What is my skin type?

If you’re wondering what your skin type is, you’re not alone. Finding out your skin type is essential for knowing what your skin needs – and the type of skincare products that are best suited for your skin. 

The best face cream for dry skin may not be ideal if your skin is actually oily. Your particular skin type can be clouded by many factors, including the kind of skincare products you’re using and whether they’re best for you. 

The popularity of aggressive treatments and serums with high concentrations of alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’s) can sensitize skin, making you think you have a sensitive skin type when your skin type may be combination. Overuse of BHA’s, on the other hand, can strip skin of oils and cause an overproduction of sebum leading you to believe you’re oilier than you may actually are.

All of this can lead you to use products that aren’t quite right for you and don’t promote the health of your skin.

How to Determine Skin Type

How to find out your skin type is actually not very complicated. To start, take a skincare breather. Over the course of two or three days, tone down the use of potent serums, particularly acids and aggressive treatments with high concentrations of actives like retinol and vitamin C. AHA’s like Glycolic and Lactic Acids are powerful exfoliants that can sensitize the skin. BHA’s, the most common of which is Salicylic Acid, control oil production and loosen hardened sebum that builds up within pores.

After your brief detox period, begin your skincare routine with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser and a hydrating toner – without alcohol, AHA’s or BHA’s. Then, wait for about 30 minutes to see how your skin reacts. 

If your skin begins to appear shiny and oily, you have an oily skin type. If it feels dry and uncomfortable, meaning it lacks sufficient oil content, then you have a dry skin type.

If you are oily in some areas, such as the T-zone across the forehead and down the bridge of the nose, but you seem dry on your cheeks, then your skin type is likely combination.

You may even discover that you can’t tell one way or the other! That means your skin type is relatively normal, neither oily nor dry.

If your skin flares up, burns or seems otherwise highly irritated, it’s an indication that your skin may have become sensitized by your routine. Skin can easily become agitated by the overuse of harsh acids and potent actives like retinoids.

What about sensitive skin?

First, what is sensitive skin? Sensitive skin should not be confused with sensitized skin, often a temporary condition. A sensitive skin type shows extreme sensitivity, irritation, redness and a general intolerance for much of what is applied to it. 

Sensitive skin is a broad category than can encompass sensitivity to fragrance in skincare, or a particular ingredient like vitamin c or lavender oil. It can even have a reaction to pollutants in the air, climate and temperature changes, dehydration or a poor diet.

In many ways, all skin is “sensitive” as skin is a delicate organ that is highly reactive to both internal and external influences. Only you can determine what your own skin is sensitive to – and do your best to avoid those irritants.

Another great indicator of your skin type is the appearance of your skin in the morning – after a good night’s sleep. Since your skin has been at rest along with you, you can often tell your skin type with a quick glance in the mirror. Close up, how oily or dry does your skin appear? 

Mario Badescu offers products for oily skin, dry skin, and every skin type in between, including sensitive skin. To shop by your skin type, try our regimen finder with products organized by skin type. 

Originally published as How to Tell What Skin Type You Have and Why it Matters from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Facial masks are an important part of any good skincare regimen. But it may seem overwhelming to figure out how to apply a face mask — or even how to choose the best face mask for your specific needs. We’re here to help!

We’ve put together this step-by-step guide to help you level up your everyday beauty routine by adding regular self-care time with a face mask that fits your routine.

Our experts address all your masking questions, including:

• What does a face mask do?
• How often should you use a face mask?
• What is the best face mask for your skin?
• What to do after a face mask?

Let’s mask up!

Why Add Masking to Your Self-Care Regimen?

You face a lot in your everyday life. Aside from the environmental pollutants that barrage your skin as you move through the world, stress, age and diet can influence how your skin looks and feels. A quick routine of washing and slathering on moisturizer once or twice a day doesn’t do justice to the huge service our skin performs.

Adding a mask to your routine deep cleans your pores and addresses your skin’s deeper issues, like acne, dryness or discoloration. A quick skin analysis can clue you into your skin’s underlying needs.

