Makeup By Mario’s Jelly Jar Balms Are So Fun to Use

If you haven’t heard, skincare is the new slime. And we’re not letting 2025 end without one of the most satisfying new launches joining the “skintertainment” family.

On Friday, December 26, Makeup by Mario’s impressive line is becoming even more fun to work with. Launching in six gorgeous shades curated by makeup artist and brand founder Mario Dedivanovic himself, Jelly Jar Lip & Cheek Balm is a bouncy new balm that offers a sheer wash of juicy color and major skincare benefits.

Keep reading to discover everything to know about the launch, including our honest review and notes on inspiration from Dedivanovic himself.

The Inspiration

Made to be worn alone for a no-makeup makeup flush or over makeup to up the ante of your look with extra dimension (the brand recommends pairing it with your favorite lip liner for a glassy, high-shine finish), Jelly Jar’s star power comes through in both its in-tub texture, on-lip payoff, and easy application in between.

“I wanted to create a sensorial product that felt fun and very of-the-moment, with a juicy and bouncy texture that instantly makes you want to touch it,” Dedivanovic tells Byrdie. “It was also important that the product felt effortless, something versatile that you can throw on without overthinking—whether you’re keeping things pared-back or adding a pop of color.”

The Formula

As fun to apply as it is to look at, the bouncy and jelly-like formula features hydrating ingredients like castor oil, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid to enhance nourishment while ensuring your experience wearing the balm is smooth and comfortable.

According to Dedivanovic, getting the feel and texture right was the most important aspect of formulation.

“I wanted it to be lightweight, bouncy, and comfortable, never sticky or heavy, and easy to apply with just your fingers,” he explained. “It was also important that it layered beautifully over makeup and looked just as effortless on bare skin for a wash of sheer color. ”

In a consumer panel study with 30 participants, 100% agreed their lips looked healthier and felt more nourished, that the product had a radiant finish on their lips and cheeks, and that it helped them achieve a glowy look quickly.

How to Wear It

While Dedivanovic personally loves applying Jelly Jar with his finger and letting the warmth of your skin help it melt in, there are multiple ways to play with it.

“You can also use my F1 Brush for a more controlled application on the cheeks. If you want more payoff, build in thin layers,” he says. “For lips, lining first with the UltraSuede Sculpting Lip Pencil and applying Jelly Jar on top instantly enhances the color while keeping that juicy, glossy finish.”

The Review

“First and foremost, the texture of these are SO fun! I can’t say I’ve ever seen anything similar in the beauty world, and they really live up to their jelly name. That being said, they aren’t just a gimmick, but provide the quality I expect from Makeup By Mario. Unlike other jelly products, there’s no real learning curve with application for this one—I simply dabbed it on my cheeks with my favorite blush brush and then blended out with my fingers. It leaves behind a glossy glow, but doesn’t feel sticky or glossy. While they aren’t the most pigmented, they just make your skin look healthy and youthful, and they’re the perfect thing to perk up your complexion after a long day. The shades are so pretty (I’m wearing Rose Crush here) and they also look great patted on the lips.” —Bella Cacciatore, senior news editor