Make this Father’s Day even more special than the last.

1. Customize a spa day, because dads need a day of indulgence too.
2. A membership to his favorite golf and country club. Gifting him a set of monogrammed golf balls or a new set of clubs? Throw in a pair of personalized gloves along with our Hydrating Hand Cream. Golfing all day is hard work.
3. Set him up with a new regimen. Our Men’s Grooming Basics is a must-have for every man.
4. Upgrade him. Does Dad have the bare essentials already? Upgrade his current skincare stash with The Executive Collection, a comprehensive set of men’s grooming essentials.
5. Send him a “man crate” with all his favorite things. Like: his favorite ground coffee. A French press. Shaving Cream. A gift card to his favorite restaurant.
6. Show him you care. Is he a jet-setter? Put together a care package that makes packing for every trip a little easier—and lets him think of you no matter where in the world he goes. Fill a classic dopp bag with travel-friendly, skincare essentials (just de-pot his favorite Shaving Cream, aftershave lotion, cleanser, serum, and scrub in containers 3.4oz. or smaller). Add in a disposable razor, a toothbrush, tooth paste, floss for good measure, then gift it with a subscription to his favorite magazine so he always has reading material for long flights.
7. Spend the day with Dad. Whether he’s into hipster breweries or down for a good nature hike, plan a day that’s all about him from day to night. It’s not often we get to spend time with our Dads—make a day of it.

.   .   .

Originally published as Father’s Day Gift Ideas for Every Budget from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Not sure what to gift the special guy in your life this Valentine’s Day? Check out our men’s gift guide for thoughtful and unique ideas:

For Dad / the Father-in-Law:

The Executive Collection for Men

For Your Uncle:

Men’s Grooming Basics + a gift card to his favorite restaurant

For Your Best Friend:

dopp bag + Botanical Exfoliating Scrub + Shaving Cream

For Your Brother(s):

Men’s Grooming Basics + Amazon gift card

For Your Co-Worker:

Peppermint Shaving Cream

For the Classic Man:

silk pocket square + monogrammed cufflinks + dopp bag + Pre-Shave Conditioner + Shaving Cream + Vital with Collagen & Elastin + Botanical Exfoliating Scrub

For the Downtown Guy:

knit beanie + messenger bag + Peppermint Shaving Cream + After Shave Moisturizer

For the Gamer:

the latest/his favorite video game + Hydrating Hand Cream + Shaving Cream + Protein After Shave Lotion

For the Gym Buff:

gym duffel + monogrammed towel + shaker bottle + Men’s Grooming Basics

. . .

Originally published as Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Him from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Not sure what to gift the special guy in your life this Valentine’s Day? Check out our men’s gift guide for thoughtful and unique ideas:

For Dad / the Father-in-Law:

The Executive Collection for Men

For Your Uncle:

Men’s Grooming Basics + a gift card to his favorite restaurant

For Your Best Friend:

dopp bag + Botanical Exfoliating Scrub + Shaving Cream

For Your Brother(s):

Men’s Grooming Basics + Amazon gift card

For Your Co-Worker:

Peppermint Shaving Cream

For the Classic Man:

silk pocket square + monogrammed cufflinks + dopp bag + Pre-Shave Conditioner + Shaving Cream + Vital with Collagen & Elastin + Botanical Exfoliating Scrub

For the Downtown Guy:

knit beanie + messenger bag + Peppermint Shaving Cream + After Shave Moisturizer

For the Gamer:

the latest/his favorite video game + Hydrating Hand Cream + Shaving Cream + Protein After Shave Lotion

For the Gym Buff:

gym duffel + monogrammed towel + shaker bottle + Men’s Grooming Basics

.   .   .

