Celebrity Makeup Artist Mario Dedivanovic Gives Back

Makeup Artist Mario Dedivanovic with his client, Kim Kardashian

Mario Dedivanovic is a celebrity makeup artist whose work and portfolio are truly impressive. 

But more on that later. 

Most impressive to Nineveh, of course, is the work that Mario is doing to make the world a beautiful place.

Mario told us that he tries to give back as much as he can by using his makeup skills and his time.
  

"It's the least I [can] do and I look forward to giving back more in the future." 

During fashion week last year, Mario invited recording artist and actress Adrienne Bailon to The Lower East Side Girls Club.
"I gave a full makeup demo on Adrienne to a room filled with young women and even some boys from the charity. 

I wanted them all to see the amount of work that is put into magazine covers and red carpets in hopes of raising their self esteem and showing them that no one is perfect. 

I also taught the girls a bunch of simple makeup tips that they could use on themselves daily or for college interviews, etc.   I reached out to a few makeup companies that sponsored and gave me a bunch of product to gift all of the girls with.  The energy in the room that day was spectacular.  The kids were so happy and grateful for everything, and so was I."

Recently, Mario was asked to be the key makeup artist for The Inspiration Gala fashion show.  The entire events proceeds went to amFar - the Foundation for AIDS Research.  

"I didn't think twice to say yes, and in fact, I was very honored to give my time for such a great charity.  I brought in my team of artists who all devoted their time to work on the show.    

Smashbox cosmetics gladly sponsored me, and as always, they provided us with all their amazing product.  Love Smashbox!"

Mario also recently hosted two workshops in L.A. for Industry Art Shops, which allowed him to choose a charity of his choice to give a percentage of the workshop proceeds.

"I chose an amazing charity called CARRY - The Coalition for At-Risk Youth. CARRY is an non-profit organization dedicated to changing the lives of foster youth suffering from debilitating skin disorders. I look forward to soon meeting the beautiful children at CARRY and to continue to help change the lives of all children who suffer."

In addition to his charitable work, Mario is a full-time Makeup Artist. I asked him which projects or people he has been most proud to work with.


"I enjoy so many jobs that I work on and the people I work with as well. One I'm very proud of is my first global advertising campaign.  It was for Pioneer Electronics.  Genius photographer and good friend David Field shot the three day campaign, and one of the images is a black and white of a model morphing into a butterfly.  It's framed and hangs on my living room wall for years [now].  I guess that job made me feel 'official'. 

I have to of course mention my work with the beauty, Kim Kardashian.  Whether I make her up for a red carpet, a beauty campaign, a Harpers Bazaar shoot or for her TV show, I am always proud of my work on her.  Kim carries  every look with such grace, beauty and class.  Doing her makeup is hardly a job. Its a beautiful experience. "

Based on his work in the field with beauties like Kim, Mario has inevitably had opportunities to create a product or tool to help in his professional work. 

He has already created a product called Eye M Glam for Giella Cosmetics, which he describes as "a gorgeous all over highlighter that gives your skin a sheer golden glow, and it's truly a universal shade.  I created the product while sitting on my apartment floor one evening.  It was for myself to use on my clients and I never thought for a second that it would be available for sale.  When Giella saw Eye M Glam, she wanted to include it as a product in her line.  Within a couple of months people from all over the world were ordering Eye M Glam from Giella.com.  The reviews have been very positive, and it's getting more popular every day."

For aspiring makeup artist's, Mario's humble starts are an inspiration. He worked at a fragrance counter at a department store. He was constantly mistaken for a makeup artist, and as he began offering his advice, his natural talent and ability in makeup artistry became evident to him and those around him, and he pursued the field wholeheartedly.  


I asked him what advice he has for those who are considering a career in makeup artistry.

"My advice to those of you considering a career in makeup artistry is to pay your dues by testing a lot for your book and assisting bigger artists as much as you possibly can.  You will learn the tricks of the trade and be better prepared to deal with any issues on a shoot or job. 

I think it's also critical that you research  the industry past and present. Understand the looks from each era and be familiar with the names of designers, models, photographers, hairstylists, agencies, etc. You can never know or learn enough."

You can check out Mario's website at:
http://blog.makeupbymario.com/

Mario's tweet about this article. :)

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Smashbox Friends & Family 2010

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Makeup Mondays With Mario: You, But Better

Celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic is answering your burning beauty questions!!! Every Monday, he will answer a beauty/skin care question as part of a weekly column on Spoiled Pretty, Makeup Mondays with Mario.


Hi Mario,


Usually, I don't wear much makeup. In fact, I usually just wear some sort of lip balm and then I'm out the door. But I recently decided to start putting some more effort into my look. So can you share some tips and products to help me look put-together, but natural? I want to look like a prettier version of myself - but I also don't have a lot of time in the mornings to apply makeup. Thanks a lot!

-Joan

Hi Joan,

I’m glad you've decided to show yourself some love by putting forth the little bit of effort to be a prettier you. Starting with just a few products will have you looking naturally beautiful and smiling in no time.

