Mario Badescu- Cleansers and Moisturizers

Mario Badescu is one of the first non-drugstore skincare line that I have ever tried. The first product I used was their Buffer Lotion for my acne. I believe their little bottle lasted me years- I threw it out after 4-5 years?! I also tried their masks, honey moisturizer and a few more. Check out my previous Mario Badescu reviews from last year.

Recently saw them again at The Makeup Show in NYC and fell in love with their new products. All the ones I have tried earlier are, in my mind, Classic Mario Badescu products. A few new products I was able to test that I haven't used were the Citrus Body Cleanser and the AHA & Ceramide Cleanser.

Review of Classic products (have used this for the past 5 years):

Seaweed Cleansing Lotion- This is my go-to toner and even cleanser when I don't have a lot of time for my combination and extra sensitive skin. It leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed without stinging! It contains seaweed and aloe extracts for your sensitive skin as well as mild witch hazel to clean your pores. This is great for the summer when you feel extra greasy. :) (8 oz., $15 USD) (Read more reviews.)

Review of New Mario Badescu products:

	Citrus Body Cleanser- As you may already know, anything Citrus already has a thumbs up from me so I'm naturally biased. It has a great pleasant smell and it is not as gel-like as I thought it would be. It's more like liquid soap, but I am amazed this body cleanser foamed very well. I used my loofah with this to exfoliate and it worked nicely. (8 oz., $10 USD) (Read more reviews.)
	AHA & Ceramide Moisturizer- This moisturizer is meant to be worn during the summer. Why? although it doesn't contain SPF (which I strongly recommend) this is an oil-free, gentle moisturized that is meant to reduce sun damage and wrinkles. It contains Alpha Hydroxy to rejuvenate your skin! (2 oz., $20 USD) (Read more reviews.)

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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Mother's Day Gifts

In case you don't where time has flown, (it's May already!) this Sunday, May 9 is Mother's Day!

There's been several Mother's Day gifts that I have seen that companies put together to gift your favorite Mom. Here are some of my picks:

1) Laura Mercier's Polished Palette- For the sophisticated makeup-loving mom, will make her look polished in the work-force. The palette will update her collection and contains: - Eye Colours in Sparkle, Penny, and Dusty Mauve - Cheek Colours in Soft Plum and Pale Peach - Lip Glazes in Beige, Orchid, and Nude Rose

2) California Baby’s Limited Edition Mother’s Day Calming Collection Spa Kit- For new moms, this California Baby set is perfect for letting her de-stress and pamper herself at home. The kit includes: Calming Aromatherapy Bubble Bath, Calming Bath Drops, Calming Massage Oil, Calming Spritzer, and an Organic Sea Sponge.

3) Mario Badescu's VIP Spa Package- Give mom the VIP treatment with the following:
- European Facial
- Herbal Seaweed Treatment (Face)
- Spa Manicure (includes Exfoliating Peel)
- One Hour Body Massage

4) Foot Petals Stiletto Kit for Moms- For your fashionable mothers- this kit will save her heels! It includes all your must-haves to keep your feet comfy and gorgeous: Tip Toes (my fave!), Heavenly Heelz, Strappy Strips, Killer Kushionz, Sole Stopperz and Haute Heelz.

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Product Review: Facial Cleansers

I am on the lookout for a new facial cleanser right now. I have been using the Mario Badescu Enzyme Gel for about 4-5 years now, if not longer. I have enjoyed using it in the first couple of years but now I don't think that is really cleaning my face as well because I still feel a tad oily after cleaning. So I am on my quest to find a new and good cleanser for my oily/combination skin.

Here are my Total Beauty reviews on them, in no particular order:

1) Mario Badescu Botanical Gel Cleanser - I have been using this facial gel for the past two weeks, and I think it alright. I suggest you use if you have combo skin because it can be gentle on areas where it is normal and also remove some of the oil on your oily skin. When it is very humid outside, which will make your skin feel even more oily, I find that this gel just does not remove all the oil on my face. It feels nice right after I wash it but then I still feel like I have a residue, which means my face hasn't been thoroughly cleaned. The alpha hydroxy formula does not really work to prevent blackheads and acne since I do not see much of a difference. I would say this is better than the Enzyme Cleansing Gel especially for the summer.

2) Boscia Cleansing Gel ($24 at Sephora)- This is a wonderful cleansing gel that really cleans my face without overdrying my skin. I have oily and sensitive skin, and with the heat in the summer, it is feeling more oily. The cleanser is gentle and has a nice soft scent. It creates a nice lather when using it so I do not even need to use more than a tiny amount. What I like most about this is that it does not leave any residue on my face and really cleans any face makeup that I have. It is important to use this gel with a cellulose sponge so I can exfoliate my face while cleansing.

