How to deal with oily skin

Wondering why your skin is so oily and what you can do to treat it? Whether you’ve been dealing with oily skin for what feels like forever or your skin type has recently changed, it can be maddening to be met with an oil slick when you’re trying to achieve a dewy glow. And while you can’t permanently get rid of oily skin, you can reduce its appearance. 

Let’s look at what oily skin is and what you can do to control it:

What is oily skin and what causes it?

Oily skin appears shiny and slick, with prominent pores that easily become clogged and are prone to acne. This happens because glands produce an excess amount of a substance called sebum. Sebum is made of fats and has a shiny appearance. When it passes from your glands through your pores and to the skin’s surface, it can cause your face to look slick.

Why do I have oily skin?

There are a number of factors involved in why skin is oily. Hormonal changes, genetics, the weather, diet, and stress can all kick your oil glands into producing too much sebum. While you may not always know exactly what causes oily skin, (particularly yours!), there are steps you can take to make your skin appear less shiny.

How can I make my skin less oily?

1. Cleanse regularly: Take care of your oily face by cleansing it daily, morning and evening. Try not to overdo it: over-cleansing can strip the skin and actually spur your glands to produce more oil, putting you back to shiny square one.
   
   
2. Be gentle: Avoid rubbing your face and be careful not to use overly harsh cleansers. Too much physical pressure and products that dry you out can irritate your skin, once again kicking your glands into overdrive. Mario Badescu Botanical Facial Gel is formulated for oily skin types to wash away grime without stripping skin.
   
   
3. Use moisturizer: You may think that with all that oil, your face doesn’t need any more moisture. However, one of the best ways to combat oily skin is to keep your face healthy and moisturized. Look for a lightweight, oil free moisturizer. Mario Badescu offers two oil free moisturizers that won’t clog pores: one even contains SPF 17! Discover our best moisturizers for oily skin here.
   
   
4. Try glycolic acid: Glycolic acid is one of the best ingredients for oily skin types, since it encourages cell turnover, exfoliates dead surface skin cells that can clog pores, and minimizes the appearance of pores. Glycolic acid is a powerful ingredient, so start slowly and step up your sunscreen usage. Swap out your regular cleanser 2-3 times a week for Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser for a complexion that’s radiant rather than greasy.
   
   
5. Mask mindfully: Kaolin clay and bentonite clay are common in the best clay masks for absorbing oil and pulling impurities out of congested skin. Be mindful of your masking—alternate with your stronger products so you are not overdoing it. Mario Badescu’s Special Mask for Oily Skin contains both kaolin and bentonite clays to control excess oil along with calamine to protect and re-balance skin.

Mario Badescu offers a variety of specially formulated products that can help control oil, so you can feel like you’re getting rid of oily skin without losing out on oil’s skin-protecting and plumping benefits. You’ll appreciate having a dewy glow instead of a slick shine!

Originally published as Oily Skin 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.

Since the launch of our latest Orange Blossom-infused facial spray, our most frequently asked question has been “What’s the difference between the four Mario Badescu Facial Sprays?” Here’s a breakdown of each facial mist: what a facial spray is, what it does, and key ingredients.

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 facial mist formulated with nutrient-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 while combating 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 latest. 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

“How do I use a facial spray?”

Each of these mists were made to multi-task. Spritz on clean skin for added hydration before you apply moisturizer, throughout the day to revive and refresh skin, or after makeup application for a dewy finish.

“How do I use all four Mario Badescu facial sprays?”

Each of our mists can be used whenever, wherever—but it’s easy to incorporate all four into your day-to-night regimen. Here’s one (of many!) ways to use your mists:

MORNING

Start your day with Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea. Mist on clean skin before moisturizer to boost hydration and tone your complexion.

DURING MAKEUP APPLICATION

Dampen your favorite makeup brushes or sponge using our rose face mist. Once you’re done, mist your complexion to give your final look a dewy finish.

AFTERNOON

Liberally mist Facial Spray with Aloe, Sage and Orange Blossom throughout the day whenever you need an instant pick-me-up.

