What it takes to become a world-renowned makeup artist. Join host and professional makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran as she speaks with the iconic Mario Dedivanovic about how he became one of the most influential celebrity makeup artists. Mario shares what skills are necessary for makeup artists to work with VIP clients and how to build a successful brand.

The youngest of four, Mario was born and raised in the Bronx by his parents—Albanian immigrants from Montenegro. After graduating high school, Mario and his mother went to Manhattan where he found a retail job at Sephora as a fragrance consultant in the Flatiron District.

Mario discovered a passion for makeup artistry after his first day when a woman asked for his help selecting a lipstick. Soon after, he was hired by two singers he met at Sephora to create their makeup for a cabaret show. He was only 17 and did not have a formal makeup kit, so he took a Nike shoebox from his closet filled with products from Sephora and did their makeup for $25.  In  those early days at Sephora, Mario set a goal that would drive the rest of his career—he would become a professional makeup artist with the dream of one day having his own line.

He is now one of the most acclaimed, followed, and influential makeup artists in the world known for creating the most flawless version of an individual's natural beauty. From education to social media to innovation, Mario is a visionary and pioneer at the leading edge of the beauty industry. Having taught and popularized the best-known makeup techniques of the last decade, Mario has ignited viral trends that have inspired and forever altered the beauty landscape.

JALEESA'S INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jaleesajaikaran/

THE LIFE OF A MAKEUP ARTIST INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thelifeofamakeupartist/

MARIO'S INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mariodedivanovic/