Mario has over 25 years of experience, and his artistic talent has graced the faces of international icons, leaving an enduring impression on the beauty business. (Images: Instagram)
In this exclusive interview with .com, Mario discusses his 25+ years of experience working with icons like Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and more in an engrossing masterclass.
The dynamic CEO and founder of Makeup by Mario is Mario Dedivanovic, a renowned makeup artist. He is one of the most renowned and well-liked makeup artists in the business, owing to his immense popularity and impact, which spread throughout the world. Mario’s artistic embellishments of some of the most recognisable individuals in the world over the past 20 years are a monument to his extraordinary talent. He has worked with celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Mary J. Blige, and the gorgeous Kendall and Kylie Jenner, to name just a few. Kim Kardashian’s flawless face has also served as a regular muse. With a delicate and transformational touch, his brush has softly stroked world beauties like Salma Hayek, Priyanka Chopra, Gabrielle Union, Ciara, and Naomie Harris, accentuating their natural beauty.
In three enthralling hours, the artist gave a masterclass of unmatched creativity and technique to an enthralled audience at the magical Nykaaland festival, a magnificent event presented by Nykaa against the lush background of Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Race Course. In addition to being an immersive journey into the depths of Mario’s true creative genius, his Masterclass extended an invitation to experience the lavish feast of knowledge he has painstakingly assembled over the course of his remarkable 25+ year career. During the occasion, Mario opened up to us about his long career. He told us about high-profile collaborations and his exploration of makeup and beauty, weaving an unforgettable tale that will inspire and educate everyone who was lucky enough to be present.
Excerpts from the interview:
What drove you to pursue a career in makeup, and how did your association with Kim Kardashian start?
23 years ago, in 2000, I began to work at Sephora as a fragrance consultant and fell in love with makeup while working in the store. I made the decision early on that makeup and beauty were the careers I wanted for myself, as it was the first time in my life that I felt extremely passionate about something. I met Kim in 2008 on a cover shoot in NYC, and we have been working together ever since.
The world is talking about the make-up you use on Kim Kardashian. Can you mention some of the most special times you two have worked together?
Kim and I have been working together for 16 years, so there are many special times, like some of our Met Gala looks and also some of the Vogue covers that we have together.
You’ve developed a wide variety of well-known cosmetic styles. Could you describe your creative process and the way you develop original ideas for various clients and situations?
I usually begin by touching and studying the bare face and features. The bare face is what inspires me the most. I have an architectural approach to makeup where I strive to create more balance, harmony, and symmetry in my subject. I tend not to focus on trends but rather on bringing out and enhancing the natural beauty of whomever I’m working on or creating products for.
Make-up trends are always changing. What cosmetics trends do you anticipate being popular in 2023 and beyond, and how do you stay on top of them?
I think we will continue to see more natural looks and more natural formulas coming out, which is very exciting for me to see as I love to teach people how to apply makeup in a more natural way.
What are your long-term intentions and objectives for Makeup by Mario as well as your profession as a makeup artist?
I intend to continue to create authentic products with purpose and to slowly expand the Makeup by Mario brand across the world. Being a brand founder and CEO definitely takes up the majority of my time, but continuing to do makeup on my clients and educating is also very important to me, so I try to balance all of them.
What can visitors to the Mumbai Nykaaland event expect from your appearance, and are there any surprises you have in store for the occasion?
I will be taking the audience through my full signature glam while sharing my approach and the “why” of each step that I take during the process. I will also be doing a meet and greet; there will be gift bags, and I’m just most excited to connect with the people in India, as it has always been a dream of mine to go to India.