EVENING

Set the tone before bed. Use our Lavender facial spray before you apply your nightly serum and night cream for a calming botanical boost.

Originally published as Differences Between Each Mario Badescu Facial Spray & How to Use Your Face Mists 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.

Meet Hyaluronic Dew Cream, the newest addition to our line-up of face creams and moisturizers.

WHAT IS HYALURONIC DEW CREAM?

Hyaluronic Dew Cream is a gel-cream hybrid that drenches skin in supreme yet lightweight hydration. Botanical-infused and packed with a Sodium Hyaluronate complex for multilevel moisturization, this silky moisturizer gives skin the boost it needs for a dewy finish and fresh-faced glow.

WHAT’S INSIDE?

• Supremely hydrating Sodium Hyaluronate complex
• Skin-replenishing Squalane
• Clarifying Thyme Extract
• Restorative Green Tea Extract
• Cooling, mineral-rich Cucumber Extract
• Soothing Aloe Vera

WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL?

• Oil-free, cool-to-the-touch formula
• Light and glossy upon application, then sinks in seamlessly
• Features a host of hydration heroes, including two molecular weights of Sodium Hyaluronate and Squalane to help moisturize at different levels of skin
• Delivers supreme, silky-smooth hydration without the heaviness
• Gives skin a deliciously dewy finish

WHO IS IT FOR?

All skin types can use Hyaluronic Dew Cream, although its best suited for combination to oily skin. Normal to dry skin types will want to layer it with a serum like Herbal Hydrating Serum (for normal skin), Cellufirm Drops (for combo-dry skin), or Super Peptide Serum (for drier skin types).

HOW DO YOU USE IT?

Hyaluronic Dew Cream should be applied on freshly cleansed and toned skin, day and/or night. Or, take it to the next level and do as the aestheticians do: Mist with a Facial Spray first, then moisturize. Doing so may seem like an insignificant step, but it’s that in-between layer of botanical-infused hydration that can boost your skin’s moisture levels—and enhance your overall glow.

Here’s why. Sodium Hyaluronate (a humectant similar to Hyaluronic Acid, but has a smaller molecular size—which enables enhanced absorption) is known for its ability to pull moisture from its surroundings and bind that water into skin. By giving the Sodium Hyaluronate even more water to draw into the skin, you’re now increasing moisturization. This is where our Facial Sprays come in. As always, start with a clean slate. Liberally mist your complexion and—this is the trick!—while your skin is still dewy, apply Hyaluronic Dew Cream to seal everything in.

Use this as an opportunity to customize your own dewy duo. Simply pick a mist that best suits your skin’s mood du jour to personalize your moisturizing routine.

• In need of rejuvenation and clarity? Pair our Rose Facial Spray with Hyaluronic Dew Cream.
• In need of a restorative reset button? Go for the Cucumber and Green Tea mist first, then layer on Hyaluronic Dew Cream.
• In need of calm and comfort? Soothe stressed skin with our Vitamin C-infused, Lavender Facial Spray before applying Hyaluronic Dew Cream.
• In need of an energizing pick-me-up? Give skin an uplifting boost with this Orange Blossom face mist first, then lock it in with a layer of Hyaluronic Dew Cream.

Ready to get glowing?

SHOP NOW

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Originally published as Introducing: Hyaluronic Dew Cream from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Face feeling a bit congested, tight, or uncomfortable from post-Halloween makeup madness? Here’s how to bring back the clarity:

Remove your makeup.

Thoroughly—as in, leave no traces behind. We recommend using any of these makeup removers to dissolve away all that intense eye makeup first before going in with your cleansing routine. If you went heavy on the face makeup too, try this #MBSkinTip: Remove your makeup with Cleansing Milk with Carnation & Rice Oil, then follow with a rinse-off face wash like Enzyme Cleansing Gel to ensure a thorough cleanse.

Hit the reset button.

After a thorough process of makeup-removing and cleansing, set aside 20 minutes for some skin R&R with one of our tonic masks. Mario Badescu “tonic masks” are clay-based masks that work to purify and clarify the skin—which is exactly what post-Halloween skin craves to reset and start fresh.

