Because the right cleanser and toner can make or break your daily skin care regimen.

If your skin care regimen was a house, your cleansing and toning routine would be the foundation. These steps set the rest of your regimen up for success. Using a cleanser or toner that is too aggressive can leave your skin feeling tight and uncomfortable, which can lead to dry patches and flaking. Using ones that are too mild for your skin type may cause congestion, blackheads, and milia.

The right duo will leave your skin feeling fresh and comfortable. Whether you are cleansing after a night’s sleep in the morning or washing away traces of a long day before bed, there are few things in life that feel quite as nice as a freshly washed face. Keep reading for our favorite cleanser/toner duos for every skin type.

Oily/Acne-Prone

Botanical Facial Gel– This Grapefruit-infused cleanser breaks down shine and impurities on even the oiliest skin types without being harsh. It is a great summertime face wash if your oil production rises when the thermometer does.
Tone with Cucumber Cleansing Lotion

Acne Facial Cleanser– Deep clean pores to promote clarity and prevent congestion with this popular daily gel cleanser. This formula contains complexion-boosting botanicals including Thyme Extract, which has been shown in studies to help banish blemishes.
Tone with Special Cleansing Lotion C

Combination

Enzyme Cleansing Gel-This best-selling formula is so addictive it makes its devotees look forward to waking up for work so they can wash their face. Grapefruit and Papaya Extracts work to gently brighten while the non-foaming gel formula removes makeup and impurities. Perfect for skin types that swing from dry in some spots to oily in others.
Combo/oily? Tone with Cucumber Cleansing Lotion
Comb/dry? Try Glycolic Acid Toner

Seaweed Cleansing Soap– If you have combination skin that needs a gentle but thorough cleanser, look no more. This creamy wash is brimming with mineral-rich seaweed and rinses clean without leaving skin feeling tight.
Tone with Seaweed Cleansing Lotion

Orange Cleansing Soap-Combination/dry skin loves this formula that removes traces of makeup and leaves skin soft and never tight, even with daily use.
Tone with Alpha Grapefruit Cleansing Lotion

Dry

Keratoplast Cream Soap-Dry skin is especially vulnerable to rough patches. This mild cleanser works to gently smooth away roughness without depleting essential moisture.
Tone with Keratoplast Cleansing Lotion

Cucumber Cream Soap-Cooling mineral-rich Cucumber Extract is just what dry, angry skin needs to restore balance and maintain moisture levels.
Tone with Aloe Vera Toner

Supplemental

Glycolic Foaming Cleanser– All skin types can take their cleansing regimen to the next level by swapping their daily wash with this one 2-3 times a week. This foaming wash combines deep cleansing properties with the brightening, smoothing benefits of Glycolic Acid to reveal clear, rejuvenated skin.

Does your cleanse and tone routine need a makeover?

Originally published as The Best Cleanser/Toner Duos for Your Skin Type 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.

Q. Should I skip cleansing twice daily if my skin is dry? My skin always feels super dry and tight after washing my face, even more so now that it’s cold out.

It’s important to cleanse twice daily no matter your skin type and no matter the season—it’s just about finding the right face wash that suits your skin’s needs. So: if your skin feels dry, tight, or even sensitive after cleansing, it’s likely you’re not using the right kind of face wash.

Which leads us to…

Q. What’s the best face cleanser for dry, winter skin?

A. Mario Badescu aestheticians recommend using a cream or tissue-off cleanser. Both are gentle alternatives to bar soaps or foaming formulas: they get rid of the dirt, oil, and impurities, but leave your skin feeling soft and nourished.

Here’s how to find the best face wash that’ll keep your dry skin happy all winter long:

Got combo/dry skin and love a rejuvenating boost in your cleanser?

Try Orange Cleansing Soap, a comforting face wash infused with Orange Peel Extract that refreshes skin of light makeup, dirt, oil, and other surface impurities.

