The most important part of a beauty routine is a solid skincare regimen. I have found myself lucky over the years to discover that fact, but not only do you have to be consistent with the routine–you also need quality products. I have been testing out the Mario Badescu line for quite some time now and I wanted to give my opinion on the products pictured below. I would like to note that these products focus on the needs of oily/combination/acne-prone skin.
In the past I have dabbled in some Mario Badescu products, my favorite being the Drying Lotion (TRULY amazing stuff) so when I was asked if I wanted to test other products from the brand I jumped at the opportunity. I told the rep for the brand all of my concerns and she tailored this regime for me. The website actually does the same thing for you. You take a questionnaire and it shows you recommended products to suit your needs.
The brand features high quality products with very basic packaging. I believe that is how they have been able to keep costs practical while still providing excellent skincare. I am going to do a short review on all of these products and later in time after I have seen months worth of progress I may revisit the ones I love the most!
“Your skin will be refreshed and deep cleansed with our 4% alcohol and soothing Cucumber Extract astringent. Removes pore clogging residue and disinfects skin’s surface for thoroughly clean skin to prevent future acne problems.”
Aside from having a love of serums, astringents/toners have a permanent place in my heart. I usually use astringents that have a bit of a sting but this one is completely sting-free, soothing, and leaves my skin feeling amazing. When I first started using this I knew my face felt great, but I thought that it wasn’t going to hold up to my expectations due to the lack of sting. I WAS WRONG! This is one of the stars of the group of products mentioned in this review. Mind-boggling to me that it works better than almost every astringent/toner that I have ever used.
“This non-foaming, gel cleanser thoroughly removes the day’s make-up, dirt and oil without drying the skin. Papaya and Grapefruit Extracts are exfoliating Alpha Hydroxy Acids that help prevent dulling build-up that can cause blackheads and pimples.”
This cleanser is completely different from others I have tried. It doesn’t get foamy while being used, it remains gel-like. It does a great job of cleaning without drying out the skin. And did I mention that it smells great. The scent is fresh and clean–kind of like cucumber.
“This is a combination purifying and calming mask for congested, bumpy or slightly oily skin types. The Kaolin based formula absorbs dirt and oil from pores while the soothing, botanical Balsam Peru ingredient soothes minor redness and irritation.”
This mask has been a savior to my skin. I have been developing bumpy patches of skin since becoming pregnant and I had no idea what was causing it… Still don’t really, but I have made this mask a regular use product and I am happy to say that not only have the bumps gone away but my skin has really improved overall. It is a typical mask that you apply wet and then it dries and pulls the impurities out of your pores. The difference between this mask and others that are similar is that this one is more of a liquid than a cream/paste.
“A non-abrasive face scrub to gently exfoliate and refine flaky skin and dulling build-up. It is made with finely ground Almonds and Cornmeal, natural buffing ingredients that gently remove dead skin cells. Added Honey Extract ensures that the skin is left soft and hydrated.”
I am a huge fan of exfoliation but sometimes I can overdo it. I find that this scrub is particularly good for sensitive skin. It does a great job of turning over dead skin to reveal the plump, healthy new skin that show be showing. The added honey extract does a great job of keeping the skin moisturized. Really a remarkable scrub.
“Hyaluronic Acid formula helps lock in the skin’s own natural moisture without the use of heavy, greasy oils. Absorbent, medium weight cream for use day or night. Aloe based formula makes this cream suitable for all skin types, even sensitive.”
I have used this eye cream before. I loved it then and I love it now. It is semi-thick and it is very soothing to the eye area. It sinks right into the thin tissue beneath the eye and feels great. I find that it is nice and moisturizing enough at night to be used on it’s own as well as during the day to be used under makeup.
This is actually the first eye cream I ever used and loved. This is the eye cream that developed my love of eye creams in general. I have used at least a dozen different eye creams in the mean time but trying it again after all these years really made me realize that the reason I love eye creams is because of the way this one works!