How Often Should You Use a Face Mask?

This question gets a bit personal. Our aestheticians recommend masking one to two times a week as a general rule. But if you’re really serious about putting your best face forward on the regular, a mask session up to three times a week can really amplify the benefits. Think of at-home masking as a facial between professional facials — like brushing and flossing on the reg between dental visits. We all do that; right?

What Is the Best Face Mask for Me?

Choosing the right face mask for your skin’s needs is the first step toward successful masking. This important decision boils down to determining what your skin is hungry for. Ask yourself: What’s my biggest skin concern? We’ve curated masks to address dryness and flaky skin, hyperpigmentation like sunspots and acne scars, the wrinkles and sagging skin that come with age, visibly large pores and a host of acne concerns, including blackheads, cystic zits and excess oil production.

Skin Care Specialist Tip: If you have a combo plate of skin issues, as many of us do, consider learning how to multi-mask for a customized at-home facial experience.

How to Apply a Face Mask:

Create an at-home spa experience by gathering these items:

• The mask of your choice
• A clean washcloth
• A hairband or towel to keep your tresses out of the way, if necessary
• A magazine or other distraction

Set up your supplies on the bathroom counter and play some mellow, music if that helps to set a soothing mood. Roll up your sleeves and follow these steps:

1. Prep – Start with a clean canvas. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and use an exfoliant to clear away any dead cells crowding around your pores. This will set the stage for maximum absorption of your mask’s goodness.
2. Apply – Using clean fingers, apply a thin layer of mask all over your face, being sure to avoid the delicate tissue around your eyes. Stop a quarter inch or so from your hairline and ears. Depending on your unique needs, you may want to continue your mask onto your neck and décolletage.
3. Wait – Leave the mask on for 10 to 20 minutes — all mask products have specific instructions, so make sure to follow those. While you wait, peruse a fun article, listen to some music or sit quietly with your eyes closed and imagine your skin getting healthier.

How to Peel Off a Face Mask

Removing your mask is simple. Splash a little lukewarm water on the product to soften any dry spots, then rinse well until your face is clean. Rinse away any remnants with tepid water.

Post-Mask Procedures

Before you snap that #selfie of your mask-ified glow, take a moment for aftercare. Swipe a cotton ball soaked in high-quality toner over your face to reset your skin’s balance. Then layer on the moisture with a night cream or nourishing serum product that aligns with your skin’s needs. You can mask anytime, but it’s particularly advantageous to do it just before bedtime so your skin can regroup overnight.

Frequently Masked Questions

• Q: What does a face mask do?
• A: Face masks offer a deeper clean than everyday washing while addressing specific skin concerns, like excess oil production, dryness or acne eruptions.
• Q: How often should you use a face mask?
• A: Depending on your skin type, masking up to three times a week is acceptable.
• Q: What’s your advice for how to make your own face mask at home?
• A: Because the skin on your face is so delicate, we do not recommend concocting a homemade face mask. Many items in your pantry — like apple cider vinegar and turmeric — can cause irritation, redness or allergic reactions. It’s best to stick with reliable skincare products that are simple and effective.

Originally published as How to Apply Face Masks – Frequency & After-Care Tips from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

OUR MISSION

We exist to create good skin habits today, tomorrow. For a lifetime. Proven skin solutions formulated in our New York City salon since 1967.  We exist to create good habits today, tomorrow, and for a lifetime because we know, Good Skin is Forever.

OUR BRAND 

Proven skin solutions created, formulated and put to the test daily in our New York salon since 1967

OUR PHILOSOPHY

We are a proud family-owned business, over three-generations we strongly believe in tradition, efficacy, accessibility and absolute transparency. Everything from ideation to distribution, we develop our formulations and formulators in-house at our production facility located in Edison, New Jersey.

OUR VALUES

TRADITION at the forefront of our business, with over three-generations of success, and decades of salon services, we tested and proven skin solutions for every age and type of skin.  

