The Best Makeup by Mario Products, According to an Editor Who Has Tried Them All (2025)

The Best Makeup by Mario Products, According to an Editor Who Has Tried Them All (1)

(Image credit: Makeup by Mario)

The Best Makeup by Mario Products, According to an Editor Who Has Tried Them All (2)

By Samantha Holender

published

in Buying Guides

I trust Mario Dedivanovic implicitly. His work (which you’ve definitely seen on the likes of Kim Kardashian) and his namesake makeup products are truly top of the line—and more interconnected than one might think. In fact, his brand, Makeup by Mario, was born out of a desire to create products born from his decades-perfected techniques. Over the past three years, the Bronx native has released user-friendly products that continuously go viral and sell out—they're that good.

Take the Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil—its tug-free formula and dual-ended smudger is the only lip liner I’ve ever been able to use. The Awakening Concealer is self-setting and finger-friendly. And, his brushes take the guesswork out of how to blend appropriately. That makes up just a few of my favorite Makeup by Mario products. I’ve tried each and every one since the brand’s inception, and while you truly won’t regret buying any, these eight are my holy grails.

This limited-edition palette quickly became a fan favorite, and due to popular demand, Mario (the nice man that he is) decided to bring it back this month. It’s not a permanent fixture in the range, so definitely scoop it up while you can. With 12 stunning shades in a mix of matte and shimmer finishes, it has everything you need to create a natural-looking aesthetic. You can definitely apply the shadows with a brush (peep my favorite below), but I’ve found that the shimmer is much more intense when applied with my fingers.

Pros: Can create multiple eye looks; Variety of finishes

Cons: Limited edition

SurrealSkin™ Awakening Concealer

After years working to perfect this concealer formula, it was released into the beauty ether earlier this year. And trust me: It does not disappoint. The shade range was expertly developed to work across all skin types and skin tones. The small doe-foot applicator is perfectly shaped for the crevices of my under-eye but holds enough product for a one-and-swipe across my nose or forehead. The best part: This formula truly doesn’t require setting powder; let it sit for a few seconds and will dry down without creasing or caking. I find myself using it to brighten and blur different areas of my face.

Pros: Great shade range; Self-setting formula

Cons: Not super full coverage

SurrealSkin™ Liquid Foundation

I had high hopes when Mario finally leaned into the complexion category, so it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise that his foundation remains my everyday go-to. It has a glowy-not-greasy finish that amps up skin’s natural luminosity, with buildable coverage that can go from super-sheer to true medium depending how heavy you go. Unlike other foundations that only play with creams or powders, this truly works with every texture out there. Perhaps the best part is that it wears well throughout the day. It doesn’t separate or oxidize—it truly looks just as good in the morning as it does at night.

Pros: Long-wearing; Buildable coverage

Cons: Might be too dewy for oily skin types

Ultra Suede® Sculpting Lip Pencil

If you’ve found yourself on BeautyTok within the past year, I’m fairly confident that Mario’s lip liner hack landed on your “for you page.” Essentially you take this gorgeous lip liner and overline your cupid’s bow and the center section of your bottom lip—everything else stays in the lines. Flip the pencil over and use the very handy buffing brush to diffuse harsh lines and create the illusion of plumper, albeit natural-looking lip. It’s truly a foolproof technique, and, thanks to this particular pencil’s creamy, tug-free formula, it’s even easier. I’m partial to shade Toasty, but you really can’t go wrong.

Pros: Great texture; Dual-ended

Cons: Only neutral shade range

Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil

I know I said every product on this list is the “best,” but this is the best of the best. I use this creamy formula on my cheeks (and lips) every day and continuously get stopped by strangers to ask what I’m wearing. For a creamy, dewy, glossy formula, it has insane staying power, with pigment lasting well above eight hours. Its blendable formula works best with warmed up fingers, melts right onto the skin, and leaves a gorgeous flush behind. You can build up the pigment, but I find the three dots per cheek is the magic quantity.

Pros: Dewy finish; Long-lasting pigment

Cons: None

E 3 Brush

Eyeshadow brushes don’t normally bring out swarms of fans and elicit undying affection, but that’s exactly what you’ll get from E3. Seriously—the dome shape and low density (soft) bristles come together to create a multi-purpose eyeshadow brush that blends powder products with such unbelievable ease. I’m not an eyeshadow pro by any means, but my eye look comes out perfect each and every time thanks to this design. I pick up a single shade and sweep the pigment gently across my lid. There’s never any harsh lines, fallout, or rigid cut creases.

Pros: Easy to use; Soft, synthetic bristles

Cons: Not dual-ended

Master Secret Glow®

This is an OG—I remember unboxing it as a part of the brand’s initial press package. It was my favorite then, and it remains one of my holy grails to this day. The glossy formula is the key to glass-like cheek or dewy eye; it can even be patted across the lips for added shine. It has a translucent finish with absolutely no sparkle, so you can expect your skin to look fresh, healthy, and hydrated with just a swipe.

