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.

Mario Badescu’s Chicago-based Account Executive, Lauren Cummings, brings her effervescent personality, can-do attitude, and encyclopedic knowledge of all things beauty-related everywhere she goes—and boy, does she go.

This busy lady and her team spread #MBSkinTips around the Chicago area and beyond. We asked her which MB products are at the top of her list, keep reading for Lauren’s must-haves!

Lauren’s Favorites

Skin Type

I have classic Combination Skin. I am oily through the T-zone and dehydrated through the cheeks. I also live in Chicago where the sun shines really bright, but the winter winds can dehydrate my skin even more!! And lastly, my skin is prone to acne, and that can leave discoloration and unwanted texture. Yikes!!

Lauren’s 5

Glycolic Foaming Cleanser: This foaming cleanser is the perfect way to gently improve uneven texture and tone. It effectively exfoliates and cleanses my skin while helping to address any small blemishes on my face without overdrying my skin.

Alpha Grapefruit Cleansing Lotion: This toner gently exfoliates my skin, and helps to reveal a more radiant, glowing, lit-from-within skin. It smells amazing and because it is alcohol-free, it aids in replenishing hydration.

Cellufirm Drops: I use this heavenly product as my daytime serum. Cellufirm Drops immediately hydrates and visibly plumps my skin. I notice increased firmness in my skin, as well as a really smooth texture. This product also does double-duty for me as an under eye serum layered underneath Hyaluronic Eye Cream.

Honey Moisturizer: This daytime moisturizer is the perfect amount of moisture for my Combination/dehydrated skin. It absorbs into my skin rapidly, while creating a smoother more radiant complexion. I love a slight glow to my skin before I apply foundation, and Honey Moisturizer creates the perfect canvas for my makeup. For the cold, dry Chicago winters, I like to add a few drops of the Herbal Hydrating Serum. It allows me to boost the hydration level in my skin care, when needed, without switching moisturizers.

#MBSkinTip: When I know the weather is going to be especially harsh, I like to press a little bit of a denser moisturizer or night cream into my cheeks, after I have applied my typical skincare regimen.

Silver Powder: Because I wear foundation daily, and have an oily t-zone, I am prone to blackheads on my nose and chin area. I use Silver Powder to address this issue. It immediately starts to break down the congestion and the clogged pores and after 10-20 minutes my nose and chin are clear of all blackheads. Silver Powder is a twice weekly staple product for me.

Thanks, Lauren. Stay warm out there!

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

Are blackheads the bane of your existence? You’re not alone. A fast and furious stream of questions on this topic flows into MB headquarters every single day.  

No blackheads here!

Blackheads are not only frustrating because of the visible black dots they sprinkle on your face, but maddening because once they pop up, they kind of just hang out . . . indefinitely. Those prone to blackheads encounter more of a problem if their current skin care regimen provides a hospitable environment for blackheads to live. Unlike other kinds of acne, blackheads don’t flare up then fizzle out and disappear, nope, blackheads reside. They will live on your face until you shake up your routine in a way that makes your skin uninhabitable.

The bad news? There is no magic cure for blackheads. The good news? I’m going to give you a plan of attack that will send these unwanted guests packing.

Firstly, it is important to know what a blackhead is so that you can understand how to get rid of them. A blackhead occurs when a pore becomes filled with sebaceous material—the natural oily substance produced by your skin—and oxidizes. This is the same process that causes sliced apples and avocados to turn brown after being exposed to air for a period of time. This is also why blackheads are so darn visible.

To improve the appearance of blackheads we must make sure to not allow that sebaceous material to sit in the pore for too long. The best way to do this is to add a few simple elements to your skin care regimen that will help to do the following: absorb oils from the pore, dissolve, and/or polish away pore-clogging material from the skin’s surface so that it doesn’t have a chance to darken.  

For a winning blackhead-fighting skin routine, try adding one item from each of the categories below to your regimen:

Absorb

Silver Powder– This uber-absorbent powder has earned a cult following of loyalists who love it for its ability to attack blackhead-prone areas like the nose, cheeks, and chin.

