Lip Gloss is a