“Gentle AHA and Vitamin moisturizer is greaseless and absorbent, and is suitable for almost all skin types. Botanical ingredients like antioxidant Peanut Oil, Orange and Honey Extract make this product nourishing and moisturizing, leaving skin soft and smooth.”
This moisturizer is brilliant. It smells AMAZING, I am guessing that is due to the orange and honey extract within the product. It has no greasy feeling. It sinks into the skin quickly. My face has never felt more moisturized without being OVERLY moisturized. This moisturizer seems perfectly balanced. I find myself touching my skin over and over afterwards in awe of how soft it feels.
“Simple, fragrance free, lightweight daily moisture for oily and problem skin. Non-clogging and ultra absorbent.”
This, like the Honey Moisturizer, feels amazing and sinks in immediately. I think that it reacts much the same way as the Honey Moisturizer only without fragrance. I like this one almost as much as the Honey. I think the only reason I would score it less would be for the lack of the amazing scent. Those that are sensitive to fragrance would love this one very much. Sometimes simple is better.
“Powerful antioxidant Green Tea supplies anti-aging protection in our newest lightweight, easily absorbed, daily moisturizer. Non-pore clogging, paraben-free formula provides UVA and UVB protection and the necessary defense against sun damage and acne scarring. Moisture locking Aloe Vera hydrates and softens skin while St. John’s Wort offers soothing and reparative benefits for delicate skin. Recommended for every day use on combination, sensitive, oily or acne-prone skin. A necessary supplement to protect skin against side effects of acne prescriptions.”
This moisturizer is completely different from the first two. I don’t hate it but it isn’t one I particularly favor. it does have an SPF of 30 so it is perfect to wear under a makeup that provides no SPF protection. It also sinks in quickly but I find that it doesn’t leave my skin as perfect as the other two. I would obviously restrict it’s use to daytime, primarily under makeup. It would be good for a special occasion when you want to wear your SPF under your makeup versus having it in your makeup to avoid flash back in photography. Something to keep in mind.
Because I tested three different moisturizers I wanted to show you them side by side. They each look very different. The Honey Moisturizer has a beige-y tone. The Oil Free Moisturizer has a clear appearance. The Oil Free Moisturizer with SPF 30 has a definite white look to it. It does rub in quite nicely so that the white disappears but it does have a different texture than the other two.
Muscle Oil
“Prevent Stretch Marks. Our exclusive blend of natural, essential oils and vitamins intensely moisturize skin to prevent stretch marks from forming. Made with Vitamins A, D and E, this formulation leaves skin supple and enhances elasticity. Lightweight and easily absorbed. A perfect companion for the Vitamin E Body Lotion.”
Because the rep for Mario Badescu knew I was pregnant she added in an extra into the package. The Muscle Oil is set to prevent stretch marks. Something that I enjoy straight away with this product is the scent…. Everyone may not enjoy it. It is a mixture of licorice and menthol… Odd I know. I don’t even know if my nose is picking the scents up accurately.
Anyway. I have been smoothing this over my stomach at night and I find that it feels great. I have developed a few stretch marks, but I did with my son as well (who is now 7 years old). It is possible that I ave developed less than I would have normally and I am happy with that. I do enjoy this product and I recommend it for those that are trying to prevent stretch marks.
Overall my opinion of Mario Badescu Skincare is fantastic. I have found some staples among this group, of course I have found a few that I wouldn’t necessarily use on the regular as well. Let it be known that you aren’t going to love everything from every company but the strong love I feel for the Cucumber Cleansing Lotion, Honey Moisturizer, and the Hyaluronic Eye Cream are unparalleled from any other brand. I give my overall rating on this line 5 out of 5 stars! What is insane is that this is only a SMALL portion of what the brand offers. They have great products at prices that anyone can afford. In addition to these products definitely try the Drying Lotion if you are experiencing break outs. I have recommended that product to several of my close friends over the years and they have all thanked me afterwards. Mario Badescu… a skincare line that really delivers great results.
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