Mario Badescu Drying Cream Review (It Stinks But Works!)

Mario Badescu Drying Cream

Bought for: included in a kit | SRP: P1,002

Bought from: Sephora Philippines

I already tried and reviewed two products of Mario Badescu--Mario Badescu Drying Lotion and Drying Mask--both of which, I must say, are effective in shrinking surfaced breakouts on the face. Now, there's this last product left un-reviewed and it's the Mario Badescu Drying Cream included in the Mario Badescu Acne Repair Kit.

When I first bought the kit (just thinking of how much I will get to save than getting them in their individual retail prices), I was a little bit overwhelmed 'cause why do I need lots of 'drying' products in just one skin care routine? The kit seriously lacks what is very much needed such as a good moisturizer or sunscreen. Instead of being smarter, they curated it just like that and probably left an impression that this kit is for drying the entire skin.

My apologies though. After using the kit for quite some time, I figured out how each of them are meant to do something special. Although I still wished it came with a good moisturizer for the entire face 'cause even those with oily skin like me need it badly. Anyway, onto the review...

Here's what it claims according to Mario Badescu site...

Our Drying Cream is specially designed to help shrink the appearance of pimples and small, under-the-surface bumps. This unique product is formulated with Sulfur and Zinc Oxide to clarify skin, drawing out pore-clogging impurities as a soothing blend of Aloe Vera, Biotin, Lemon Extract, Lysine, and Vitamins B and E helps ensure that skin remains balanced.

And here's what it say on the Sephora website...

Drying Cream is made with potent antibacterial agents which prevent acne from spreading. It targets the root cause of acne formation by drying out pores and minimising pimple marks. Aloe Vera also aids in natural healing by soothing the skin and keeping it moisturised. This product offers complete coverage to complement makeup while reducing redness and uneven skin tone.

Packaging

Product comes in an opaque white jar with an inner seal. It looks like the packaging of the drying mask but is travel-friendlier in size with 7g of product inside. Just like other products in this type of packaging, it can be troublesome for some as it's a bit unhygienic to use. You have to dip your fingers multiple times every use and that means that it can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Just always make sure to use clean hands to avoid any spoilage. Also, once the inner seal is removed, it can be a bit messy to use (especially if stored poorly) because the cream goes all the way up to the cover and could possibly leak out.

Texture, Consistency and Ease of Application

The product has a creamy consistency and has a light brown shade which is almost nude. The color makes it easier to blend with your trusted makeups. It blends in with a little effort, sometimes with tugging as you blend it on clusters of breakouts and dries quick with a little bit of stickiness. Since you are only using it on affected areas, I would say that even though this only has 7g of cream inside, I daresay it would last you months since a little goes a long, long way. Just be careful how much you apply 'cause it tends to create white cast and it seems like it sits on the skin more than it gets absorbed.

Scent

This product reeks of strong chemicals like sulfur and which lingers. Unlike other products with heavy fragrance, the scent of sulfur does not gradually goes away. If you have issues with the scent of sulfur, you'll definitely find this horrible.

Performance

Just like most Mario Badescu products, the drying cream contains loads of active ingredients that targets breakouts for a clearer complexion. While most spot treatments tend to suck out all the moisture on the skin and sometimes cause flakiness, this one take pride of having soothing blends of Aloe Vera, Biotin, Lemon Extract, Lysine, and Vitamins B and E so the skin will remain moisturized. I am currently experiencing breakouts and I have clusters of it on my forehead, cheek and jaw area, well, pretty much everywhere and I just applied a very small amount on those areas every morning to disinfect and it doesn't cause my the rest of my skin to dry up.

And as you all know, I am using it together with the Drying Lotion (during night time when I can endure sleeping with pink spots all over) and Drying Mask (twice or thrice a week) to hasten the drying process and the effects are very noticeable. All the breakouts I have do not proceed to bigger bumps which means that I will have smaller scars to deal with. Each time I use it though, I spread it on excessive areas near breakouts to make sure that bacteria do not spread, unfortunately, this product does not prevent them from coming. With this, I remember that this product claim to heal under surface blemishes (which seems to be a little unclear to me) but I think it connotes to future breakouts, which again, this product barely prevents. 

