The subject of this edition of our #MBMy5 series—our blog series in which we ask MB staffers to whittle down their favorites from the line to just five essentials—is Lindsey!

Lindsey sweetened up our team when she came aboard last year with her enviable sense of style, infectious positive attitude, and a major dose of Southern charm. When she isn’t crisscrossing the Southeast making sure that the stores in her territories have everything they need, she is at her home base, Nashville, Tennessee, giving us all manicure envy with paint jobs like this one:

Lindsey’s Mario Mani

Without further ado, let’s turn this over to Lindsey:

Hello, Mario Badescu Beauties!

I’m thrilled to share my #MBMy5 today. A little bit about myself:

Working with Mario Badescu means that I spend my work days traveling all over the Southeast-throughout Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and my home state of Tennessee. As any professional globetrotter knows, abundant traveling can wreak havoc on your skin.

My skin type in one word: troubled. Since I spend so much time flying, the elevation and air conditioning leaves my skin desert-dry. On the other hand, anyone who lives in the south knows that the heat and humidity is unreal! Add in sensitivity to harsh ingredients and major acneic tendencies, and you’ve got the recipe for a skin care conundrum. Today I’m going to chat about my skin care must haves, and how I keep my skin hydrated, clear, and glowing throughout the tumultuous southern weather.

Lindsey’s 5

The Enzyme Cleansing Gel is my go-to cleanser. I love the way this melts off my face-makeup, while providing the softest AHA-based exfoliation. It smells like fresh fruit, thanks to the Papaya Extract, and helps to keep my skin clear of mild breakouts.

The next, possibly most important, step in my regimen is the Special Cucumber Lotion. It picks up the leftover makeup, oil, and dirt from the surface off the skin, while deep-cleaning my pores at the same time. The Sulfur and Zinc Oxide combination gives my skin an extra acne-fighting treatment, which is crucial for troubled days.

Once my skin is squeaky clean, I’ll often start to feel dry. Enter Herbal Hydrating Serum. It’s a water-based gel-serum that provides crucial hydration without leaving my T-zone oily. During my super dry days, I’ll layer this all over my face directly under my moisturizer. On my more oily days, I’ll use this to spot-treat the dry spots. Bonus feature: patting this into the high points of my cheeks gives me the glowing from within look with or without makeup!

Finding a moisturizer has always been a challenge of mine. Like I mentioned, my skin is acneic, so I have to be sure that the moisturizer is oil-free, or I could risk causing my breakouts to spread. Being Combination/Oily adds another tricky factor. Add my love of makeup to the mix, and you have what seems like an impossible equation. The Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 30 meets all of these needs, all while providing protection from sun damage (hello, alabaster complexion). I love that the formula is lightweight and dries matte. I can apply my makeup directly after the moisturizer without any fear of slippage.

#MBSkinTip: In the colder months, I like to use the Aloe Moisturizer SPF 15 for deeper hydration.

A few times a week, I make time to draw a bath and unwind. While my water is filling up, I’ll apply the Whitening Mask. Years of bad skin habits left my skin uneven in tone and texture, and this is my secret weapon to help correct that. After using this mask regularly, I’ve seen a huge difference in post-breakout discoloration—plus, it provides the hydration my skin desperately needs! It’s so lightweight and soft, and only takes 5-10 minutes. Added bonus-it smells like mulberries!

Finally, finding a skin care regimen that works for my picky skin has been a game-changer. My makeup sits on my skin beautifully and I feel so much more confident without makeup all together.

Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with me about #MBMy5! Be sure to come visit us down here in the South, where we like our skin like our tea: sweet, smooth, and best served year round.

Originally published as #MBMy5: Lindsey from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Social media and copy director at Mario Badescu by day, salsa and bachata instructor/performer by night. These are the dance bag essentials that keep my skin calm, clear, and glowing on and off the dance floor:

1. DRYING LOTION

Admittedly, I don’t keep a bottle of Drying Lotion in my dance bag (it would be perpetually all shook up), but it’s one of the non-negotiables in my post-rehearsal and post-performance skincare routine. Hours of sweating in the studio or caked in stage makeup can cause the occasional breakout, so if I feel a spot popping up, I’ll apply Drying Lotion before bed. Nip it in the bud, if you will—because this busy girl breaks (and breaks out) for no one.

And if it’s good enough for Misty Copeland, it’s good enough for me.