Tinted moisturizer, applied with your fingers to your face and blended into your neck, will even out your skin without feeling heavy at all. My favorites right now are from Laura Mercier and Lancome. Use a bit of concealer under your eyes to brighten up and also on any red or dark spots - try Smashbox High Definition Liquid Concealer.

If you brows need grooming, be sure to have this done. It gives an instant lift. Try filling in your brows with a brow pencil and focus on the mid to outer corners for the most natural result. Brow Tech To Go, also by Smashbox, is a personal fave. You can set your brow with the brow gel on the other end of the pencil.

Curl your lashes as I can’t stress enough how huge of a difference it makes. Just do it! LOL. Follow with a basic black mascara on top and bottom lashes and you won’t even need liner.

Looking in the mirror, smile and apply a bit of blush to the apples of your cheeks. To find the right shade for you, I recommend you go to a department store and have a makeup artist help you out. Another option is to choose a couple of drugstore shades and test them at home.

Answering this question brings back fond memories for me, so I will share them with you…

My mother never wore any makeup her entire life - aside from lip balm - and she still doesn't. I do remember, though, that on very special and rare occasions, she would take out this pinkish, natural lipstick tube and in front of the mirror, softly dab it a few times on her lips, barely applying any color. Next she would very gently and cautiously dab that same lipstick onto her cheeks, followed by a smile in the mirror. All together, this took about 20 seconds. I’d stare up at her and smile because I thought she looked so beautiful that way. I’m smiling again right now at this memory, even twenty years later.

Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays with Mario!

xo,
Mario
Got a question for Mario? Email your makeup and skin care queries to spoiledprettyquestions@gmail.com, and check back next Monday to read Mario's expert advice!

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Smashbox Friends & Family 2010

Take 20% off your next purchase at smashbox.com. Enter FF2010 at checkout. Sale ends Friday, May 28.

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Makeup Mondays With Mario: Hold The Oil

Celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic is answering your burning beauty questions!!! Every Monday, he will answer a beauty/skin care question as part of a weekly column on Spoiled Pretty, Makeup Mondays with Mario.

Hi Mario,

My problem is that when the weather gets warmer, my face gets very oily. It seems that no matter what I do, my face always looks shiny/greasy - which embarasses me. Can you recommend any products or makeup tips that might help me keep my shine under control?

Thanks!!!!!
Scarlett


Hi Scarlett,

You can control your naturally dewy skin's shine using a few products and/techniques. Start out with an oil-free, light moisturizer (Daneen recommends Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel) all over, prior to makeup application. Let that set in a couple of minutes, then apply Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light by Smashbox. If your skin doesn't need much coverage, I'd skip the foundation altogether and instead use a concealer on spots. Try Laura Mercier’s Secret Camouflage concealers. Use a loose powder to set the face, making sure that it's free of shimmer and sparkle, of course. Try Priori loose powder. For touch ups throughout the day, use Tatcha Blotting Papers to absorb shine. I once learned a tip from a brilliant beauty blogger who's spoiled pretty - she uses a Starbucks napkin to absorb oils on the skin. It truly works! All the more reason to go to Starbucks! Oh and one more thing- don't feel embarrassed for having oily skin – it's the most effective anti- aging product and it's all yours!

Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays with Mario!

xo,
Mario

Got a question for Mario? Email your makeup and skin care queries to spoiledprettyquestions@gmail.com, and check back next Monday to read Mario's expert advice!

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Makeup Mondays With Mario: Bronzer How-To

Celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic is answering your burning beauty questions!!! Every Monday, he will answer a beauty/skin care question as part of a weekly column on Spoiled Pretty, Makeup Mondays with Mario.


Hello Mario!


My question is about bronzer. Actually, I have a few questions. I am so confused! First, how do you choose your perfect shade of bronzer? Second, what is the best technique for applying powder bronzer? And do you have any favorites you can recommend?

Thanks a lot!
Lizzie

Hi Lizzie,

When chosing a shade of bronzer, you should consider the following: dark skin tones look best with bronzers that have red in them. Lighter skin usually looks good with a more pale/pinkish bronzer. When applying bronzer, I like to frame the entire face. Sweep the bronzer along the hairline, on hollows of the cheeks and along your jawline. Don't forget to apply a bit to the neck as well.

Because I use bronzer pretty much on most of the face, I prefer to go with a non-shimmery, powder bronzer. My faves are Smashbox Bronze Lights Bronzer in Suntan Matte* and Dior Bronze Matte Sunshine SPF 20. If you're looking to achieve a bronze look but want to glow as well, try Eye M Glam highlighter at Giella.com*. Apply it on the cheekbones, inner corner of eyes, bridge of nose and on brow bones. It has a golden glow that looks amazing with bronzer. Thanks for visiting MMwM!

xo,
Mario

Got a question for Mario? Email your makeup and skin care queries to spoiledprettyquestions@gmail.com, and check back next Monday to read Mario's expert advice!

*Mario used both of these products on Kim Kardashian for the Leather & Laces Superbowl party (photo above). To get the face, visit Mario's blog!

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