Special Mask for Oily Skin-This mask is specially formulated to help prevent clogged pores (which lead to you-know-whats. . .) on skin types that are prone to excess oil production.

Tonic Masks– This entire line of masks is formulated with absorbent Kaolin Clay to help keep skin clear.

Dissolve

Glycolic Foaming Cleanser– Use this exfoliating cleanser 3 times a week to break down excess oil and dulling dead skin cells.

Alpha Grapefruit Cleansing Lotion– Give your skin a swipe of this classic brightening toner twice daily to keep pores in check and gently brighten with Grapefruit and Lemon Extracts.

Anti-Acne Serum– The Salicylic Acid in this non-drying serum works to penetrate and cleanse pores. Apply a thin layer over problem areas before bed and fight blackheads while you sleep!  

Polish

Botanical Exfoliating Scrub– Finely ground Ecuadorian Ivory Palm Seeds perfectly polish pores—use regularly so that oxidation doesn’t have a chance to occur and blackheads don’t stand a chance!

What’s your biggest skin concern? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter, maybe we’ll write a post about it!

Originally published as How to Get Rid of Blackheads from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Renewal is the operative word here. It’s all about the Alpha Hydroxy Acids – and this Skin Renewal Complex has the ultimate combination of the AHAs your skin craves and loves.

We formulated a rich blend of Papaya Extract and oils high in Vitamin A for dry, dull skin. The natural skin exfoliant gently buffs and shines to brighten your complexion as Vitamin A helps improve texture and vitality. It’s perfect as a night treatment and equally beautiful as a day cream if your skin needs the extra boost in moisture.

Rehydrate, renew and rejuvenate all in one. We keep it simple for you.

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Originally published as Under The Radar: Skin Renewal Complex from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Some days I wish I could just jump into a big bowl of sliced citrus, cucumber and berries and let them work their magic to cleanse, tone and refresh my skin. Sadly, this would cost a small fortune, but maybe one day I’ll try it.

While you may not be as fanatic about nature’s skincare as I am, taking diligent care of your complexion is one of the best ways to give yourself a beauty treat. Not only will you look and feel well cared for, but your skin will appreciate getting the attention it deserves.

The following recommendations feature some of our most botanically-enriched products and the skin types they’re compatible with. Get ready for a fun fruit-filled fiesta. (Sorry, I love alliteration too!)

Cleanse

Provide your face and body with a plant-based boost using our Enzyme Cleansing Gel (ALL Skin Types) and A.H.A Botanical Body Soap (ALL Skin Types). These delicious smelling products contain Alpha Hydroxy Acids to enhance your deep clean by gently exfoliating the skin to leave it thoroughly refreshed. Relying on the powers of Papaya, Grapefruit and Ginseng Extract, this duo will give you the perfect cleanse from head to toe.

Tone

Give your skin a swipe of something special with our Special Cucumber Lotion (Combo/Oily/Acne) or Alpha-Grapefruit Cleansing Lotion (Combo/Dry/Sensitive) to balance the skin after the cleansing process. The Cucumber Extract and Grapefruit Extract handle each designated skin type effectively for the best results.

Exfoliate

This is the treat du-jour of your skincare regimen. All skin types can gain from weekly exfoliation. Enjoy the delicious benefits of our Kiwi Face Scrub (ALL Skin Types), Strawberry Face Scrub (ALL Skin Types), and Raspberry Body Scrub (ALL Skin Types). For those with acne-prone skin, our Glycolic Foaming Cleanser (ALL Skin Types) can be used in place of your usual cleanser a few times per week to gently exfoliate with Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Chamomile Extract, St Johns Wort Extract and Sage Extract.

