Makeup By Mario’s Mario Dedivanovic On His Top Summer Beauty Secrets

Mario Dedivanovic, CEO & Founder of Makeup By Mario, has become one of the biggest names in the beauty industry, shaping beauty trends for over a decade thanks to his expert techniques, celebrity clientele, and namesake brand, Makeup By Mario. To celebrate the launch of his brand’s latest product, the SoftSculpt® Bronzing & Shaping Serum, which is sure to be a big hit this summer, I spoke with Mario to get his tips on summer beauty.

Keep reading for his advice for looking great no matter how hot it gets, how to use the Bronzing & Shaping Serum, and the trends he’s excited to feature this season.

On sweat-proof makeup:

“Sweat-proof makeup calls for a good setting powder,” he explains. “It’s not about matte-ifying your skin since summer’s all about a healthy glow, so try layering powder with your favorite cream formulas to help create some extra grip and lock in makeup. All of my cream products are formulated to layer beautifully under or over powder, an important and unique characteristic that’s top of mind during the development process.” Mario recommends using his SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer(R) or Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil “to get a glow that lasts.”

On getting that summer glow:

“I look and feel my best when I’ve just come back from vacation and my skin is bronzed and healthy, so I created SoftSculpt Bronzing & Shaping Serum to do just that,” he explains of his new liquid bronzer. “This is sunshine in a bottle and also gives a super soft sculpt that goes on effortlessly and can be built up easily. You can wear it alone on bare skin or under, over, even mixed with, foundation.”

He also notes that it’s important to get the balance right. “Remember that summer skin should be glowy but not overly shiny/oily, so keep the glow strategically on the high points of the face versus all over.”

On the season’s biggest beauty trends:

One trend that Mario is loving is the sunset cheek moment. “I’m a fan of using more than one blush shade and oftentimes mix pink with peach, but this trend takes it up a notch. All you need is two or more shades of blush and a little highlighter all mixed together to recreate the hues found in a perfect sunset. We’ve just introduced a few beautiful new shades of Soft Pop Blush Stick that are great for summer with a finish that keeps cheeks looking healthy and dewy.”

Overall, bold color is in for summer. “It’s the ideal time to play with a little color, so have fun with some brighter pops of color on your cheeks and lips.”

On summer makeup application:

When it comes to summer makeup application, Mario reminds that less is more. “I’m a fan of paired down, easy makeup looks for summer and recommend applying foundation and concealer only where you need it so skin looks as natural as possible.” He recommends his SurrealSkin Foundation and SurrealSkin Awakening Concealer; “The smallest amount goes a really long way and will still deliver your best skin day. Then stick to sheer bronzing and blush formulas that give a beautiful glow but allow your natural skin to peek through.”

On prepping your skin:

Mario stresses the importance of using a good moisturizer before your makeup routine. “My favorite way to prep the face before makeup application is to use a good moisturizer. One of my favorites is Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream.”