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.

…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.

Whether you’re a beauty beginner who’s ready to graduate or a skin care aficionado itching to take your regimen to the next level, let this be your go-to guide on how to choose the perfect serum for your skin type.

One of the simplest ways to level up your routine with viable, visible results is to start incorporating a complexion booster into your current regimen. By doing so, you’re able to customize what you get out of your skin care, no matter what your skin needs that day.

LINES, WRINKLES, AND DEHYDRATION?

Super Peptide Serum is your super solution for supreme hydration and line-smoothing benefits. It’s packed with two types of peptides, a Sodium Hyaluronate complex, and a host of youth-boosting botanicals—and still, it boasts an texture so delightful that it disappears seamlessly into skin. There’s no tack, no shine, no film: just a super soft and smooth, fresh-faced finish.

VISIBLE SIGNS OF AGING AND DRYNESS?

Peptide Renewal Serum is formulated to help revitalize parched or aging skin. Where Super Peptide Serum delivers a light, layer-able look, Peptide Renewal Serum offers intense hydration and a rich, velvety finish. If you’re ultra-dry, prone to moisture loss, and want to diminish visible signs of aging in one step, reach for this. 

DULLNESS, DISCOLORATION, AND FINE LINES ?

Vitamin C Serum can be a game-changer for all skin types. Think of it like antioxidant drip for your skin: it provides defense against skin-aging free radicals, helps even out skin tone and texture, and replenishes your complexion with Sodium Hyaluronate and soothing Lavender Oil.

DEHYDRATION AND FLAKINESS?

Rose Hips Nourishing Oil can be used under or over your face cream. Apply all over to revive dry skin or just in targeted areas to smooth any dry patches—it’s light and layer-able, and still delivers intense moisture thanks to its Rosehip-packed formula.

Ready to take it another step?

Mix and match serums to further personalize and maximize your solutions. For example: if your concerns include fine lines, uneven skin tone, and dehydration, use Vitamin C Serum every other night and Super Peptide Serum on off-nights. Or, if your skin is craving hydration and rejuvenation, use Rose Hips Nourishing Oil to supplement your daytime moisturizer, and alternate it with Vitamin C Serum in the evenings.

Mist while you’re at it, too. Elevate your routine by adding any Mario Badescu Facial Spray before you reach for serum. Start with freshly cleansed and toned skin before you mist, then apply your treatment product while your skin is still wet. Doing so will lock in that additional moisture boost while infusing even more botanical benefits into your skin care.

. . .

SHOP ALL SERUMS

Originally published as How to Choose the Perfect Serum from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Layering has been top-of-mind for me lately. Fall here in New York City has, well, fallen, and in addition to unearthing my scarves and hats, I’m revamping my seasonal skin care strategy.

While the practice of layering skin care is something that should be done year round, I feel that it becomes particularly important when temperatures drop and even those with oily skin can start to feel dry. This is the time of year when in addition to protecting skin from the rays of the sun, we are also protecting it from dryness and dehydration, which can throw skin off balance and even trigger irritation. Applying the proper layers of skin care will keep skin balanced, nourished and hopefully unscathed during the cold months ahead.

The first step is to wash the face with a cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type. Not sure which cleanser you should use? We help you choose the perfect cleanser here.

Layer #1: Toner

During colder months try transitioning to a mildest toner formula that will still address your skin’s needs. We love these:

• Chamomile Cleansing Lotion– For dry, sensitive skin.
• Alpha Grapefruit Cleansing Lotion– Use if your skin leans on the dry side and is in need of gentle brightening.
• Seaweed Cleansing Lotion– A favorite for keeping combination skin happy and balanced.
• Aloe Lotion– Our mildest toner for skin that is combination to oily.

Layer #2 Serum

Serums are the gems in your skin care crown. These brilliant little skin saviors supercharge your regimen with their concentrated formulas.

