It could be featured on our weekly “Ask a Skin Care Specialist” post! Send it over with your first name, last initial, and home State (or country, if you’re outside of the U.S.). Be sure to check back often for new updates and to see if your question has been posted.
It’s almost my 5 year anniversary here at Mario Badescu and I think it’s pretty safe to say at this point that I’ve been around the MB block. Between working with our NYC salon staff and our reps who cover regions all around the country (and the world) I’ve overheard a few magical “product recipes” that have made their way from store counters, makeup artists, bloggers, beauty experts and our aestheticians back to me. Here’s one that I heard a long time ago that is popular with our sales team.
To restore moisture to dry skin combine 2 drops of the Herbal Hydrating Serum with 2 drops of the Rosehips Nourishing Oil in the palm of your hand. Rub hands together and press the resulting emulsion onto clean skin. Apply moisturizer on top.
Here at Mario Badescu we’ve been in the business of banishing blemishes for just about 45 years. In this time we’ve learned a thing or two about what it takes to quickly eradicate all kinds of spots. One of the main things we’ve learned is that different types of breakouts need different spot treatments.
While MB’s assortment of spot treatments make for effective acne fighting, I understand that it can be a bit overwhelming when you are simply trying to pick a product that will get rid of your zit by Friday. So here it is, a simple cheat sheet to help you choose which of our most popular spot treatments is right for you.
Spring is the perfect time for a fresh start.Have you been telling your self that you are going to start taking better care of your skin but keep putting it off?Try this simple, gentle at home facial to get you going (and glowing) in the right direction!
Step 1: Cleanse - Using your daily cleanser apply to damp skin and massage in upward circular motions for about 30 seconds and rinse.
Step 2: Exfoliate - Apply Mario Badescu’s Kiwi Face Scrub, to damp skin and massage skin the same way as in step one for 30 seconds and rinse with warm water.
Step 3: Mask - For this spring time facial choose a mask that will leave the skin feeling clean and refreshed.Apply a thin but opaque layer to the face and neck avoiding the eyes.Leave on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing.
For combo/oily/sensitive skin types use the Cucumber Tonic Mask.This clay based mask with help detox the skin by absorbing excess dirt and oil without over drying.The cucumber extract in this mask has soothing, refreshing and anti inflammatory properties.
For combo/dry/sensitive skin types use the Rose Hips Mask.This restorative mask is formulated to revive tired dull skin.It contains rose hips extract which is known for its healing properties and antioxidant vitamin C content.
Step 4: Tone - Squeeze your daily toner onto a cotton square or round and apply to skin in sweeping upward motions.This will balance the skin and remove any traces of mask that may be remaining on your skin.
Step 5: Moisturize - Gently apply your daily eye cream and facial moisturizer and don’t forget your Lip Wax SPF 15.
Kristin Larson writes the beauty and fashion blog Simply Chic for MSN.com. The goal of the blog is to deliver "Fresh & Fun Style Advice." She also writes her own blog, BeRealLuxe.com, focused on luxury for less and luxury worth the splurge.
1. How would you describe your skin type?
Oily/combination.
2. What is the best skin care advice anyone ever gave you?
To wear sunscreen, avoid smoking and avoid the sun during peak hours (from 12 noon to 3 p.m.)
3. In your opinion, what is the single most important thing you can do for your skin?
Wear sunscreen daily.
4. What is your personal skin care routine like?
I wash my face twice daily, followed by toner and moisturizer—using Mario Badescu products formulated for oily/combo skin, I wear sunscreen and try and do a mask at least once a week.
5. What is your first skin care memory?
My mom steaming her face, applying a mask and putting sliced cucumbers over her eyes. It made me think you can create a spa experience at home. Later on, my sister was a makeup artist at Dior and got me using undereye cream at age 13!
We can't thank Kristin enough for the great interview! Check out some of her blog posts about Mario Badescu below:
Hope DeAngelis Schmid is co-founder of the popular women's travel and beauty blog, The Jet Set Girls. She also writes for The DC Ladies, Brilliant Color and Beauty Today, and Daily Makeover among others. Hope is always on the lookout for the best new beauty products and enjoys sharing her finds and flops with her readers.
1. How would you describe your skin type?
I have classic combination skin and even though I'm in my 30's, I'm prone to the occasional breakout. I have a couple of Mario Badescu products on my bathroom counter for just those occasions: the anti-acne serum for an area like my chin that's inflammed, and the drying lotion to address particular spots.
2. What is the best skin care advice anyone ever gave you?
Diagnose the reason for your acne flare ups and treat accordingly. For instance, if you break out a couple of days after Halloween, realize it's diet related, throw out the rest of your candy stash, and continue with your regular skin care regimen. If it's hormonal, consider treating specific areas and drink more water. If your skin is broken out but dry, you may be over-treating your skin, drying out the top layers and causing your body to produce more oil to heal itself and in turn making matters worse. In this case you would want to pull back on harsh products and give your skin a "naked" night to rest.
3. In your opinion, what is the single most important thing you can do for your skin?
My aunt and uncle who are dermatologists have been telling me forever to wear sunscreen. Somehow, that transferred to my face cream early on; but I can't resist having tan legs. By the end of the summer I have a big moon pie face and tan limbs. Thank God for bronzer.
4. What is your personal skin care routine like?
My best intentions are to wash each morning and night, use a quality eye cream, and either an anti-aging cream or a salicylic acid product depending on the condition of my skin. Finish with an SPF and tinted moisturizer.
5. What is your first skin care memory?
My first mask was a bargain from the drugstore; but I loved how it peeled off. I was hooked on beauty treatments after that!
We can't thank Hope enough for this great interview! Don't forget to check her out on Twitter at @JSGHope - and of course, at The Jet Set Girls.
To spice things up a bit (we all know what the short week is like before Thanksgiving), our latest 5 Questions post is a video blog! Vanessa Mentor is a self-described beauty junkie from Chicago who likes to haul and review makeup and skincare products at every price point. She runs a blog, Im So Vane, and is active on YouTube and Twitter.
Sarah Conley’s uber popular site StyleITOnline.com may be where the fashion nerd meets the pop culture obsessed but if you want to know how this social media maven keeps her skin glowing check out her answers to our same 5 questions.
1. How would you describe your skin type?
I'm half Sicilian, so I'm convinced that it's not "skin" but an oil refinery. Everyone keeps telling me this will work to my benefit as I age, but right now it's a total pain. Blotting sheets are my friend!
2. What is the best skin care advice anyone ever gave you?
Stop picking! I am SUCH a picker, however my skin (and subsequent scars) don't really appreciate it. Fortunately, the Drying Lotion gives me enough confidence that the problem will be solved before I am overpowered by my desire to attack the problem.
3. In your opinion, what is the single most important thing you can do for your skin?
It's a toss up between washing your face before bed (super important) or regularly applying eye cream. Both are so crucial!
4. What is your personal skin care routine like?
In the mornings, I cleanse, tone, apply serum, eye cream, moisturizer and then prime before foundation. In the evening/at the end of the day, I cleanse, tone, apply eye cream and a night cream. Occasionally, I use a mask when I feel that my face needs it.
5. What is your first skin care memory?
The first thing I can ever remember relating to my skin was, of course, a pimple of gigantic proportions. They are so traumatizing!
We can't thank Sarah enough for taking the time to sit down with us for this post! Don't forget to check out StyleITOnline.com, and some of her recent posts about Mario Badescu Skin Care:
Never until this year did I realize such a change in my skin from season to season. I had a hard time understanding customers who would say their skin gets so dry in the winter when I have never experienced anything close to a change like that in myself. Maybe in August I get a bit shinier and in the winter it’s more normal but yep, it’s true. Now I can say it’s real because it’s happening to me!
Two days of the very small amount of heat being on in my apartment, I am waking up tight and dry when my skin is usually combination and even leans a little oily sometimes. The radiator isn’t even on in my bedroom. Is that the 40 showing on my skin? No I don’t mean the 40oz beer (well, could be that too), I mean the age. How does this relate to your products, you ask?
Dry heat can dehydrate the skin making it feel tight and dry. Similar effects come from air conditioning in the summer. Your regular, every day moisturizer or night cream may just not cut it once the weather changes and you’re all toasty in your house with the heat blasting. Try adding a serum over (or under depending on which product) your day or night moisturizer for a little boost if you can’t stand to part with your current moisturizer or night cream. You may need to knock your toner down a few notches milder too. Make small changes to get the right balance for your skin so it looks great all year round. Sometimes a simple change to your routine like using a moisture mask once a week or an exfoliating peel once a week can really help.