#MBSkinTip: If you love Enzyme Cleansing Gel in the warmer months but are looking for a winter alternative, you’ll love this face wash, too.

Got combination/dry skin that’s prone to uneven skin tone and texture?

You’ll love Seaweed Cleansing Soap, a fresh, creamy face wash formulated with marine botanicals. Surface impurities are washed away, but your complexion is left softer and smoother than before. Plus, there are real seaweed grains in there to gently buff away dulling dead skin cells.

Got dry, sensitive skin that looks dull?

Use Keratoplast Cream Soap, a unique cleanser that helps rid the skin of pore-clogging impurities without leaving skin feeling parched.

Got dry skin?

Start using Cucumber Cream Soap, a creamy, Cucumber-infused face wash that leaves skin feeling soft, fresh, and hydrated.

Got super sensitive and dry skin?

Try Cream Soap. It’s a simple, gentle formula that was created specifically for delicate skin. It’s an oil-free, fragrance-free, moisturizing formula that cleanses without overdrying skin.

Got super dry, parched, and/or mature skin? Or maybe you love wearing a full face of heavy makeup?

Your skin will love Cleansing Milk with Carnation & Rice Oil. Makeup and surface impurities are instantly wiped clean without stripping dry skin of essential moisture; instead, this oil-based cleansing milk ensures skin feels soft and nourished.

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Originally published as Q&A: Best Face Cleansers for Dry, Winter Skin 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.

When your moisturizer is no match for the cold and your skin is left parched, tired, and worse for wear, you call for backup.

Enter protective day creams: ultra-rich, moisture-intensive formulas designed to deeply nourish and help shield skin against harsh weather conditions. These are sumptuous, decadent face creams that replenish depleted complexions and restore bounce to wind-chapped skin.

Sound like you? Here are our most beloved winter face creams, ranked from lightest to richest so you can find your perfect cold-weather skin savior.

GINSENG MOIST CREAM

An energizing formula that brings back the life to dull, dehydrated skin.

PROTECTIVE DAY CREAM

A cold-weather staple. Creamy yet fast-absorbing, this classic formula helps replenish, lock in moisture, and protect against dehydration.

HYALURONIC DAY CREAM

Skin-conditioning oils and moisture-binding humectants revive dry, dull skin—leaving your complexion soft, smooth, and perfectly dewy.

SKIN RENEWAL COMPLEX

A rejuvenating formula that helps promote a brighter, more youthful-looking complexion.

KERA MOIST CREAM

A rich formula designed to help alleviate discomfort from dryness and deeply moisturize parched skin.

HYDRO-EMOLLIENT CREAM

Famously known as our “in-flight” face cream. This ultra-nourishing formula deeply moisturizes depleted skin and helps reinforce its protective moisture barrier.

CAVIAR DAY CREAM

A luxurious, skin-smoothing formula infused with Caviar Extract to revitalize depleted skin.

. . .

Shop all protective day creams.

Originally published as Protective Face Creams for Dry, Winter-Worn Skin from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Few things are worse than irritated, dry skin. Bouncy, smooth skin is the goal here, but tight and itchy? Not so much.

If your skin is in need of a boost in moisture and glow, add this recipe to your Friday night repertoire. Slip into your robe, have Spotify set at your favorite playlist, light a few candles—whatever suits your fancy, really—and treat you and your skin to a good drink. Make this a well-deserved R&R session if you’re staying in, and if you’re willing to brave the cold for an evening out on the town, let this be your prep for flawless makeup from application to finish.

Bottom’s up!

.   .   .