This product claims to conceal breakouts as well and true enough, due to its skin tone color, it reduces the redness on my face, complements foundations and it seems to brighten up the overall complexion.

Overall Thoughts

This product may seem to be priced so unfairly but once you tried this, you'll be surprised how 7g would last you months. This alone can dry up pimples effectively so I don't think you need the drying lotion and drying mask to really get rid of existing breakouts. In fact, I think each of them would work just as effective individually. In comparison to the Drying Lotion, I highly recommend it to those of you who don't like going around with white opaque spots on your face but still wanting the benefit of drying zits. However, if your concern is the scent, both of which reek strong chemical scents, but it's more tolerable if you use the Drying Lotion. Both of which are comfortable to wear though.

Have you tried Mario Badescu Drying Cream already? What are your thoughts about it?

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Mario Badescu Drying Mask Review

Mario Badescu Drying Mask

Bought for: included in a kit | SRP: P1,005

Bought from: Sephora Philippines

I have always suffered from breakouts since I was in grade school. There came some times when I thought I had completely got away from it, one wrong move and poof, they're back. I really thought I'd get rid of them after puberty but nope, even after using tons of beauty products, I'm still suffering from pesky zits even at, oh goodness, early 20s. Even beauty bloggers like me are no exceptions. It may be the genes, poor eating or even sleeping habits and bad skin care are primary factors.

I am currently sold with the mask trend right now and even though I never imagined I would depend on masks to dry up my existing pimples, it just happened unexpectedly. I have tried different clay masks before but nothing dried up my pimples as effective and quick as this one from Mario Badescu. I was a bit disappointed with some of MB products I've tried but this mask compensates for all the disappointments. This is probably the best among all the inclusions in Mario Badescu Acne Repair Kit.

Claims

Clarify congested, problem skin. Our powerful mask is formulated with Sulfur, Kaolin, and other natural minerals to help dry up breakouts and absorb pore-clogging impurities from the skin. Excess shine is eliminated as Calamine and Cucumber Extract provide a cooling, refreshing boost—making this mask incredibly effective at targeting troubled areas.

Packaging

You can tell that the mask itself is housed in a simple, bulky jar that comes with a white seal if new. Still, I find it a bit unhygienic since you have to dip your fingers several times when in use--problems with tubs. The cover locks pretty well so it's preventing any unintentional leakage. Like other Mario Badescu products, the packaging is very simple but is loaded with tons of necessary information such as claims, ingredients, directions, etc. However, since this product is bulky, it might be such a huge pain when travelling. No worries though if you have some spare travel-size containers 'cause you can easily transfer some if you really can't go on days without this product.

Scent

The product smells so unpleasant--no it's not enough to describe how it smells--it's just so terrible. While I'm not so particular with product scents, I just can't ignore the fact that it reeks of strong horrible elements like sulfur and gas. Gas! I'm pretty sure there's no gas in the list of ingredients (lol) but it's probably the clay components gathered from the earth which makes it that way. With religious use though, I just got used to it. I guarantee that those who are sensitive to strong scents will find this product very unlikely.

Texture, Consistency and Ease of Application

The product comes in ashy color and has a bit of a bouncy texture like it has some properties of jelly. It's hard to really explain but it goes smoothly on skin without any effort. It's a bit messy to apply but it rinses well. Also, a little of it goes a long way. Once applied, you'll feel some very tiny granules which is quite useful as it can also double up as scrub on your face.

Performance

Even though it smells very unpleasant, I had to endure it until the mask completely dries up to maximize the result. I'm pretty sure you all know the drill in terms of application but let me tell you how I use this product. I keep using it twice to thrice every week to hasten the drying process, letting it sit on my skin for as long as I can. And just while it dries up existing pimples, it also dries up the skin big time--the reason why I don't recommend it to those who are suffering from parched pelts. I just can't imagine how those with dry skin react to using this mask. It's a given that I have oily skin but whenever I use this, it just felt so dry and matte, thus, the great need for moisture after bath.

This product is composed mainly of Kaolin Clay which is known to soak up excess oils on the skin which surprisingly what makes it a really good steal for me. Even though it is drying, I like the fact that it makes my skin matte longer and appears to be a lot clearer. It also has Calamine and Sulfur that soothes the skin, prevent infections and breakouts. Aside from these, this mask has loads of other ingredients that are intended for pimple-prone and oily skin like me. Despite all the powerful ingredients it's made of, this mask feels so gentle on skin--not once did I feel any tingling sensation while I have it on. There was no redness, itchiness, peeling, whatsoever.