Originally published as Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Him from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

1. Customize a spa day, because dads need a day of indulgence too.
2. A membership to his favorite golf and country club. Gifting him a set of monogrammed golf balls or a new set of clubs? Throw in a pair of personalized gloves along with our Hydrating Hand Cream. Golfing all day is hard work.
3. Set him up with a new regimen. Our Men’s Grooming Basics (on sale!) is a must-have for every man.
4. Upgrade him. Does Dad have the bare essentials already? Upgrade his current skincare stash with The Executive Collection (also on sale!), a comprehensive set of men’s grooming essentials.
5. Send him a “man crate” with all his favorite things. Like: his favorite ground coffee. A French press. Shaving Cream. A gift card to his favorite restaurant.
6. Show him you care. Is he a jet-setter? Put together a care package that makes packing for every trip a little easier—and lets him think of you no matter where in the world he goes. Fill a classic dopp bag with travel-friendly, skincare essentials (just de-pot his favorite Shaving Cream, After Shave Moisturizer, cleanser, serum, and scrub in containers 3.4oz. or smaller). Add in a disposable razor, a toothbrush, tooth paste, floss for good measure, then gift it with a subscription to his favorite magazine so he always has reading material for long flights.
7. Spend the day with Dad. Whether he’s into hipster breweries or down for a good nature hike, plan a day that’s all about him from day to night. It’s not often we get to spend time with our Dads—make a day of it.

.   .   .

Originally published as Father’s Day Gift Ideas for Every Budget from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Your skin care arsenal is stocked. Cleanser? Check. Toner. Check. Drying Lotion? Check! And since you’ve done your research, you know not to shake the Drying Lotion (Still want to give it a shake? Don’t take our word for it.) You skin is looking good and you feel like this:

Then, when you least expect it, a blemish pops up! You know what to do. You reach for that bottle of zit-fighting magic, and before you can even register what is happening, you fumble. Your Drying Lotion slips, escapes from your hand, and your #catlike reflexes kick in (Luckily, you took those martial arts classes for that month in second grade! #thanksmomanddad) and you are able to catch the bottle before it crashes to the floor. Whew! But, ugh, not before your perfect bottle of layered pimple kryptonite is all mixed up. First you feel confusion, then despair sets in and now you are all:

So here’s where one of our most frequently asked questions comes in. Lots of you would like to know, “If my Drying Lotion is shaken, is it ruined?” The A. to that Q. is, no. Not at all. Simply set the shaken bottle on a flat surface then distract yourself with some TV, or better yet, a good book, and hang in there until it settles. “But will it still work the same?” you ask. Yes, it will. “It won’t make it less effective?” No, sir or ma’am. It will not.

Us? Oh, we’re just waiting for our Drying Lotion to settle.

So there you have it! The most anxiety-provoking conundrum in the battle for clear skin has been solved for once and for all. It seems that when it comes to Drying Lotion (and life in general) an occasional shake-up is nothing to worry about!

Originally published as Our Best Skin Care Tips: What Happens if you Shake the Drying Lotion? from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

1. Do as your barber does. Soak a towel in hot water, wring out all excess water, and press it over the beard area for 30-50 seconds. If you’re running low on time, shave in or right after a hot shower. The heat and steam opens pores and softens the beard, offering a closer shave.

2. Use a pre-shave conditioner. Pre-shave creams, gels and oils help lubricate and protect the skin so that the blade(s) glide over smoothly.

3.Brush away. It’s old school, but it’s a trick that’s lasted through the ages because it works. (Do as dad and pop have always done!) Using a brush to apply shaving cream builds a thicker lather while raising every little hair so you get the closest shave possible. If you don’t shave every day, brush the beard area during that in-between period. Work it in circular motions to stimulate the skin and help prevent ingrown hairs.

4. Remember: going against the grain gets a closer shave, but it’ll irritate your skin more. Try shaving in the direction your hair grows, washing your face, re-lathering, and making a second pass across the grain.

5. Take it easy. Slow and steady wins the race (and the award for best shave, but who’s counting?)

6. Follow up with a good moisturizer. Preferably one with Aloe, Oatmeal or Lavender Extract to help soothe the skin.

.   .   .

PS. Enjoy a special holiday treat with our Peppermint Shaving Cream. It’s a great gift idea, too!