Ingredients:

• Hyaluronic Emulsion with Vitamin C
• Rose Hips Mask
• Seaweed Night Cream
• Ceramide Herbal Eye Cream

Directions:

1. Every DIY facial starts with a clean complexion. Cleanse, exfoliate, tone with your trusty favorites—you know how the tune goes. (And if you don’t? We’ve got you covered—read up on our guide to DIY at-home facials!)
2. Hydrate and brighten. Start by massaging a few drops of the Hyaluronic Emulsion with Vitamin C into the skin. Any skincare expert or bona fide junkie will rave on endlessly about the benefits of Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C. Add Collagen to the mix and you have yourself an incredibly nourishing, nutrient-rich serum that helps restore skin’s natural moisture, improve clarity, and brighten the skin.
3. Bring back the dewy glow. Our Rose Hips Mask is a fall Mario Mask Must (can you say that three times fast?!). It’s perfect for sensitive or dull, tired skin in restoring moisture for a healthy, radiant complexion. We’re all about antioxidant Vitamin C for its brightening properties—and this mask is chock full of it.
4. You’ve got 20 minutes all to yourself. Are you singing along to Marvin Gaye or Barbara Streisand right now? We are. Do feel free to join us…
5. Rinse well with warm water and follow with, once again, your favorite toner. Take a good look in the mirror—this step is indisputably the most important of them all—and admire your skin for a few moments. Soft, supple, plump, and with a dewy glow to boot.
6. Are you headed out? Pat on your go-to moisturizer and start the second phase of the beautification process. Relish in the easy application and flawless finish—good skincare and beautiful makeup are inexplicably linked. (Remember that!)
7. If you’re staying in, lock in all that moisture and glow with the Seaweed Night Cream. It’s the most versatile and lightweight of our creams in that it’s oil-free and therefore non-greasy. Seaweed, Collagen, and Hyaluronic Acid help keep your complexion nourished and hydrated all throughout the night.
8. Don’t forget the eyes! Reduce the appearance of dry, tired under-eyes and help smooth the look of fine lines with the Ceramide Herbal Eye Cream. It’s one of our lighter options, making it a universal choice, but don’t hesitate to reach for something richer if you need it.

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Originally published as #MBRecipe: Solutions For Seriously Dry Skin from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Only people who suffer from extremely dry skin know the struggle that comes along with it: the uncomfortable tight feeling, flakiness, and even irritation.

Extremely dry skin can be rough (note the irresistible double entendre), frustrating, and in some cases, painful. Since the cold air and indoor heat that winter brings can suck even more moisture out of already parched skin, we thought we’d give you a rundown of the luxuriously rich, moisture-dense creams and cleansers that we reach for to alleviate that dreaded tight feeling and also soften with vitamin-rich oils, protective natural butters, and nourishing botanicals. These are the “big guns” so to speak, the indispensable products you reach for when nothing else will help.

Cleanser:

Cleansing Milk with Carnation and Rice Oil– This oil-based cleansing milk will dissolve makeup and impurities from the surface of the skin while adding moisture. Just massage onto skin and wipe off with a cotton pad—no water necessary.

Cream Soaps– If the concept of a waterless cleanser is something that you can’t wrap your head around, a cream soap is a great way to go. These non-foaming cleansers won’t strip delicate skin and are mild enough for sensitive types.

Eye Cream:

Dermonectin Eye Cream– The beautiful silky texture of this eye cream allows it to glide on and meld seamlessly onto the skin without feeling heavy. And please don’t take this eye cream’s silkiness for weakness; it contains a super softening blend of Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter, and Peanut Oil along with youth-boosting peptides to replenish moisture to the eye area.

Special Eye Cream V-This rich, nourishing eye cream contains Peanut Oil to nourish and Beeswax to seal in moisture and provide enduring dry skin relief that will last all day or night.

Day Cream:

Kera Moist Cream– The word that comes to mind when we use this cold weather favorite? Lovely. This delightful cream restores moisture levels with vitamin-rich Avocado and Rose Hip Oils while Lemongrass Extract brightens and Oatmeal soothes.

