I Swore This Blush Balm to Secrecy (Even When Everyone Asked) All Holiday Season—Finally, I Can Divulge
“Okay, your blush looks so good,” is the main compliment I received night after night in the swanky New York City holiday party scene this year. Even with the lights dimmed, friends, colleagues, and partygoers alike stopped to tell me how dewy and healthy my skin looked despite the brisk December cold—and no, it wasn’t the result of a new serum or foundation (though I did give my winter beauty regimen a good overhaul this year). Though I desperately wanted to spread the word of this magical new product, I had to bite my glossy lip to keep from divulging the secret to my glowy flush—but finally, I can unleash the beast.
It’s no secret that I’m a fan of practically everything Makeup by Mario releases—from the brand’s winter-ready eye shadow palettes to its softly sculpting bronzers, Mario Dedivanovic’s line is beloved by experts and editors alike for a reason. The user-friendly, yet high-quality products are fast tracks to professional-looking glam every time, and the brand’s latest release has been the culprit behind my warm winter glow. If those words sound like they don’t belong in the same sentence, allow me to explain—the Jelly Jar, a two-in-one lip and cheek balm, is basically a lip color, gloss, blush, and serum wrapped up into one. But don't delay: the Jelly Jar won't be sticking around once it sells out.
Makeup by Mario
Jelly Jar Lip & Cheek Balm
This little, limited-edition jar houses a texturally enthralling, featherweight formula that wears like a watercolor wash. It has a bouncy texture that feels reminiscent of the cushiony K-beauty formulas taking over my FYP, though it feels surprisingly light on the skin—leaving none of the gloopy, thick, or sticky residue that accompanies most potted balms and blushes. It’s available in six versatile hues that go on sheer, but are easy to build up on both the cheeks and lips with a few light layers. (Plus, its diffused-skin finish is right on track for the glowy makeup trend creeping in ahead of 2026.)
“I love using Jelly Jar as a finishing touch to add a juicy pop of color to the lips and cheeks,” Dedivanovic tells Who What Wear. “For lips, I’ll either press it on like a stain when I want something effortless, or I’ll pair it with my Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil to enhance the color and create more definition,” he adds.
Since the Jelly Jars are engineered for both your lips and cheeks, the formula is infused with a handful of skin-softening ingredients for real, juicy hydration. A nourishing blend of hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and castor oil makes this balm extra-enriching for winter skin without utilizing pore-clogging ingredients, which makes this multitasker suitable for acne-prone types. (No, really, I ran each shade through Acne Clinic NYC’s ingredients checker!)
“I wanted the shades to feel fun, wearable, and universally flattering,” Dedivanovic explains. “Each color was chosen to mimic a natural flush and help enhance natural features. They’re meant to work across skin tones, layer beautifully, and fit effortlessly into a makeup routine.”
To put these claims to the test, I wore different shades for the many outings I had lined up this December—from office days to glitzy holiday parties and hometown rendezvouses. Keep scrolling to see how I styled my favorite hues.