Many times for my clients I will recommend switching a liquid moisturizer over to a thicker protective cream. There is a very logical and simple explanation as to why we do this for customers who live in colder or seasonal climates. Creams usually contain occlusive emollients which simply means they work by preventing moisture from evaporating from the skin which happens in dry heat environments. Just because an ingredient is occlusive (petroleum for example), does not necessarily mean it clogs the pores. Lighter liquid moisturizers which are made with up to 70 percent water use humectants as the active moisture ingredients. Humectants (for example Hyaluronic Acid or Collagen) pull moisture from the air and lock it on the skin.
How can I not mention this? Yes, still use your sunscreen daily, even in the winter. Did you know that the UVA rays that cause wrinkles and skin cancer are CONSTANT year-round? The same amount of UVA damage is acquired whether you are out on a rainy day in winter or in August on the beach or at the pool. Best advice, use SPF every day and SPF 30 is best. Get a make-up with SPF if your favorite moisturizer doesn’t have SPF. I’d say it’s pretty counterproductive to spend all kinds of time, money and energy on good make-up and skin care if you’re not going to use one basic, simple skin care product that is going to give you the biggest overall, long-term benefit. I can’t say this enough.
What I am about to say is something I’ve said a million times. In fact, I was just saying it last night to a friend of mine. There are certain people who amaze me simply because of the amount of accomplishments they accumulate in one lifetime. Whenever I get on this topic my go-to examples of this type of mystical person are always the same, Martha Stewart and Oprah Winfrey. I will eternally be amazed by these women and the accomplishments they have made on so many levels.
Chances are I won’t be launching my own network in this lifetime, but I must say I am always tickled when I notice similarities between myself and these ladies. My love of literature and inclinations toward spirituality . . . totally Oprah. My overwhelming desire to make cauliflower soup from scratch the minute the temperature drops below 70. . . how much more Martha can you be?
As many of you probably know, this past Tuesday Martha and Oprah united when Martha was a guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show (Goosebumps!). I could barely breathe when Martha presented Oprah with a gift basket containing (amongst other surely wonderful goodies) Mario Badescu products! Not only were these Mario Badescu products, but included in the basket were the exact hand cream and facial spray that I cannot live without. Just the notion that the three of us could possibly have something in common is almost too much for me to process.
I now have to wonder what else we three have in common? Is pizza their favorite food too? Do they set their alarm clocks a half hour early so that they can press snooze at least twice before waking up also? I may be a media mogul myself before I have the answers to these questions but at least for now I know we have the same skin care products.
Want to know which products were in the gift basket that Martha gave to Oprah? Here’s the list.
Anne Fritz is one half of the duo that makes up The Jet Set Girls. Since 2007, Anne and her co-blogger Hope have brightened up the web with their blog covering all things travel and beauty. We had a chance to sit down with Anne to talk skin care and her Mario Badescu favorites.
1. How would you describe your skin type?
Ever changing. Just when I think I have it figured out, it throws me a curve ball. I tend towards dry, but that doesn't mean I won't get the occasional breakout, even though I'm 30 plus!
2. What is the best skin care advice anyone ever gave you?
In your 30s, you'll have the skin you deserve. When you're younger, you can maybe get away with eating junk food, not wearing sunscreen and not washing your face, but once you hit that 3-0 milestone, if you haven't been--or don't start--taking care of your face, it shows!
3. In your opinion, what is the single most important thing you can do for your skin?
Eat plenty or fruits and veggies, healthy fats like olive oil and walnuts and drink plenty of water. What you put in your body will show on your face.
4. What is your personal skin care routine like?
I wash with Mario Badescu Cream Soap, morning and night. In the morning, I use a Vitamin C lotion, followed by a moisturizer with SPF. At night, I use a Retinoid cream every third day. I love Mario Badescu flight cream on the days I need a moisturizing oomph.
5. What is your first skin care memory?
My mom encouraged me to start getting facials when I was in my early teens. I went to an old school European Aesthetician who gave me a classic facial with steam, extractions, scrubs and a masks--kinda like a Mario Badescu facial. I've been hooked ever since!
We can't thank Anne enough for taking the time to talk skin care with us! Don't forget to check out her blog, The Jet Set Girls, and to follow her on Twitter @JSGAnne. Can't get enough of the Jet Set Girls? Check out their posts about Mario Badescu!
Felicia Walker Benson, Editor in Chief of ThisThatBeauty.com is one of our favorite multitasking beauty mavens. Her passion for all things beauty and fashion related has parlayed itself into a career as a makeup artist, beauty, fashion and social networking expert. . . whew! Since she does it all with a glowing complexion we thought we’d ask her to share her skin care pearls of wisdom.
1. How would you describe your skin type?
My skin is ever-changing. At times it is acneic, oily, dry, and sensitive to trauma (like pimples).I have to constantly monitor my skin's current condition and care for it accordingly. While my skin care principles are constant (cleanse, tone, eye cream, treat, protect, peels/masks) my specific products rotate regularly.
2. What is the best skin care advice anyone ever gave you?
"Take care of your skin". I learned this from an early age because I was forced to deal with acne at around age 21. From that point I realized that I had to really invest the time into caring for my skin. So far so good!
3. In your opinion, what is the single most important thing you can do for your skin?
The single most important thing you can do to care for your skin is to begin a regiment early...like in your teens. Start the process of caring for your skin. Even if it's as simple as cleansing and applying sunscreen during the day and moisturizer at night. Good skin care habits should start early.
4. What is your personal skin care routine like?
The exact products rotate often but the routine is constant: cleanse (non foaming cleanser), tone (non alcohol based toner), treat acne, treat skin with a serum, eye cream, SPF. In the evening I do the same routine but alternate sunscreen with a night time moisturizer. I also use exfoliating peels and masks 2-3 days a week. I try to do seasonal professional silk peels with my dermatologist. And oh, I always use a makeup remover before cleansing my skin.
5. What is your favorite skin care memory?
I don't know that I have a favorite skin care memory but I love that people regularly tell me that I have "great skin" and ask me for skin care advice. I love talking skin!
We can't thank Felicia enough for this great interview! Don't forget to check out her website This That Beauty, and follow her on Twitter @ThisThatBeauty.
Amber Katz has been entertaining and informing readers for 4 years with her blog Beauty Blogging Junkie. We asked her 5 skin care related questions - let’s see what she has to say:
1. How would you describe your skin type?
Normal to oily and sensitive. I have to be really careful about what I use lest I break out. You can imagine that my beauty editor vocation can sometimes pose problems for my skin when I have to test out tons of products!
2. What is the best skin care advice anyone ever gave you?
My friend Tamar shared this tip she learned from an aesthetician: Always use a clean paper towel to dry your face after washing it. It drastically reduces the amount of bacteria in contact with your skin. Also, using the same towel you use to dry your body and hair can harbor oils, conditioner and other acnegenic substances that can lead to break-outs. Using a fresh paper towel daily isn't green, but it keeps me reasonably blemish-free.
3. In your opinion, what is the single most important thing you can do for your skin?
SUNSCREEN! Applying an SPF multiple times throughout the day. Even if you're not at the beach, you need to reapply. SPF 100 will do the same job as SPF 20 that's reapplied.
4. What is your personal skin care routine like?
I exfoliate with a scrub every morning (I love the Mario Badescu Kiwi Scrub!) and wash with an oil-free cleanser at night. I use a clarifying toner and hydrate with a light moisturizer before applying ample amounts of SPF to my face, neck and decollete. Lastly, I swipe on some eye cream and a lip balm. I refrain from using night cream in order to give my skin a chance to breathe.
5. What is your first skin care memory?
When I was about 7, I insisted on giving my brother weekly "face treatments," which were essentially facials. In exchange, I would tolerate hours of letting him monopolize the TV with "boy cartoons" like Thundercats and Transformers instead of letting me watch JEM and She-ra.
We can't thank Amber enough for this great interview! Don't forget to check her out on Twitter at @Glambr and on Facebook - and of course, on her great blog, Beauty Blogging Junkie:
Got your own blog? We'd love to hear your answers to these skin care questions! E-mail us at blog@mariobadescu.com
You have your skin care regimen, you’re actually doing it this time and it works. Everything is coming along nicely and your skin is fab-u. But you can’t leave well enough alone can you? You had to go and do something to your skin that was going to make it even better than an airbrushed magazine picture. Or so you thought. A peel that promised the skin of a baby’s bottom with one application. The newest celeb skin care products you watched on TV at 4am. Or you begged your derm to give you a topical Rx to make your skin flawless but instead you now have toast. Or the best one that we all know and love- you have a cystic pimple that is lingering forever so you decide to go medieval on it and now you have a raw patch that make up wont stick to or you have a scab the size of a quarter and Murphy’s Law -- to top it off you have a date, event, or photo shoot in 3 days! Ah if I had a dollar for every time this happened to me I could retire.
What to do now? Over the years the wonderful people I work with have become so familiar with our products that we’ve figured out that some of our products that sound like they may not be for your skin type actually do wonders in a skin emergency situation like ones I described above. Of course we highly encourage you to call us when something terrible happens (or you do something terrible to yourself) so we can decide the course of action you need to take. Here are some perfect examples of what we may recommend, even though they may sound ridiculous!
