Mario Dedivanovic at his Laura Mercier masterclass held in Dubai. Courtesy of Laura Mercier
If you know the world of beauty then you will know the name Mario Dedivanovic. A makeup artist to the stars, Dedivanovic began sharing his makeup tips and tricks 10 years ago. Pioneering the era of live beauty masterclasses, he has gone from teaching six students to over 2000 at a time. Bringing his knowledge to the Middle East, he stops in Dubai to offer some beauty advice using the latest launches from Laura Mercier, whilst sharing insights into his journey so far.
Did you always want to be in the world of beauty?
I discovered beauty when I was 17 and I got a job at Sephora. It was my first job after high school. It’s where I discovered makeup and the world of beauty. I had been obsessed with it, inspired and intrigued by it all my life but never knew about makeup. When I was young I used to get very inspired by art and design, things that were not makeup but were beauty related. I realized when I was older that it was a feeling of inspiration that I was getting. When I discovered makeup and beauty, and that I can make someone else beautiful it was like an epiphany moment. I needed to do that every day. I needed that in my life every day. It was those moments of growing up and feeling inspiration that would define what I would, later on, I would do.
What were the most defining moments in your beauty story?
I’ve been doing makeup for 19 years now. There are too many moments that defined my career. The first time I did an ad campaign, the first time I did a magazine cover, the first time I did a Vogue cover. There are so many moments.
What is your approach to beauty?
Don’t follow trends. Do whatever makes you feel great. I know every woman has certain techniques that she uses on herself that really works, so for me, I don’t like to tell people you have to do this-this way or you have to do this that way. Be authentic, do what makes you look best and if you want to do new things you have to practice it. If it works, great and if it doesn’t you wash it off.
What was your first Laura Mercier product?
The first Laura Mercier product I used? I want to say the tinted moisturizer, I think.
What has been your favorite Laura Mercier product launch to date?
I have a few favorites I can’t live without. The original Translucent Loose Setting Powder, and I love the new Translucent Loose Setting Powder – Glow. The new Flawless fusion concealer is one of my absolute favorites and the tinted moisturizer.
Mario Dedivanovic posing with his model at the Laura Mercier masterclass. Courtesy of Laura Mercier
What do you love most about the Laura Mercier woman?
The Laura Mercier woman is very chic. She doesn’t try to cover too much, she likes to accentuate and enhance what she already has. It’s a very elegant look. It’s very true to Laura’s artistry. It’s a very New York, Parisian woman. The makeup is beautiful, radiant and natural.
What advice would you give to women in the Middle East about achieving a glowing complexion?
The women of the Middle East definitely have a heavier look. I love that about them. I love that they stay true to it and they are authentic. I think the women in the Middle East like a more matte look, so the new Translucent Loose Setting Powder – Glow is a great addition because after setting their makeup with the traditional powder they can add that glowing powder rather than being too dewy or too shiny or shimmery.
How has Instagram helped shape your career?
Instagram has been a pivotal part in shaping my career. I started a little late after it launched, but it’s been amazing. It’s such a great way to connect with my followers I really enjoy it. It’s inspiring too.
What advice would you give to upcoming makeup artists?
Take Instagram seriously. Don’t be messy, don’t be controversial. Show really nice work, invest in good lighting, be professional because your clients want to see professionalism. You have to work hard and you have to sacrifice in your career. That’s when you really start to see a difference. My mom taught me from a really young age be a good person in everything you do, and eventually, you will get good karma back.