2. FACIAL SPRAY WITH ALOE, HERBS AND ROSEWATER

Let’s be honest: No what’s-in-my-bag would be complete without mention of this Mario Badescu classic. It’s a universal favorite without a doubt, but this multi-purpose mist is a dancer’s must-have for all the following reasons, and then some:

• It’s the perfect pick-me-up during the middle of a tough rehearsal.
• This mist freshens and rejuvenates your skin post-practice so you don’t leave the studio looking (or feeling) like a sweaty mess—you’ll just walk out looking perfectly dewy. Do spritz this everywhere—chest, décolletage, back of the neck, for that feel-good finish.
• Makeup for stage or nights out dancing tends to be heavy on skin, so I always spritz my foundation and concealer brushes (or the beauty blender, for those of you who are sponge-inclined) to make the application process easier. If my makeup still looks a little cake-y, I’ll do a fine mist over my face to ensure everything melts together for a flawless finish.
• To be clear, I do not condone this next tip for the sake of your suede-soled dance heels—but if you’re in a bind and need to add grip to your step, spritz the bottom of your shoes. You gotta do what you gotta do—and this trick has saved me from slipping on many a freshly waxed floor.

3. EYE MAKE-UP REMOVER CREAM

I haven’t been without this makeup remover since Nicole (co-worker and fellow MB blogger!) put me on it. If you can, always always remove all your makeup prior to any sweat session to reduce chances of clogging your pores. I love this classic, gel-cream formula because it’s so easy to use.

And here’s a little #MBSkinTip: I use this as an all-purpose balm. Elbows looking a little ashy before a shoot or heading on stage? The Eye Make-Up Remover Cream saves the day. Toes and heels looking cracked after a hard dance session in heels? Massage some of this skin protectant-like cream to moisturize and soften rough patches.

4. VITAMIN E BODY LOTION (WHEAT GERM)

This classic, Mario Badescu formula is my go-to, period. But I do think it’s the best body lotion for dancers.

Latin dancing (salsa and bachata for me, specifically) is largely based on partnerwork. You want your skin to be glowing and hydrated, but you can’t wear anything that leaves your skin slippery—which at best, becomes an annoyance to your partner, and at worst, a hazard when it comes to doing lifts and tricks.

…which is why this has been my favorite body lotion for years. It’s incredibly nourishing but sinks in quickly sans greasy residue. Simply apply and resume practice.

5. SPECIAL HAND CREAM WITH VITAMIN E

Same goes for this hand cream. It moisturizes without the post-application slip, meaning you and your partner can do all the crazy handwork without losing grip.

#MBSkinTip: I use this hand cream on my feet, too. (Rebel, I know.) Though I can run, walk, dance in my heels, being perched on the balls of my feet for hours means they deserve a little TLC. Enter hand cream and spiked massage ball: After rehearsal, work away those knots before slipping into your street shoes. You won’t slip and slide, and you won’t leave a greasy footprint in the inner sole either.

6. SPECIAL HEALING POWDER

This unique powder does exactly what its name purports—and then some. The sales director in me laments that this product flies under the radar in most markets, but the beauty junkie inside revels in just how much more special it is.

But, as a millennial whose default is to over-share, I’ll let you in on this little secret of mine.

Use it as directed, for starters. (I use this powder across my T-zone before dance classes to keep shine in check, and for intense practices, I’ll dust it across my chest and back to absorb shine and prevent congestion.)

You can also do as the aestheticians at the Mario Badescu salon do—dust it across skin that’s just been shaven or waxed.

Or, if you’ve “accidentally” popped a pimple because you couldn’t deal with a blemish the night before a huge show, dab this powder (using a clean cotton swab) over the erupted area and leave it while you sleep. Trust.

7. SUMMER SHINE BODY LOTION

I could wax poetic about the Summer Shine Body Lotion, but I won’t. (Just kidding, I already did here along with a few others.) I live for this stuff. It smells delicious, it feels incredible, and it looks stunning on skin.

The best part is, you don’t have to be a dancer to appreciate this lightweight, shimmer-infused lotion. (But if you are, this is a must for prepping your arms, legs, and décolletage prior to a shoot or show.) Use it on a night out. Use it during the day in summer. Actually—use it whenever, wherever you’re looking to get glowing with a hint of gold glimmer.

Originally published as 7 Things Every Dancer Needs (Plus, What’s In My Dance Bag?) 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.

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater is easily one of the most sought after products in the line. Not only is it a favorite of our amazing loyal customers (hi!), but it has also earned space in the skin care collections of our favorite bloggers, YouTube beauty gurus, celebrities, and makeup artists. Even with all of the popularity that this item has gained, we are frequently asked how the Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater should be used.

Misting by the sea shore!

We totally get it, it hydrates, but isn’t a moisturizer, it tones, but isn’t a toner. So, how exactly do you use it? The answer to this question is that there are many ways to use our Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater, and everyone that we know has their own favorite use. What most people agree on is that the more you use it, the better, because every use makes us feel refreshed and ready-to-go!