Hydro-Emollient Cream-This classic formula is known for amassing a cult following amongst flight attendants during the 70s and 80s. It was so effective at preserving their skin by defending against drying cabin air during long intercontinental flights that the attendants would scurry out of their East Side apartments in New York City and into the Mario Badescu Skin Care Salon to stock up before heading out to one of the local airports to catch their flights. The secret to this coveted formula is its rich blend of vitamin oils and water-binding Collagen along with Beeswax to protect the skin from harsh elements. Use it in any harsh weather situation wind, dry climate, even to protect against swimming pool chlorine.

Cream X– In addition to the allure of its mysterious name, Cream X certainly does the trick when it comes to moisturizing ultra-dry skin, especially for those experiencing uneven texture and flakiness. This gloriously rich formula contains Salicylic Acid to smooth rough spots, Vitamins A and E to nourish, Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate, and Beeswax to ensure long lasting moisture.

Night Cream:

Protein Night Cream– We love this night cream because it manages to protect the skin and sink in at the same time. Apply before bed and wake up feeling soft and refreshed. Collagen and peptides work to encourage plump, hydrated looking skin.

Revitalin Night Cream-One of our most densely rich formulas designed to deliver intense moisture to dry and delicate skin. This buttery, balmy cream will nourish and protect skin from moisture loss while you sleep. A blend of oils and butters soften and protect while Glycolipids and Glycoproteins help restore moisture to the skin’s outermost layer. We suggest warming the cream with your fingertips before gently pressing onto extremely dry skin.

Originally published as The Best Skin Care for Extremely Dry Skin from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Great skincare starts with clean skin. Removing sunscreen, makeup and impurities leaves the skin feeling fresh and prepped for the next steps of your skincare routine. Cleansing the skin improperly or entirely skipping this step limits the effects of the rest of the products in the regimen.

Whether your skin is dry or sensitive, oily or combination, acne- or redness-prone, there’s a cleanser for everyone out there. Our guide will help you pick the best cleanser with the most beneficial ingredients for your skin type and skin concerns.

What is the importance of a facial cleanser?

Using a gentle face wash suitable for your skin type and taking a few extra minutes to cleanse the skin from heavy makeup, dirts, oils and grime that may have built up throughout the day can make a world of difference and help maintain a healthy complexion. Cleansing allows the skin to renew while helping the rest of your skincare products absorb better and perform more efficiently. To get the full effect of the active ingredients in your facial cleanser, it is recommended to remove any makeup with a gentle remover before cleansing. This technique is known as “double cleansing” and essentially involves using a facial cleanser or makeup remover to remove excess product so your cleanser can deeply cleanse your skin. 

Our Best Facial Cleanser for Combination Skin

Does your T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) look shiny while your cheek area appears normal or dry? If the answer is yes, then you most likely have combination skin. In this case, the keyword is balance, so it is essential to regulate sebum production around the oilier areas without stripping the skin where it is drier. 

Try: Enzyme Cleansing Gel– This non-foaming gel cleanser is wildly popular and consistently tops our list of best-sellers. Skin will feel equally clean and refreshed. This deep cleansing but gentle face wash refreshes the skin and removes excess oil without feeling harsh or drying. The added Papaya Fruit Extract and Grapefruit Extract provide gentle exfoliation to leave the skin looking radiant and youthful.

Good cleanser for all skin types                                                                           Best cleanser for combination skin and oily skin types                                     Try pairing it with Seaweed Cleansing Lotion or Cucumber Cleansing Lotion

Our Best Face Cleanser for Oily Skin and Blemish-Prone Skin

Oily skin is characterized by a shiny appearance, enlarged pores and congestion. If your makeup and skincare tend to move around your face after application and you frequently get blemishes, your skin might produce excess sebum that can clog the pores. It is important to regulate the oil production and maintain clear and fresh skin without stripping of its natural oils. 

Try: Acne Facial Cleanser– Skin types prone to congestion and breakouts will love this non-foaming gel-based cleanser. The gentle, yet effective, formula employs Salicylic Acid and Thyme Extract to banish blemishes along with Aloe Vera and Chamomile to keep skin calm.