KERATOPLAST CREAM SOAP and KERATOPLAST CLEANSING LOTION: Outside of their normal use for dry, sensitive skin or rosacea, this is also the perfect combination for product-toasted skin, regardless of being oily, dry, sensitive, or anything in between. Whether you overdid the acne products by using them too often and incorrectly OR after using Retin A and your skin is flaking and dry OR you went to town and squeezed and picked your face when you shouldn’t have and need relief. (We do not condone this behavior.) These two items will clean and tone your skin thoroughly and make it look and feel a lot better so that you can smile instead of cry when you look in the mirror. If you are the classic product over-doer and we know you exist, you need to have these things on hand for emergencies. When things go back to normal you can switch back to your normal cleanser and toner after you’ve (hopefully) learned your lesson.
ROSE HIP NOURISHING OIL and CONTROL CREAM: The word “oil” in Rose Hips Nourishing Oil is the reason you are scared of it. We understand this. It is hardly oil. It is a thin, watery liquid that is a healing treat for your flaky, scabby skin. It so soothing and hydrating and has Vitamin C in it- great for healing. You must have this product if you have flaky skin around your nose or brow. You must have this product if you are experiencing side effects from topical Rx that cause your skin to peel. If you are sensitive and dry, you must have this product!
DRYING CREAM and SPECIAL HEALING POWDER: Another combination of products not likely to be recommended to be used together except for this way. You’ve made a mess by picking. You won’t leave it alone and you keep peeling off the scab. It’s raw and oozy (gross) and you have no idea what to do now. The only thing you can do is before bed or while in your house, dab a bit of Drying Cream on the erupted skin and layer Special Healing Powder right over it so it sticks. It will scab up very quickly and begin to dry out and heal. DO NOT PULL OFF THE SCAB. If you do this a few times during the day, depending on the size of the affected area, it will heal up pretty fast.
HEALING CREAM / DRYING MASK / HEALING CREAM: For oily skin troubled by rosacea flair ups, this works like a charm. Apply some Healing Cream to the irritated skin and cover it with a layer of the Drying Mask. After 20 minutes rinse and reapply the cream. You will be calm and smooth and ready for make-up. What you won’t be is oily and greasy.
ALL PURPOSE MOIST CREAM SPF 15: Thick and protective, we find that customers that suffer with eczema on the face find great relief from this cream above our others. Provides a barrier to the skin without being gooey like an ointment. The sunscreen is a plus too!
BUFFERING LOTION and SPECIAL HEALING POWDER: This is one combination we would never recommend to you before asking you about a million questions and making sure you know exactly what to do with them. Here is one example of how they can be best friends when they are normally mortal enemies when side by side. You feel a pimple being born. It’s that slight itch that seconds later turns into a little bump. You know this is leading to a massive zit unless you take action. That action should not be squeezing it either. What do you do? Take a smidge of buffering lotion on your fingertip (it’s a thin liquid so don’t overdo it) and rub it right on the zit. Take a tiny bit of Special Healing Powder and dab over the Buffering Lotion. Just enough that you can see it but not enough that you see a giant yellow spot on your face. Do this a few times throughout the day. Magic happens within 1-2 days and the zit subsides rather than explodes! Try it. You can hold on to these products for emergencies. Do not use these products at the same time in the same place for any other reason unless directed by a Mario Badescu Skin Specialist.
ROLLING CREAM PEEL WITH AHA: It’s not just for the face! Makes a great “spa pedicure” for your feet. After the shower or bath apply a thin layer of cream to the feet and let it dry for a minute and rub it off. Rinse and apply your thickest cream. Your feet will be so soft. Same goes for the hands or any skin on your arms or legs that needs good exfoliation.
We love helping you fix your skin so please give us a shout if something is amiss. We’re waiting for the next skin care challenge!
Check out these skin care tips picked out just for dad:
Want to avoid getting an irritated face when you shave? Try using a pre-shave conditioner to prepare your skin for a close, comfortable shave.
You'll never guess the #1 cause of razor bumps and razor burn. Dull razor? Nope: shaving too closely. Getting a close, clean shave is what every man wants, but there is such a thing as too close.
Still irritated after your shave? Try using an after shave balm to help your skin heal.
The number one skin care tip for men is the same as the number one skin care tip for women: be sure to use adequate sun protection to keep your skin healthy and happy.
Be sure to supplement your healthy mens skin care regimen with products that focus on specific skin conditions, such as acne, aging, and discoloration.
Mario Badescu Skin Care offers a number of products specifically designed for mens skin care needs, including the Mens Grooming Basics gift package. The gift set includes a cleanser, a pre-shave treatment, a shaving cream, an after shave lotion, and a face scrub. Each product is specifically crafted to tailor to the individual skin care needs of men. The entire regimen retails for $63 in an attractive men's travel bag.
Who doesn’t love to eat? Of course the real question is: Who doesn’t love to eat foods that are very bad for us? The answer is no one. No wait. Maybe that guy on the juicer commercials doesn’t love junk food, but for the rest of us, resisting temptation isn’t so easy. It is common knowledge that healthy diet and lifestyle has been shown to prolong your life and the quality of your life. What about the positive effects these things have on the skin?
When we take the last bite of that king size candy bar (really?), we think to ourselves: are we going to still fit into our jeans by the weekend? We’re not usually thinking about the long and short term effects it will have on our complexions. We know that eating junk food doesn’t cause pimples. That’s an old school myth. We do know now however that eating junk food and not enough of the good stuff does actually have an impact on the aging and appearance of the skin.
I began looking around the web for interesting facts about the correlation between certain foods and skin health. I found a lot of cool stuff. The Center for Disease Control or the CDC, has something called The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. There are tons of these surveys being done for different demographics and foods. Once study conducted showed that intake of high Vitamin C foods (citrus fruits, red peppers, tomatoes) is associated with a lower risk of wrinkled and dryness in middle-aged women. This may be due to the antioxidant properties of Vitamin C and its role in keeping the skin firm due to its effect on collagen synthesis. I swear that when I eat a lot of tomatoes my skin looks better. Maybe it’s not just a coincidence.
Blackberries, plums, strawberries and blueberries have the highest antioxidant content of any foods according to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Now consider eating these things when not dropped into a pitcher of sangria or dipped in fondue.
Another recent study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that of 1100 Australian adults (and we know that big ol’ hole in the ozone is right over them) over 5 years, precancerous lesions on the skin were decreased by 30 percent in those who ate 5oz or more of omega-3 rich fish each week. Actinic Keratoses are skin lesions that show up from chronic sun exposure and may develop into cancer if left untreated. Scientists believe that the omega-3’s act as a shield against free radical damage in the cell walls and offer anti-inflammatory protection to the skin. Now they are not saying that eating fish and omega-3 rich foods replace using sunscreen. Just interesting to know that good nutrition does effect the skin in a positive way. By the way, if you want to scare yourself a little, look up some information on the Ozone hole in the Earth. Recent reports show it’s actually closing up and not going to be as devastating as originally thought. Whew.
Another thing I want to mention. Sugar. The low carb craze is pretty much over because really, who can live without having a bagel. A side of bacon just doesn’t sound so appealing anymore unless accompanied by some pancakes. Sugar and high-glycemic carbohydrates which are junky carbs like anything with white flour and the processed garbage we seem to live on like crackers, cereal, rice, potatoes, and breads, can cause glycation. A fancy word for a process in which sugar attaches to proteins in the bloodstream forming harmful molecules called Advanced Glycation End Products that breakdown the collagen and elastin in the skin, speeding up the aging process. Ok, that was a very, very simple explanation of a highly sophisticated chemical process that happens in the body when you eat too many bad carbs. Cutting out bad carbs and processed food from your diet even for just a few days makes a huge difference in how you look and feel. You should try it.
Basically of all the information available about good skin foods it all boils down to this: Antioxidants (berries, tomatoes, broccoli) and omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, albacore tuna) and eating way less processed foods are the things that are going to make the difference. Overall good nutrition for overall good health, skin included. No one said you can’t eat a little junk in moderation.
Last week was an exciting week for Mario Badescu Skin Care - we launched a new product and the skin care community is buzzing about it. It is our great pleasure to introduce the Oil-Free Moisturizer (SPF-30).
This new product combines light weight moisture, sun protection and reparative antioxidants in one simple step. The moisturizer is formulated with antioxidant Green Tea to help repair environmental damage by destroying free radicals and St. John’s Wort and Aloe Vera to calm and soothe skin. It is the perfect year round skin care staple for anyone with combo, oily and/or acne prone skin in need of moisture and sun protection.