TRANSPARENCY & EFFICACY

• We believe that the most comprehensive way to promise quality is through transparency in our pricing and formulas. 
• Pricing for most of our product line has remained the same since 1967 and we are committed to doing this for now and the future.
• Efficacy of our products is at the forefront of our business and offering problem solving solutions for and long-term improvement.

ACCESSIBILITY  We cater to all skin types, ages and gender; we are 100% inclusive and create GOOD SKINCARE FOR ALL. 

OUR FOOTPRINT

We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and environmental impact. We collectively minimize our footprint and safeguard the environment for the sake of future generations.

SUSTAINABILITY Our commitment to sustainability runs through every element of our production process. From our in-house production and distribution facilities, to working with local vendors for product design and responsibly sourcing botanicals and other ingredients to develop our formulas, has been an integral part of our business since 1967.

OUR INGREDIENTS

Our brand history and success started with Badescu’s vision for skincare products formulated with fruit, vegetable and plant-based ingredients and the natural actives they provide. Apart from our modifications over the years to remove phthalates, parabens or synthetic fragrances, our original formulas that have been skin tested and proven to perform remain at the heart of our product line. With decades of success, we believe it is the only way to truly create effective skincare.

We are committed to the responsible use of existing resources and ingredients, without sacrificing quality. Animal testing is not and will never be used in any stage of our product development.

OUR FORMULA

We believe that the most comprehensive way to promise quality is through transparency. Our product labels and packaging include a full ingredient list, visibility on exact concentrations, a full breakdown of natural extracts, active ingredients and their origins, provide skin types claims
best suited for.

OUR STORY: MARIO BADESCU SALON & SPA

IT started in 1967, with Mario Badescu mixing products and giving facials in his one room studio in New York City.

Launching his practice out of a two-room apartment in Midtown Manhattan seeing clients by referral only. Inside his humble, modern apartment – Badescu housed all the ingredients almost any skin type likely needs, including organically grown cucumbers, strawberries, cantaloupe, banana, and lemons. Feeding the skin with the vitamins in bananas and carrots, hormones in honey and the cleansing qualities of cucumber, each vegetable and fruit has a benefit.

ABOUT MARIO BADESCU

A Romanian native, Mario Badescu a chemist and pharmacist who had his own skin laboratory in Vienna before he moved to New York City in 1966. He understood the uniqueness of skin and strongly believed in the importance of a skin analysis and knowing what type of skin each client has before treating the skin. Finding an untapped synergy between beauty and skin care, Badescu was committed to helping clients realize and value their inner beauty rather than cosmetic. His facial treatments and formulas he created featured a blend of organic fruits and vegetables to feed, nourish and revitalize the skin. Offering by appointment only facials out of his NYC apartment and developing a line of handmade products to suit client’s individual skin types and needs.

For over 40 years, Mario Badescu has been relied upon as a source for quality skin care. Today our products and services are one of New York’s best kept secrets. Our valued clientele includes models and actors as well as everyday men and women who understand the importance of good skin care. 

The brand’s enduring success and loyal following are the result of the late Mario Badescu’s timeless philosophy that skin care should be simple, gentle and effective. We continue our founder’s tradition by using fresh fruits, botanicals and other natural ingredients as the basis for our products and salon services. 

Now with over three generations and countless faces later, the Mario Badescu salon has expanded to a 24-room signature salon filled with Badescu-trained facialists and a line of 200 products available around the world.

OUR PRODUCTS SINCE 1967

1960’S1967, BOTH THE ICONIC SPOT TREATMENT AND WORLD-RENOWNED SALON ARE BORN. Mario Badescu launches his facial studio out of his two-room Manhattan apartment. He makes all his products by hand—and it’s in his home where the Drying Lotion first came to be.

1970’S BUTTERMILK MOISTURIZER IS INTRODUCED AND QUICKLY BECOMES A CELEBRITY FAVORITE Clients are seen by recommendation only, but as news of his practice and loyal following (which includes a star-studded roster of in-the-know New Yorkers) spreads, Badescu’s home-turned-studio flourishes. .

