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.

Looking for the best skincare regimen, one that actually meets your skin concerns? At Mario Badescu, we know everyone’s skin is different. There is no one-size-fits-all skin solution. Your skin is unique to you!

There are numerous skin types and skin conditions – from oily and dry skin to acne prone and sensitive skin. You probably think your skin has a personality all its own! When you discover the best face cream or rejuvenating toner for your skin type, it can work wonders for your skin, and how your skin looks and behaves from day to day.

That’s why we created our Skin Analysis tool. Just answer a few brief questions and you’ll be paired with the right skincare products for you – the cleanser, toner, moisturizer and specialty serums that meet your own skin concerns.

Once you’ve completed the questionnaire, you’ll get product recommendations for a complete daily skincare regimen. Choose which products you want to pick up now and, for our friends in the US, you’ll have the option to order a free sample regimen to try product recommendations before you buy. (You just have to cover the $2.95 shipping fee!) 

The Mario Badescu Skin Analysis takes just a few minutes, but can offer invaluable skincare advice that will leave your skin clear and your complexion glowing!

Are you ready to get your best skin yet? 
Start your Skin Analysis here.

Originally published as Find Your Best Skincare Regimen 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.

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.

For glowy, dewy, and bright skin all summer long, try this.

1. USE A GEL CLEANSER.

Enzyme Cleansing Gel is our most universal (and beloved!) face wash to date: it’s a light, oil-free gel base infused with Papaya and Grapefruit Extracts to help rejuvenate skin. A dime-sized squeeze of this will do the trick: it’s the perfect morning pick-me-up and end-of-day deep clean that leaves skin feeling fresh-faced and clean.

If you have very oily skin, try Botanical Facial Gel for a deeper clean.

2. ALWAYS FOLLOW WITH A TONER.

Toning post-cleanse helps ensure every speck of makeup, oil, sweat, and grime is removed from your face. You get a thorough clean (which is crucial), but even more importantly, Mario Badescu toners are formulated to re-balance your skin and deliver complexion-boosting benefits weightlessly.

Glycolic Acid Toner is a staple for soothing, resurfacing benefits. Formulated with Glycolic Acid to help even out skin tone, Grapefruit Extract to rejuvenate, and Aloe Vera for a soothing hydration, this is a must for a touch of daily exfoliation. Brighter skin (and days) lie ahead with this in your routine.

If you have sensitive skin and want a brightening boost, try Alpha Grapefruit Cleansing Lotion. This is mild formulation infused with Grapefruit and Lemon Extracts to give skin that rejuvenating boost—plus a host of replenishing ingredients like Bladderwrack (Seaweed) Extract, Aloe Vera, and Glycerin.

3. KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE.

Ceramide Herbal Eye Cream is the perfect warm-weather eye cream. It’s a silky balm that glides beautifully under and around the eye area, packed with skin-loving ingredients (like Hyaluronic Acid, Safflower Seed Oil, Rosehip Oil, Vitamin E, Ceramide Glycolipids, Eyebright Extract).

If your skin is on the oily side, try Ceramide Eye Gel instead. It’s an ultra-light, oil-free eye gel that applies with bounce and seamlessness. Store it in the fridge and make it an extra-cooling treat that helps de-puff tired eyes.

4. STAY HYDRATED.

Hyaluronic Dew Cream is just what summer skin—no matter your skin type—craves. This is a light gel-cream hybrid that delivers all the dewiness with none of the heaviness. Layer as much as you need (and over a serum if you desire).

If you’re out and about, do layer this with your favorite sunscreen or opt for a face moisturizer with SPF.

#MBSkinTip: Get a glow-up just by misting with any Mario Badescu Facial Spray before you apply Hyaluronic Dew Cream. Doing so enables the Sodium Hyaluronate complex (in the moisturizer) to draw even more moisture into the skin for an added boost of hydration.

5. TREAT YOURSELF.

Every other night, apply a few drops of Vitamin C Serum before you reach for Hyaluronic Dew Cream. Glowy is the goal, of course, but you also want to care for your skin, too—which means using this antioxidant-enriched serum to help fight against skin-aging free radicals from sun damage.

.   .   .

Here are 10 more tips on how to achieve radiant, summer skin.

Originally published as Mario Monthly Edit: July Skin Care from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

How does summer affect your skin?

Summer often means enjoying the rays of sunshine outdoors, taking exciting trips, having fun with friends and family and indulging in tasty food and drinks. But how does it impact your skin and your summer skincare routine? Heat, humidity, air conditioning and sun exposure present a serious challenge to the skin. Protecting it from possible damage is the key factor to ensure a healthy complexion and great summer days. By following our simple tips for glowing skin and tweaking your skincare for the summer season, you can easily protect your skin and enjoy the sunny days.