My name is Andeea and I am a Skin Care Specialist and Make-up Artist at Mario Badescu Skin Care. My skin has always experienced a combination of problems. Growing up in Minnesota the weather was hot and humid in the summer and really dry and cold in the winter months. I had always thought my skin was oilier than it really was therefore I was always unintentionally using the wrong products on my skin. It was not until I went to school for make-up artistry that I realized how important skin care really was, up until then I can’t even remember what I used, but I know it wasn’t right.
Before you worry about how your make up looks you should be thinking about your skin care first. The face is like a canvas and the makeup is like the paint. If your canvas is bumpy or ripped you can’t paint on it and if you do, the end result won’t be so great. So you get the point that the goal is to create a smooth complexion so your makeup wears nicely. Now not everyone needs or even wears makeup, but I know everyone wants good skin which is why I have become just as interested in skincare as I am in all the makeup products I had come to love. Working at a number of makeup counters and dabbling in just about every product line department stores carry, I began to get to know my skin better. Even more so from helping others. Since I tend to get excited really easily with most products you can imagine what happened when I started to sample Mario Badescu products.
I had just started a new job at Nordstrom in 2007 and they carried a lot more product lines than the other places I had worked. So needless to say after working in makeup for 4 years, I finally ran into Mario Badescu Skin Care. To be honest I really wasn’t that intrigued by it at first because the packaging never really caught my eye. It was located at the end of my aisle toward the back of the cosmetics area. That is the only reason I knew it was there. Who knows how long it would have taken me to examine it more closely. As the customers started asking me for help with Mario Badescu line I started to get curious as to why everyone wanted this stuff and had so many questions about it. I started reading the brochure and soon enough with the help of a few co-workers and some samples I fell IN LOVE! I was getting free products from the counter I managed but would rather pay for the Mario Badescu products. I loved the line so much and it was really truly making a difference in how my skin looked. I was finally starting to get that natural glow that we all crave.
To make a long story short, my mother convinced me to move to New York City. The first place I applied was Mario Badescu Skin Care. Knowing about what you are selling and loving it really makes you the best salesperson and happiest employee. I love hearing about the difference our products have made in the skin of all of the clients I assist. It really makes me feel good to know that I am sending someone home with what they need to get the results they want.
Sometimes when we feel our skin is at its worst, we pile on the make-up and products hoping it’ll help. That is not the best thing to do. The secret is to find that perfect balance of products to use while keeping it minimal and most importantly, (and unfortunately) you can only address one skincare problem at a time. I always suggest that you focus first on blemishes and clearing up the skin, evening out skin tone secondly, then preventing/repairing aging skin thirdly (and wearing sunscreen daily in your moisturizer which you can start doing right now no matter what your skin condition is like). When you focus on one thing at a time you will get the best results. Some products cover several bases but you have to speak to one of us to get the right regimen if you have multiple issues going on.
I always thought my skin was really oily just because I got a few pimples and then panicked thinking I had acne when I did not. I’m just always on the edge of my seat getting too excited over nothing, leaving me to jump to wrong conclusions. I always ran to oil free everything and assumed it would take care of the problems. I tried a lot of things but no matter what, pimples would always find their way to the surface. Now I know that’s because they always will! Skin reacts to a million different things from person to person. Stress, food we eat, food we don’t eat, lack of sleep, hormones, among many other things, and we are not perfect. Unfortunately skin can’t be either but we can do our best to try and keep it in the best shape possible. I know this is from trial and error and now that my skin is clear I know I am using the correct products and have been for 2 and a half years now. But what do you know? I can still get a random blemish every now and then. Why? Because I am human and it’s okay. I have MB to save me. My skin was not as oily as I thought it was I am more a combination skin type (dry in the cheeks and oily in the t-zone area). This is a tricky skin to maintain and the most common skin type. After trying a few different combinations of products my regimen is as follows:
Morning:
Enzyme Cleansing Gel is one of the first things I ever sampled from MB, absolutely can not live without it.
Special Cucumber Lotion: As I said on the You Tube video I was not just saying I love this product…… I really love this product and I can’t live without it. It controls my oily t-zone without over drying my cheeks and its astringent ingredients keep breakouts away.
Cellufirm Drops: I love these because they are light and easily absorbed. It doesn’t feel like I am layering a bunch of stuff on my face before I apply makeup and they can also be used under the eye cream.
Ceramide Eye Gel: Keep in mind you should always use a light hand with your eye cream in the day if you are applying concealer. I keep this in the fridge because it works great on puffy eyes when you keep it cold.
Collagen Moisturizer SPF 15: This is lightweight. It’s not oil free but I need that extra hydration because I get dry in the cheeks. This feels so light and absorbs right away. I hate moisturizer that feels like its still on your face after 5 minutes. I like it to soak in and start working without sitting on top of my skin like some sunscreen moisturizers do.
Evening:
Eye Makeup Remover Cream is perfect for removing all my makeup. I also wear contact lenses and it never bothers them.
Vitamin C Serum every other night. This is absolutely everything you want your serum to do all in one bottle. Great skin brighter!
Hydro Moisturizer with Vitamin C (Spring, Winter, Fall) is lightweight but not oil free. Even though I am combo-oily I have found a good balance of products so I don’t breakout but I give my skin the hydration it needs. If I need more, it’s Herbal Hydrating Serum to the rescue.
Some of my favorite products to have in my make-up kit are:
Aloe Vera Toner is great to gently remove any excess dirt on the skin’s surface before moisturizing. It is alcohol free so will not over dry.
Control Moisturizer for Oily Skin is absolutely hands down my favorite moisturizer for a number of reasons. It is quickly absorbed into the skin, it tones down any redness, oil free, won’t clog, and perfect for combo skin types. I know the name sometimes throws customers off. This is also my Summer moisturizer for when I am oilier than normal.
Herbal Hydrating Serum is ideal for prepping the skin before a makeup application whether your skin dry or oily. This serum is oil free so it’s great for anyone and the bases are covered.
Special Healing Powder is amazing because of the yellow tint it has. It tones down redness and it’s great to apply to a cystic bump in the day so you can let the blemish heal instead of piling on the concealer. This powder really helps absorb excess oils as well so it’s great for bridal pictures and great for that groom who refuses makeup for pictures.
Eye Makeup Remover Cream quickly erases any make-up mistakes and can double as a lip moisturizer in a pinch.
All of the above products were used to prep Miss Madison’s, and Miss Kristen’s skin in the pics below. The prep of the skin for the 1950’s period make-up was very important because I used a thicker base and the skin needs the perfect balance of moisture to set this type makeup and have it wear as long as possible without getting cakey.
Check out this new article on hyperpigmentation from our friend Felicia over at ThisThatBeauty.com - she gives readers an amazingly detailed - and honest - account of her struggles with and successes over hyperpigmentation. Felicia also mentions how she uses our Vitamin C Serum to diminish her dark sports - check it out!
The Moisture Magnet was picked for Allure Magazine's Editor's Favorites section to start off the month - find out what they had to say about one of our most unique products!
iVillage Beauty came out with a great article about the world's most outrageous beauty treatments. They tear apart the idea that a 24-carat gold facial would be beneficial to the skin, and go on to suggest Mario Badescu's Silver Powder as a less-weird alternative!
That's it for this week - but let us know if you see any MB buzz around the web that we might have missed. And bloggers - we love hearing from you. Hit us up on Facebook or Twitter.
March is a weird month for the Northeast. It could snow one day or be 50 degrees another. I woke up this past Sunday morning smelling and hearing Spring from the open window. Somewhat the same way you can smell winter coming around the middle of September. Its just one of those things you can smell in the air and sense in your bones. I guess Mother Nature is a pretty smart lady.
Two great things happen in March this year. We turn the clocks forward one hour which I love so I can come home from work at 7pm and still have a good hour or more of healthy, productive time in the daylight rather than getting home and immediately putting on PJs. As much as I love the cold weather and the winter, I don’t like getting home from work and feeling like its time to go to bed. #2 is St. Patrick’s Day! My favorite holiday.
Side note: Excessive alcohol consumption interferes with body’s ability to absorb calcium resulting in brittle bones. Alcohol causes the small blood vessels in the skin to become dilated causing flushed skin and possible broken capillaries. Women take longer to process alcohol and after age 40 we store more fat and take even longer to process and eliminate alcohol. Alcohol reduces the level of Vitamin A within the body resulting in slower cell turnover, decreased ability to fight free radicals, and collagen and elastin breakdown which shows up in the form of sagging skin and wrinkles.
How does this relate to skin care? March is the time you should be thinking about making some changes in your skin care products. Since the weather can be iffy depending on where you are, it’s probably a good idea to have both cold and warm weather products on hand if your skin reacts to climate changes. A blustery, windy day calls for protective cream instead of moisturizer and a mild, Spring-like March day calls for moisturizer with sunscreen. The heat in your house may not be on as often or as high and your skin may not seem as dry or dehydrated. Make necessary changes after observing your skin and what it’s doing at this time of year.