1980’S FACIAL SPRAY WITH ALOE, HERBS AND ROSEWATER IS LAUNCHED  One Facial Spray sold every 20 seconds – it quickly earns its place as a cult-favorite and medicine cabinet staple  Mario Badescu simultaneously publishes his second book.

1990’SENZYME CLEANSING GEL IS ADDED INTO THE LINE AND EMERGES AS OUR #1 BEST-SELLING FACE WASH.

2000’sTHE LUXE, RADIANCE-BOOSTING VITAMIN C SERUM IS INTRODUCED in 2010 Mario Badescu products launch in Henri Bendel on Fifth Avenue, the first of many successful retail partnerships.

Why is Mario Badescu bad?

Why is Mario Badescu bad?

Well, we might just make your boyfriend jealous! 

As crazy as it sounds, our uber popular Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater came between a fan and her man. After apparently professing her love for Mario Badescu to the world, the fan of the brand found herself in hot water when her boyfriend thought she was, well, seeing someone else. 

We’re honored that passion for the brand runs so deep. We love our iconic Facial Sprays, too! 

So what’s all the buzz about?

Mario Badescu Facial Sprays are formulated to enhance hydration and elevate your skincare regimen with unique blends of complexion boosting botanicals. 

Among the best hydrating treatments, Facial Sprays do the most when used after a toner to weightlessly boost the moisturizing properties of the hydrating serum and anti-aging moisturizer that follow in your daily regimen. Our original rejuvenating Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater has built a cult following decades after its NYC launch.

Today, we offer four variations of our Facial Sprays to meet your every mood and instantly refresh, rejuvenate and rehydrate skin – anytime, anywhere. 

FACIAL SPRAY WITH ALOE, HERBS AND ROSEWATER

What it is: The OG cult favorite! A floral infusion of Rose and Gardenia Extracts hydrates and boosts your complexion to reveal radiant, re-energized skin.

What it does: Revives dehydrated skin with a healthy, dewy glow.

Key ingredients: Rose Extract, Gardenia Extract, Aloe Vera, Thyme Extract, Bladderwrack Extract

FACIAL SPRAY WITH ALOE, CUCUMBER AND GREEN TEA

What it is: An invigorating, hydrating facial mist infused with nutrient-rich botanicals and cooling Peppermint Essential Water.

What it does: Wakes up dull, tired skin with a refreshing, antioxidant-enriched boost.

Key ingredients: Green Tea Extract, Cucumber Extract, Cucumber Essential Water, Peppermint Essential Water, Aloe Vera

FACIAL SPRAY WITH ALOE, CHAMOMILE AND LAVENDER

What it is: A soothing mist infused with calming botanicals, Lavender Essential Water, and antioxidant Vitamin C to replenish skin and defend against skin-aging free radicals.

What it does: Balances, brightens, and de-stresses skin.

Key ingredients: Lavender Essential Water, Lavender Oil, Chamomile Extract, Vitamin C, Aloe Vera, Bladderwrack Extract

FACIAL SPRAY WITH ALOE, SAGE AND ORANGE BLOSSOM

What it is: Our newest facial mist! An uplifting blend of purifying botanical extracts and Sage and Orange Blossom Essential Waters combine to re-energize and refresh skin.

What it does: Hydrates, tones, and boosts clarity.

Key ingredients: Orange Blossom Essential Water, Sage Essential Water, Thyme Extract, Aloe Vera, Bladderwrack Extract

Originally published as All About Mario Badescu from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Unless you’ve been living under a proverbial rock, you know that using sunscreen daily is imperative.

Like exercise and drinking water, applying sunscreen is a simple practice that yields huge dividends and is also somehow so easy to neglect. We’re hoping this will motivate you to find your perfect sunscreen, just like how seeing our super-fit friend’s Instagram post of her smiling as she crosses the finish line of her latest 10k motivates us to lace up and go for a run after a two (ok, three) week hiatus.