Overall Thoughts

This mask didn't dry up pimples overnight but I'm glad to tell you that it effectively reduces breakouts with each use. If the skin care rule just not forbids, I would have use this mask twice daily for faster results! Kidding aside, follow the instructions carefully 'cause too much may not do well for you! Keep this in mind. No miracles happen overnight, girls, so you really have to be consistent and patient when doing your smarter routine. This mask may be a little heavy on the pocket at first but it would last you a long, long time. If you have oily skin like mine, it's time to control sebum production and breakouts right now!

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Mario Badescu Drying Lotion Review

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

Bought for: included in a kit | SRP: P1,200

Bought from: Sephora Philippines

Here's a review to one of the most acclaimed products of Mario Badescu, the MB Drying Lotion which I bought together with some other products from their Acne Repair Kit. I did not include them in a single review post because there's a slight difference on the frequency of use. Unlike the Acne Facial Cleanser and Special Cucumber Lotion, I only use the drying lotion during the times where I need to spot treat some pesky zits that suddenly surfaced on my skin.

If you have been visiting my blog for quite a while, you probably know by now that I have super oily skin and you know what should come next right? Most of us girls who have oily skin are prone to pimple and acne breakouts. Sad truth. No matter how hard I try to get rid of them by using good skin care religiously, I just can't take out the fact that I'm always suffering from breakouts. Good thing, my Acne Repair Kit comes with this famous drying lotion which I come running to every time I'm bothered with breakouts. Without further ado, let's get to details!

Claims, Ingredients, Directions for use, etc

Claims (as per Rustan's)

The Drying Lotion is a fast acting, effective acne spot treatment. Formulated with salicylic acid, calamine and other quick-drying ingredients, this product will shrink ugly whiteheads virtually overnight while you sleep. While other acne spot treatments can irritate and dry delicate or sensitive skin, this product is safe and effective for all skin types. 

Packaging

The product comes in a small glass bottle which is obviously scary to bring during travels. This is why I make sure to pack it properly using a pouch with built-in foam or soft dividers inside so in case I accidentally throw the pouch or put something heavy over, it's safe. I like the fact that it looks very clinical and has all necessary information like claims, ingredients and directions for use although in reality, I find the packaging unhygienic. Why?

Upon use, you have to dip cotton swabs on the solution to get the pink sediments settled at the bottom. It's not like one dip is enough especially if you have several zits, so it's either you waste several cotton buds or dip the same swab on the product multiple times to get the required amount to cover all unnecessary breakouts. Either way, this is so inconvenient.

It is indicated that one bottle has 29ml inside but since you don't care about the white solution, realistically, you are only getting, what, 8 ml? No need to worry though. I'm pretty sure it would still last you a long, long time since you only need a very small amount for each bumps.

How To Use:

Do not shake solution. Dip a cotton swap into pink sediments. Dab onto surface blemishes and let dry overnight. Do not use on broken skin. Do not apply to eye area. In case of contact with eyes, rinse well with water. Don't worry if you accidentally shake the solution. Just leave it on a flat surface overnight and you'll notice that sediments will automatically set at the bottom.

Texture and Ease of Application

I found some pictures of this product--some with clear white solutions, others with amber-coloured liquid. Which one is real? Though I don't want to doubt this product since I bought it straight from Sephora. Maybe weather condition is a factor or maybe MB has changed the solution over time. I don't have any idea. The product I got comes with white solution which reeks strongly of alcohol and pink sediments which is what you need to put on your skin. You actually don't have to wait overnight to let it dry because it instantly dries up in a matter of few seconds. If you don't mind sleeping with pink spots on your skin, you'll like it. If you don't, take this as a warning. Nevertheless, it dries matte and powdery so you won't feel it is there.

Performance

This products reeks strongly of chemicals that it's made of--mainly alcohol and camphor. Aside from these, this bottle contains a few hardworking ingredients that have the main purpose of drying out existing pimples and acne on the skin. I use it just almost anywhere I'm seeing bumps and the next day, I wake up with them looking smaller and smaller each day. It's easy to tell how fast-acting this solution is because it dries up my pimples in just three uses. I would love this even more had it prevent scars from occurring but sad to say, no.