Here are five of our favorite ways to use Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater:

#1 Boost hydration by misting evenly to cleansed, toned skin. Follow with your daily moisturizer or night cream.

#2 Mist Facial Spray as a final step after makeup application to give your makeup a natural dewy finish.

#3 Need a midday beauty reboot? Keep a bottle of Facial Spray handy to refresh your face and your mood!

#4 Use to moisten makeup brushes, sponges, or your Beauty Blender.

#5 Give your at-home facial a botanical boost! Liberally mist skin with Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater before applying your mask. Once your mask has set and is ready to be removed, mist the face one more time. This will soften the mask in preparation for removal to help avoid unnecessary tugging or pulling on skin.

Originally published as 5 Tips: Mario Badescu Facial Spray from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Every May, during The Makeup Show NYC, beauty pros from the East Coast and beyond converge upon The Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City to shop for the products that will stock their kits for the next year.

Moments before the doors opened, fully stocked.

Who doesn’t love a good peek into a stylish friend’s beauty stash? Out of all of the collections I’ve had the opportunity to see, my very favorite ones always belong to my makeup artist friends. You see, real estate in a makeup artist’s kit is valuable, so I know that whichever products make the cut are the best of the best!

With that in mind, I thought I’d share our out-of-stock list from The Makeup Show NYC 2016. These are the pro-favorites that flew off of our shelves and straight into the kits and set bags of our favorite makeup artists:

1.    Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater. Whether they mist it onto clean skin before moisturizer to boost hydration, or after makeup as a final radiance-enhancing step. Pros can’t get enough of this versatile MB must-have.
2.    Honey Moisturizer. Skin-softening Honey makes this mid-weight moisturizer perfect for prepping skin for makeup.
3.    Summer Shine Body Lotion. Highlight isn’t just for your cheekbones! This silky body lotion applies smoothly and imparts a subtle gold glow to legs, collarbones, and any other place you’d like to show off.
4.    Hyaluronic Eye Cream. Pros love this eye cream’s ability to thoroughly hydrate while still being light enough to apply concealer right on top.
5.    Aloe Vera Toner. This toner was designed to be used on dry, sensitive, delicate skin types. Makeup artists love it because the mild formula can be used to gently freshen anyone’s skin without irritation.

So, which pro favorites will you be adding to your beauty musts? Are any of these in your medicine cabinet?

Originally published as The Makeup Show NYC Sold-Out List from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

On this Mother’s Day, I thought I’d ask a group of my very favorite moms to share their can’t-live-without products. Where does one find such a group? Well, I didn’t have to go far. I get to work with them every day.

Mom must-haves!

Happy Mother’s Day, everyone! When it comes to moms, I will forever feel like I won some kind of life-lottery simply by being born to my smart, resourceful, boundlessly kind, and wickedly funny mother. And if you take into account the group of talented, hardworking moms (and one mom-to-be!) who I get to work with here at Mario Badescu, I’ve pretty much struck gold twice!

Here are their favorites:

Raimey Van Nostrand, Creative Director

Mom to: Emily, 11 & Henry, 9

“I love taking a little time out for a mask after a long, hectic day. Whether I am multi-masking with Enzyme Revitalizing Mask and Drying Mask or I have a full face of Whitening Mask on (smells so good!), that 10 minutes of me-time is wonderful.”

Raimey’s mask trio

Kelly Timov, National Sales Director

Mom to: Milana, 15 months

“My favorite Mario go-to has to be the Glycolic Eye Cream. I use it every night to help my tired eyes look bright and hydrated. No one would know I’ve only slept 5 hours!”

Kelly’s non-negotiable eye cream

Marci Teran, Wholesale Account Director

Mom to: Skyler, 20

“My all day, everyday go-to is the Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater. It’s a great pick-me-up throughout the day when feeling sluggish and a great way to set makeup. Now if only my 20-year-old would keep her hands off my bottle!!”

Danielle Kulick, Regulatory Specialist

Mom to: Devyn, 7 & Dylan, 3

“As a busy mom on-the-go, I want to look fresh and bright, despite how tired or worn down I actually feel. I ALWAYS have Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater in my bag for the pick me up I so often need. I treat myself to Vitamin C Serum several times a week to keep my skin bright and glowing.”

Melissa Hegazy, Digital Advertising

Mom-to-be to: “I have not picked out names just yet, but I’m expecting a little boy and girl to make their debut in August 2016.”