Originally published as 6 Quick Shaving Tips from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

By now it’s safe to assume that the ladies have gotten the toiletries packing down pat (if not: a quick browse through our archives or search on Youtube will yield enough results to make your head spin!) – but what about the gents?

Worry not; we haven’t forgotten about our Mario men.

Store all of your essentials in a sturdy, easy-to-clean canvas pouch like our signature men’s travel bag. It’s stylish, sleek, and just the perfect size for organizing and stowing all of your travel essentials in one place. Bygone are the days of rummaging through that duffel or calling hotel personnel to scramble for basics!

Unless you know you’ll be away for long periods of time, decant your favorite cleanser, moisturizer, body wash, shampoo, and shaving products into smaller, travel-sized containers. There’s no need to carry more than you need, so this is where our samples come in handy: keep the bottles and just refill as needed, or, head to your local drugstore to purchase a set of TSA-friendly containers.

So, what do you need? 

• Razor/Electric Shaver

• Cleanser: Something non-drying yet exfoliating to keep skin bright, healthy and shine-free.

• Toner: Think mild; you want a toner than cleanses but also has anti-inflammatory properties to calm skin post-shave.

• Moisturizer: Whichever works best with your skin.

• Pre-Shave Conditioner: Never underestimate the power of a pre-shave conditioner; this essential component of men’s skincare is a soothing gel to soften the beard area for a closer, more comfortable shave to reduce razor bumps and burns.

• Shaving Cream: An essential for that perfect shave to protect against irritation.

• Serum: If it isn’t already in your daily regimen, add it to see – and feel – a difference. A lightweight, hydrating balm is essential as an aftershave and moisturizer in one.

• After-Shave Moisturizer: Another must-have to help restore, soothe and maintain moisture in the skin post-shave.

• Drying Lotion: Just in case. Part of mastering the art of packing light and efficiently is to always be prepared, no matter what.

• Q-Tips & Cotton Pads: For your toner and Drying Lotion.

.   .   .

(image via)

Originally published as Let’s Hear It For the Boys: What To Pack from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Deciding to use a straight razor is perhaps as deep as male grooming gets these days, but way back when, shaving was a ritualistic practice and rite of passage. Let’s go back in time, shall we?

Ancient Egyptians were all about the facial hair until the Dynastic Period. At some point, they decided that facial and body hair were uncivilized and animalistic. Thus, in the spirit of new-found sophistication (and a desire to look more civilized), men shaved head to toe. It was a daily regimen; appearing unshaven symbolized low social ranking.

Baby smooth was the goal for the Ancient Egyptians, but royalty were allowed small, well-trimmed goatees.

Did you know…? Kings were buried with a barber and their trusty razor so he could go into the afterlife clean-shaven.

Ancient Greeks, however, believed that beards represented a man’s masculinity and wisdom. Trimming was optional, but highly discouraged: in other words, the bushier, the better. The only time a beard would meet a blade was in times of mourning.

It’s safe to say that Aristotle never had to worry about razor bumps and burns or ingrown hairs. Or shaving cream at that. Lucky chap.

Did you know…? Cutting another man’s beard was a punishable crime (and getting de-bearded was the greatest shame a man could ever endure). Pursuing a career as a barber was certainly not in anyone’s future.

Ancient Romans, in a collective effort to do whatever the Greeks didn’t do, hailed the clean-shaven look. They were the compromise between the Egyptians and Greeks – not quite baby-smooth, but definitely never overgrown. A boy’s first shave was an elaborate celebration; rather than shave in privacy of his own accord, it was a ceremonial ritual with quite the public viewing.

Did you know…? Boys would rub olive oil on their face in an attempt to grow a beard faster (and thicker) for that first ceremonial shave.

.   .   .

Gents, we’re curious: what’s your grooming regimen look like? Multi-blade, straight blade or electric razor? What are your tips and secrets?

Originally published as Beauty Around the World: Shaving & Grooming from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Looking to get a closer shave, one worthy of a professional? Skip the barber and get the closest at-home shave possible with these tips…

.   .   .