Spring cleaning anyone? Don’t forget to include your medicine cabinet and make-up bag. Time to get rid of those crusty tubes and bottles sitting around. Who the heck knows how old those things are? Replenish your sunscreen products which lose efficacy after 3 years. My question to you is why do you have a bottle of sunscreen that is 3 years old? The answer is: because you aren’t using it as often as you should or you aren’t using enough. May I state again for the record, the sun is the number one factor that ages the skin. Period. Use your sunscreen. A shot glass full (approximately 1.5oz) is enough to cover the body. Are you itching to get into the sun and get a tan? NO! Run to the nearest store or click here and order a self tanning lotion! Are you resistant to the idea of using sunscreen moisturizer every day? Then change your make up to something that has a built in sunscreen like mineral make up or tinted moisturizer. Really, I can’t stress this enough. I’m really going to lose it one day if another person asks me for anti-aging, wrinkle repair products or something to reduce discoloration then in the next breath tells me they don’t want sunscreen in their moisturizer.
Wash your make-up brushes. Something we know we should do but never actually do. Throw away the 15 bottles and jars of random hair products you thought you needed but thardly used. (See Blog: Are You A Beauty Junkie:?)Pick up all the q-tips and hair elastics that are stuck to the bottom of your bathroom cabinets. Replace your make-up sponges.
It’s March. That means you have almost 2 full months until Memorial Day and the unofficial start of Summer. You may actually have to take off that giant sweater and start revealing a little more skin. Do you need a good scrub down? Are you dull and flaky and scaly? I’m sure your feet are a mess from skipping pedicures all winter. Assess the situation of your winter skin finally coming out of hibernation. It ain’t pretty, right? Do something about it. I know we all can’t be so lucky to work for a skin care company and salon. (Nah nah!)
Check out these pictures of Mehcad Brooks, who played Benedict "Eggs" Talley on HBO's hit vampire drama True Blood, checking out Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser. We love the fresh outfit, Mehcad - and the smile!
In case you missed it, we have pictures of 30 Rock's Jane Krakowski checking out Mario Badescu as well - also from Beauty 360's suite at Access Hollywood’s “Stuff You Must...” event.
I’m a late bloomer. I went on my first official Spring Break to Cancun at age 31. It was just on the verge of being the real Spring Break for some colleges so it was a few days of a normal, adult vacation followed by a few days of craziness with the college crowd. I did feel a little weird but no one had to know I was really 31 and so was my best friend who was with me and we both came back with some fun stories and minor sunburn. I pulled it off and I’m thinking maybe I actually passed for mid 20’s or it’s really that beer goggles help make everyone look better, younger and prettier. But still, thank you Mario Badescu Skin Care! Maybe it was a little bit of both.
In 2010 at age 39 I can not blog realistically about Spring Break. I wish I was 21 and going on Spring Break and I wish I was going on any vacation at all this year but sadly, I am not. I can however tell you about the products you must pack to counteract the effects of excessive sun, food, alcohol along with lack of sleep that you may (will) experience on your Spring Break or fun adult vacation.
This is a given. Use this every day as your regular moisturizer when on vacation. Slather it all over your face and body respectively if you’re going to the beach for the day. Reapply frequently too. Sun is evil for the skin. Even on vacation when your tanning is somewhat justified (in moderation) these products are still necessary to avoid burning.
I know some of you just don’t get it and will be crispy by the end of the vacation or maybe even on day one. A serious sun burn can really cause future problems on your skin not to mention your looks. Take this seriously guys. If everyone was really diligent about their sunscreen use there would be no need to even have a product like this available.
Keep this on ice or and apply in the morning after a fun night. You will feel and look much better- well, as best you can look after 20 yards of beer and 2 hours of sleep and still wearing last night’s mascara.
Pretty, pretty, PRETTY on tan skin (disclaimer- this Mario Badescu employee is NOT condoning tanning but you’re going to anyway so…). Smells awesome too.
Eye wrinkles are the first signs of aging that pop up and I wish I had a dollar for everyone I have encountered in their 20’s that looks over 30. I always preach to customers “Eye cream and sunscreen.” Here’s the combo deal.
I can not say enough about this cleanser over the years. If your skin is stressed in any way whether it from overdoing it on vacation, using too many drying products or just sensitive and looking blotchy and plain ol’ messed up for whatever reason, you must try this at least once. It does a good job taking off a decent amount of make-up too.
Another one of those “ahhhhh” products for your face. Replace your regular toner or astringent with this on your beach/party/crazy vacation or Spring Break. It feels so good.
So enjoy your spring break all you young, lucky people with extra money to spend on crazy, fun vacations! Be safe. Call me if you come back with any good stories.
So January is almost over and I think now is a good time to discuss New Year’s Resolutions. I’ve had enough time for the concept of a new year and fresh start to sink in and think about these things long and hard. (Not). I am one of those people who can’t understand that just because the calendar says January 1st, does not mean that it’s the beginning of something new. It’s just a day a date and if anything is worth doing, why does the calendar matter?So anyway, I will be like everyone else and create a list. A realistic one, at that with lots of random thoughts to add.First see the very sane blog post written by my co-worker, which sounds all nice and good and normal: New Year’s Skin Care Resolutions from December 29, 2009.
Now onto my slightly less normal New Year's blog post:
Stay Hydrated:Yes water is very important.So I resolve to actually throw away (recycle) the plastic Poland Spring bottles that I have been refilling for weeks with Brita filtered tap water and buy a few new bottles. Yeah I’m gross but green!Something you should try to be in the new year. Green.
Exercise:In 2009 I reached fitness goal I never expected to. I can actually jog over 5 miles, all in a row, without stopping or passing out.Maybe it has something to do with the possibility of running behind a group of Army guys from Ft. Totten wearing tiny shorts or the fact that I sometimes consume enough calories in a day to feed several people.I resolve to start this back up again.I wonder how far behind I put myself behind by not doing this since November. “After the holidays I’ll start back….”
Diet:No, I don’t diet and I love to eat more than any other activity. Dieting makes us fatter in the long run. I can not live with that on and off dieting mentality. The diet industry wants us to stay fat or no one in it would make any money.Moderation for me is part starvation and part binge eating. I will however, resolve to try and eat a few servings of fruits and vegetables daily.That sounds realistic enough to stick to. I noticed over the past years when I was eating lots of fresh tomatoes my skin was looking a lot better.I should start that back up again too. I also resolve to never, ever buy a bottle of fat free salad dressing, if you can even call it salad dressing. Why do we do this to ourselves?
Sleep: Next to eating sleeping is one of my favorite activities especially at mid day when I should be running errands, cleaning or being productive with my free time.I resolve to try and get as many hours of sleep I can in my lifetime. This one will be easy.Sleep is good for your body and good for your skin. I’m sure you’ve seen what happens to how you look when you don’t get enough. During the sleep cycle is when your body goes into repair mode, skin included.
Wash your face before bed:Being a skin care professional for many years I will say that this is one resolution we should all stick to.5 out of 7 days of the week I manage to practice what I preach.Having my future boyfriend or husband see me in the morning without my 10 pounds of make up on will be a huge mental hurdle for me to get over.Not looking like I’ll have to worry about that anytime soon.
Cleaning out your closet:Just face it, you are NOT getting into those size 6 jeans (or fill in your ideal size) that you have been saving since 2000.Embrace who you are now and love yourself now. Resolve to stay healthy and that doesn’t always mean skinny. Give your skinny clothes to charity, share with your skinny co-workers or sell them on ebay.Probably not healthy for your self esteem to keep reminding yourself you will never be a size 6 again. Get a great pair of jeans that suit your body type and size and rock them!Oh yes you will be a size 6 again?I am wrong to crush your hopes and dreams of looking like Jillian Michaels?See #2 and #3. Go for it and good luck. You’re better than me. I can live with it.
Cleaning out your medicine cabinet and make-up bag:Time to toss that 7-year old tube of Retin-A that wasn’t covered by insurance and cost $150. Over my dead body.For sure you need to throw away those old, dirty make up sponges at the bottom of your make up bag. Wash your make up brushes and toss that bad decision make-up because you won’t use it again as much as you think you will. Being a pack rat myself I know it’s not easy to toss stuff you spent your hard earned money on.Give it away. Someone you know has poor judgement and will use it as long as it’s not gross an old. Yeah, then toss it and forget about it. You will feel so cleansed.
Make it out to the salon:If you have problem skin a facial every now and again can make a big difference. Nothing like some waxing or a manicure and pedicure to make you feel pretty and polished.Feeling good about yourself carries over to all other parts of your life. Work on it in the new year. Good self esteem is important and a salon trip is a fun and inexpensive treat to help you boost your self up once in a while. We can all use it from time to time.