Why is sunscreen so important?

In addition to shielding your skin from the harmful rays of the sun, sunscreen helps to prevent the signs of premature aging including loss of elasticity, discoloration, lines, and wrinkles. Mortality and vanity—do any other motivators even exist?

Which sunscreen is right for you?

So let’s get into it, shall we? The following 2-in-1 formulas provide moisture and sun protection to keep skin happy through the summer months and beyond!

Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Best for all skin types particularly sensitive skin. This moisturizer is lightweight, fast-absorbing UVA/UVB protection sunscreen

Aloe Moisturizer SPF 15

Best for those who are combo/oily and/or acne-prone. This moisturizer softens and protects sans oil and with soothing Aloe.

Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 30

This formula is great for combo/oily and/or acne-prone skin especially of you burn easily or if you are spending time outdoors. This is really a 3-in-1 since the Green Tea in the formula gives this moisturizer an antioxidant boost!

Collagen Moisturizer SPF15

Perfect for those who are combo dry and fighting the signs of aging. Collagen binds to moisture to smooth fine lines.

Hyaluronic Moisturizer SPF15

Combo dry and dry skin types love how this moisturizer leaves skin protected and feeling balanced without being heavy. Hyaluronic Acid binds to moisture helping to restore a youthful, supple feel.

Which of these moisture + sunscreen formulas is your perfect match?

Originally published as The Best Sunscreen for Your Type from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Your choice of moisturizer can make or break your skin care regimen. Bold statement, I know, but I’m standing by it.

The way I see it, moisturizer is pretty much the porridge of skin care—you know, like from Goldilocks? If a face cream is too rich it can cause blackheads and breakouts. If it is too lightweight, it will leave your skin feeling dehydrated and tight. To win a coveted spot in your medicine cabinet it has to be just right, doesn’t it?  I can stick it out to the end of a bottle of cleanser that isn’t quite right until I try a new one. Heck, I’ll use pretty much any eye cream until I hit the bottom of the jar, but if I suspect that my face lotion has caused one single pimple . . .mmm, bye.

Because of this, I’ve created this guide to help you navigate our assortment. Keep reading to find the one that is “just right” for your individual skin type: 

Very Dry
Complex Moisturizer with Vitamin E SPF 20: Everything that dry, delicate skin needs in one place. Creamy, comforting moisture, antioxidant Vitamin E, and sun protection make this classic formula a long-time favorite of our most loyal customers.

Hydrating Moisturizer with Biocare & Hyaluronic Acid: For when you want the same cushiony formula as the Complex with Vitamin E without the sunscreen. Hyaluronic Acid adds moisture-binding muscle to help soften even the driest skin.

Dry
The Moisture Magnet SPF 15: Dry skin? This is your go-to. This best-selling formula thoroughly hydrates without sitting heavily on the skin and shields you from the harmful rays of the sun.

Cellufirm Moisturizer: Peptides, Collagen, and Vitamin E work to boost hydration levels . . .and your youthful appearance!

Combo/Dry
Hyaluronic Moisturizer SPF 15: Hyaluronic Acid helps to hydrate dry areas and SPF 15 protects.

Honey Moisturizer: This super-sweet, mid-weight formula sinks right in and uses Honey Extract to soften and hydrate.

Combo/Normal
Collagen Moisturizer SPF 15: A favorite of the staff at Mario Badescu’s New York City Salon, this feel-good staple contains Cottonseed Oil to replenish any dry bits without adding too much moisture to areas that lean oily.

Buttermilk Moisturizer: This classic was originally formulated by Mario Badescu himself, and is perfect for those who need replenishment but prefer the feeling of ultra-lightweight formulas. Lactic Acid helps up your glow factor.

Combo/Oily
Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 17: This tried-and-true go-to never disappoints. If you have combo/oily skin, this is a must.

A.H.A. & Ceramide Moisturizer: Keep it light and bright, literally. AHAs gently brighten while this lightweight formula imparts just the right amount of moisture to combo/oily skin types.