Not sure which mask is right for your skin type? Here’s the 411:

• Flower & Tonic Mask is the gentlest of our tonic mask collection. This is a Gardenia and clay-based mask that works restore balance by lifting impurities from the skin while improving moisture retention so all skin types (including sensitive!) appears smoother and more refined.
• Take it a step up and you have our Orange Tonic Mask and Strawberry Tonic Mask. Both are formulated with a Kaolin and Zinc Oxide base to purify and tighten the appearance of pores, offering added oil-absorbing properties to truly deep clean skin. Orange Tonic Mask contains Orange Peel to rejuvenate and prevent pore congestion, whereas Strawberry Tonic Mask is infused with Strawberry (a source of Vitamin C) to give skin a brightening boost.
• Then there’s the strongest of the four: Cucumber Tonic Mask. Designed for very oily or congested skin, this powerful purifying formula leaves your complexion refined, smooth, and shine-free. It’s infused with Cucumber to tone and formulated with natural minerals to clarify—making it a must-have mask for getting your skin back into pre-Halloween makeup madness shape.
• And for troubled areas, try this #MBSkinTip: Apply Buffering Lotion to those erupted areas, then follow with a thin, even layer of Drying Mask on top. This acts a powerful clarifying solution that helps dry up existing surface blemishes and target under-the-skin bumps.

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Shop our tonic masks here.

Originally published as Post-Halloween Madness: How to Bring Back the Clarity in Your Skin from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Whether you’re headed back to school or just want a fresh start for the new season, clear out your medicine cabinet so you can get rid of the old, empty, and used. After all, September (a.k.a. Back-To-School) is all about returning to the basics. The goal isn’t to stir things up—we know seasonal changes and new beginnings can be stressful—it’s to go back to the tried-and-true favorites we trust. The result? You’re able to help your skin maintain balance and achieve healthier, clearer-looking skin.

To help you put your best face forward no matter what, keep these back-to-school basics in your skincare stash:

Enzyme Cleansing Gel 

Perfect for all skin types, this refreshing face wash is infused with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and natural fruit enzymes (found in Papaya and Grapefruit Extracts) to provide effective—but gentle—exfoliation. Dulling dead skin cells and pore-clogging oils are removed from the surface to ensure that your complexion looks and feels rejuvenated.

#MBSkinTip: Leave the cleanser on your skin for an extra minute or so to allow more time for the AHAs to work their magic. Then, massage the gel into your face once more before rinsing well with warm water.

Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater 

This cult-favorite facial mist is a must-have—so much so that we keep one at home and one in our backpack. To help wake up tired skin and boost hydration during those early mornings, we love a good spritz before we apply our moisturizer and after makeup application.

You can also revive dull or oily skin throughout the day—simply mist your face whenever, wherever.

#MBSkinTip: Keep one in your gym locker to help refresh your hair, face, and body.

Drying Lotion

Pesky problems seem to pop up when you least expect them to—or right before Picture Day (or a big meeting). Our solution? Nip it in the bud while you sleep. Simply dip a clean cotton swab into the pink sediment, dab the product directly on any surface blemishes, and go to sleep.

It’s that simple.

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Originally published as Back-To-School Basics from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Before we dive into the best serums for each skin type, let’s start at the beginning with a frequently asked question:

“How do I know if I need a serum?”

We get it: It’s hard to know what you actually need or should be using when products are being thrown at you left and right.  So when we’re asked, “Do I really need a serum?” our answer is simple:

Take our skin analysis.

This questionnaire was designed by our skin specialists to help determine the best products for your skin type—including deciding whether or not you need a serum at this point in your life. At the most basic, pared down level, you should be following a regimen that includes a cleanser, toner, eye cream (from your 20s on), moisturizer, exfoliant, and mask. Anything additional would be prescribed based on concerns to help you achieve skin goals.

CONGESTED OR ACNE-PRONE?

