makeup by mario
Known for his iconic makeup looks, Mario has now released his own namesake makeup brand, Makeup By Mario. (Instagram @makeupbymario)

Ask any Millenial or Gen-Z to name an iconic makeup artist and, chances are, the response you’ll receive is Mario Dedivanovic aka Makeup by Mario. This first-generation son of Albanian immigrants, born and raised in New York City, seemingly became an overnight sensation as he single-handedly pivoted the beauty-sphere with his neutral makeup beat on his muse, Kim Kardashian. He tells us, however, there were years steadfast perseverance, astute inner strength, and unshakeable determination required to overcome the hardships and self-doubt that led him to where he is today. After a whirlwind tour of makeup masterclasses, the debut of his own namesake makeup brand, Makeup By Mario, and navigating through the pandemic, Mario returned to Dubai for a special guest appearance at the Style Station at City Centre Mirdif. We sat down to chat with Mario about his thoughts on Dubai, how he found his purpose, and of course, when we can purchase his coveted cosmetic brand in the UAE.

From NYC to DXB

Upon first glance of Mario, we notice his piercing green eyes, flawless skin, and a gentle, unassuming energy. For someone who has amassed global fame, countless accolades, and a long list of celebrity friends and clientele that could stretch from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, he seems…humble. He starts off by sharing that the last time he visited Dubai was in the pre-pandemic era. He’s been to the GCC quite a few times. More than we realise, he tells us, because he flies out here quite often to do makeup for weddings. Those times, he doesn’t post on his socials that he’s in the Middle East.

We ask Mario what his favourite things to do in Dubai are and he pauses, laughs, and replies that he hasn’t had a chance to do anything touristy. I asked him specifically what he’d like to see and he responded simply with “the dunes.” He does, however, have a lot of desert dwelling friends in the region. In the little downtime he has, he spends it catching up with them. Mario considers Dubai’s famous makeup artist, Hindash, a friend and says that he thinks Hindash’s Beautopsy palette is “incredible.”

A (bumpy) road of self-discovery

Mario grew up not quite fitting in. He explains that his parents were strict and wanted him, along with his siblings, to live inside their guidelines. This was problematic for Mario. As a natural creative, he was born to colour outside the lines. At the age of 17, he tells us he “discovered makeup and subsequently, his purpose.” Mario shares that his parents “wouldn’t accept him working with makeup.” He began to live two lives; the one his family laid out for him, and in secret, one full of the creativity of makeup artistry. It was only a matter of time until Mario’s parents discovered his makeup hidden in a box in his closet. Arguments ensued and Mario ran away from home. He was only a teenager in New York City.

Mario explains that once he found makeup, he knew he would never stop using it as his creative medium. He spent tough years pushing forward towards his passion and unlearning the beliefs that chained him down. He worked for two years at Sephora and then started to do makeup for New York socialiates and celebrities. One fateful day he had a new client in his seat, an up and coming reality star, Kim Kardashian. After that fateful meeting (“was it destiny?,” Mario muses) his career skyrocketed. He and Kim dominated emerging social media platforms like Instagram with his artistry and her face as the canvas. When asked about Kim, Mario says “there is no other woman in the world with her appeal and allure.”

Perpetually driven

After becoming a household name around the world, with millions of people idolising and recreating his iconic makeup looks, Mario set his sights on his next challenge, creating his own makeup brand, Makeup by Mario. He tells us that formulating his brand drummed up feelings of fear, self-doubt, and insecurities, which as we now know, isn’t new to him. He describes the process as “difficult” and says he worked long days and nights perfecting it.

Today, his makeup brand contains every product you need to get ready from a casual lunch date to a night out on the Palm. From his Soft Sculpt Shaping Stick, to his Ultra Suede Lipstick and Master Hold Brow Gel, Mario successfully and expertly created and crafted a makeup line widely loved by bloggers, editors, and makeup artists alike.

In the future Mario has his sights set on humanitarian work. He wants to get involved with charities and organisations to assist youth going through similar struggles as he did. Although he has seemingly reached the top of his career (but to be fair, it seems like he keeps reaching higher and redefining the “top”), he hasn’t forgotten where he comes from. He reflects often on those dark days, full of struggle, hope, and inner strength. He plans on tapping into this and help lift the frequency of those enmeshed in parallel situations. Perhaps there’s an element of further self-healing in it, too.

makeup by mario
Makeup by Mario is currently available to ship to Dubai from www.makeupbymario.com. (Instagram @makeupbymario)

Mario excitedly says he’ll be back in the UAE in 2022, when his makeup line launches in the region. We hope that next time he’s out here, he’ll take a few hours out of his busy schedule and visit the dunes. They’re just as awe-inspiring as your creations, Mario.