Pros: Glossy finish; Multi-purpose

Cons: Can feel a little sticky on the skin

MoistureGlow™ Plumping Lip Serum

The beauty world is not in short supply of tinted lip balms and serums. While a handful of brands make great products, this particular plumping lip serum happens to be one of the most multi-beneficial options out there. Not only does it give my lips hydration (thank you, hyaluronic acid, but it also provides a glossy sheen, sufficient color, and a plumping effect. It’s a one-and-done product that I constantly find myself reaching for. The shade range is limited to 14 skus, ranging in intensity and flattering across skin tones.

Pros: Hydrating and nourishing; Plumping

Cons: No bright colors, only neutrals

TOPICS

Stay In The Know

Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.

The Best Makeup by Mario Products, According to an Editor Who Has Tried Them All (11)

Samantha Holender

Senior Beauty Editor

Samantha Holender is the Senior Beauty Editor at Marie Claire, where she reports on the best new launches, dives into the science behind skincare, and shares the breakdown on the latest and greatest trends in the beauty space. She's studied up on every ingredient you'll find on INCI list and is constantly in search of the world's glowiest makeup products. She's constantly tracking the biggest nail and hair trends to pop up in the beauty space, going backstage during fashion weeks, tracking celebrity looks, and constantly talking to celebrity hair stylists, nail artists, and makeup artists. Prior to joining the team, she worked as Us Weekly’s Beauty and Style Editor, where she stayed on the pulse of pop culture and broke down celebrity beauty routines, hair transformations, and red carpet looks. Her words have also appeared on Popsugar, Makeup.com, Skincare.com, Delish.com, and Philadelphia Wedding. Samantha also serves as a board member for the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME). She first joined the organization in 2018, when she worked as an editorial intern at Food Network Magazine and Pioneer Woman Magazine. Samantha has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from The George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs. While at GWU, she was a founding member of the school’s HerCampus chapter and served as its President for four years. When she’s not deep in the beauty closet or swatching eyeshadows, you can find her obsessing over Real Housewives and all things Bravo. Keep up with her on Instagram @samholender.

Latest
  • The Hilarious Reason Prince William Got Banned From His Local DVD Store at UniversityThe royal reportedly got into trouble after hiring 2002 comedy 'Boat Trip'—and his bodyguards were no help at all.By Amy MackeldenPublished 13 January 25
  • Katie Holmes Proved the Naked Manicure Is a Seasonless StapleThis one is for the minimalists.By Ariel BakerPublished 13 January 25
  • King Charles is "Keen" to Keep These Royals in the Fold Even if They'll Never Get "Full-Time" RolesDespite a "slimmed-down" monarchy, these two aren't going anywhere.By Kristin ContinoPublished 13 January 25
You might also like
  • Billie EIlish’s Makeup Routine Is Surprisingly Wearable and Lasts for HoursHer makeup routine is full of drugstore staples.By Ariel BakerPublished 23 December 24
  • Why Dyson's New Airstrait Ad Ignited a TikTok Controversy"They said y'all can buy the product but it is not meant for you."By Hanna LustigPublished 5 November 24
  • Burberry Beauty's All-Time Classics Finally Relaunched at NordstromHere's how to shop reviewer-vetted products first.By Halie LeSavagePublished 5 November 24
  • Contrast Makeup Theory Is the Viral TikTok Anti-Trend Everyone Should TryHere's how to find your signature makeup look with this makeup artist-approved technique.By Hanna LustigPublished 23 October 24
  • Maed Beauty Gives My Lips a Three-Step Skincare Routine—And They've Never Been SofterMaed Beauty’s inaugural launch delivers a three-step system.By Samantha HolenderPublished 24 September 24
  • 13 Best Drugstore Concealers That Feel Surprisingly LuxuriousGreat things *do* come with small price tags.By Iman BalagamPublished 16 September 24
  • Urban Decay's Relaunched Naked Palette Is Just as Iconic as the OriginalAll the nostalgia, plus a silky new formula.By Brooke KnappenbergerPublished 4 August 24
  • TikTok Is Making "Unsexy" Beauty Products Seem Very AppealingThere's more to worthwhile products than pretty packaging.By Halie LeSavagePublished 17 May 24
View More ▸
The Best Makeup by Mario Products, According to an Editor Who Has Tried Them All (2025)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Prof. An Powlowski

Last Updated:

Views: 5472

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Prof. An Powlowski

Birthday: 1992-09-29

Address: Apt. 994 8891 Orval Hill, Brittnyburgh, AZ 41023-0398

Phone: +26417467956738

Job: District Marketing Strategist

Hobby: Embroidery, Bodybuilding, Motor sports, Amateur radio, Wood carving, Whittling, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Prof. An Powlowski, I am a charming, helpful, attractive, good, graceful, thoughtful, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.