Mario Badescu Skincare Regimen

Strange, it's when I break out that I get more adventurous with skincare products. I have this principle of "don't fix it if it ain't broken" when it comes to my skin. So when my skin is "broken", I try (almost) everything I have in my beauty stash just to zap those zits out.

I received this sample set of Mario Badescu skincare products from one of their workshops. These were the products they recommended for my oily skin. The brand is pretty famous for their Drying Lotion, which even Hollywood celebs swear by! I have yet to try that, so for now, here's my take on these Mario Badescu products.

These travel-sized samples lasted me for about 1-2 weeks - ample time for a review. The original packaging comes in simple bottles, which reminded me of a hybrid between the packaging of Kiehl's and those self-concocted products that most dermatologists sell. I was pleasantly surprised to know that the price range of Mario Badescu isn't expensive considering the value for money and the size of the product your getting.

Now on to the actual reviews:

Notice the sticker labels of the products containing C, O, S, and ALL - those are skin type indicators. C for combination, O for oily, and S for sensitive.

 

 Mario Badescu Botanical Facial Gel

A refreshing oil controlling cleanser. Our non-foaming gel cleanser is deep cleansing and refreshing for oily skin. Removes make-up, dirt, and oil thoroughly without over drying skin. Exfoliating Alpha Hydroxy formula helps prevent buildup that can cause blackheads and pimples.

How to Use: Twice daily, massage in a circular motion on wet skin, avoiding eye area. Rinse with tepid water. Pat dry and follow with toner or astringent.

Ingredients: Deionized Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Grapefruit (Citrus Grandis Fruit) Extract, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Methylparaben, Propylparaben

I'm used to sulfate-free shampoos and they way they don't bubble up, but for a facial wash this is something new for me. Mario Badescu Botanical Facial Gel doesn't foam up at all, which took a bit of getting used to. This one's super gentle, but exfoliating as well (without rough beads, but with AHA from grapefruit). The scent is mildly herbal, but it doesn't bother me. This one leaves my skin soft and supple after rinsing, which I like. However, I still feel that I need a separate makeup remover prior to this facial wash for my skin to feel really clean.

Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion

Refreshing, disinfecting and deep cleaning astringent that is effective in drying up existing acne blemishes while preventing new eruptions. Sulfur and soothing Cucumber based, acne fighting formula that is non-drying and non-irritating.

How to Use: Twice daily after cleansing, pat skin dry and apply lotion dampened cotton by wiping in an outward direction until cotton comes up clean. Avoid eye area. Follow with moisturizer or night cream.

Ingredients: Deionized Water (Aqua), Isopropyl Alcohol, Sodium Sulfate, Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus) Extract, Nonoxynol-9

This toner contains alcohol high up on the ingredients list, but it doesn't make my face feel dry and tight. The cucumber content probably works to combat dryness and soothe the skin. This toner doesn't sting as much as other astringents I've used. My sister commented on the strong alcohol scent as I was applying this to my face using a cotton ball, but again, the scent doesn't bother me since I've used "stronger" toners before. To me, this smells kind of fresh! It effectively removes leftover makeup, cleanser, and dirt off your face. This one also helped dry up my stubborn and sudden cystic acne breakouts around my chin faster.

Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream

Hydrate skin while you sleep with our lightweight, oil-free night cream. Elastin, Collagen, and Hyaluronic Acid combine with the vitamins and minerals found in Bladderwrack Extract to nourish dehydrated skin. The result is smooth, dewy, younger-looking skin overnight.

How to Use: Apply daily on clean skin avoiding eye area. If product gets into eyes, rinse well with water.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water,Eau), Glycerin, Isopropyl Myristate, Stearic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Collagen, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Carbomer, Parfum (Fragrance), Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Sodium Benzoate, Triethanolamine, Diazolidinyl Urea, Mica, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 19140 (Yellow 5), CI 42090 (Blue 1), CI 77288 (Chromium Oxide Green)

I wasn't able to try the Oil Free Moisturizer (for day), so I'll just review the Seaweed Night Cream. The night cream I was surprised since it came in a green shade. The cream feels a bit thick, which made me worry a bit since I have oily skin. But still, I trusted the label stating that this is for combination, oily, and sensitive skin types. I used this night cream when my skin felt rough due to the drying cold weather and breakouts (big and small). This didn't aggravate existing pimples, instead, it helped ease the skin (particularly the dry patches) around my pimples. No more flaky skin! It's softer to touch and I could really feel the difference whenever I use this night cream as my skin is more plump and hydrated.

Mario Badescu AHA Botanical Body Soap

AHA Botanical Body Soap is enriched with fresh Fruit Extracts to exfoliate and cleanse the skin. Papaya and Grapefruit Extracts help breakdown dead skin cells to leave skin feeling soft and smooth. Ginseng Extract rejuvenates while Oat Protein soothes sensitive and irritated areas. Excellent choice for those with problem skin on the back, chest and shoulders. Leaves no soapy residue and smells heavenly.

How to Use: Use daily as an all over body wash avoiding face and eyes. Apply to wet skin with a soft cloth, loofah or sponge. Rinse thoroughly.

Beauty Tip: Deep clean and exfoliate areas of body acne by washing with this soap daily and following up with our Special Cleansing Lotion O body astringent. For dry bumpy skin on arms and shoulders, follow shower or bath with Papaya Body Lotion for extra exfoliating and skin smoothing benefits.

Ingredients: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Deionized Water (Aqua), Ginseng (Panax Ginseng Root) Extract, Grapefruit (Citrus Grandis Fruit) Extract, Papaya (Carica Papaya) Extract, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Oat (Avena Sativa Kernel) Protein

Unlike the Botanical Facial Gel, this one bubbles up. It has a similar but stronger scent compared to the one for the face. At first, I thought this was a regular body wash. Upon doing research, I found out that it was intended for body acne and/or chicken skin. Then, I realized it really worked since the pimple at the back of my neck dried up after around 3 washes with this. And so, I immediately conserved it for my just in case I get bacne moments. No wasting!

If you may have noticed the ingredients list, Mario Badescu products don't boast of multiple actives that are exotic and impossibly hard to pronounce. The products are simple, but they work. That's what I like best about this brand.

For your shopping convenience, Mario Badescu is now available at Sephora online. You get free shipping for orders above P1,300. :)

Love,

Helen