Upon use, there's a slight tingling and cooling sensation which goes away once the product has fully dried up. Don't use it near or on broken skin as it might sting real bad.

Overall Thoughts

If you are needing something on emergency situation, say it's your graduation tomorrow, this is a really cool product to use. Mario Badescu is effective in drying out existing breakouts but it's a bit heavy on the budget. I'm not super satisfied though because it does nothing beyond what it's meant to do. It does not work an extra mile, I guess. I was just not in the mood to rave about it because I know something which works better for me--dries clear, prevents pimples from occurring and is priced more affordably. But then again, we have different skin types and it does not mean that if something works for everyone, it works for me as well.

Do let me know about your thoughts on Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, alright? Until next!

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Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion Review

Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion

Bought for: Sale price | SRP: P1,233/236ml

Bought from: Sephora Philippines

Last month, I did purchase Mario Badescu Acne Control Kit, with five products as an inclusion, in the hope that I'll get clearer skin that's free from terrible zits and blemishes I have since time immemorial. It is, by far, my priority right now since I bought new makeups and know that they would only apply perfectly, that is, if I start with good skin care. I did not imagine myself saying this, but I am a living proof how a little bit on the high end skin care is not always an excellent skin care. Sometimes, more affordable ones work just as nice or even better. Spoiler alert, this toner did not do much on my skin.

Description, Directions, Ingredients

Claims (as per Mario Badescu)

Ideal for oily, troubled skin, our Special Cucumber Lotion offers enhanced cleansing that's one step up from our Cucumber Cleansing Lotion. This powerful formula is infused with soothing Cucumber Extract to clarify and refresh while controlling T-zone shine. Pore-clogging impurities are swept away to help problem skin achieve a clearer-looking complexion.

Packaging

I really admire how MB products are packaged in a way that they reflect what this particular skin care line is about: simplicity. All of it looks very simple, yet very neat and unique and I really appreciate it. Take this for example, the cap is very functional as you just have to lift the dispenser up and you can easily control the amount of product that you want to use. Push it down one more time and it's a guarantee that the product won't leak out. Also, the product displays all necessary information in clear fonts for better comprehension.

Texture, Consistency and Ease of Application

The color of the product reminds me of pineapple juice because of its lemon-y shade (uhm, should that remind me of lemon instead?). Anyway, the consistency is watery like other toners and has a subtle scent of alcohol. This lotion is easy to apply on the skin and leave it feeling fresh and clean without stripping off the skin's natural moisture. It dries fast as well without leaving any sticky residue which is really perfect for those with oily skin. It also leaves a cooling scent for a refreshing start of the day!

Performance

Going back to its claims, it says that it clarifies the skin which is quite true because I notice how it instantly reveals brighter skin tone. However, it does not control oil as I still oil up as quick as my face normally does. I like that it disinfects my face very gently without any stinging or irritation but it does not totally get rid of existing pimples or even prevent them from coming. On a lighter note, it does soften, hydrate and give skin a healthier glow.

Overall Thoughts

I am actually glad that I bought this together with MB kit so in a way, I get to save up a lot. I would not say that this product should cease to exist because it is not bad at all. In fact, I like that it is so gentle and clarifying. It's just that I had very high hopes with this since it's not quite inexpensive, right? I expected that it could heal my pimples and prevent breakouts and yes, even control oil, but it did not. There was nothing so special about it considering the high price point. And there were some toners in the market that are so affordable but can compete with MB Special Cucumber Lotion in terms of effectiveness.

Setting aside the price tag, I think this toner suits whatever skin type you have because it's so gentle, otherwise, you encounter allergic reactions with alcohol-based products or is not fine with it.

Let me know if you have tried Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion! Any thoughts? COmment down below!

