In addition to what feels like weekly announcements of new celebrity beauty brands [1], the last few years has brought several brand launches by the makeup artists behind these well-known faces. TBH, celebrity-owned beauty lines can be quite hit or miss. But when it comes to artist's brands, my expectations are high. They know more about makeup than most, so shouldn't the products they create raise the bar?
Most recently, Makeup By Mario [2] — the company founded by Mario Dedivanovic, who's behind many of Kim Kardashian's most iconic makeup looks [3] 一 has been making waves in the beauty industry. After falling in love with its blush and contour sticks, I've kept the brand's launches on my radar. I'm fiercely loyal to lip gloss, so I wasn't jumping out of my chair when the brand announced the new Ultra Suede Lipstick [4] ($24). Then I received the collection to review and was immediately taken by the shade selection (and how the lipstick bullet truly looks like suede). So, I decided to put down my lip gloss and give this formula a fair shot.
At first swipe, I knew this lipstick was special [5]. I tend to like thin, lightweight textures that are either ultra-glossy or completely matte. To my surprise, just one layer of this formula delivers medium-coverage that glides on smoothly and blends in seamlessly. A few more passes and I had a rich, completely matte colour.
Unlike most matte formulas that feel drying and almost suction to the lips, making them incredibly uncomfortable to wear throughout the day, I experienced nothing of the sort with this lipstick. No matter how much I layered on, the product felt like nothing on my lips and they never looked dry. As if I needed any more convincing that these lipsticks will be my new go-to, I looked in the mirror after eating a pasta dinner to find the colour still looking near-perfect.
In addition to a stellar formula, the brand really knocked it out of the park with the packageing and shade range. The sleek white tube has the most satisfying magnetic closure, and with 20 shades, there are naturals, pinks, browns, reds, and a few fun other pops of colour like plum with a range of undertones. Dedivanovic yet again created a formula that raises the standard, proving that his experience as a makeup artist makes him and his brand an incredible asset to the beauty community. To see how it looks on, check out the photos of me wearing a few of my favourite shades.
Rating:
Wearing the Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Lipstick in Rasa
If you're looking for a baby pink shade with a hint of rose undertones, the Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Lipstick in Rasa [6] ($24) is for you. I love that there isn't much white in the base, so it doesn't appear powdery or chalky in colour like other baby pink shades often do.
Wearing the Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Lipstick in Fanda
I often struggle to find brown shades that don't lean too yellow or grey, but with the rosy brown shade Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Lipstick in Fanda [7] ($24), I've met my match.
Wearing the Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Lipstick in Amanda
While red and vampy hues are typically outside of my comfort zone, this Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Lipstick in Amanda [8] ($24) popped beautifully against my fair skin. You can also customise the intensity by sheering it out with your fingers or building it up.