Incorporate Anti Acne Serum into your evening routine. This balancing serum combines the two most important things that congested, troubled skin needs:

• Oil-free hydration, and
• Clarifying properties.

That oil-free hydration comes by way of Glycerin, a classic humectant that works to deliver essential moisture without feeling heavy on skin. Key ingredients like Salicylic Acid and Thyme Extract work help encourage clearer-looking skin.

How to use Anti Acne Serum: This clarifying serum is meant to be used every night or as needed. Before bed (after you’ve cleansed and toned), apply a thin layer on troubled areas. Anti Acne Serum is designed to be worn alone, in place of a traditional evening moisturizer or night cream.

OILY?

Herbal Hydrating Serum will leave your skin looking dewy and fresh-faced. Ceramides, Ginkgo, and Ginseng are infused to revive, soften, and smooth—making this unique gel a versatile staple in all skin care regimens. It’s water-light in texture and oil-free in formulation, which enables you to effectively hydrate without leaving your T-zone feeling like an oil slick.

How to use Herbal Hydrating Serum: For the super oily, wear this serum on its own in place of a moisturizer. All other skin types can still use this serum, though: simply apply a thin layer over moisturizer/night cream for enhanced hydration and glow.

DULL WITH UNEVEN SKIN TONE?

Vitamin C Serum will be a game-changer for lackluster complexions seeking a boost in radiance. This is a lightweight serum that helps restore youthful luminosity to skin while delivering antioxidant defense against environmental stressors and skin-aging free radicals.

If you’re keen on adding an anti-aging serum to your regimen (whether you’re 20-something or in your 50s), Vitamin C Serum is quickly becoming a beloved medicine cabinet staple for all skin types. Here’s why:

It’s powerful in formulation, but absorbs seamlessly into skin to help brighten uneven skin tone and reduce the appearance of dry fine lines. Vitamin C, Collagen, and Sodium Hyaluronate combine to diminish the appearance of wrinkles and uneven skin tone—leaving all skin types soft, smooth, and glowing.

How to use Vitamin C Serum: Apply 3-4 drops to clean skin every other evening. Follow with your favorite night cream.

DEHYDRATED WITH FINE LINES?

Apply Cellufirm Drops under your daily moisturizer or night cream. Uniquely versatile and designed to help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, this serum is a must-have for dry skin. Antioxidant oils soften and nourish as a protein-enriched blend of Collagen. Elastin, RNA, and peptides works to give skin a supple, youthful appearance.

How to use Cellufirm Drops: Apply a few drops to targeted areas that need extra moisture, or apply 4-5 drops all over your face and neck for maximum skin-smoothing benefits. Follow with your daily moisturizer or night cream.

#MBSkinTip: Cellufirm Drops can be used under and around the eye area under your eye cream, too!

DRY AND FLAKY?

Revive dehydrated skin and smooth dry patches with Rose Hips Nourishing Oil. This lightweight yet moisture-intensive facial oil is infused with Rosehip Extract and Rosehip Oil—both known as great sources of essential fatty acids and antioxidant Vitamin C—to provide comforting moisture and reveal softer, more radiant skin.

How to use Rose Hips Nourishing Oil: Massage 2-3 drops on clean skin. Or, apply 1-2 drops to dry patches that need a targeted moisture boost. Follow with moisturizer or night cream.

#MBSkinTip: Roll up your sleeves and customize your glow. Mix a few drops of Herbal Hydrating Serum and Rose Hips Nourishing Oil to get your perfect dewy skin concoction. Use more of the blue when you want to keep it light, or mix in more oil to give your mixture slip and added moisturizing benefits.

DRY WITH FINE LINES AND WRINKLES?

Try Hyaluronic Emulsion with Vitamin C or Corrective Complex Emulsion. Both serums have a lightweight slip that absorb beautifully into skin. Hyaluronic Emulsion with Vitamin C is designed to boost moisture and give depleted skin a more youthful, hydrated appearance. Corrective Complex Emulsion also boasts nourishing ingredients to soften and smooth skin, but also contains Oligopeptide-5 for an added anti-aging boost.