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Mario Badescu Skin Care Acne Facial Cleanser Review

Mario Badescu Skin Care Acne Facial Cleanser

Price: US $15 | P1,233

Bought from: Sephora Philippines

Breakouts are really huge pains in the ass. I keep trying out different skin care products ranging from the most affordable drugstore ones to the high end ones in the search for the most potent products that will help me get rid of my zits. Just like most people, our criteria in choosing the best products includes price point, speed of action and availability. I don't think Mario Badescu Skin Care Acne Facial Cleanser met my expectations though, neither it's worth what I paid for. After having it road-tested for almost a month now and half-emptying it, I think I'm ready to post a review about it. If you want to know more on how this product worked for me who has very oily skin and prone to breakouts, keep on reading!

Descriptions, Directions and Ingredients

Claims

Clearer-looking skin starts with the right cleanser. This is an effective—but gentle—face wash specially formulated to address acne-prone or acne-erupted skin. With Salicylic Acid to deep clean and a soothing blend of botanical extracts (like Aloe, Chamomile, and Thyme) to help improve the look of troubled skin, our Acne Facial Cleanser leaves skin thoroughly refreshed without stripping it of vital moisture. Balance, after all, is key. 

This formula may be used twice daily. For best results, use this cleanser regularly along with an anti-acne regimen.

Packaging

This product is housed in a very simple translucent plastic packaging that is both unique but is evidently user-friendly. You just have to pull the dispenser upward, turn it upside down, do a little squeeze and the product will easily flow out of the bottle. Overall, the minimalist design is attractive and I like that it displays all necessary information such as the descriptions, directions for use and ingredients of the product.

Texture, Consistency and Scent

Mario Badescu Skin Care Acne Facial Cleanser has a clear and runny consistency that somehow reeks of diluted ethyl alcohol. Very unlikely. At first, I find it unpleasant because...err, who would dare (sort of) rub alcohol onto their faces? Using it overtime made me used to it though. It made me reminiscent of my previous skin care products that are alcohol-infused and realized that they did not cause me any adverse reaction whatsoever. Just thinking of that calmed me down at the very least.

Looking at it from the outside, I know that the product won't lather much on wet skin. It reminds of Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser but the latter feels softer and milder on skin. The one from Mario Badescu is just as gentle on initial use but not something I can leave sitting on my skin for a few minutes 'cause it tends to sting. Whereas, the one from Cetaphil is something I can leave on as long as I can without any irritation.

Performance

Just to give you an idea, I am using this product twice or thrice everyday using a dollop of cleanser depends on weather, amount of makeup on and how my skin felt after commuting or perspiring. It doesn't create suds and the product melts on skin but it enough to give you a clean feeling afterwards. For its cleansing ability, I did include a sample picture down below. Notice that there are still makeup residues after one wash, thus, the need of heavy duty cleansing oil or wipes if you apply makeup heavily on a daily basis.

I have tried products with Salicylic Acid before and most of them really worked well in keeping my skin clear and soft. This product claims to have Salicylic Acid as well which is known as an effective ingredient that addresses breakouts but I did not see much effect in controlling its frequency. I have been using it for almost a month now and I still have the every-clingy kinds of heads (lol)--blackheads, whiteheads, all sort of heads haha! I had used some skin care products before which (are not just cheaper but) worked very speedy in clearing out my skin so you can't blame me if I have something I can compare it with.

This product claims to balance oil production as well but I wasn't feeling anything like that. In fact, my skin is just as oily as it always has been. The only thing I personally lie about this product is the fact that it can brighten up my skin and makes it a little bit clearer. And since I have tried alcohol-based cleanser before, they are a lot and a bit drying on the skin so moisturizing will be an essential step after.

On my skin: Lipstick, Eyebrow pencil, Eyeliner, Contour and Highlight

Overall Thoughts

I have been hearing loads of positive feed backs about Mario Badescu products but this, together with some of MB products, didn't really sold me. I am not a dermatologist who can really tell you which one to buy and which one you shouldn't. But to tell you honestly, this one is gentle on skin and could be suitable to any skin type but for any significant effect to take place, you have to wait for a long time. I am not that patient enough to wait though 'cause I was able to try a skin care brand before wherein I saw noticeable difference in only a span of a week. Since I am very particular with eliminating my pimples, I am looking forward to a product that will do just what it claims.

Even if Mario Badescu Skin Care Acne Facial Cleanser didn't do much for me, I am still hoping to try some of their best-selling skin care products soon. Let me know if you have already tried this by sharing your comments down below! Happy blogging!

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