“I love the Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 30. I use it religiously because my skin is now more sensitive to the sun and I want to prevent any sun damage. It doesn’t make me break out or clog my pores and best of all it doesn’t leave my skin greasy like many moisturizers with SPF do. It gives me the perfect amount of moisture I need all day along with the protection I need. I love it!”

Mickey Dias, National Field Director

Mom to: Livy, 2 & Rui, 5 months

“Cellufirm Drops are my absolute cannot-live-with-out product! This little green baby is a must have for all mamas. They give me that firm, healthy, ‘kids sleep through the night’ look to my skin ;)”

Originally published as Skin Care Picks from our Favorite Moms from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Greetings from Los Angeles! First thing, first. Do you check your bags when you travel? Or do you do whatever you can to squeeze everything into your TSA compliant carry-on? C’mon, be honest. This is a #judgementfreezone.

I think the way you answer these questions is key to knowing what kind of traveler you are. Truth be told, I’ve been in both camps at different points in life. As I’ve settled into what I like to call “official” adulthood, my bags are checked when I travel. I’ll take being able to stroll through the airport unencumbered over being able to make a bee-line from the plane to a taxi any day.

And guess what I’ll also take? My skin care products. Yes, that’s right. All of my full-sized, over 3.5-ounce bottles of beauty magic that I use every day to make me feel . . .well , like me. No edits. I take it all.

Here are the products that are keeping my combination, oily, acne-prone skin happy and balanced on this trip to the City of Angels:

Oh, are you in a rush? I have to go to baggage claim. I’ll catch a cab and meet you at the hotel.

Seaweed Cleansing Soap– I’ve used this creamy cleanser on and off for years. Going from NYC to the sunshine of the west coast bookended by two cross country flights is the perfect storm for throwing my skin off balance. Since taking care of my temperamental complexion can be a bit like walking a tight rope—lean too far left, falter, jerk to the right—this is the wash I reach for when I’m at risk for becoming dehydrated (That recycled cabin air gets me every time.) Besides, this cleanser’s fresh, salty scent makes this Brooklyn girl feel just a teeny bit Pacific Coast cool.

Special Cucumber Lotion– There’s nothing like a refreshing swipe of toner to whisk away any post-cleanse traces of ick and help keep skin clear. This is another all-time favorite, and the product that I go through the quickest. I wish I could tell you how many bottles I’ve emptied over the years.

Botanical Exfoliating Scrub– I’m taking a vacation from scarves and gloves but there are no breaks from my exfoliation routine. Three times a week, I turn to this perfect combination of Coconut, Ginger, and Gingko Extracts with finely ground Ecuadorian Palm Ivory Seeds for insta-smooth skin.

Rose Hips Mask– When travel, time difference, and work start to take their toll, I take a break and play hotel room spa with my favorite gentle, rejuvenating mask.

Lip Wax– I slip a pot of this Rose-infused Lip Wax into every bag and pocket I have. In addition to being my go-to lip smoother, this tiny skin softener is the best quick fix for ragged cuticles and other dry bits.

 Do you travel light, or overpack? How would you describe your travel personality?

Originally published as #MBTravels: Does Skin Care Reveal Travel Style? from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

So I lied – there’s no weekend getaway on the itinerary. Not exactly at least – no beaches or lazy mornings are on the horizon – just a quick business trip that just so happens to fall on a weekend. (I’m a full-time copywriter, part-time dancer and salsa instructor.)

Technicalities, eh?

So what’s in the bag?

• Enzyme Cleansing Gel. The ultimate go-to cleanser.
• Cucumber Cleansing Lotion. The toner I use to help prevent acne breakouts and control shine.
• Vitamin C Serum. A little bottle of dewiness!
• Ceramide Eye Gel. I’ll be popping this little guy in the mini fridge for a morning pick-me-up and instant eye area de-puffer.
• Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 17. A steadfast favorite and skincare must.
• Temporary Lifting Mask. My roommates will have to bear with me, big nights call for bringing out the big guns which in this case is the ideal special occasion mask that immediately tightens, cleanses, and refines the skin.
• Lip balms. For obvious reasons. I always have multiples because (a) I’m a lip balm hoarder, and (b) I cannot be without lip balm, ever.
• Shampoo & conditioner.
• AHA Botanical Body Soap. At least 16-hours of dancing will be done and dusted each day, and if you’re privy to my post-workout beauty routine, you’ll know that this cleanser is an absolute must for keeping skin fresh and free of acne-causing bacteria (you know the deal: sweating is great for the mind/body/soul, also becomes a breeding ground for bacteria).
• Formula 200 Body Lotion. Few things are more dangerous than a slippery body lotion when partner dancing and doing in-air tricks, so this formula is one of my favorites. It keeps the arms and gams glowing without leaving a slipper slick behind.
• Summer Shine Body Lotion. For subtle highlighting shimmer and feeling summery.
• Facial cleansing wipes. Instant refreshers between workshops and things.
• Rosewater Facial Spray. Always necessary for refreshing, rehydrating, or setting makeup.
• Mini deodorant. Smelling nice is always a good idea.
• Assorted Band-Aids. There is no guarantee that my poor feet will survive this trip, so bandages are most definitely a necessity, as are…
• Toe separators. You use them for pedicures, I use them post-dancing in my salsa shoes.
• Nude nail polish. For touch-ups and inevitable chips along the way.
• Emory board
• Disposable razors
• Hair grips, bobby pins, and clips
• Hairspray
• Teasing comb
• Dry shampoo. To refresh hair every few hours.
• Perfume