Our best cleanser for oily skin and blemish-prone types Try pairing it with Special Cleansing Lotion C for toning action. 

Our Best Face Wash for Dry Skin

If your skin is flaky, feels tight and lacks elasticity, there is a good chance it is dry. Another way to identify dryness is by applying a moisturizer and paying attention to the reaction of the skin. Dry skin will drink up the moisturizer almost instantly. 

Try: Cucumber Cream Soap – Anyone who has dry and/or sensitive skin understands how using the wrong facial cleanser can seriously throw your skin off balance. People with dry skin can benefit from using a rich and creamy facial cleanser. This non-foaming cleanser gently cleanses without stripping skin of essential moisture. The Cucumber Extract provides essential vitamins and minerals to the skin and leaves it feeling nourished and calm.

Good cleanser for all skin types Our best cleanser for dry skin

Try removing makeup prior to cleansing with Cucumber Makeup Remover Cream and toning with Aloe Vera Toner.

Our Best Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

Try: Cleansing Milk with Carnation and Rice Oil – Some skin is so dry and sensitive that even cleansing with a gentle rinse-off cleanser is irritating. For those with ultra-sensitive skin this oil-based milk cleanser is a must. It will completely dissolve makeup and impurities so that they can be wiped away with a soft cotton pad for a gentle cleansing experience. The result is cleansed and nourished skin without stripping its surface of essential moisture.

Good cleanser for dry, sensitive skin Our best cleanser for dry, sensitive skin

Our Best Brightening Face Wash

If you’re trying to achieve that gorgeous glowing look but you are too afraid of leave-on

treatments, you may want to give a cleanser with Glycolic Acid a try. Glycolic Acid is known to gently help with pore refining and texture resurfacing, ensuring a radiant complexion and youthful look. 

Try: Glycolic Foaming Cleanser – Your skin will be next-level clean with this supplemental, foaming, gel cleanser. Glycolic Acid works to gently dissolve dulling, pore-clogging dead skin cells and other impurities from the surface of the skin making this the perfect regimen booster.  If you are new to acids, start using the cleanser just a couple of times a week. For best results, let the cleanser sit for a few minutes before rinsing.

Use 1-2 times a week for Dry and Combination/Dry skin and 2-3 times a week for Combination Skin and Oily Skin types.

Good for all skin types Best cleanser for glowing skin Pairs well with any toner that suits your skin type!

Shop facial cleansers.

Originally published as Our Best Facial Cleansers for Your Skin Type: Oily, Dry, and Combination Skin from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

When you think of bees, do you automatically think of honey? I do. As the ‘bzzz’ sound is ringing in my mind as we speak, there is a special MB product I’d like to share with you…Bee Pollen Night Cream.

It contains Beeswax (an antioxidant and skin softener) as well as honey, a humectant that helps attract and bind water into the skin to keep it hydrated. Drier skin types will feel hydrated and relieved of that tight, uncomfortable feeling.

A night cream so nourishing and hydrating, no wonder it’s a-buzz around here.

Originally published as A Night Cream That’s The Bee’s Knees from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Rose Hips is high in vitamin C, which is very nourishing, and when you combine that with ingredients such as Glycerin (which is super hydrating) you get a super skin product like our Rose Hips Nourishing Oil. It is formulated for dry, sensitive or flaky skin. Layer it under your moisturizer to reduce flakiness and/or surface dehydration.

That’s not all the Rose Hips Nourishing Oil can be used for. Try it as…

• A hair serum for shine and nourishment;
• Cuticle treatment for healthy cuticles; or
• Mix a few drops into your body lotion for extra hydration

Don’t you love stretching beauty products and getting more bang for your buck? Looking prettier doesn’t hurt either

Originally published as MB Multi-Tasker Spotlight: Rose Hips Nourishing Oil from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.