How to use both emulsions: Apply 2-3 drops on clean skin, then follow with night cream.

VERY DRY OR MATURE?

Incorporate Peptide Renewal Serum into your routine to target visible signs of aging and deeply nourish skin. This complex blend of Peptides, Sodium Hyaluronate, and complexion-boosting botanicals is specially formulated to improve the look of depleted, mature skin and reduce the appearance of dry fine lines and wrinkles—leaving the complexion soft, smooth, and supple.

How to use Peptide Renewal Serum: Because of its rich consistency, less is more with this product. Apply 1-2 drops on your face, neck, and décolleté. Wear it alone or layer it under your favorite face cream or night cream.

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

For those of you lucky (or un-lucky; perspective is everything) enough to have been spoiled with traveling before the extra baggage charges and 3.4 oz rule, you’ll remember a time when checked luggage and generous carry-ons were a reality.

Alas, times are a-changing when we live in a world where Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (a.k.a. the Minimalist’s Holy How-To Bible) is #life and all your liquids must be decanted into generic bottles and fit into a quart-sized Ziplock. It’s about as un-chic at things get, not to mention, anxiety-inducing for the beauty junkie. How are we to choose between two cleansers we love? What if we need Cream X but only packed Cream Y?!

Trust: I understand the crisis at hand. But with a less-is-more philosophy and a little bit of Marie Kondo’s magic along the way, we can do this. If I can, you can too—and believe me, it took years of weekend-getaways or last-minute trips that taught me a trick or two about learning how to pack light even for a two-week trip:

• Know your TSA rules and regulations. The worst thing that can happen to a beauty junkie is having to tear open a carefully-packed toiletries bag only to have your Holy Grail favorites tossed into some bin. Equally horrible: not having enough room to pack essential clothes and things because your travel beauty bag takes up half your carry-on.
• Keep to your tried-and-true basics. I like to pare down as much as I can—which means a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, mask, and serum are all I need when it comes to skincare. The less you bring, the happier you’ll be, according to Marie Kondo.
• Packettes are a jet-setter’s best friend. Seriously. You don’t need to decant your full-sized products, there’s no fear of spillage, and you save serious space with these little guys. If you have to pack everything in your medicine cabinet, packettes are how you’ll get it done TSA-style. Luckily for you, we gift you three of your choice for FREE with every order—which means you can pick your faves and keep them on hand for your next trip.
• Minis are a must. Deluxe-sized sample are also incredible for travel because you don’t have to deal with the mess that comes with downsizing your full-sized products into jars or bottles that might open-up in your bag.
• Double-bag everything. It’s better to safe than sorry.

Here’s what I always travel with:

• Enzyme Cleansing Gel: This has been my go-to cleanser since day one. It’s mild, it’s refreshing, and it’s the perfect pick-me-up as both a morning facial wash and evening pick-me-up after a long day.
• Botanical Exfoliating Scrub: Recycled cabin air leaves my skin parched and flaky, so a gentle polish post-flight helps keep my skin soft, smooth, and refreshed.
• Rose Hips Mask: I’m always looking to hydrate and brighten my complexion, but even more so when travelling. This Rosehip-packed treat has been my go-to: As soon as I get to my hotel and finishing exfoliating, I pop on this mask while making sure my hotel Wi-Fi works.
• Vitamin C Serum: How darling is this mini Vitamin C Serum (which you can get in the Day to Night Kit)?! Again—brightening is the name of the game when it comes travel beauty, so this little guy remains by my side no matter where I land.
• Facial Spray: Ditto with our cult-favorite facial spray. Instant hydration plus a boost of radiance is much-needed while I’m away, and this rosewater mist does the trick.
• Drying Lotion, in a plastic bottle: It’s the same formula we’ve all relied on throughout the years, simply housed in a travel-friendly bottle to give you peace of mind no matter how rough your travels.
• Lip Balm: Not a mini, but a must-have. Always.

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Originally published as #MBTravels: How to Pack Light (Even if You’re a Beauty Junkie) 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!

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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.