10 Skincare Tips for Summer:

1. Always apply sunscreen. Sun protection is crucial to skin health—in fact, it’s one of the most surefire ways to prevent premature signs of aging (like fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging) and discoloration (like age spots and darkening of post-acne marks). Be sure to apply sunscreen first thing every morning or 20 minutes prior to any outdoor activities; re-apply every hour to ensure your skin stays protected throughout the day, especially if you’re going to be spending time during the sun’s peak hours (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Sunscreen is the most essential part of your summer skincare routine.

We recommend trying:
Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 30 for combination, oily and acne-prone skin
Mario Badescu Collagen Moisturizer SPF 15 for combination to dry skin
Mario Badescu The Moisture Magnet SPF 15 for dry and mature skin

2. Remember to protect your hands and feet.  Driving and walking around in open-toed shoes makes you susceptible to sun damage and premature signs of aging. Be sure to exfoliate, moisturize, and protect exposed hands and feet. Our tip? Keep a bottle of Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 30 on hand when you’re out and about. It’ll not only keep your hands and feet hydrated, but will also sink in quickly without feeling greasy—all while protecting your skin. 

3. Exfoliate regularly. Bacteria, impurities and dead skin cells may clog the pores and make your skin look dull and lifeless. By removing pore-clogging surface impurities and dulling dead skin cells from the skin, exfoliation helps diminish discoloration and prevent future breakouts. Reveal a healthy and glowing complexion with the gentle yet effective Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser. Make sure to leave it on for a couple of minutes before washing it off to help the ingredients do their magic. If you prefer a granular exfoliant, give our invigorating Botanical Exfoliating Scrub a try instead. Exfoliate once or twice a week as part of your summer skincare routine and enjoy glowing skin. 

4. Moisturize Daily.  Summer sun, heat, salt water, chlorine, and air conditioning can wreak havoc on skin. You can put aside the rich moisturizers in the summer but don’t deprive your skin of hydration completely. To help keep skin hydrated and healthy-looking, moisturize skin in the summer with SPF before sun, and use a night cream before bed. And for glowing, silky-smooth skin from head to toe, be sure to moisturize your hands and body too.

5. Don’t Skimp on Eye Cream. Sun exposure will gradually thin skin and cause wrinkles, so it’s essential to make eye care a priority. Try using a lightweight formula for day like our Ceramide Herbal Eye Cream and a creamy renewing eye cream like Glycolic Eye Cream overnight for the perfect summer skincare routine. Throw on a baseball cap or large, floppy beach hat to help further shield your face, neck, and chest from dangerous UVA/UVB rays.

6.Look for alpha/beta hydroxy acids in your skincare. We already mentioned the importance of regular exfoliation and by combining the right acids you can restore and replenish for glowing skin. It is essential to address your skin type and skin concerns before choosing the best acids and acid combination among products with Grapefruit Extract, Papaya Extract, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid. Use a product once or twice a week as part of your summer skincare routine for glowing skin.

7.Add Vitamin C to the mix. Vitamin C is the best possible teammate to your sunscreen. Together they help to visibly brighten the skin and keep the complexion healthy and youthful-looking for a healthy looking glowing skin. Use our Vitamin C Serum at night to replenish your skin. Use alone or add a moisturizer if you need added hydration.  We can suggest Hyaluronic Dew Cream

8. Purify the skin. To absorb excess oil and deep clean the skin, you can use a gentle purifying mask a couple of times a week as part of your summer skincare routine. Mario Badescu Flower & Tonic Mask is gentle on the skin and balances the oil production without feeling stripping and drying.

9. Stay hydrated. Healthy skin comes from within. Drink plenty of water during the summer days, as dehydration can show on your skin, too.

10. Choose the healthier option. As tempting as it is to lie in a tanning bed or sunbathe, make the switch to self-tanners to achieve that ever-covetable summer skin without yielding yourself to the dangers of overexposure. Beauty Tip: Our faces will always be a shade or two lighter than our body; to build color on your face as well, alternate between a tinted moisturizer and facial self-tanner to achieve an even wash of sun-kissed color.

Originally published as Top 10 Tips for Glowing Summer Skin from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

…or with any face moisturizer, for that matter.

1. Start with cleansed, toned skin.

2. Choose any Mario Badescu Facial Spray and mist, liberally. All of our Facial Sprays are formulated to, first and foremost, replenish skin with soothing, Aloe-infused hydration. What differentiates them is their unique botanical profile: each mist is infused with a different set of plant extracts and essential waters to boost your skin with additional benefits. This allows you to mix and match your mists depending on what you and your skin need at any given moment.

