Ethereal! Spicy! Sparkling! Mario Dedivanovic's Unique Guide to Elegant Holiday Glamour

      For beauty enthusiasts, few experiences are as thrilling as gaining a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the glamorous moments of their favorite celebrities. Put on your Artist Pass as we delve into the beauty looks etched in our minds from the tastemakers we adore and the skilled artists they rely on. Inside, you'll discover their most guarded product secrets, unique industry tricks, and fresh perspectives on trending beauty topics in pop culture.

      While few makeup artists possess the same level of star power as the celebrities they work with, Mario Dedivanovic undoubtedly shares that elite status. The Albanian American makeup superstar has honed his skills since the age of 17, when he took on his first “clients”—two singers he encountered while employed at a Sephora in New York City—launching a remarkable career highlighted by sold-out masterclasses, high-profile clients (such as Kim Kardashian, Ariana Grande, and Jennifer Lopez… shall we continue?), and an impressive roster of beauty moments worthy of the Hall of Fame.

      As his collection of megastar clients expanded, Dedivanovic cultivated a loyal fan base, inclusive of celebrities, other makeup artists, and everyday beauty enthusiasts eager to replicate the Makeup by Mario aesthetic. This culminated in the launch of his namesake brand in 2020, which has since produced a series of viral hits and highly sought-after products.

      Images of Dedivanovic’s enchanting eye makeup and plush lips still fill our inspiration boards, especially around the holiday season. Recently, I had the chance to sit in his makeup chair—still pinching myself over that exclusive experience—to create a custom holiday look that is both elegant and achievable at home.

      To Dedivanovic, the essence of "holiday" is captured in smoldering, glowing-ember eyes. Utilizing his newly released Ethereal Eyes Eyeshadow Nature Palette, he meticulously brushes and blends a flurry of shimmering golds and copper shadows onto my eyes to evoke the holiday spirit.

      The palette features 12 warm-toned shades with various finishes, including shimmer, satin, metallic, and matte. It's the first from Makeup by Mario to pair earthy tones with eye-catching reflective finishes. Each shade draws inspiration from the radiant colors of sunlit foliage and light streaming through trees, providing a diverse range of looks from natural to glamorous.

      During the frosty season, it’s particularly stylish to adorn your eyes with these elemental hues. Ahead, see a holiday makeup look that brings to mind the sparkle of falling snow, the warmth of a flickering fire, and the elegance of fur coats and champagne amidst a starry December night.

      **Chic Cinnamon-Spice Holiday Eyes**

      1. **Define the Upper Waterline**: Dedivanovic’s makeup process starts with beautifully sculpted skin, but he approaches the eyes differently. Instead of applying eyeshadow first, he picks up the Makeup by Mario Master Pigment Pro Pencil in The Perfect Brown. “I do a tightline with The Perfect Brown when I start,” he shares, creating a deep espresso line on the upper waterline. This seemingly minor step is crucial for “shaping” the eye, kicking off Dedivanovic’s signature method that accentuates natural features. He also adds subtle smudges between the upper lashes for a fuller look without mascara. “It gives the eye beautiful definition,” he explains while working with the pencil. “A well-executed tightline on the inner rim can sometimes negate the need for eyeliner on the lid," he clarifies, asserting that tightlining the rim and lightly applying on the lash line prevents a heavy-handed appearance.

      2. **Sculpt With Neutral Shadow**: Dedivanovic’s approach is rooted in sculpture; thus, his initial step using the new Ethereal Eyes palette involves "sculpting" the eyes. He dips a fluffy eyeshadow brush into Shade 9, a tawny birch, and begins blending it onto the outer corner and crease of my eye to build a base for the look. He always taps the brush onto the back of his hand first, emphasizing that applying thin layers is key to achieving his signature airbrushed effect. “Layering thinly and stepping back for perspective yields the most natural look,” he advises.

      3. **Carve the Corners**: If you prefer a "clean girl" aesthetic, you could skip the eyeshadow brush here. However, Dedivanovic elevates his holiday look with a touch of extra flair. The Ethereal Eyes: Nature palette includes stunning metallics, offering different festive variations of the eye. He selects Shade 11, a disco copper, to accentuate my hazel eyes, applying it to the outer corners before blending it toward the center of the lid. Remember, patience is key—it's easier to build up than to take away.

      4. **Deepen Lower Lash Line With Copper Shadow**: No Makeup by Mario look is complete without some eye-enhancing details. Dedivanovic employs the E6 Dual-Ended Eye Shadow Brush to