What is so special about Makeup by Mario? If you spend any time in the online beauty community you will know the brand as the one started by Kim Kardashian’s makeup artist that generates a lot of hype. But is it worth the hype? My first Makeup by Mario product: the Soft Sculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer in Light. Or you could just call it a cream bronzer of course.
If you believe the online hype, then you will know that this was many people’s favorite product for some time and this one promises to do it all. Available in 6 shades it promises a sheer bronzer like product that adds glow, looks natural and can be used as a 3-in-1 product. Let’s see how that went for me and my pale skin.
Review: Makeup by Mario Soft Sculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer in Light
At €37 this is a pricey product with just 5 grams. I bought mine through the UK Sephora which was the only place to get it at the time, but the brand has been rolled out at Sephora’s across Europe. So if you have access to Sephora, you may want to give them a browse to find this.
What does this bronzer have to offer?
I am calling it like it is: this is a cream bronzer. That’s not what the brand claims though. The brand says this is a multipurpose balm, skin tint and cream bronzer all in one small compact. The shades should be ‘universal’ (we all know what that means) and it results in a sheer coverage and dewy finish. It should also even out the skin tone and contain nourishing ingredients (but you should always apply skincare as a base peeps, esp. SPF, please don’t skip that).
What does this swatch like?
So how they can claim this is a 3-in-1 beats me. It definitely has a bronzer look to it. Yes it is sheer and dewy but I cannot imagine applying a shade like this all over my face. It is too dark, too warm and too yellow for it to work for me like that. It does work as a cream bronzer though. But with a sheer texture like this, that is super easy to blend (and lasts a long time) it does take quite a bit of product to get it to give the desired effect. With only 5 grams of product that means you can go through this quickly with consistent use.
What does this look like on my face?
That said, as a bronzer looks great on the face. It is natural and sheer and I can never over do it. This doesn’t look muddy on, blends in well with my foundation and looks like my skin when it’s on. I am fair and bronzers can look weird on me especially in the colder months when I am at my palest. This never looks overdone and the shade it pretty spot on for me. Bonus points: it lasts all day on my dry skin and doesn’t disappear after a few hours like some cream products can.
Should you buy the Makeup by Mario Soft Sculpt Skin Enhancer?
Is this the must have everyone is making it out to seem? Yes and no. What I like about this is how sheer it is. But it is expensive for what it is. At around €7 (which is a fifth of the price) you can find the Make Up Revolution cream bronzer, which has a similar shade range and blendability. So you don’t have to spend this much money for a good cream bronzer.
Then again, I think formula wise this product is unique in how lightweight and easy to use it is. If you find that worth it than paying this much may seem like a good deal to you. If you want an affordable option, just know they are out there. I have a feeling that with consistent use it wouldn’t take much to hit pan and use it up.
You can buy the Makeup by Mario Soft Sculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer here *.
*Link is affiliated.