The Artist’s Summit Chicago was jampacked with all kinds of goodies from the world of makeup and beauty. Some brands I was already well familiar with. Others, I was happy to get to know better. And as luck would have it, I was introduced to a skincare brand I’d been wanting to check out for a while — Mario Badescu.
I got lucky — by visiting their booth at the Artist’s Summit, I was able to get a skincare analysis by the lovely lady representing the brand. She gave me specific products to deal with my skincare issues, and I’m gonna review them all for you!
My current skincare issues stem directly from climate change. I moved from Miami to Chicago, so I left the heat and humidity I dealt with my whole life and now my skin doesn’t know what to do with itself. Some days I’ve got an overabundance of oil, sometimes it’s super dry. I’m dealing with acne issues regardless of my hormonal cycle — just when I thought I had zits pre-planned into my calendar, they’re just popping up whenever they want! Well, I got just the thing I need to zap ’em but good — Drying Lotion. This stuff does NOT fool around! So funny – one of you just mentioned this in the Q-Tips giveaway comments and I was like YES she is so spot on!
Clear on top, pink on the bottom – your initial impluse might be to shake this and blend the two liquids together. DON’T. Instead what you do is dip a Q-Tip into the solution all the way to the bottom, and apply to the affected area (the big ol’ zit in question). Put it on at bedtime and let it dry before rolling around on your nice white sheets, BTW. This stuff can sting if you’ve got sensitive skin or any kind of little cut. But it WILL dry your blemish right up and leave nary a mark. LOVING it. A 1 oz bottle is $17, but I don’t think I’m gonna run out of this bottle anytime soon. Just a teeny dab, and my zit’s practically gone the next day? SOLD!
Transitioning into my first winter (the coldest winter ever?) I’ve had to come to the realization that not every moisturizer is gonna cut it. I needed more hydration. So I was prescribed Herbal Hydrating Serum, to layer with my existing moisturizers or alone if I so desired. It’s the BOMB. $30 for 1oz is a pretty penny to pay for something I’m using up so quickly, but I can’t help it! My skin just can’t get enough. I’ve tried quite a few serums and let me tell you, this is exactly the kind of density and absorption that I’ve been needing. Soothing, nourishing, moisturizing but still light on my skin. I wanna take a bath in Herbal Hydrating Serum!
Completing my perfect-so-far Mario Badescu product experience — the Enzyme Revitalizing Mask. I was told that it’d help to clear up the hyperpigmentation I was experiencing as a result of my reoccurring acne. I’d used Alpha Hydroxy masks before, but this was different from those. The masks I’d tried in the past were clear, sticky and highly scented. This is a creamy, beige mask that has a faint citrus scent.
20 minutes later, my skin was GLOWING. Noticeably fresher, brighter, softer. The package recommends using this two to three times a week, but I’d personally just use it once a week, tops. It’s quite effective and I’m interested to see if it really makes a difference in my hyperpigmentation over time.
I’ve got more winter-themed skincare information coming your way soon! Have you tried Mario Badescu products? What’s your favorite?
I got the seaweed cleanser while at the Artist Summit and i love it.
That mask sounds like something right up my alley.
I absolutely adore Mario Badescu. That drying lotion is absolutely fabulous. I get the “monthly” breakout on my forehead…like clockwork each month and I put the drying lotion on before the zit surfaces. You know, when you can feel it starting to hurt under the skin, and you know the next morning it’ll be a volcano with white hot lava on our face for all to see. Well, the drying lotion literally keeps it from surfacing! Such a great product!
Zits galore. One reason many get zits is because of the tendency to “rub” your facial skin with your hands. hands carry bacteria. I’ve tested this on myself and found where I haphazardly put my hands is where the zits are. Don’t place your hands near the side of your face or rub your temples etc. Other than washing your face your hand should never touch your face…it works…try it for 30 days: it’s difficult but doable.
There is a better AND cheaper alternative to Mario Badescu: bentonite clay. It will zap your zits and leave you glowing after one hour, AND it exfoliates, so overtime hyperpigmentation decreases significantly with regular use. So for the bellas that have sensitive skin, and cannot use scrubs, get this clay.
Also, I live in MN, so I too am experiencing dry skin. Try applying 1 to 2 drops of sweet almond oil on damp, freshly washed skin. Grapeseed oil is also another great option.
Finally, ladies do not sleep on Chagrin Valley Soaps. The Grapeseed Complexion bar is The Business.
Mario’s “Healing Cream” and “Control Cream” are excellent! Especially the Healing Cream. It soothes iritated skin and leaves skin super moist with no shine. Also if you are struggling with acne and/or dry, irritated, sensitive, flak skin – their Calming and Soothing Mask is a MUST HAVE. It saved my life while I was on Accutane 🙂
Seems like a great line.
Different product but hoping you all can help…
I recently read an old Afrobella post about the Goldwell Curl Move Putty on this site in a post from last year. Since last week I’ve scoured the web for product reviews. The product is everywhere but no reviews not even on You Tube –which seems a bit suspicious. Anyone tried this? Did your curls or coils dry the same way the looked when wet, without a stiff or sticky finish –as Goldwell describes?
Hey CoilyGirl – I just had to google that because I KNOW I never reviewed that product…and yes, a commenter mentioned it on my Kinky Curly review. However, I have never tried it myself, honestly never really heard of it or thought about it until you commented recently, and I have no idea where to buy it. Sorry I can’t be of more assistance!
Thanks Bella. Yes, it was a commenter who couldn’t wait to try it…way back in ’06. Hoping your readers can shed some light the product and the absence of user reviews on the web. Thanks!
Hey Bella! Thanks for continuously nurturing my inner product junkie! Like a lot of African American women, I suffer from hyperpigmentation from time to time, and I am always on the look out for new products that will alleviate any dark spots. I went out and bought the Enzyme Revitalizing Mask last night and I agree with your assessment. I do like how it made my skin look and feel after the initial use. Hopefully it works as well in the long run.
I just bought Mario Badescu products from Atmosphere Beauty Boston. http://www.atmospherebeauty.com
They are offering a beautiful scarf with purchase of $100 or more. They even will ship your order complimentary w/ samples. The scarf may be even better than the skincare…but I love them both. Love that drying lotion so I stocked up!
Hey Bella,
Absolutely love your site. I’ve been plagued by excessively oily skin all my adult life until I discovered Phillip’s Milk of Magnesia. Yep that’s right! I put a thin layer on my face and let it dry before applying my makeup and voila oil free skin all day. Nothing works better, trust me. I used to go through blotting sheets like crazy now I just touch up once per day. It dries white on your face but don’t let that alarm you. Your foundation or powder covers it right up. Hope this helps.
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