Super Mario

Makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic traces his path from a Sephora job at 17 to Kim Kardashian's looks, and his dream of working with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

By Trishla Chadha · Feb 2016 · 6 min read

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Having Kim Kardashian as his muse for over eight years, social media’s contouring genius, Mario Dedivanovic, more commonly known as “Makeup by Mario”, talks to us, on his views on being called “The Contouring King”, the impact of social media and his dream to work with Indian beauty Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

Being one of the most sought-after makeup artists amongst Hollywood celebrities, how did your love for makeup artistry begin?

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It all started when I was 17, and was working as a fragrance consultant at Sephora in New York City. That outlet was the first Sephora that opened in the United States. On my first day at work, I was introduced to makeup and that’s when I fell in love with it, and started off right after that.

You obviously started off at a very young age. So, what were the key values that you learned over the years?

The key values that I learnt from assisting in the past were about being professional! Which includes being on time for work, the importance of detail, the importance of having the knowledge of all different kinds of products, working on various skin tones and along with all that, I learnt a lot about the fashion industry.

You are often referred to as ‘The Contouring King’, all thanks to the iconic looks that you have done on Kim Kardashian. What are your views on that?

Well, I guess I’m flattered. But people should know that I did not create contouring; this makeup technique has been around for many years, long before I was around. So, I guess, it’s because of Kim and I; we put up pictures of the makeup looks and the contouring techniques on social media, and hence, it’s become a global phenomena now. I mean, I am fine with that title because it is something that I use and I will always use. However, I believe sometimes on social media it is a bit extreme, because this technique is not something that should not be done every day for women. But anyway, I suppose it’s all in fun and for makeup, so it is fine.

The world knows of Kim Kardashian being your muse; describe your first meeting with her?

The first time I met her was eight-nine years ago in New York for a magazine shoot, she was very kind and soft-spoken. After the shoot, she came up to me, asking me, if I’d go makeup shopping, so we went and purchased all the products that I had used on her that day. And we’ve been friends ever since.

What is the most favourite look that you have done on her?

We’ve done over a thousand looks together, and my favourites, keep changing from time to time. My all time favourite look would be her wedding look with Kanye West.

The biggest make-up trend in 2016…

A bold matte lip!

You are the master of face sculpting, and you bring out the best features of a woman’s face. What does being one of the world’s best makeup artist mean to you?

I’m flattered that you say that because I do not consider myself as one of the best in the world. I believe it’s all about consistency, you should be constantly good at what you do, never be lazy, and always try to do the best you can in no matter what job you are doing.

Which other makeup artists inspire you?

There are so many! A few of them being, Peter Philips, Charlotte Tilbury, Pat McGrath and Kabuki.

What has been the biggest or most special moment in your career?

I think, for me, it’s always with the celebrities I work with that admire me. I feel extremely honoured and privileged that these people choose me to work with them.

Any possibilities of you launching your own makeup line or a makeup school in the future?

Yes, I would love to! Not sure when though. However, it will definitely happen, most probably in the next few years.

Has the makeup industry changed from the time you started to now?

The industry has changed a great deal. When I started, it was very different! There was no social media at that time. Whereas now, the rise and importance of social media has drastically changed this industry, in terms of how celebrities are finding their makeup artist through social media for example Instagram. However, I also believe, it has become very saturated, because there are so many makeup artists now compared to the time, when I started. I think now, in the beauty world, women are so much more educated now in terms of how to do makeup. The questions I am asked now compared to the ones I got 15 years ago are so much more different. Women are so makeup savvy now.

Your favourite makeup trend over the past 15 years…

I love a dewy, radiant skin!

Your top tip for contouring…

Not overdo it! Start out very light and build the shade if necessary.

Your advice for a healthy skin…

Wash your face and never sleep with your makeup on! Also, invest in a good foundation and skin care products because that is what’s going onto your skin for long hours of the day.

Five products that you have to carry in your kit…

A beauty blender, Anastasia Beverly Hills eyebrow pencils (cannot live without those!), eyelash curler named Surratt Beauty, L'Oréal Voluminous mascara and the Anastasia Beverly Hills brow gel!

Have you visited India?

No, but it’s always been a dream of mine to visit India! I have done a couple of traditional Indian weddings in the past. They are so amazing! They are definitely one of the most beautiful weddings, I’ve ever seen so far. I really enjoy Indian bridal makeup because I really enjoy working on darker skin tones. I believe the makeup reflects beautifully on such tones. I worked with one Indian model recently, and she was so beautiful! She took my breath away. That day, I worked with six models and her makeup was definitely my favourite because I really like working on Indian skin.

You’ve conducted your famous master classes in a few cities now, any chances of doing the same in India, because your fan base in India is incredible!

Really? That’s great to hear! I would love, love, love, to come to you and conduct one of my classes.

Have you worked with any Indian celebrity?

Not that I can think of at the top of my head. But, I could tell you a few that I’d love to work with. I remember years ago watching Oprah and I saw Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. She took my breath away to how beautiful she was. This was many years ago, when I was quite young and fresh in the industry, and I was thinking to myself, that I’d love to do her makeup one day.

Your advice to current aspiring makeup students around the world…

The best advice is to work very hard and never give up! In this industry, consistency is key. You have to be persistent, and keep researching and studying fashion. Many people don’t realise that to be a successful makeup artist, you have to research and study a lot, in order to know and understand the fashion and makeup industry. A lot goes into this profession, besides just makeup; there is photography, hair and so on. I studied a lot, being in the library everyday and night, just pushing myself to understand all key information to become the makeup artist I am today.

Plans for 2016…

I have an eye shadow palette coming out in collaboration with Anastasia Beverly Hills. It’s my first collaboration, and will be sold all around the USA. I will also conduct few more workshops and master classes in the Middle East, possibly Brazil and Australia.