#MBSkinTip: Not into ultra-rich night creams? Try A.H.A. & Ceramide, Honey, or Buttermilk as part of your PM regimen.

Oily and Acne-Prone
Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 30: We love this 3-in-1 formula that combines reparative Green Tea, oil-free hydration, and broad spectrum sunscreen.

Oil Free Moisturizer: The perfect boost to restore balance to oily and acne-prone skin.

Very Oily/Acne-Prone (and everyone else)
Herbal Hydrating Serum: Ok, this is technically a serum, but I’m including it in this post because it is my secret weapon for keeping my notoriously persnickety skin happy and hydrated. Herbal Hydrating Serum can be applied alone to the very oiliest skin types. It can also be used on any skin type in conjunction with any moisturizer. Herbal Hydrating Serum is a win for everyone.

Now that we have that sorted, where did those bears go?

Originally published as Best Face Moisturizer for Your Type from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

From travel sizes to retailer exclusives, here is a list of our favorite insider intel to help you shop smarter:

1. Loyal to Mario Badescu Drying Lotion but hate glass bottles? Our much-loved blemish solution is available in a travel-friendly, shatter-proof plastic bottle on Nordstrom.com.

2. Love your cleanser (toner, body lotion, or shower gel) so much you wish you could bathe in it? Well, we can’t fill a bathtub for you, BUT most of our cleansers and toners are available on mariobadescu.com in 16oz. bottles. And the best part? The double-sized bottles aren’t double the price. That right. Snag a giant bottle of your go-to cleanser and put the money you saved toward a new bottle of Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater! Strategy, see?!

3. Speaking of Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater, did you know you can buy it in a giant 8oz. bottle? Or a very cute, carry-on friendly 2oz Bottle? You haven’t fallen down a rabbit hole, Alice, this is all real.

4. Calling all jet Setters, gym goers, and bi-coastal babes! You can buy travel-sized Enzyme Cleansing Gel, Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater, Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 15, and Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea on Ulta.com.

5. Are you in the know? Mariobadescu.com shoppers have access to exclusive GWPs, discounts, and free shipping on orders over $35? Sign up here and be the first to find out about our special offers.

6. Wondering how to get Mario Badescu samples? There are two main ways. The first way is for customers who’ve never taken our online skin analysis. Simply fill out the information requested here and a free sample regimen will be sent out for you. * ** The second way is to select three free samples whenever you place an order on mariobadescu.com.

Now, which of these tips will you put to use first?

.   .   .

*Sample regimen only available in the United States.

**Must pay $2.95 for shipping and handling.

Originally published as Mario Hacks: Travel Sizes, Free Samples, and Beyond from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Still in hot pursuit of holiday gift ideas? Look no further.

These perfectly-packaged, flawlessly curated bundles of holiday joy are fun to buy (Isn’t checking a dozen names off your list at once satisfying?) and even more fun to receive. That’s right; these gift ideas include exclusives, limited-editions, and special sizes available exclusively for holiday 2017 that are ready to be snapped up and wrapped up.

Grab your list and a pen—these are our very favorite gift ideas for:

THE ONE WHO IS ALWAYS ON THE GO

The Facial Spray Trio contains 2oz, 4oz, and 8oz bottles of Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater. These are perfect sizes to stash one in a tote, one in the medicine cabinet, and another at work so a quick refresh is never out of reach.

THE AT-HOME SPA GOER

Mario Face & Body is all that is needed for those people on your list who love nothing more than to soak, mist, and soften in the comfort of their own abode.

Facial Spray Trio

THE SKIN-THUSIAST

Mask & Mist for those who have the ABCs of skin care down to a science. This set will bring their routine to the next level.

THE MARIO BADESCU SUPERFAN

The 50 Years of Heroes Kit contains a star product for each decade from the 1960s to today. It is the ultimate collection of must-haves, best-sellers, and cult-favorites.