Moisturize

Keep your skin hydrated and nourished with our A.H.A & Ceramide Moisturizer (Combo/Oily) which calls upon the natural effectiveness of Aloe Vera Gel and fresh, invigorating Lemongrass Extract. Our Revitalin Moisturizer (Combo/Dry/Sensitive) uses Lactic Acid and Seamollient to feed dry and sensitive skin types necessary moisture year-round. In addition, give your body its daily requirement of moisture (while controlling cellulite) with our luscious Botanical Firming Lotion (ALL Skin Types) which contains Barley, Ivy, Lemon Extract, Rose Hips, Grapefruit Extract, Aloe Vera and Seaweed Extract.

Treat

When it comes to caring for the skin, we offer a variety of products with natural ingredients, like our Vitamin C Serum (ALL Skin Types) with Cucumber Extract, Ginseng Extract, Aloe Vera Gel and Lavender Oil; Rose Hips Mask (Combo/Dry/Sensitive) with Rose Hips Oil, Algae Extract and Balsam Peru; Enzyme Revitalizing Mask (Combo/Dry/Sensitive) with Papaya, Oatmeal and Grapefruit; and our Orange Tonic Mask (Combo/Oily/Sensitive) with Orange Peel Extract.

Depending on your skin’s needs, there’s something botanical for every skin type.

If you could fill your tub to the brim with skin-healthy fruit, which ones would you choose?

Originally published as A Botanical Fruit Fiesta For Your Face & Body from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Exfoliation—the process of removing dead cells from the surface of the skin—is one of the most important things you can do for your appearance. As we get older, we begin to renew our skin cells at an increasingly slower rate, which can lead to a dull appearance, clogged pores and, yes, even acne. Worse, moisturizer and treatment products are unable to penetrate skin that isn’t properly exfoliated.

Scrubs are a great way to exfoliate. However, this option isn’t right for everyone. If you have particularly sensitive skin, acne, and/or dry, delicate, aging skin, consider instead using a chemical exfoliant. This brings us to the big question:

What are Alpha-Hydroxy Acids ( AHAs)?

I use this term all the time, and it occurred to me recently that a lot of people have no idea what I’m talking about when I mention AHAs. Alpha-Hydroxy Acids gently remove dead skin cells on the surface of the skin by dissolving them. This encourages cellular turnover. Generally speaking, AHAs are useful for fading sunspots and age-related discoloration; firming the skin; avoiding acne; and reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Even better, your other skin care products—moisturizers, serums, etc.—will be far more effective on skin that has been properly exfoliated.

Glycolic Acid is a very popular AHA because of its smaller molecular structure. Derived from sugar cane, it is able to penetrate the skin and break up the sticky bonds between dead skin cells so that you can be rid of those pesky, dulling creatures for good—or at least until the next time you exfoliate.

Lactic Acid is similarly useful. Cleopatra bathed in sour milk for softer, smoother skin, and we know why: it’s helpful in inhibiting the production of melanin (to reduce discoloration) while exfoliating and hydrating the skin.

This is important, so let’s take some time to determine which type of exfoliation is right for your skin—a scrub or a chemical exfoliant like an AHA?

Originally published as What Are AHAs? Alpha-Hydroxy Acids, Explained from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Lately, I’ve been hearing from a lot of my coworkers that my skin looks amazing. I got the same compliment at a party the other day and then my sister asked me, “What are you doing with your skin? It looks so good!”

The only recent difference in my skin care regimen has been the addition of an AHA moisturizer. Specifically, the  A.H.A. & Ceramide Moisturizer. Because I’m straddling the two worlds of acne and aging, this AHA moisturizer works perfectly for me.

Do you have any type of discoloration (hyperpigmentation)? I do—it’s a vestige of some very shameful years of serious tanning. I also need a moisturizer that isn’t going to aggravate my sensitive skin or make me break out. (I have extremely strong feelings about products that make me break out.)

What’s great is that the AHAs in this moisturizer combat aging, hyperpigmentation, and help with acne. Meanwhile, Aloe Vera calms the skin. These days, I love checking out my skin in the morning to see the difference.