• FACIAL SPRAY WITH ALOE, HERBS AND ROSEWATER adds a rejuvenating, clarifying boost with a blend of rejuvenating Rose and clarifying Thyme
• FACIAL SPRAY WITH ALOE, CUCUMBER AND GREEN TEA adds an ultra-refreshing, cooling boost with restorative Green Tea and invigorating Peppermint Essential Water
• FACIAL SPRAY WITH ALOE, CHAMOMILE AND LAVENDER adds a soothing, antioxidant-enriched boost with an infusion of calming Lavender Oil and Vitamin C
• FACIAL SPRAY WITH ALOE, SAGE AND ORANGE BLOSSOM adds an uplifting boost with a citrus-y spritz of skin-loving botanicals

3. Apply a light, even layer of Hyaluronic Dew Cream (or your favorite moisturizer). The trick to maximizing your hydration and glow is to apply Hyaluronic Dew Cream immediately after you’ve misted, while your skin is still dewy. Because this formula features a Sodium Hyaluronate complex, this technique will help further boost hydration while adding additional botanical benefits into your skin care routine.

4.  Finish off with another round of misting. This step is optional, but if you’re going for a healthy, dewy sheen—mist once more.

In short: dew it for the glow. And improved moisturization, overall.

. . .

Originally published as How to Use Facial Spray with Hyaluronic Dew Cream 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

.   .   .

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

Here’s everything you ever wanted or needed to know about Mario Badescu exfoliants and how to use them.

Sun protection, daily moisturization, and proper water intake are all crucial in achieving glowing skin, but the secret—the extra oomph—that can take your skin (and your skin care) to the next level is regular exfoliation. A smooth, even base is what we’re all after, so to achieve it, it’s essential that you remove the dead skin cells and any pore-clogging dirt, oil, or makeup that can build up over time. Doing so not only boosts clarity and improves skin tone, but also ensures that your skin can better absorb any products applied afterwards.

The key, however, is to exercise exfoliation in moderation. Too much scrubbing or overuse of exfoliating acids can dry out and irritate the skin. Limit it to one to three times a week, as per our aestheticians. If you have…

DRY SKIN?

Exfoliate 1-2 times a week. Try:

• Almond & Honey Face Scrub if you’re on the sensitive or ultra-parched side; it’s a gentle, creamy exfoliator infused with nourishing oils and purifying minerals.
• Rolling Cream Peel with A.H.A., which combines manual and chemical exfoliation in a unique, mild formula. It highlights Lactic Acid and Peach Extract to help improve uneven skin tone, and any dead skin cells simply roll away. Plus—a blend of Shea Butter and Vitamin E replenishes skin for a softer, smoother, brighter complexion.

COMBO-DRY SKIN?

Exfoliate 1-2 times a week. Try:

• Strawberry Face Scrub if you love the creaminess of Almond & Honey Face Scrub, but your skin craves a little more of that rejuvenating zing. This sweet, fruit-based exfoliant features real Strawberry Seeds to buff away dulling dead skin cells.
• Botanical Exfoliating Scrub if you’re partial to a gel-based, physical exfoliant. This one features finely ground Ecuadorian Ivory Palm Seeds for an invigorating scrub-down. (Be gentle on your skin, though—use gentle yet firm pressure!)
• Glycolic Foaming Cleanser if you prefer an acid exfoliator. Use this in place of your daily cleanser for a rejuvenating deep clean.

NORMAL SKIN?

Exfoliate 2-3 times a week. Try:

• Kiwi Face Scrub for an ultra-refreshing pick-me-up. Because Kiwi Seeds are smaller and firmer than Strawberry Seeds, this is the exfoliant we recommend for anyone who loves a fruity, rejuvenating scrub.
• Botanical Exfoliating Scrub is the perfect alternative to Kiwi Face Scrub if you like physical exfoliators, but prefer a light, gel base that rinses clean.
• Glycolic Foaming Cleanser is a best-selling favorite for a reason: it brightens, resurfaces, and refines to help improve the overall look of skin.

COMBO-OILY SKIN?

Exfoliate 2-3 times a week. Try:

• Botanical Exfoliating Scrub polishes and invigorates for fresh, soft skin. Unlike our cream-based exfoliants—which are designed to leave behind a nourishing veil of hydration, Botanical Exfoliating Scrub has a lightweight, gel base that rinses off without a hint of residue.
• Glycolic Foaming Cleanser if you’re partial to a resurfacing face wash. Use this up to three times a week as a supplemental cleanser to get that feel-good deep clean.

OILY SKIN?

Exfoliate 3 times a week. Try:

• Glycolic Foaming Cleanser a few times a week in place of your daily face wash, or…
• Acne Facial Cleanser if you’re prone to T-zone congestion. Use it 2-3 times a week as you would Glycolic Foaming Cleanser—in place of your daily face wash—to give your skin a clarifying, pore-cleansing boost.

ACNE-PRONE SKIN?

