I Promised to Keep This Blush Balm a Secret (Even When Everyone Inquired) Throughout the Holiday Season—At Last, I Can Reveal It.

      "Your blush looks amazing" was the standout compliment I received repeatedly during this year's glamorous holiday parties in New York City. Despite the dim lights, friends, coworkers, and fellow party attendees paused to mention how fresh and dewy my skin appeared, even in the chilly December weather. It wasn't due to a new serum or foundation (although I did revamp my winter beauty routine this year). I was eager to share the secret behind my radiant glow, but I had to restrain myself from revealing it. At last, I can share the secret.

      Who What Wear associate beauty editor Alyssa Brascia wearing the Makeup by Mario Jelly Jar in Cherry Pie. I'm a huge fan of nearly every product that Makeup by Mario launches, from the winter-ready eyeshadow palettes to the softly sculpting bronzers. There’s a reason why experts and editors adore Mario Dedivanovic's line. The high-quality, user-friendly items provide a shortcut to achieving professional-level glam effortlessly, and the newest release has been the source of my warm winter radiance. If that sounds surprising, allow me to explain. The Jelly Jar, a dual-purpose lip and cheek balm, combines lip color, gloss, blush, and serum all in one. But don’t hesitate: The Jelly Jar will sell out quickly.

      Makeup by Mario

      Jelly Jar Lip & Cheek Balm

      This limited-edition jar contains a captivating, lightweight formula that applies like a watercolor wash. Its bouncy texture is reminiscent of the cushiony K-beauty formulas I've seen on my feed, yet it feels remarkably light on the skin, leaving no sticky, thick, or gloopy residue typically found in most pot balms and blushes. It's offered in six adaptable shades that provide a sheer finish but can easily be layered for more intensity on both cheeks and lips. Additionally, its diffused-skin finish aligns perfectly with the glowy makeup trend that's emerging as we approach 2026. "I love using Jelly Jar as a finishing touch for a fresh burst of color on the lips and cheeks," Dedivanovic shares with Who What Wear. "For lips, I either tap it on for a stain effect when I want something low-maintenance, or I pair it with my Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil to enhance the hue and add definition." Since the Jelly Jar is designed for both lips and cheeks, its formula includes several skin-soothing ingredients that ensure real hydration. A nourishing mix of hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and castor oil makes this balm especially beneficial for winter skin without clogging pores, making it suitable for those prone to acne. (I even verified each shade using Acne Clinic NYC's Pore-Clogging Ingredients Checker!)

      Makeup by Mario Jelly Jars in Cherry Pie and Mauve Latte. "I wanted the shades to feel fun, wearable, and universally flattering," Dedivanovic explains. "Each color was selected to emulate a natural flush and enhance inherent features. They're intended to be suitable for various skin tones, layer well, and integrate seamlessly into a makeup routine." To test these claims, I wore different shades for my numerous December outings—from office days to festive holiday gatherings and local meet-ups. Keep scrolling to see my favorite hues in action. Product Swatches With each application, you obtain a pigmented yet buildable wash of color. It’s easy to "edit" the intensity, as Dedivanovic puts it, by applying thin layers for more color or blotting some away for a lighter effect. With six shades created to complement a broad spectrum of skin tones, the founder finds it challenging to pick a favorite. "I love them all, but I've been leaning towards Rose Crush and Berry Toasty," he confesses. This formula layers smoothly over skincare, providing a barely-there hint of color ideal for casual days or quick routines in the mornings, yet it surprisingly works well over a full makeup base, layering beautifully on lipsticks, lip liners, foundation, powder, and more without disturbing the underlying products. In the images below, I used Jelly Jar as the finishing step over a complete makeup look.

      Brascia wearing the Makeup by Mario Jelly Jar in Cherry Pie (left) and Mauve Latte (right). Application Techniques To achieve the best results on the lips and cheeks, different techniques should be employed. "Using your fingers will give a sheer color application, while a brush will create more intensity," Dedivanovic explains. "For cheeks, I recommend my F1 Brush, which is versatile and perfect for cream and liquid formulas," he adds. This method, demonstrated below, offers a buildable flush that can be intensified for added color and dimension. "For lips, I suggest outlining with my Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil first, then using the built-in brush to apply Jelly Jar for improved coverage and a glossy, jelly effect," Dedivanovic advises. While this two-in-one product has become my trusted go-to for radiant makeup during the winter,