In my line of work, products come and go. Sometimes you find one you really like and you keep it in the arsenal. More often than not you find products that are practically interchangeable. And every so often, once in a blue moon…you find one of those holy grail products you want to shout from the mountaintop about. Bellas, I have found that in Mario Badescu. I know, I know. If you read this blog you’ve heard me refer to this classic skincare line as my skincare savior.

I can’t say that there’s been a single product in their extensive product line that I haven’t loved. But amongst all of Mario Badescu’s products, there are a few that keep me coming back to the veteran skincare brand again and again (BTW you can click here to learn about the brand’s history). Three products come most immediately to mind.

— Drying Lotion, an ESSENTIAL spot treatment product for anyone who deals with acne.

— Drying Mask, colloidal sulfur based mask that dries up all my acne

— and Enzyme Cleansing Gel, which is Mario Badescu’s best selling cleanser for a REASON.

If you’re used to a cleanser that’s all foamy and creamy, Mario Badescu’s Enzyme Cleansing Gel might throw you for a loop. This is a green, non-foaming gel cleanser chock full of Alpha Hydroxy Acids. Made with papaya and grapefruit extracts, this isn’t the kind of cleanser you turn to when it’s time to remove makeup. For makeup removal I usually use a wipe or cleansing oil, THEN wash with my beloved Enzyme Cleansing Gel.

I really LOVE it with my Clarisonic brush (product directions even say “massage in a circular motion,” so hey). What do I love about it? It’s a relatively simple product. In other aspects of my life I’m trying to take a less is more approach. When it comes to my diet, I try to keep clean food and healthy eating in mind. Same goes for my skincare. If you’re like me and are seeking products with fewer ingredients, this cleanser will make you happy – there are just seven ingredients used in making MB’s Enzyme Gel Cleanser.

I’m still dealing with occasional breakouts and acne issues, but this cleanser makes my skin feel so fresh and so clean, and more than anything else it’s improved the radiance of my skin. Enzyme Gel Cleanser has helped to balance my skin, to reduce the dull appearance my face gets after not exfoliating or cleaning off all my makeup. It’s my every day go-to must-have facewash du jour. 

8 oz. will cost you $12 and 16 oz. will cost you $20 – but it’s not the kind of product you wind up using a ton of. I use a dime-sized dot every day and I’m good! So a full 16 oz bottle can last you a WHILE. Plus, if you order off the Mario Badescu website, you get a bunch of free samples of your choice – check em out. I hope you know I wouldn’t put you wrong! No hyperbole needed – Mario Badescu remains my skincare savior. And you deserve to try this stuff out!

What’s YOUR favorite facewash du jour?

COMMENTS

lola gets says:

March 12, 2012, 9:21 am

Im still using my go-to Neutrogena facial soap, but I have tried two other Mario Badescu products that i love and like (kinda sorta). About 2 months ago, a saleslady at Nordstrom said I should try the new Silver Powder. basically its like Biore strips without the strip. It was kinda effective but very messy to use, so its just a like. My love is their Glycolic Acid Toner. I have combination skin thats sensitive, so I have to be careful with it. So far Ive used it twice, once on just my nose and chin, once on my entire face and I can really see the results! But, then again, Im using the deep pore cleansing head on my Clarisonic. All in all, I really like the Mario Badescu line - thanks for sharing it with me!

kisha says:

March 12, 2012, 9:39 am

the drying lotion is a STAPLE for me and my pimples are literally gone overnight. i've tried the cucumber lotion which is pretty good too but hautelook has MB products often so im gonna wait to get their best sellers kit for half off :)

The Curvy Socialite says:

March 12, 2012, 9:40 am

I've fallen in love with Naturally Me's Foam Facial Cleanser. I have to say that my face has never been cleaner or clearer. Made with floral water and essential oils that are good for keeping your face clean and helping to control acne. I've been using it for about 3 months now and I'm getting so many compliments. I follow the cleanser up with the Artistry's Anti-Wrinkle Firming Serum, Luxury Eye Cream and their Day and Night Moisturizers. My skin has never looked so good!

Kisha says:

March 12, 2012, 9:47 am

I use Cerave Hydration Cleanser. It feel like you're rubbing lotion on your face, but it cleans so well, and doesn't dry out your skin. And their products are great for people with eczema.

holly says:

March 12, 2012, 10:32 am

I'm crazy about the Kheil's "blue" line. Always have been. It's amazing for oily and problem skill (seriously, how old do I have to get before I get rid of this, a few years shy of 40 way too old for teenage skin!). Have you tried it? If so, how does the Mario Badescu line compare?

Teedra says:

March 12, 2012, 10:42 am

I LOVE Bobbi Brown's rich cream cleanser but like you I also use a different one when it's time to wash off makeup. In the same product line, I use Bobbi Brown's lathering tube soap. Removes all the makeup and leaves the skin soft and cushiony.

JustJen says:

March 12, 2012, 11:27 am

I absolutely LOVE all things Mario Badescu. I have tried all of the expensive and less expensive lines (from drugstore brands to Clinic, Clairins, Estee Lauder and Chanel) and nothing works better on my super sensitive, partially oily, still getting acne after 41 years face. Their anti-acne cleanser is fantastic, along with the Strawberry, Kiwi, and Almond & Honey face scrubs. I have been using their products exclusively for 3 years now and my skin is so much better - and no one believes that I am 41!!! I love ordering from their website as a first time customer and completely the skin survey - the recommendations they make for your skin type are right on! Their products are also available at Ulta3 salons!

Peaches says:

March 12, 2012, 1:27 pm

I use La Prarie facial cleanser and it feels like washing my very dry skin in lotion.It feels great.Thanks for sharing your favorite beauty products.I will give it a try.I am new to your blog and I think that nothing ,but the very best should be used for your face.I recenty tried Ken Gen Do Oriental Plant Spray ..and in two days I have received compliments.I have sensitive skin and the product is amazing.You are inspirational!!!!!!

pets says:

March 12, 2012, 6:32 pm

Through your recommendation we have bought and are using this - now just have to get the motorised face brush :)

Marsha S. Haneiph says:

March 12, 2012, 9:44 pm

I use Osmosis Skincare's Gentle Cleanser and Clear Harmonised Water. It works well and actually makes lines disappear.

Sherry Blossom says:

March 12, 2012, 11:02 pm

Love this line! I currently use their lotion! Will be trying the GlycIic Toner and perhaps the enzyme peel! I hear rave reviews on MB products!!!

nichole says:

March 14, 2012, 12:04 pm

I'm a big fan of Bliss' Clog Dissolving Cleansing Milk. It's light, has a great scent and does and exceptional job brightening and cleansing.

Brownstone Beauty says:

March 14, 2012, 12:57 pm

Mario Badescu products are consistently good. This sounds like one worth trying....and I do think its the case that any face cleanser is better with the Clarisonic Face Brush (my best beauty buy to date). :)

Peaches says:

March 18, 2012, 11:35 pm

Oops looking at the bottle it is Koh Gen Do.

Mel says:

March 28, 2012, 12:39 pm

Hey Bella! I was perusing krissdidit.com and saw a video post featuring you. I clicked play and saw your skin and just had to know what your regimen was. I heart Mario Badescu products I've used the drying lotion and cannot wait to try the enzyme cleansing gel. Can't wait to blow the dust off my Clarisonic and give it a go!

Frances says:

May 4, 2012, 3:06 am

Mario Badescu’s products look really great. I heard a lot of good reviews on their product lines. I want to try their Enzyme Cleansing Gel, I hope this will cleanse my skin.