Don’t pick at your skin: You’re armed with Special Healing Powder, Drying Cream and Healing Cream and the best foundations and concealers money can buy but just because you have the tools to fight the enemy, don’t give them the advantage by picking!Picking slows the healing process and may lead to spreading and hyperpigmentation on the skin. I know it’s hard but really, if there was one bad habit I need to work on in the new year, it’s this!
Try!Make an effort to get on a real skin care regimen customized for your specific skin concerns.Lucky if you made it this far using random products from wherever and you’re relatively happy but I’m guessing if you’re here reading this, then maybe that’s not the case.If you all of a sudden find yourself stressing every time you look in the mirror, maybe its time you make a little effort to help yourself out. All the tools you need are right here. Look around.
Sunscreen daily: I can’t stress this enough. It should be right up there with wearing your seat belt.Wearing sunscreen is the #1 anti-aging tip of the skin care world. Sun exposure causes the most preventable damage on your skin. Period.No lecture to follow.
Best wishes to you in 2010.Happy and healthy.It’s never too late to start making positive changes in your life. Certainly don’t wait for what the calendar says.
What are we reading around the 'net at Mario Badescu? Check it out.
TalkingMakeup.com came out with their Top Beauty Products 2009 post, featuring several Mario Badescu products, including our Enzyme Cleansing Gel, Cucumber Cleansing Lotion, Enzyme Revitalizing Mask, Cellufirm Drops, Vitamin C Serum, Hyaluronic Moisturizer SPF-15, and Seaweed Night Cream. Check out the big list @ Talking Makeup.
Jimmy from TruthInAging.com reveiwed our Kiwi Face Scrub, describing it as "a refreshing, fruity scrub that truly exfoliates." Read the whole review @ Truth In Aging.
On a non-Mario related front, check out the new page out by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Facing Facts About Acne - it talks about acne myths, types of acne, and treatments. Learn about acne @ FDA.gov.
We're also loving what we're seeing from the Twitter community:
samanthaslade@MarioBadescu I used your drying cream last night. I lost 2 zits but I found love. May I have your blessing to propose to it this Christmas?
TacoDoom@MarioBadescu Svetlana gave me the best massage & Betty gave me the best facial yesterday. My skin looks like porcelain!
soapsud@MarioBadescu thx for taking care of me this past w/k. Olga rocks + kelly & can't wait 2 try the samples she hooked me up w! Much love :)
Thanks everybody - keep letting us know what you think! We love hearing from you. And if you're not following us already, get on it! We keep in touch with our fans and customers, give out skin care advice, and let everybody know about all the latest sales and deals - don't miss out! Follow us @MarioBadescu.
Carmen has been working at Mario Badescu Skin Care for almost 9 years.Carmen is one of our skin specialists working the front counter at our salon doing skin consultations and customer service. That is, when she’s not putting on lip gloss.
I don’t really consider myself a product junkie.I maintain a simple regimen that consists of a cleansing twice a day, toning twice a day, using a moisturizer each day and night, and a weekly mask.For a mother of two children, I consider my skin to be good/decent considering the minimal effort I exert towards maintaining it.On the other hand, however, I did experience noticeable changes after having my second child – changes for the worse.
I was lucky enough to not get what they call the “pregnancy mask” (melasma) after my pregnancy, but I did develop sensitive skin that was blotchy and red around my cheeks and chin.Unusually dry patches on different areas of my body developed as well.I decided to see a dermatologist to see what was going on and what I could fix to reverse these conditions.
Unfortunately, these patches turned out to be psoriasis plaques. The dermatologist told me that slight changes in the skin are of course common with pregnancy.Moreover, the dermatologist said that there was nothing that could be done to cure the condition besides for treating the symptoms themselves.I was prescribed medicated lotions that were very strong and further irritated my skin. Some dermatologists prescribe steroids to completely get rid of the psoriasis, but the side effects of the steroids are very harsh themselves.With no end in sight and no idea how to treat this condition, I began to feel more and more self-conscious about my skin.
Enter Mario Badescu Skin Care.I started working for Mario Badescu as a skin specialist and (of course) began using a complete regimen of Mario Badescu products, and these products yielded instant results.The Seaweed Cleansing Soap helps soothe my sensitive skin and smoothes away dry layers, and following it up with the Chamomile Cleansing Lotion helped to get rid of the red blotches on my cheeks.
The one and only Mario Badescu product I cannot live without, however, is the Control Cream, especially during the long, dry winter days.I apply a few drops of Rose Hips Nourishing oil on the psoriasis plaque area and then I apply the Control Cream. A lot of dermatologists suggest keeping the area moist at all times. The Control Cream really keeps the itchiness and redness under control. I also alternate with the Super Rich Olive Body Lotion especially in the winter when the dry patches become even worse.
Aside from what I use to treat my psoriasis, there are a few other Mario Badescu products that I simply couldn’t live without.When I use the Ginseng Moist Cream and the Herbal Hydrating Serum together my skin feels like velvet. My weekly masks are Enzyme Revitalizing Mask for moisture which I alternate with Calma Mask for the sensitivity. After I remove either one of these masks, my skin thanks me for it.My favorite and cannot-live-without body wash is Azulene Body Soap. Why is it my favorite? There is no fragrance and it just makes my skin feel so good.
To me, the best thing about Mario Badescu’s skin care line is that it is not made with perfumes, which often irritate my skin.By using a specialized regimen built just for my skin and my condition, and by not overdoing it with any one product, I am able to keep my skin looking great.These were my biggest mistakes with other lines, but I am happy to have finally found a line that works for me.
Christmas is finally over, and although I’m still full from the traditional Italian seven fish dinner on Christmas Eve, it’s time to gear up for New Year’s Eve.It’s easy to keep your mind occupied with plans and party favors and champagne, but New Year’s always means one thing to me: resolutions.Okay, so we all hate New Year’s resolutions, and we never really stick to them…but that shouldn’t stop us from trying!
I figure as long as it helps me to make strides in the right direction, it’s worth it.Now I just need to figure out what this year’s goal will be…any suggestions?
In the spirit of New Year’s, I’ve come up with a list of New Year’s Resolutions that your skin will love.Most people have at least one terrible skin care habit, and hopefully 2010 is the year in which that bad skin care habit gets kicked!
1.Stay hydrated.Water is a great thing, and your skin needs a lot of it.Drink as much as you need throughout the course of the day.Try keeping a bottle of water with you at all times.
2.Exercise!Okay, so this might coincide with a lot of people’s New Year’s resolutions to lose weight, but it is worth saying again.Regular cardiovascular exercise is absolutely crucial to keep blood circulating to all of the skin on your body.Hop on that treadmill!
3.Diet!Like exercise, I’m sure many, many people already have this planned, but I suppose the skin care benefits could just add that extra motivation you need to stick with it.A poor diet can cause breakouts and sullen-looking skin, whereas a good diet can provide your body with all the nutrients you need for great skin.It’s worth it to watch what you eat (but don’t forget to cheat once in a while – it keeps even the most dedicated dieter sane).
4.Sleep!Some people might scoff at the idea of making a New Year’s resolution to sleep for at least 8 hours a day, but it is a very valid resolution, especially for your skin.Not only can sleep help you keep those dark circles under your eyes at bay, but it also reduces stress, which is one of the primary causes of acne!
5.Wash your face before bed.To some people this is a no-brainer, but I think others will understand where I’m coming from.You’re up way too late.You have to wake up at 7AM to start getting ready and it’s already 2.Maybe you’ve had a bit to drink.Regardless of the circumstances, resolve to make it to the sink every night and wash your face and moisturize before bedtime.It will pay dividends.For girls, makeup removal is especially important.A well-hydrated, clean face before you go to bed will give your skin a chance to renew.
6.Cleaning out your closet.Set aside an hour or two and clean house.Dump open that makeup bag.Empty out that medicine cabinet.How many old skin care products do you have?You know they are there.You know you’re never going to touch them again.Just throw them out.It’ll be okay, I promise.If you’re going to turn over a new leaf when it comes to skin care, this is as good a place to start as any.
7.Re-evaluate your skin care needs.Have you updated your skin care regimen lately?Perhaps your skin has changed.Maybe you need to focus on a different problem area.Maybe you just need to adapt it to the current season.Either way, from time to time, take a look at the different parts of your regimen and ask yourself what each product is bringing to the table.
8.Make it out to the salon.Your skin will thank you for it.Everybody is busy.The economy is tough.I get it.But in order to keep your skin looking its absolute best, try to make it out to the salon for a facial every month.Just think of it as regular necessary maintenance, like bringing your car in every 10,000 miles.
9.Don’t pick at your skin!This might be the most difficult of all the skin care resolutions there are.Not only does picking at blemishes make them last longer, but it can also result in scarring and increased breakouts.Leave your blemishes alone, treat them properly, and be patient.It’s worth it!
