This Makeup Brand Is a Favorite Among Beauty Editors—Here Are the Products You Should Focus On

      Last weekend, I was gearing up for a festive night out, but I really didn't feel like going. My hair wasn’t cooperating, I hadn’t tanned in weeks, and I was honestly feeling a bit off. Then I recalled some Makeup by Mario products I had received for review, and it struck me that trying a fresh makeup look might lift my spirits. I’m so glad I did. Before diving into that, let me give you some background information.

      Makeup by Mario is founded by Mario Dedivanovic, a renowned makeup artist known for his work with celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Ariana Grande. Celebrated for his creative makeup techniques, Dedivanovic launched his namesake brand in 2020, and it’s quickly making waves in the beauty industry, becoming one of the leading makeup brands available. I've had the privilege to attend several of their launches, and I can genuinely say that Mario is just as wonderful as he is skilled. So, when I received a full collection of products from the brand—featuring blurring foundations, sculpting bronzers, and cream blushers—I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to try them out for my night out.

      As previously mentioned, I wasn't particularly in the mood to get all dolled up, but the makeup was so impressive that it completely lifted my spirits. In fact, I’d go so far as to say it’s one of my favorite makeup looks of the year. Below, I’ll outline each product I used along with my candid thoughts on them. If you’re feeling uninspired with your makeup as December rolls in or searching for some standout products for festive gatherings, I highly encourage you to keep reading.

      **The Best Makeup by Mario Products, Tried & Tested**

      Best Base Product: Makeup By Mario Surrealskin Natural Finish Foundation, £42

      Best Bronzer: Makeup By Mario Soft Sculpt™ Bronzer, £32

      Best Blush: Makeup By Mario Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil, £30

      Best Eye Product: Makeup By Mario Master Mattes LW Cream Eyeshadow, £25

      Best Lip Product: Makeup By Mario SuperShine™ Lip Gloss, £26

      1. **Makeup By Mario Surrealskin Natural Finish Foundation**

       Best for a naturally blurring effect

       Pros: Buildable, lightweight formula; adds a blurring effect while still appearing natural.

       Cons: Can cling to dry patches if the skin isn't adequately prepped.

      If you've read any of my previous posts, you know I lean towards lightweight skin tints over medium-to-full coverage foundation, so I was unsure how this product would work for me. However, it exceeded my expectations. Somehow, Dedivanovic has created a formula that smooths the skin, conceals redness, and offers a blurring effect, all while maintaining a natural appearance. It’s like having "your skin but better" in a bottle. Plus, the lightweight formula is also buildable if you desire more coverage.

      2. **Makeup By Mario Soft Sculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer**

       Best for a warm, subtly contoured finish

       Pros: Adds a subtly bronzed, dewy finish to the skin; easy to blend.

       Cons: Adds an extra step to your makeup routine.

      Initially unsure of this product, after learning about it and trying it out, I can't imagine doing my makeup without it. Available in six shades, the cream formulation warms and sculpts your complexion. The lightweight balm glides on effortlessly, providing a sheer, slightly dewy finish. I used this over my foundation and below my bronzer to achieve soft contouring and a sun-kissed glow that my winter skin needed.

      3. **Makeup By Mario Surrealskin™ Awakening Concealer**

       Best for brightening and blurring

       Pros: Easy to apply; helps conceal tired eyes; brightens and blurs skin.

       Cons: Can be slightly drying under the eyes.

      I’m particular about concealers. I typically apply them under my eyes to mask dark circles, but since my skin is dry, they often crease. I really like this formula because the thin applicator makes it easy to apply under the eyes, and the concealer has caffeine to help de-puff and camouflage fatigue. I found that it effectively blurred and brightened the under-eye area, though it felt a bit drying at times. With proper prep, like using a hydrating eye cream, you could reduce that issue.

      4. **Makeup By Mario Surrealskin Soft Blur Setting Powder**

       Best for mattifying and blurring

       Pros: Sets makeup and controls shine; creates a blurring effect.

       Cons: Application can be somewhat messy.

      I am completely obsessed with this setting powder. It feels like applying an Instagram filter to my skin. I wore these products in the evening, and this powder