THE STOCKING-STUFFER, OFFICEMATE, OR LAST-MINUTE GUEST

Hit Refresh. We will be snapping up at LEAST five of these babies because we will NOT be caught off guard by the inevitable name left off the list, the brand new significant other who always seems to materialize the day of your holiday dinner, or the coworker who was so helpful during that nightmare of a project earlier this year.

Originally published as Holiday 2017 Gift Ideas: Sets for Everyone on Your List from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

The subject of this edition of our #MBMy5 series—our blog series in which we ask MB staffers to whittle down their favorites from the line to just five essentials—is Lindsey!

Lindsey sweetened up our team when she came aboard last year with her enviable sense of style, infectious positive attitude, and a major dose of Southern charm. When she isn’t crisscrossing the Southeast making sure that the stores in her territories have everything they need, she is at her home base, Nashville, Tennessee, giving us all manicure envy with paint jobs like this one:

Lindsey’s Mario Mani

Without further ado, let’s turn this over to Lindsey:

Hello, Mario Badescu Beauties!

I’m thrilled to share my #MBMy5 today. A little bit about myself:

Working with Mario Badescu means that I spend my work days traveling all over the Southeast-throughout Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and my home state of Tennessee. As any professional globetrotter knows, abundant traveling can wreak havoc on your skin.

My skin type in one word: troubled. Since I spend so much time flying, the elevation and air conditioning leaves my skin desert-dry. On the other hand, anyone who lives in the south knows that the heat and humidity is unreal! Add in sensitivity to harsh ingredients and major acneic tendencies, and you’ve got the recipe for a skin care conundrum. Today I’m going to chat about my skin care must haves, and how I keep my skin hydrated, clear, and glowing throughout the tumultuous southern weather.

Lindsey’s 5

The Enzyme Cleansing Gel is my go-to cleanser. I love the way this melts off my face-makeup, while providing the softest AHA-based exfoliation. It smells like fresh fruit, thanks to the Papaya Extract, and helps to keep my skin clear of mild breakouts.

The next, possibly most important, step in my regimen is the Special Cucumber Lotion. It picks up the leftover makeup, oil, and dirt from the surface off the skin, while deep-cleaning my pores at the same time. The Sulfur and Zinc Oxide combination gives my skin an extra acne-fighting treatment, which is crucial for troubled days.

Once my skin is squeaky clean, I’ll often start to feel dry. Enter Herbal Hydrating Serum. It’s a water-based gel-serum that provides crucial hydration without leaving my T-zone oily. During my super dry days, I’ll layer this all over my face directly under my moisturizer. On my more oily days, I’ll use this to spot-treat the dry spots. Bonus feature: patting this into the high points of my cheeks gives me the glowing from within look with or without makeup!

Finding a moisturizer has always been a challenge of mine. Like I mentioned, my skin is acneic, so I have to be sure that the moisturizer is oil-free, or I could risk causing my breakouts to spread. Being Combination/Oily adds another tricky factor. Add my love of makeup to the mix, and you have what seems like an impossible equation. The Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 30 meets all of these needs, all while providing protection from sun damage (hello, alabaster complexion). I love that the formula is lightweight and dries matte. I can apply my makeup directly after the moisturizer without any fear of slippage.

#MBSkinTip: In the colder months, I like to use the Aloe Moisturizer SPF 15 for deeper hydration.

A few times a week, I make time to draw a bath and unwind. While my water is filling up, I’ll apply the Whitening Mask. Years of bad skin habits left my skin uneven in tone and texture, and this is my secret weapon to help correct that. After using this mask regularly, I’ve seen a huge difference in post-breakout discoloration—plus, it provides the hydration my skin desperately needs! It’s so lightweight and soft, and only takes 5-10 minutes. Added bonus-it smells like mulberries!

Finally, finding a skin care regimen that works for my picky skin has been a game-changer. My makeup sits on my skin beautifully and I feel so much more confident without makeup all together.

Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with me about #MBMy5! Be sure to come visit us down here in the South, where we like our skin like our tea: sweet, smooth, and best served year round.