Upcoming: Yes to Tomatoes cleanser and Burt's Bees Acne Solutions gel cleanser.

To read more of my reviews..

Go to: BeautyAndAllThat's Reviews page on Total Beauty

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Mario Badescu- Memorial Day free shipping

Stock up on your Mario Badescu favorites this weekend with their Free Shipping special on orders over $30. See my picks here and Martha Stewart's picks here.

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Product Review: My favorite Mario Badescu products

Here are some sneak peek reviews on my favorite Mario Badescu products. When someone asks me what I use to wash my face or moisturize, I automatically think of the products that I'm currently using. They have been a part of my routine as long as I can remember, so I try to tell everyone who is looking to switch to a new brand about it. (I even recommended it to my friend the other day)



In no particular order, since I like and use them all:
1) Henna & Seamollient Shampoo - I would say this is good shampoo to use because it really cleans your hair and does not have a strong scent to it so your hair ends up smelling natural. It does not leave a residue on your hair which is always a plus. It also lathers very well by using a little more than just a... read more!

2) Honey Moisturizer - I received a sample of their honey moisturizer when I filled out their consultation questionnaire to figure out what products were best for my skin type. After trying this, I was hooked. It's nice and light and absorbs quickly. It's not too thick so I wouldn't use it if you have really dry skin. It is also...read more!

3) Buffering Lotion - I was introduced to this product by a friend who said this helped with her stubborn breakouts. So I followed her recommendation and haven't looked back since. Overall, MB's Buffering lotion has been able to improve my skin where it used to break out a lot. This is a... read more!

4) Body Sunblock (SPF30) - This is the one of the best sunblock protector that I have used for my sensitive skin. Since I am allergic to most products with harsh chemicals, I usually look for ones that contain titanium dioxide. Not only does this one contain that, but it also has aloe and palm oil to make it a good moisturizer. My skin feels... read more

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Mario Badescu Free Shipping until February 12

*Minimum purchase of $30

Read my earlier post on favorite Mario Badescu products!

Product Reviews:
Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion (for acne)
Mario Badescu Honey Moisturizer



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Mario Badescu products

Even Martha Stewart loves them! On her January 6, 2009 show, she showcased a few of her favorite Mario Badescu products and gave some away to the audience.


Source: Mario Badescu email

Her favorites include:
1) A.H.A. Botanical Body Soap - which is made of fresh fruit extracts, including grapefruit and papaya

2) Citrus Body Cleanser - which is made of grapefruit extract

3) Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs And Rosewater

4) Special Hand Cream with Vitamin E - contains Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Wheat Germ Oil and Honey

It's interesting that two of her favorites are for body washes. Of the four products, I have only tried the facial spray and I like it because it is gentle and keeps my skin refreshed during the day.

I have tried other Mario Badescu handcreams, Elasto-Seamollient Hand Cream and their Fruit and Vitamin A&D Hand Cream (SPF-10). I liked the elasto-seamollient hand cream because it smells nice. It's light and quickly absorbs into your skin, but I felt I needed to apply more soon after for my dry hands. I didn't think the Fruit and Vitamin hand cream was anything too special. It smelled fruity and nice but that was about it.

Here are some of my favorites:
1) Almond & Honey Face Scrub -one of my favorite scrubs! Smells good and works well!
2) Honey Moisturizer - I would recommend using this if you're looking for a good moisturizer that will make your skin feel smooth afterwards.
3) Buffering Lotion (for acne) - great for whiteheads and zits that you feel coming.
4) Body Sunblock (SPF30) - This is the only sunblock that I use and have because I am not allergic to it :)


To try out Mario Badescu products for free..

If you are new to Mario Badescu, I recommend you filling out their questionnaire under their "Consulting" headline. After answering a few questions about yourself, they will send you a free sample kit of recommended products! I have received the Honey Moisturizer and Almond & Honey Face Scrub in my kit, and I'm hooked!

Free Gift from Mario Badescu!

Hello Divas!

I hope your day is filled with sunshine! Well the sun finally came out today in Atlanta. I am so happy!!!! Today's post will be short and sweet. A good friend of mine, Robin, wanted me to hip you beautiful ladies to a fantastic freebie. Mario Badescu skincare will give you a free gift, if you go to their website here, and fill out their skincare analysis survey! How cool is that??!!

If you lovely Divas do not know, Mario Badescu, is a world-renowned skin care line that is a MUST for celebrities. This skincare line treats problem skin such as acne, scarring, and aging skin. It is a favorite of Charlize Theron and Martha Stewart.

If any of you lovely Divas fill out the skincare analysis survey, let me know. And enjoy your free product!

Toodles!