While some like to scoff at pop culture, we wouldn’t be who we are without it. Whether it’s a television show, movie, book, underground cultural phenomenon, or beauty product, there are certain events that changed the course of our lives. In our Life Changer series, we’re sharing the things that helped us become who we are today, and hopefully, inspire you to try them out for yourselves.
This year, I’ve sort of become a skin-care junkie. I can’t get my hands on enough products, and I tend to convince myself that all of them work (unless I have a bad reaction, and then, understandably, it's over). I don’t remember how I initially came across Mario Badescu, but I am going to give Instagram the credit, because of the line's inclusion in all the product posts that pop up from the digital influencers that I follow. (It goes without saying that MB products are super IG-friendly with minimally designed packaging.)
Before I fully committed to the brand, though, I asked my friends and followers on Twitter which products they recommend I test out. Almost all of my friends vouched for the facial spray, seaweed night cream, and the drying lotion. Everyone swore that these were the life-changers, and I wholeheartedly wanted to believe them. Once I had compiled a solid list, I set forth on my quest for clearer, cleaner skin. I have trouble spots on my cheeks, and my acne worsens when my hormones start acting up during my menstrual cycle. (Sometimes, I even get gigantic cysts.) Before, I used whatever creams and cleansers were recommended by my dermatologist to resolve the issue, but everything always dried my skin out, so I eventually just switched over to natural products.
Over the course of the past three weeks, I have implemented Mario Badescu into my nighttime skin-care routine. After I wash my face with Glossier's Milky Jelly Cleanser (it's really gentle on my skin and has been the most effective cleanser for me so far), I like to rub on a tiny glob of the Enzyme Cleansing Gel. Once that is rinsed off, I dab the Cucumber Cleansing Lotion and Glycolic Acid Toner onto my face to get that fresh glow.
Prior to having these products in my life, I would typically approach any and all acne on my face with charcoal. The main problem I've been having with charcoal is that it stains everything because it's black (I had to throw out so many washcloths because of my charcoal masks), and I started to feel like I was using too much of it at once. In addition to being oily, my skin is sensitive, so I really have to be careful about what goes into it. Sometimes, charcoal can be a little too strong for the unblemished areas to handle. It was not a perfect solution, but it was all I had for awhile, until Mario Badescu.
I genuinely feel like Mario Badescu products get deep down into my pores—my skin has never felt cleaner. I recently switched to using coconut oil as a moisturizer, but in the morning, I will also put on the Herbal Hydrating Serum. The last thing I put on before I go to bed is the Seaweed Night Cream unless I'm dealing with a breakout. Any zits that try to harvest on my face get covered in the Drying Lotion, which is basically like a genie in a bottle. If my face is looking blotchy, I'll use the special mask for oily skin or Flower & Tonic Mask to resolve the issue. Not only have Mario Badescu products cleared up my skin, but they have ingredients that disinfect it which makes all the difference in terms of effectiveness. The key with this brand is getting what is meant for your skin type (dry, oily, acne-prone, etc.), otherwise, some of the products might not work as well.
You know how Orbit's slogan is "Just Brushed Clean Feeling"? That's how Mario Badescu makes my skin feel. The ingredients in Mario Badescu's products feel perfectly balanced on my skin. These products quietly get the job done hassle-free without leaving a trace, scent, or mess. When I wake up every morning, my face looks (and feels) brand-new with less noticeable blemishes.
Skin care is an expensive field, so the fact that Mario Badescu stays affordable is pretty remarkable. Everything that I use costs less than $20, and, trust me, those 8 ounces go a long way. Browse some of my favorite items in the gallery, below.
Mario Badescu, Drying Lotion, $17, available at Mario Badescu
This right here is the G.O.A.T. It reduces the size of your zits overnight! Truly a miracle.
Mario Badescu, Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs And Rosewater, $4, available at Mario Badescu
I love spritzing my face with this spray throughout the day. Really makes my skin feel alive.
Mario Badescu, Enzyme Cleansing Gel, $14, available at Mario Badescu
I use this on an as-needed basis when I really want to get deep into my pores.
Mario Badescu, Cucumber Cleansing Lotion, $15, available at Mario Badescu
Every time I put this on my skin, I immediately feel refreshed.
Mario Badescu, Glycolic Acid Toner, $18, available at Mario Badescu
A little toner never hurt nobody. This is like mouthwash for my face.
Mario Badescu, Seaweed Night Cream, $22, available at Mario Badescu
Nothing was the same after this cream came into my life.
Mario Badescu, Chamomile Eye Cream, $18, available at Mario Badescu
I like to dab this on when I'm staying in for the day, it's like tea for my eyelids.
Mario Badescu, Flower & Tonic Mask, $18, available at Mario Badescu
I use this two to three times a week as instructed by the label, and it gives me a super-smooth-surfaced face.
Mario Badescu, Special Mask For Oily Skin, $18, available at Mario Badescu
When I have a breakout crisis, I slather this on to clean up the mess.
Mario Badescu, Herbal Hydrating Serum, $30, available at Mario Badescu
Now that it's winter, it's important to keep your body hydrated. I like to think of this as a layer of protection that locks in moisture.
Mario Badescu, A.H.A. Botanical Body Soap, $8, available at Mario Badescu
Your body is a temple, so you should probably keep it clean as best as you can. I don't like soaps that are heavily scented, but this aroma is delectable.