We always want to hear what you think about our skin care products. Here’s what you had to say about the A.H.A. & Ceramide Moisturizer:

Catherine Y. in New Jersey calls this ‘the perfect moisturizer’ and says:

I constantly break out, but while my T-zone area is very oily, the rest of my face is dry and often gets flaky. I’ve tried many brands of oil-free moisturizers, but they didn’t deliver the moisture I wanted. This moisturizer is my savior – my skin abosrbs the moisture the moment I smooth it on. My skin feels so moist and nourished without feeling or looking oily. My oily shine has become more under control, my skin looks and feels better and softer, and it does not aggravate my breakouts. I’m also using other products from MB, and I should say that years of search for the right products for my skin has come to a close! I love MB products!

Lydia B. of Pennsylvania is a fan as well:

I love this-i finally used it, as it was a sample with my order. i swear my skin is softer and noticibly smoother. i kept running to the mirror to check to be sure i was really seeing what i thought. i love this and highly recommend it!

Lejla H. in Colorado agrees:

I have combo skin with an oily t-zone prone to occasional breakouts and this moisturizer is great. Keeps my cheeks moisturized while my t-zone balanced. It soaks right in the skin and never feels greasy like most products on the market. I use this along with the acne cleanser to keep my skin clear and fresh.

Tell us: What do you think of the A.H.A & Ceramide Moisturizer? Or check out other MB products that are $20 or less!

Originally published as What People Are Saying: A.H.A & Ceramide Moisturier from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

There are few things that can affect self-esteem or body image like body acne.

As always, we take a huge interest in hearing about your experiences with our products. Let’s see what some of you had to say about our AHA Botanical Body Soap for acne.

New York City’s Katie C. says: “My friend discovered this bodywash about a year ago and it has changed both our lives! I use it on my back and chest every other day in the shower, and it has cleared my breakouts completely. I never have to worry about having red bumps on my back or chest again! It’s gentle and smells amazing too.”

And…

“I absolutely love this body wash,” writes Deborah D. in California. “It cleans without drying. It removes all the yucky residue from your skin and really clears up body acne!! I am thrilled with the results.”

Alana C in New York was equally excited: “I absolutely love this stuff! Not only does it smell delicious and fresh it really works clearing up acne on my back!”

And check out this review from Nicole H. in Tennessee:

“I am no stranger to MB products. I’ve used them off and on for about a 2 years now, but recently started getting bad acne on my arms and back. I ordered thsi body wash based on the reviews and I have immediately noticed a difference. My arms are clearing up and my back is acne free…” 

Click here to read more reviews for this product!

Originally published as What People Are Saying: AHA Botanical Body Soap For Acne from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Nothing welcomes spring better than a burst of color; add a little bit of zest and voila, an instant boost in mood and an extra spring (no pun intended) in your step.

It’s the littlest things in life that make all the difference.

Take, for example, the Orange Extract in our Orange Cleansing Soap. It’s an AHA that lends for a gentle wash that cleanses and revitalizes your skin instantly. Non-oily and never stripping, yet removes makeup effectively.

Perfect twice daily, followed by an equally invigorating toner. We love the Alpha Grapefruit Cleansing Lotion or Cucumber Cleansing Lotion for that instant refresher. You?

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Originally published as ADD SOME ZEST TO YOUR SPRING REGIMEN from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

There’s an age-old adage that says: “You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” We highly doubt anyone is in want of collecting a jarful of (sticky) flies, but we do know that attracting and locking in the moisture is always on your mind.

And sweetheart, it’s honey that does the trick.

Made with an exfoliating Alpha Hydroxy formula that helps reduce moisture loss and hydrate skin, our Honey Moisturizer was made to leave your skin soft, supple and smooth. The not-so-secret ingredients behind it all? A lush blend of Honey, Peanut Oil and Orange extract to protect against moisture loss and bring out the dewiness within.

Soft and gentle – with a drizzle of sweet – does it.

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Any other products with honey extract that you love? Let us know in the coments below!

(image via)

Originally published as HONEY, I’M HOOOMEEE! from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.