• Rose Hips Nourishing Oil– A  lightweight, rejuvenating oil that works wonders for boosting moisture on combination, dry, and sensitive skin types.
• Cellufirm Drops– This classic emulsion contains ingredients that work to draw moisture to skin to plump fine lines. Best part? It is gentle enough to use around the eyes!
• Vitamin C Serum– Skin feeling the cold weather blues? All skin types can benefit from the complexion-boosting properties of Vitamin C.
• Herbal Hydrating Serum–  All skin types love this water-based gel-serum. Think of it as a drink of water for parched skin. Those who are oily and/or acne-prone especially love it for its ability to hydrate without causing congestion.

Layer #3 Eye Cream

Did you know that the skin around the eyes is thinner than the skin on the rest of your face? This leaves it more vulnerable to dryness, lines, and wrinkles.

• Olive Eye Cream–Those prone to dryness will love the relief that this Olive Oil infused formula provides.
• Hyaluronic Eye Cream– This best-selling eye cream is a customer favorite for good reason. It sinks right in, provides skin smoothing hydration, and protects delicate eye-area skin from moisture loss.
• Dermonectin Eye Cream– A favorite for those prone to sagging. Peptides work  to pep up tired skin and boost collagen production.

Layer #4 Moisturizer

• Caviar Day Cream– For dry skin types in need of intensive moisture, this ultra-rich, nourishing cream works like a charm to soften and protect from wind and dry air.
• The Moisture Magnet SPF 15– This go-to formula keeps combination and dry skin comfortable and moisturized without weighing it down.
• Collagen Moisturizer SPF 15– The perfect winter moisturizer for normal, combination skin. Keeps skin soft and provides moderate sun protection.
• Aloe Moisturizer SPF 15– Formulated without any oils to keep oily, acne-prone skin hydrated and protected from the sun without encouraging breakouts.

.   .   .

There you have it! Will you be layering up this winter?

Originally published as Layering Products in Your Skin Care Routine 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.

.   .   .

Originally published as #MBTravels: How to Pack Light (Even if You’re a Beauty Junkie) from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Navigating the beauty world at large can be a dizzying experience, especially when you’re on a mission to find a solution, fast. Somewhere between a late-night YouTube/Instagram hole (which may or may not have been punctuated by a dimly-lit phone falling on our face, mid-scroll) and giving up altogether, there’s clarity.

Here’s how to find it. Whether you’re a skin care newbie or a seasoned skin connoisseur, we recommend starting with these basic steps:

1. Get to know your skin.

We recommend taking our free skin analysis as a jumping off point to receive a customized regimen, but it’s also important to consult an aesthetician. If you’re experiencing chronic acne, redness, sensitivity, or any other pressing concerns, do see a dermatologist. You’ll cut out a lot of trial and error when you work with an expert.

2. Start with the basics.

It’s human nature to go into a frenzied spree because you think you need everything, but resist as best you can. More often than not, the root of any concern (like a breakout) is an imbalance that results from something as simple as improper cleansing or lack of hydration. Hit pause before you buy every serum or spot treatment under the sun. The last thing you want to do is overwhelm both you and your skin.

Our philosophy revolves around keeping things simple yet effective, after all, and that applies to both the physical product and actual practice. We recommend using the following guidelines to build a basic skin care regimen that actually works:

1. Cleanser: Face wash seems like such a simple, inconsequential thing, but it easily may well be the most important product in your entire routine. Without a clean slate, anything applied onto the skin is useless. Make sure you wash away the makeup, oil, and impurities so your skin can actually absorb the benefits of your beloved serums and creams.
2. Toner: Also to be used twice daily. Toner helps re-balance the skin and impart complexion-boosting benefits, too.
3. Eye Cream: The eye area is one of the most delicate parts of your skin, so treat it with extra love and care. Mario Badescu was a firm believer that everyone over the age of 21 should have an eye cream in their routine. Apply eye cream every morning and evening to ensure your skin stays well moisturized.
4. Moisturizer: Hydration is key, no matter your skin type. Finding the right level of moisture is the difference between a happy, balanced complexion and one that’s, well, not. When properly moisturized, oily skin types will find that they’re far less prone to a greasy T-zone—and parched skin will relish in a dewy, healthy glow.
5. Exfoliant: Regular exfoliation is the solution to most skin care woes. Dull? Flaky? Congested? Uneven in tone and texture? Exfoliate. Our aestheticians recommend exfoliating 1-2 times a week for dry to normal skin, and 2-3 times a week for combination to oily skin types.
6. Mask: Masks are still having a moment—but they’ve been a core part of the MB regimen since 1967. Your twice-daily routine is maintenance; masking 2-3 times a week allows your skin to hit the reset button.