Focus on clarifying your skin first. Which means:

• Using Acne Facial Cleanser twice daily. Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid highly touted for its ability to help rid the skin of dead skin cells—whose accumulation can cause congestions or lead to breakouts.
• Do NOT use physical exfoliants while you’re experiencing active breakouts: they can irritate or tear at blemishes.
• Once your skin is relatively clear, you can start incorporating Glycolic Foaming Cleanser into your weekly regimen to help diminish any uneven skin tone or texture.

.   .   .

SHOP ALL EXFOLIANTS

Originally published as How to Choose the Best Exfoliant for Your Skin Type from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

No matter who or where we are, our lives have changed dramatically in a matter of weeks. It’s impossible not to be affected by what’s going on—and now that we’re a month into life during a pandemic, one of the simplest ways to cope is to discover ways of de-stressing for you.

For most of us here at Badescu HQ, prioritizing time for skin care is our chosen method of self-care. (Naturally; we’re skin care fanatics here.) Here are a few #MBSkinTips on how we soothe stressed skin and establish some sense of normalcy: 

Keep a mist on hand at all times.

Any Facial Spray will do, but there’s no denying the aromatherapeutic properties that come with botanical-infused mists. Lavender is a classic go-to for soothing our skin and our senses, but really—it depends on what you need in any given moment:

• For a rejuvenating refresh, reach for Rose.
• For an invigorating boost, replenish with Green Tea.
• For calm and comfort, re-balance with Lavender.
• For an uplifting pick-me-up, refresh with Orange Blossom.

Be kind to your skin.

Stress materializes in a multitude of ways—and usually, it’s seen first and foremost on our skin. Whether it makes you break out, reactive, or red and irritated, we want to remind you to be gentle with yourself. Overworking your skin in the hopes of “fixing” the issue will only further worsen whatever it is you’re going through: don’t pick at any pesky pimples. Don’t dry out or over-exfoliate your complexion with treatments in pursuit of instant gratification.

Instead, make balance a priority. Reach for gentle, replenishing skin care instead.

Seek balance.

Happy, healthy skin is balanced skin. The key to achieving it is to adjust our typical routine in order to accommodate this new norm. Which means:

1. If you’re washing and sanitizing constantly, you’ll need to restore moisture and hydration to your skin.

• Comfort overworked hands with a nourishing, restorative hand cream like Special Hand Cream with Vitamin E or Rose Hand Cream with Vitamin E.
• Are your hands ultra-dry? Try Elasto-Seamollient Hand Cream, the richest formulation of all our hand creams.
• And if you’re still not sure which hand cream is right for you, check out our hand cream guide to pick the one that best suits your needs.

2. If you’re able to stay home all day, you’re battling with heat or air conditioning 24/7. Or, if you’re out working—especially if you’re a healthcare professional—you’re dealing with it all.* To make sure your skin stays balanced, take your hydration routine one step further by misting your skin before you moisturize. Doing so will help improve moisturization and infuse additional soothing, botanical benefits into any moisturizer applied afterwards. A few of our favorites are:

• A.H.A. & Ceramide Moisturizer, a light, brightening face cream perfect for combo-oily to oily skin.
• Buttermilk Moisturizer, a Lactic Acid-infused formula for normal to combo-dry skin.
• Honey Moisturizer, a radiance-boosting moisturizer for dry skin.
• Hyaluronic Day Cream, a mid-weight face cream for dry skin types who prefer a richer formulation.
• Cellufirm Moisturizer, the perfect parched or mature-skin face cream for smoothing, protein-enriched hydration.

3. If your skin is in serious distress, reach for a calming face mask. Use Azulene Calming Mask (for all skin types) or Healing & Soothing Mask (for oily or troubled skin types) after a long day. Each one is infused with soothing botanicals and other comforting ingredients to help restore, replenish, and bring your skin back to life. After 15-20 minutes, liberally mist your skin first to help ease the removal process.

Last but certainly not least, treat yourself.

• Exfoliate with Almond & Honey Face Scrub. It’s decadent, creamy, and positively delightful…and it’s gentle on delicate skin. Plus, it’s in a generous jar—which means you can use it on your body, too, guilt-free. Follow up with your favorite face moisturizer and body lotion.
• For added hydration and a dewy glow, incorporate Rose Hips Nourishing Oil into your skin care routine. A few drops are all you need to diminish any signs of dullness or dryness.
• Amp up your hand care routine. Treat your hands like you would your face and as often as you can: mist your hands with your favorite facial spray, apply a few drops of Super Peptide Serum for next-level moisturization and line-smoothing benefits, then follow with a generous layer of your favorite hand cream. Then, slip on your gloves to lock it all in. By they time you remove them, voila! Baby-soft hands.

.   .   .

* To our healthcare heroes: we are more grateful than ever for your steadfast support and display of bravery every day. Thank you.

Originally published as How to Soothe Stressed Skin from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.