Part I: The Skincare

It all starts with a good skincare regimen (but you already knew that). Cleanse twice daily, exfoliate regularly (this step is especially crucial for a good shave!), moisturize always… you know the drill.

Part II: Prepping the Beard

1. Exfoliate. Use a gentle scrub, washcloth or brush to massage the skin in circular motions. The purpose is twofold: it sloughs off dead skin cells while raising the hair for a closer shave.
2. Soften the beard. When shaving, do as the barbers do: wrap a hot towel around your face and hold for about 30-50 seconds. It’s typically a three-part process where the right side, left side, and neck area are focused on separately to ensure that the whiskers are properly softened. Simply soak a hand towel in hot water, wring out any excess water and press to the skin. (If you have the time, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil – eucalyptus and lavender are barbershop favorites – so you get the full treatment.)
3. A hot shower works, too. Shave in the shower (if you’re pressed for time) or right after you’ve stepped out. The steam will have opened your pores and softened your beard.
4. Apply your pre-shave conditioner of choice. An oil or gel product further softens the beard and helps protect the skin. You’ll find that the blade glides across the skin without a hitch so that there’s minimal razor bumps and burn later on.
5. Use a brush with your shaving cream. Apply in circular motions for thicker lather; just be sure to even it out before you come in with your razor.

Part III: The Stroke

• Slow, even strokes are key. Don’t rush – especially if you’re using a straight razor.
• Angle the razor at about 30 degrees for the best shave. (This is especially crucial for those using a straight razor, but still helpful for shaving with modern razors.)
• Apply minimal pressure. Let the blade do the work for you.
• Pull the skin taut. Once again, doing so creates the closest and smoothest shave. Say you’re shaving the right side of your face first – reach your left hand over your head and position your fingers at the cheekbones and pull the skin upwards gently. Continue shifting the left hand downwards until you finish shaving the right side. Repeat on the left side and on the neck.
• Try shaving in the direction of hair growth. Yes, shaving against the grain offers a closer, cleaner shave, but keep in mind that doing so exacerbates the likelihood of razor irritation. Shaving with the grain helps minimize, if not prevent, ingrown hairs as well as razor bumps and burns.
• That said, try multiple passes. Shave with the grain of the beard, then take the time to wash your face and re-lather with shaving cream. Then, shave across the grain for an even closer shave.

Part IV: Post-Shave Care

1. Cleanse well. Be sure to rinse all shaving cream as any residue will dry out and irritate the skin.
2. Tone the skin. A gentle toner with Witch Hazel or Seaweed Extracts serves to soothe, disinfect and further cleanse the skin post-shave.
3. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Start with a serum to help maximize moisture retention and then apply your moisturizer and/or aftershave of choice. Restoring the skin’s natural moisture and protective barrier is key in keeping your complexion healthy.

.   .   .

Originally published as How To Shave Like A Pro from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

One of the best ways to reduce shaving irritation and prevent ingrown hairs is to use an electric razor. The shave is generally not as close as one offered by a traditional razor, but it’s the perfect tool for the guy who’s always on the go.

Here are a few quick tips for getting the best possible electric shave:

 1. Cleanse. Wash your face with the recommended cleanser for your skin type. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

2. Prep the skin. Apply our Electric Shaving Lotion to the beard area with a cotton ball. Not only will it help disinfect the skin, but it will also absorb any excess oil and moisture from the skin. Doing so allows the hair to rise up, thus enabling a closer shave. Wait for a few minutes for the product to soak into the skin.

3. Shave slowly. Go against the grain of the beard so the razor can pull the hair up and out to achieve a closer shave.

4. Tone. Dampen a cotton pad with a toner of your choice and wipe in circular motions moving outwards. A favorite is our Seaweed Cleansing Lotion; it’s a non-drying, alcohol-free toner formulated with Seaweed and Aloe Extract for anti-inflammatory benefits.

5. Moisturize. Apply a post-shave product such as our Protein After Shave Lotion to cool and soothe.

.   .   .

Originally published as Let’s Hear It For The Boys: Electric Shaving from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.