Mario badescu Skincare

Normally when I'm bored and home, the internet becomes my best friend. I'm constantly on websites clicking "ADD TO CART". It's really a bad habit.

but sometimes it pays off.

Like when I was on Mario Badescu's site. You know the company I'm talking about (at least if you read magazines you should). Their ads could always be found in the back of the mags...most commonly it's for their drying lotion.


Well all I did was fill out a questionnaire about my skin type, problems, etc. I'm always on the prowl for finding new products that can get rid of the occasional pimples I get.

So imagine my surprise when I got an email about samples. A week later I received this package in the mail:




In it were sample of:
Glycolic Foaming Cleanser
Cucumber Cleansing Lotion
Special Cleansing Lotion C
Special mask for Oily Skin
Oil free Moisturizer (SPF 17)
Strawberry Face Scrub

These products were sent specifically for my skin type.

Cool, non?

So now that it's been a full month, I'm finally going to review them. I normally give my skin care product a month or two before I decide if it's good for me. No product can give me perfect skin overnight (and if there is one...send it to me!)

Now I must say I am impressed. I was looking at my skin this morning and I can see that it's a lot clearer. I haven't had any major breakouts or irritation (though it didn't calm down the oiliness..ok I lie...it did a bit but nothing dramatic). Every morning for the past four weeks, I used these products- I didn't mix it with what I normally use on my skin.

I'm not gonna lie: I was skeptical. I don't trust acne systems because i think of what happened to my cousin when he used Proactive. His skin cleared up but the MINUTE he stopped using it...his face became a war zone: it was him vs the pimples.

And he was losing. Badly. He now has some scarring. I'm not knockin Proactive down but I want something that won't leave my skin dependent.

I started off every morning using the Glycolic Foaming Cleanser. Honestly a little bit goes a long way. I'm big on foamie things-I love 'em! Don't quite know why. Well this wasn't irritating (smelled good but not too fragrance-y) and had a very rich lather. best of all it didn't leave my skin dry afterwards. This cleanser is good for dull and congested skin. This cleanser has the exfoliating powers of Glycolic Acid to break down build-up from skins surface and reduce minor discoloration.

Next up was Special Cleansing Lotion C applied with a cotton ball. Now having washed my face first I thought I had removed most of the gunk. Turns out I haven't. This is pretty much a toner so I was very hesitant because my experience with toners has ben less than stellar (way too drying) but this was aggressive but non drying. It's formulated with sulfur and anti-acne ingredients. It deep cleans and disinfect, I was super shocked at what came off AFTER I washed.

Then came the Cucumber Cleansing Lotion this was a cooling product (another toner/astringent). I didn't want to use this again only because I was afraid of a really dry feeling-as we know if your skin is stripped from its natural oils it goes into overtime and your face becomes one messy grease ball. But this was super cooling and the cucmber scent wasn't half bad =)

By this point I was ready to call it quits-so much steps! I'm normally a cleanse and moistuize kind of girl...but I had to moisturize. The Oil free Moisturizer is super light AND contains SPF 17. The fact that it had SPF in it made me happy as the sun is no joke. But what really sealed the deal was the fact that my face did not feel heavy or greasy- after ALL THAT!

I used the Strawberry Face Scrub twice a week and I must say I love the strawberry scent and it wasn't as harsh as some other scrubs. The Special mask for Oily Skin is good for controlling build up and surface oils. It is a clay and Calamine based mask. and is ideal for overly oily and blackhead congested skin (it's like they knew me and my skin perfectly...scary really).

Now a month later my skin is clearer and dare I say...perfect. My complexion is somewhat more even tone and glow-y (note I said GLOW-Y and not OILY). The other day all I did was dab a bit of concealer and mascara (and lip gloss) and I was out the door.

Now that's impressive.

To find locations that sell these products click here.

photo credits: my camera and google