4 weeks ago
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E! Illustration/Makeup By Mario
Mario Dedivanovic is a celebrity makeup artist and the founder of Makeup By Mario. The beauty pro is known for creating blurred looks so flawless, they look like a beauty filter in real life.
So what’s the secret behind that real-life filter effect? According to Mario, it’s less about piling on products and more about technique, restraint and strategic layering. From creating a blurred, poreless base to making makeup survive summer heat and humidity, Mario shared his go-to tips for achieving his signature soft-focus finish.
- Makeup By Mario's Secret For Blurred Base: Surrealskin Awakening Concealer
- Best Skincare Prep For Makeup Serum: COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Repairing Serum
- Mario's Secret For Getting Makeup To Last: Softsculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer
Beyond creating products designed for everyday wear, Mario recently won IPSY’s Member-Favorite Brand at the Ipsies. He says being featured through IPSY has allowed him to connect with beauty lovers in a meaningful way.
“We love IPSY and the IPSY community and want to ensure we include items they would naturally want to work into their everyday routines,” he says. And seeing that response firsthand has made the experience even more rewarding.
“I’m always really honored to be included, and knowing my products are reaching people through IPSY made being named a Member-Favorite Brand at the Ipsies even more special.”
The Secret to Soft-Focus Skin
For Mario, achieving that blurred, filtered finish starts with knowing when to stop. “It’s really about restraint and applying in thin layers,” he explains.
“For me, it always starts with skin, I build coverage only where it’s needed, so it never feels heavy. When everything is blended seamlessly, that’s when you get that soft-focus effect without heaviness.”
And when it comes to recreating that poreless look at home, Mario says the biggest mistake people make is over-applying product. “Using too much product,” he says. “You want to blur, not mask, so it’s about strategic placement and really taking the time to diffuse the edges.”
Mario’s Formula for a Blurred Base
While his signature celebrity complexions may look effortless, Mario says the technique behind it is incredibly intentional. “Skincare first, followed by foundation applied very intentionally,” he shares. “I go in with my Surrealskin Awakening Concealer only where necessary, then set the skin with loose powder.
I like to go over the powder with cream products to bring life back to the skin. When I finish any look I go in with my Surrealskin Soft Setting Spray to melt all products together for a more lived-in look.”
Surrealskin Soft Setting Spray
An alcohol-free, fragrance-free & butane-free ultra-fine hydrating mist to set makeup for up to 16 hours for a natural finish and barely-there feel.
COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Repairing Serum
This must-have moisturizer is perfect for layering under makeup and helps creates a flawless base and delivers all-day hydration.
TIZO Photoceuticals Daily Moisture
This must-have moisturizer is perfect for layering under makeup and helps creates a flawless base and delivers all-day hydration.
Summer Makeup Tips That Actually Last
As temperatures and humidity climb, Mario says longevity comes down to lightweight layering. “Focus on applying lightweight layers of creams and powders, then finish the look with a Setting Spray to lock makeup in all day,” he advises.
For anyone trying to achieve a polished summer look with minimal makeup, Mario recommends being selective with the products you use.
“Choose very intentional products,” he says. “I like to dust a light layer of Setting Powder and top off with my Softsculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer to achieve a glowy, polished look that will last.”
Softsculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer
This skin enhancer is a 3-in-1 cream bronzer that warms, shapes & evens skin tone with light-to-medium coverage & a dewy finish.
SurrealSkin Talc-Free Soft Blur Setting Powder
A talc-free, pro-performance loose powder that sets makeup up to 12hrs, blurs & smoothes the complexion with a natural finish & all-day shine control.
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