Originally published as #MBMy5: Lindsey from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Today we’re talking to Mario Badescu SoCal Account Executive, aka our favorite LA lady, Allie Schulps.

If you pick up your Buffering Lotion in Brea, masks in Manhattan Beach, or Cucumber Cleansing Lotion in Culver City, you are on Allie’s turf. Since the temperatures are nice and warm now, we thought Allie would be the perfect subject for our latest installment of #MarioMy5, our blog series in which we ask MB staffers to whittle down their favorites from the line to just five essentials.

Here at MB HQ Allie is known for her can-do attitude, wide smile, and irreverent sense of humor. Not to mention that every frigid East Coast winter we find it nearly impossible to resist living vicariously through Allie with her surf (literally. She’s a surf mom!) and sun lifestyle as we are shoveling ourselves out of the snow and trying not to slip on ice.

Allie’s 5

Here are Allie’s five in her own words:

Alpha Grapefruit Cleansing Lotion: Between the traffic and June Gloom here in LA I need a little brightening up in my day. One of my fave MB toners is our Alpha Grapefruit Cleansing lotion. I use it morning and night! It brightens and hydrates.

Vitamin C Serum: Afterward I use another gem of a brightener our AMAZING Vitamin C Serum.

Collagen Moisturizer SPF 15: To be topped off with a daily usage of Collagen Moisturizer SPF 15. It’s light, hydrating, and helps keep the sun’s rays at bay.

Enzyme Revitalizing Mask: When my skin is getting a bit dehydrated and lifeless, I bring it back with the ever so yummy Enzyme Revitalizing Mask. It adds hydration and the glow I need.

Glycolic Eye Cream: For a nice dewy look around the “old” eye area I warm up some of our Glycolic Eye Cream.

#MBSkinTip: a great sleeping eye cream for the side sleeper. Keeps the eyes supple and hydrated while you’re tossing and turning.

Botanical Exfoliating Scrub: Last but not least, the Botanical Exfoliating Scrub, what can I say . . . super gentle, exfoliates just enough, and keeps skin hydrated with the Coconut Extract.

Do you and Allie share any of the same favorites?

Originally published as #MBmy5: Allie from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

From travel sizes to retailer exclusives, here is a list of our favorite insider intel to help you shop smarter:

1. Loyal to Mario Badescu Drying Lotion but hate glass bottles? Our much-loved blemish solution is available in a travel-friendly, shatter-proof plastic bottle on Nordstrom.com.

2. Love your cleanser (toner, body lotion, or shower gel) so much you wish you could bathe in it? Well, we can’t fill a bathtub for you, BUT most of our cleansers and toners are available on mariobadescu.com in 16oz. bottles. And the best part? The double-sized bottles aren’t double the price. That right. Snag a giant bottle of your go-to cleanser and put the money you saved toward a new bottle of Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater! Strategy, see?!

3. Speaking of Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater, did you know you can buy it in a giant 8oz. bottle? Or a very cute, carry-on friendly 2oz Bottle? You haven’t fallen down a rabbit hole, Alice, this is all real.

4. Calling all jet Setters, gym goers, and bi-coastal babes! You can buy travel-sized Enzyme Cleansing Gel, Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater, Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 15, and Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea on Ulta.com.

Head to Ulta.com for carry-on friendly Facial Spray!

5. Are you in the know? Mariobadescu.com shoppers have access to exclusive GWPs, discounts, and free shipping on orders over $35? Sign up here and be the first to find out about our special offers.

6. Wondering how to get Mario Badescu samples? There are two main ways. The first way is for customers who’ve never taken our online skin analysis. Simply fill out the information requested here and a free sample regimen will be sent out for you. * ** The second way is to select three free samples whenever you place an order on mariobadescu.com.

Now, which of these tips will you put to use first?

*Sample regimen only available in the United States.

**Must pay $2.95 for shipping and handling.

Originally published as Mario Hacks: Travel Sizes, Free Samples, and Beyond from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.