3. Introduce new products one by one.

Now that you have your regimen outlined, it’s tempting to try everything all at once… but don’t. Reign in the excitement just a bit and take it step by step, product by product. Doing so will allow you to actually gauge if a new product is effective, or in the case of a reaction (like a breakout), you can pinpoint the problem instantly.

Start with one to two products a day, then continue to add on.

If you have sensitive skin, patch-test each product before using it on your face. Apply a pea-sized amount to your inner elbow or wrist; if you experience irritation or redness, try something else instead. Once a product gets the green light, try it out for a week before adding another new product into the mix.

4. Ready to take it to the next level?

Once you’ve established the foundation, you’ll have a more accurate read of what your skin likes and truly needs. You might not need anything beyond your MB “six,” but if you find that you do, start adding additional products like a night cream, serum, spot treatment, or secondary mask (to rotate or multi-mask with).

A few pointers when expanding your skin care regimen, because layering is an art:

• You’ve seen our facial spray everywhere, but how do you actually use a face mist? Good news is that there’s no wrong way to use it, but there are a few ways to use it with purpose. We recommend misting your complexion after you’ve cleansed and toned your skin, but before you apply your moisturizer. Doing so will not only give your skin a botanical boost, but it’ll add essential hydration to your skin—which you then seal in with your face cream. Read this for more ways you can use your facial spray.
• Serums go on before your moisturizer or night cream. The only exception to the rule are products like our Herbal Hydrating Serum and Rose Hips Nourishing Oil, which can be applied before or after.
• Targeting breakouts? Apply Drying Lotion or Drying Cream directly onto the blemish and leave it alone. Avoid applying serum or face cream on top, and instead, moisturize around the area.

Learn more about the art of layering skin care, here.

5. Don’t be afraid to change your routine.

You should follow your regimen religiously, but that doesn’t mean the products within your routine are set in stone. Allow for flexibility because your skin is living, ever-changing organ; anything from seasonal shifts to new stress can affect it.

Adapt accordingly.

For example: You may find that your skin tends to get a little flaky and dehydrated come fall. Try incorporating an acid into your daily routine—such as through Glycolic Acid Toner—to help remove the buildup of dulling, dead skin cells. Then, counter the moisture loss by layering a serum under your current moisturizer or choosing a richer face cream.

Say you’re off to a warm-weather beach vacation. Lucky you! Arrive prepared, because the combination of travel stress and shock from extreme climate change can wreak havoc on our skin.

• Herbal Hydrating Serum will prove to be your best friend; it’s lightweight, oil-free, and can be worn over moisturizer to boost hydration or alone on super-hot, humid days.
• If your skin is oily to begin with, swap out Enzyme Cleansing Gel for Acne Facial Cleanser, which contains Salicylic Acid to help break down pore-clogging impurities and keep skin looking clear. Dry? Use Enzyme Cleansing Gel or Seaweed Cleansing Soap instead of your at-home face wash to rejuvenate skin.
• Don’t be afraid to change up your toner, too. Go a step up to combat unwanted shine and sweat. For example, dry skin types might want to use Seaweed Cleansing Lotion instead of their usual Aloe Vera Toner since the Witch Hazel boasts astringent properties. Combination skin should try using Cucumber Cleansing Lotion instead of Seaweed Cleansing Lotion, and oily types might find that Special Cucumber Lotion is a savior in clarifying and refreshing skin.

For more ideas, check out our #MarioMonthlyEdit where we show you how we’re switching things up our top shelf.

Originally published as How to Build a Skin Care Regimen that Works from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.