Mario Dedivanovic is the most famous make-up artist in the world. Known as the man who brought Kim Kardashian's signature make-up into being (popularising the look that defined Instagram make-up for a decade), Dedivanovic first met Kardashian on a shoot in New York in 2008. He is the man behind almost all of her best-known make-up moments and is widely known for incredibly meticulous technique.
Last year, he launched his own brand – Makeup by Mario – to enormous excitement among make-up fans, many of whom would travel internationally to get a spot on one of Dedivanovic's famed and perpetually sold-out masterclasses. The artist's own line has previously been slightly tricky to come by, only available to Irish customers directly from the Makeup by Mario website. The beauty emporium's refraining from opening a store in Ireland is a bigger scandal than the (tantalising and ongoing) 30-year-long rumour of Marks and Spencer coming to Limerick.
Now, selected items from Dedivanovic’s brand – including its eye collection – are available in Ireland exclusively through Cult Beauty, and the prices are slightly more affordable too. This year in particular, the beauty Etailer has been busily acquiring some of the best beauty brands worldwide, including Korean American skincare brand Then I Met You, which I devoted a column to a few weeks back. Makeup by Mario is one of several impressive acquisitions that will bring formerly US-exclusive brands into Ireland, and the products are well worth investing in.
A true make-up artist’s brand, it encourages play and customisation, but if you like a one-and-done product, don’t write it off. The Makeup By Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette (€47 at cultbeauty.co.uk) will allow anyone of any skin tone to create every imaginable earth-toned look. It is the ultimate eye basics palette, and the shadows are intensely pigmented, smooth and blendable.
Apply Makeup By Mario Master Crystal Reflector in Quartz (€22) over any shadow (matte or otherwise) for an almost impossibly fine pop of glitter that makes lids look almost wet. It will elevate any eye make-up and even just a touch dabbed onto the centre of the lid with a clean finger looks utterly sensational.
The Makeup By Mario Master Pigment Pro Pencil (€22) is a real staple – the sort of pencil liner you can use to create a clean, immovable line or blend before it dries to a beautifully diffused cloud of dusky blackness. The pigment is intense, and it blends out for a perfect smoky effect.
For a true flavour of make-up artistry, try Makeup By Mario Master Metal Manipulator (€14). It is essentially an old fashioned mixing medium – a couple of drops will turn any powder product into a liquid.
Product of the Week
Makeup By Mario Master Metallics Eyeshadow Palette (€47)
