We Tried Makeup by Mario’s Glowy New Complexion Launches, and We’re Hooked

If there’s one person who can nail a complexion product, it’s Mario Dedivanovic—a.k.a. Makeup by Mario. He’s the man behind Kim Kardashian’s signature beat, and pretty much the reason contouring became a mainstream makeup practice outside of the drag world. 

Fans were shocked to see that Dedivanovic had placed an emphasis on eye products when he launched his nameake line last year. He later explained that he launches products in the order he uses them. He finally gifted us with contour sticks, blushes, bronzers and contour sticks a few months ago. And today, May 25, he’s giving us his most innovative base products yet: The Makeup by Mario Skin Enhancer and The Skin Perfector. 

The Skin Enhancer is described by the brand as an all-in-one “solid balm, skin tint, and creamy bronzer that instantly warms and tints to subtly even out skin tone,” while The Skin Perfector is a “bronzer, highlighter, and finishing powder that perfects, illuminates, and sets for a radiant glow.” Neither one really fits into a category we’ve ever seen before, giving the user tons of room to customize the products to their preferences. High-impact these products are not—think of them as your off-duty multitaskers. 

Although the products can be used together, they can also be used individually to add color and radiance to the skin and subtly shape it. Mario suggests using a dense brush, such as his F1 Brush, to apply the Skin Enhancer to the outer edges of your face. Blend inwards. To apply the Skin Perfector, use a lighter brush. Finally, dust some powder on your face and rub it all over. This will help to set and highlight the rest of your skin. 

These products can be customized so we had five GlamourThe editors have tested them before anyone else. For our honest reviews, please read on. 

Ariana Yaptangco senior beauty editor 

I’m declaring this the summer of Makeup by Mario. In warmer months, I prefer my makeup products to feel as light and natural as possible. The Skin Enhancer is a silky balm texture that blends seamlessly on the skin. It was used as a bronzer on my temples and hollows of the cheeks. But, I can see myself using it all over my face once I get my summer tan. Mario once said that mask-proof makeup requires layering powder and cream formulas. I used the Skin Perfector to top off my bronzer. It is smooth and blurred beautifully. I’ve got a head start on my summer sun-kissed glow.

Talia Abbas, commerce editor 

I have a very soft hand when applying highlighter or bronzer. Skin Perfector has so much pigment that I only had to dust it along my cheekbones. The subtle shimmer wears beautifully in natural light, and the formula doesn’t crease on top of my moisturizer and SPF. Powder formulas rarely do it for me, but I’m hooked on this one. 

Ru Wolle, associate editor 

I like to use Skin Enhancer as a blusher. It can be used in a variety of ways.  And since I’ve never been one for a sparkly bronzer, I love the matte finish with just a hint of shimmer. It’s also perfect for contouring—I decided to do a combo effect and start with a cream base, then overlay it with the powder bronzer to give it a soft finish with a touch of definition.

Bella Cacciatore, associate beauty editor

I have been searching for a product like the Skin Enhancer for years, and I was worried it simply didn’t exist. It’s lighter and sheerer than any cream bronzer I’ve ever used, so it gives me the prettiest sunny glow without looking like I’m wearing a stitch of makeup. It has a glossy, balmy texture that doesn’t feel sticky or overly shiny; it actually feels dewy and blurring at the same time. It feels great on my cheeks, nose, forehead, and forehead. However, if I was a light-coverage girl, I would use it everywhere to blur pores and add color. I haven’t tried it as a contour yet, but because it’s so subtle, I imagine it’s best used as a bronzer stand-in. It is beautiful. It’s finely milled and glides right on, locking in makeup and leaving behind a subtle glow. I’m so excited to have these in my summer makeup arsenal. 

Ana Escalante, editorial assistant 

I would use bronzer for the rest of life if I could. Although my religion is Chanel’s Les Beiges, I’m always been on the hunt for the perfect shade, warmth, and consistency in bronzers. I’ll admit, the Makeup by Mario Skin Enhancer and corresponding trio-shade compact come close. The creamy bronzer glides on my skin easily when I apply it with my makeup sponge. It also settles nicely on my skin unlike other formulas that can cause patchiness.

Bella Cacciatore serves as the associate beauty editor. Glamour. Follow her on Instagram @bellacacciatore_.