.   .   .

Originally published as Weekend Getaway: What’s In My Toiletries Bag? from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

WHO: Lauren Cosenza (aka LDIVA), creator and writer behind the uber-fabulous DIVAlicious blog, NYC-based makeup artist, featured beauty/fashion expert, video personality and spokesperson, product junkie and all-around diva in the best way possible.

WHAT: Herbal Hydrating Serum and Summer Shine Body Lotion

WHERE: In her (hot pink!) pro makeup kit.

WHY: LDIVA says…

“Skin is in and this serum softens and hydrates – even dry patches – for a flawless finish. No matter your makeup look (from barely there to all-out glam), supple, even skin is the point of entry. And if you’re on camera (helloooo HD!), it’s critical that every pore is perfect. Of course, lush, glowing skin shouldn’t stop at your neck. It’s all about head to toe glow. This body lotion imparts shimmer and radiance. The added benefit – it blurs small imperfections. You can use it to enhance a body part like shoulders or the center of the legs or use it all over. I personally could swim in it!”

.   .   .

For more Diva Dish and all things beautiful, head on over to DIVAlicious (and tell Lauren we send our love!)

Originally published as Spotted! Lauren Cosenza Of DIVAlicious from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

We get it. Wallet, phone, keys, lipstick(s), and moisturizer if we’re feeling particularly skin-centric. But what else?

In the grand scheme of weird, the contents of my handbag are actually pretty standard. Wallet, lip balms (at least three on a bad day), keys, phone, black pens, protein bars. I also carry little Starbucks Via packets and tea bags with me – something that might register as unusual – but they’re made to be portable, aren’t they? (Disclaimer: coffee may not be the best for your skin, but it is a college girl’s best friend.) I have a Filofax too, but that just makes me oddly old-fashioned for a 20-year-old.

I have the token lipstick in a side pocket somewhere, but that’s about as far as makeup on-the-go goes. Instead, my little cosmetics pouch is chock full of skin care products…

Let the confessions of a skincare junkie begin:

• Moisturizer. A bottle of the Oil-Free SPF 30 has a place in my bathroom, and another resides permanently in the (infinite) depths of my handbag. Give my past skin sins, I now never leave home without a moisturizer. Dry skin is both a nuisance and no-no, so having moisturizing precautions handy keeps my complexion always dewy, and never flaky. Plus, it tames fly-aways, static, and dry hands like no other. You can use moisturizer everywhere, but you can’t put a hand or body cream on your face now, can you? (There’s logic for you.)

• Rose Hips Nourishing Oil. I’m an oily type of gal – both in complexion and in skincare preferences (I’m a known hoarder of body, face and hair oils). If you’ve read the above you know one of my pet peeves is flaky skin; this oil fixes all dry skin woes. I also have a penchant for things with Vitamin C, making this a must wherever I go.

• Herbal Hydrating Serum. For warmer days when I need an instant refresher, too. It’s similar to the Rose Hips Nourishing Oil, but more lightweight in texture – it’s a dream to apply post-gym (after a proper cleanse, of course).

• Facial Cleanser. This might be weird, but I’ll be the first to admit I’m hardly a stickler for convention. I have an itsy-bitsy sample size of the Cucumber Cream Soap tucked away into the zipper compartment of my bag du jour. Sometimes a freshly-washed face is just what you need to regroup, but it’s also perfect for crashing at a friend’s house. Just in case – better to be prepared than sleeping with a face full of makeup, no? I’m also infamous for running errands straight from the gym (much to everyone’s horror, I’m afraid), but at least my face is squeaky clean and bacteria-free!

.   .   .

What’s in YOUR bag?

Snap a shot and tag us on Instagram: #mariobadescu

Originally published as What’s In Your Bag? Skin Care On-the-Go from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.