10.Try!More important than trying to correct any of your bad habits is trying in the first place.While many of you probably can’t imagine what it would be like to not have a very specific skin care regimen, I’m sure there are those out there who can’t even begin to imagine having a regimen, much less sticking to it.The most important part to good skin care, however, is trying in the first place.Every little bit helps.Every step in the right direction is going to pay off in the long run.It’s never too late to start treating your skin right!
BONUS:
11.Wear a moisturizer with sunscreen daily.Ask anybody in the industry for their #1 beauty or anti-aging tip, and you’ll always get the same answer.Protect your skin from the sun and you’ll keep your skin looking young and feeling healthy!
Here’s to great skin care and good health in 2010.Happy New Year’s everybody!Have a safe and fun evening, and a wonderful year!
Have you finished your holiday shopping yet? Me neither. To me that would normally mean another weekend of dealing with traffic, trying to move through crowded stores, and waiting in lines. This year I’m trying something new when it comes to those small, last-minute gifts for my friends and family.
I’m going to get some pretty, cheap ribbons and some clear glassine bags (or some pretty gift bags and tissue paper if I’m really pressed for time) and make my own holiday gift kit with Mario Badescu products and maybe some candy or chocolates. Winter is harsh, and everybody can appreciate the gift of good skin care, and it packages together to make a really cute – and cheap – present.
Special Hand Cream With Vitamin E $8
Lip Wax SPF 15 $7
Elbow & Heal Smoothing Cream $12
$27. Easy, done.
AHA & Botanical Body Soap $8
Papaya Body Lotion $10
Fruit & Vitamin A & D Hand Cream SPF 10 $10
$28. Who wouldn’t like that?
Can't spend that? Try this:
Elasto Seamollient Hand Cream $10
Lip Wax $5
$15 Great as a intensely moisturizing winter treat for anyone!
Even simpler? Try the Raspberry Body Scrub $15
Delish! Anyone would love this. Yikes, I used a Rachael Ray-ism. Strike that from the record.
Being creative and thoughtful doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. If you need suggestions or ideas or just don’t have a clue, call me!
"Wax on, wax off," said Mr. Miyagi to Daniel-san, circa 1984. I couldn't resist the eighties throwback, but unfortunately this article isn't about that type of wax.
Its early Winter on the East Coast and we are all looking for ways to bundle up and stay out of the cold.Probably the last thing on your minds is waxing. Maybe you’re even thinking of skipping it this month just because you can. No more shorts or bathing suits for a while. Now is usually the time we can be free of the razor and the waxing and the upkeep of the pedicures and all of the beauty obligations we have in the summer.Well not everyone lives in seasonal parts of the USA and many of us live in a place where summer weather is the norm.I’m not going to say I wouldn’t love that (well for one I wouldn’t because I hate the warm weather, but that’s another story) but I don’t know how I would deal with having to upkeep summer beauty obligations all year round.
For all you people that stay smooth all year round, you probably know the tips and secrets to smooth skin and preventing irritation from numerous trips to the salon and maybe some trial and error doing the wrong things. What about you guys who are newbies to waxing?Maybe you’re very anxious to try it but you’re scared it will be painful or leave irritation. Don’t be a slave to the razor!I think you fear the unknown more than the actual pain. Think of a tattoo. You know it’s somewhat painful but the biggest fear was not knowing just how much pain. Once it got started you probably relaxed a bit because the biggest hurdle was over. Getting it started.Oh, the 40-Year-Old Virgin is an extreme exaggeration of a chest waxing, by the way.
Yeah it’s mildly painful for some, just uncomfortable for others and it definitely depends on what parts of you are waxing- and the parts are pretty limitless.If you have hair there, it can probably be removed thoroughly and safely (and I’m talking about professionally removed, not at home!). Waxed skin stays smoother for longer since hair comes out at the root rather than being shaved off at the surface. A warm wax is spread over the area of hairy skin and then either a strip of muslin (a type of fabric) is pressed into the wax and pulled off, along with the hair. Some salons use wax that hardens on the skin and is pulled off, right, along with the hair, no fabric needed.Sounds barbaric but it’s actually a quick process that really makes nice difference on your skin from shaving.Here are some tips and info to enhance your professional waxing experience and to lessen your stress about it.
TALK TO YOUR ESTHETICIAN first about any medications you may be using since some topical and oral prescriptions (Retin-A, accutane, are a few examples) can cause extreme sensitivity and thinning of the skin. In this case, you will be advised against waxing since the skin can be easily irritated, burned or even pulled off.Usually this is a concern when waxing brows, upper lip or anywhere on the face.Not pretty when it happens.Don’t worry.There are other safe hair removal options for you. Don’t find out the hard way.Communicate any skin concerns with your estheticians before waxing. They should be the best judge if your skin is too sensitive to wax. And always err on the side of caution and don’t take chances if you’re unsure.Other options, people. Other options. You are not stuck with a mustache, ladies.
EXFOLIATION- keeps pores clear and prevents ingrown hair, and that goes for most waxable places. New hair can grow inward if the pore is clogged and then you are left with an ugly, red, swollen bump that looks like a pimple. Reducing the dead skin cells that are on the skin’s surface will prevent this from happening.Particularly important for bikini line or for you men, the back.Exfoliating Glycolic Acid and Alpha Hydroxy Acid body soaps and gentle scrubs should be used regularly for best waxing results.
SOOTHING YOUR SKIN immediately after waxing reduces the discomfort you may experience from having your hair ripped out of your skin! Ok, that was for effect and to see if you are paying attention.It sounds harsh but come on, it’s worth it and you do get used to the discomfort. You’ll see. It gets easier every time.Just be prepared with the right tips and products.Calming creams containing soothing botanical ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera and balsam peru calm redness and irritation immediately.In the case of a bikini wax, keeping the area dry and clean is very important so dusting on a soothing, skin-healing powder is best.
WHITEHEADS may sometimes appear after waxing since the body actually sees the site where the hair was removed as an injury. Like a pimple, white blood cells flood the area causing a small whitehead or tiny, inflamed bump. Apply a bit of your pimple treatment on the area to speed the healing. Do not pick or squeeze the whiteheads, especially since the skin still may be in a delicate state from the waxing and you don’t want to spread any bacteria around causing new pimples.Now this doesn’t happen to everyone, it’s usually not that big of a deal and most often happens on the brows and upper lip.
DON’T WAX if you have been in the sun 1-2 days prior and don’t go in the sun 2-3 days after waxing. The skin is more sensitive at this time. Let it calm down. Running on the beach and in the crashing waves is not encouraged with freshly waxed legs either. Plan wisely before and after waxing.
TRY IT first on your arms or legs to get the feel of it then you can cross over into more delicate territory like bikini line and underarms. You will like the results.So much better than shaving or using smelly creams that burn the hair off your skin and the surface. We are always here to help you with your questions and concerns, Hope to hear from you! Smooth sailing.
It's time for part two of our Ask A Skin Care Specialist series! You heard from our friends on Facebook, now it's time to answer some questions from our Twitter followers.
QUESTION: Can using nose strips (for blackheads) cause broken capillaries on your nose??
-- @soapsud (received via Twitter)
Thanks for your question. Use caution with pore strips especially if you have sensitive skin or using topical prescriptions as they can make the skin very sensitive to harsh products. The pore-cleaning strips stick forcefully and when removed, can peel the very top layer of skin away causing temporary irritation and redness. You don’t want to trade one skin issue for another, do you? As far as capillaries being broken, it really depends on how and where exactly you use the strips and what condition you skin is in to begin with. If you are thin-skinned and sensitive, I’d avoid these strips altogether and go for an oil-absorbing, clay mask like our Cucumber Tonic Mask or a blackhead treatment powder like our Silver Powder. Both will give you good results with no worries of any side effects, regardless of your skin type.
QUESTION: How do I get rid of acne scars quickly and how do I get rid of under skin acne?
-- @KaVaFiMo (received via Twitter)
ANSWER:
Acne scarring is a huge concern for many of our customers. Thank you for the question. The key is prevention and treating pimples quickly before they get out of control. Most acne “scars” are not real scars but areas of hyperpigmentation that will eventually fade away albeit very slowly, over time. Don't pick or squeeze pimples and diligently protect from the sun, two factors which slow the healing process and cause discoloration. Using a regimen incorporating brightening and exfoliating ingredients like Vitamin C, Kojic Acid , Glycolic and Alpha Hydroxy acids help the fading process and improve the overall skin tone while also preventing pore congestion. Keep in mind that using products that improve the skin tone and lighten acne scars may not be appropriate while you are experiencing new acne breakouts. Treat the acne first, then correct any hyperpigmentation once skin has cleared up.
Under skin acne can be minimized with the use of pore-clearing and overall oil-absorbing products in your daily regimen. Acne Facial Cleanser contains salicylic acid, an ingredient that encourages exfoliation and keeps pores from clogging up with excess sebum. Our sulfur mask for acne, Drying Mask contains ingredients to prevent excessive oil on the skin so you will break out a lot less. Buffering Lotion is a thin solution that can be rubbed in to larger areas of eruption or on deep, cystic pimples to control the spreading, speed the healing and reduce the inflammation. Exfoliating scrubs can also be beneficial for under skin acne to relieve the build up dead, dry skin cells that are trapping everything underneath. Use caution in this case not to scrub on openly erupted skin so it will not spread and heal more quickly. If you are in doubt, best to treat your skin gently and slowly work up to stronger products so as not to irritate the skin.
QUESTION: What's best for skin that is between acne and wrinkles (keeping it oil-free but some w/ some prevention for aging)?
-- @ChiCityFashion (received via Twitter)
ANSWER:
Excellent question! Thank you. For us oily or problem-skinned people, incorporating anti-aging products into our skin care regimen can be challenging since in many cases anti-aging equals products with high amounts of oils which are not recommended for oily skin. The most important piece of information you need to know about anti-aging is this: The skin ages primarily from UV exposure. In fact it is the #1 recognized reason for premature aging, not dry skin, not chronological age, not from using too little moisturizer or anti-aging treatments. That being said, the most important product you must put on your skin is sunscreen and there are daily sunscreen products available for oily and problem skin. Our lightweight, hydrating Oil Free Moisturizer (SPF 17) is the recommended daily moisturizer for oily or problem skin. For those of you getting prolonged, daily sun exposure (if you work outdoors or spend a lot of commuting time in the car, for example) our low oil, easily absorbed, Suncare SPF 30 is instead the recommended product.
Anti-aging serums are a great way to put concentrated, antioxidant ingredients on areas that first to show signs of aging such as the appearance of wrinkles, creasing and loss of elasticity. Our Cellufirm Drops is a lightweight, non-oily serum that can be used twice daily around mouth, neck, forhead and even on the eye area. It’s never too early to start using preventative products to combat the aging process as long as they are appropriate for your skin type.
We've been blowing up! Check out who's been talking about Mario Badescu in the past week:
Elle Magazine honored our famous Drying Lotion with a 2009 Beauty Award, calling the product "the best acne treatment you've ever used." Thanks, Elle! Check out the snippet here.
TalkingMakeup.com featured a post on our Seaweed Cleansing Lotion! Check it out here.
Jessica Conatser from Stylecaster.com gave Mario Badescu a shoutout recently. Her dating advice column broached the subject of how to meet your significant other's parents during the holiday season, and she mentioned that Mario Badescu makes a great gift to the lovely hostess of the evening.
Lastly, our friends at Gilt Groupe interviewed the manager of our Manhattan salon, Elena Arboleda, about men's skin care and why Mario Badescu is the right choice for their skin care needs.
Check 'em out, and let us know what you think! E-mails, Facebook posts, and Tweets are always appreciated! Stay tuned for Ask a Skin Care Specialist Part II!
Hello readers! We would like to thank everybody for responding to our calls for questions on Facebook and Twitter. We got a huge response, and we picked out a bunch of our favorites to respond to in depth. Remember, you can ask us a question anytime by posting on our Facebook wall, sending us a Tweet, or e-mailing us.
QUESTION: I have trouble when I’m pregnant with my skin getting super oily and prone to breakouts. This is my routine right now. Can you offer any suggestions? My face is still so shiny and still breaks out!
Autumn - Thanks for your facebook comment/ question. Happy to help. First of all, congrats on your pregnancy. Sounds to me like you are doing almost everything right for your oily skin although I do have some suggestions that would increase your results. You are missing one part of your clarifying regimen that will certainly make a difference: Our Drying Mask is suggested as an oil-absorbing, pore-tightening, zit drying treatment that you can apply 2-3 times a week for 20 minutes, after you cleanse and tone. Keep an eye out that you are not over drying the surface skin with your other acne products or over stimulating your skin. Your hormones are the boss now, increasing the activity in your sebaceous glands so you don’t need to help them along. Gentle care is best for oily, acne-erupted skin. Don’t over do it.
Second. I highly recommend that you use moisturizer that contains sun protection like our Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 17 or our Aloe Moisturizer SPF 15. If you are exposed to the sun for more than a few minutes a day, Suncare SPF 30 is the best choice for you. As you may already be unfortunately experiencing, healed pimples can leave brown or red marks that take many months to fade away. The fading process is not only slowed down by sun exposure but it can cause further darkening or bring out the reappearance of old marks that you thought were long gone. Also the surge of hormones during pregnancy can increase the likelihood of melasma (hyperpigmentation) which you need to protect against throughout the pregnancy and after. You can continue to use our soothing Control Moisturizer for Oily Skin in the evening or when you will be getting no sun exposure.
You don’t mention using an eye cream which I believe is one of the most important products for anti-aging. The eye area is very thin and delicate and more prone to wrinkles since there are very few oil glands in this part of the face. Check out our eye creams and get into the habit of using one twice a day, forever. If you are concerned about oil, our Ceramide Eye Gel is super lightweight and absorbent, best for your oily skin. It only takes a few more seconds to apply an eye cream and in the long run will make a huge difference.
QUESTION: What is the best product for rosacea?
--Desiree F (submitted via Facebook)
ANSWER: Thanks for your question, Desiree. We are happy to offer many products that are gentle and safe for rosacea. Rosacea skin can be tricky since the sensitivity and redness issues must be dealt with along with addressing your skin type and other skin issues in general. Overall, rosacea skin needs to be treated with products that are mild, alcohol free and contain anti-inflammatory ingredients. Healing Cream is an oil-free, soothing cream that can be applied before your moisturizer or in place of your moisturizer if your skin is oily. Control Cream is a similar product that would be recommended if you are normal or dry. Calma Mask is a great treatment that can be used as often as you need and when you have flare ups. It will immediately calm the redness out of the skin making it look more even. It is an oil-free mask so no worries if you have oily skin. Azulene Calming Mask is a similar mask that would be recommended if you have normal to dry skin. Non-foaming cleansers and make-up removers are thoroughly cleansing yet gentle for sensitive, easily reactive skin types. Our Cream Soap, Make-Up Remover Soap and Keratoplast Cream Soap are just to name a few that we offer.
QUESTION: For the bearded man in my life, what is the best way to prevent ingrown hairs and dry/flaky skin when a guy shaves his neck?
--Dana L (submitted via Facebook)
ANSWER: Sometimes the men in our lives don’t take the care or time to help themselves and just deal with whatever happens on their skin as if there are no solutions. Mario Badescu Skin Care is proud to offer a special selection of men’s products that address the needs of irritated, razor burned skin (and yes ladies, we can use some of them too!) Many of the products in the men’s line contain skin-soothing ingredients like chamomile and lavender that provide anti-inflammatory benefits for the men who suffer from the uncomfortable side effects of daily shaving like ingrown hairs. Pre-Shave Conditioner is a chamomile based gel that can be used under shaving cream to soften the beard area and to provide a closer, more comfortable shave. Our calming Control Cream can be applied to the beard area, including neck to reduce irritated or dry flaky skin, post shaving. Our Aftershave Moisturizer is a medium-weight, men’s moisturizer which can be used in the beard area after shaving or as an overnight moisturizer for soothing and nourishing benefits. For further anti-aging benefits, the Vitamin A & E Hydrating Balm is a vitamin and nutrient packed serum to combat wrinkles and dry skin. For treating bumps and ingrown hairs, a dab of our famous Drying Lotion helps speed up the healing and reduce the swelling and inflammation.
Kelly Barrett is the Assistant Manager of Mario Badescu Skin Care's Manhattan salon. She has been working for Mario Badescu since 1994 and studied Communications and Journalism in college. Aside from her duties in the salon, Kelly is Mario Badescu's go-to blogger and is widely known to have vast knowledge of the skin care industry and all-things-Badescu.
Where do I begin? I’ve been a beauty junkie as long as I can remember. Instead of buying candy with my money like any normal kid, I was buying 99 cent Wet N Wild lipstick in bright pink, blue mascara, purple eye liner and glitter nail polish. I couldn’t wait to get to the bus stop to paint up my face before getting to school. I think I was 11.
I started selling Avon at age 16 so I was surrounded by tubes and bottles of skin care products and piles of make up. For sure I spent way more than I earned. I loved reading all the ingredients and trying out different creams and lotions every night. If I could actually earn a living doing this, it would be so cool! Eventually I did, at Mario Badescu.
From my teens to my early 20’s no one ever introduced me to department store cosmetics or skin care and I’m very thankful for that. Having a beauty product habit is bad enough but at least I was buying the cheap stuff. When I first went with my college roommate to the Clinique counter and the sales person said the lipstick was $15 I nearly had a heart attack. What do I know from $15 lipsticks? Are they serious? I’m from the boonies of Long Island and all of my stuff was from the drug store and that was fine with me. I still refuse to spend that much on a lipstick. Well, now they’re more like $25. No way.
At age 24 I discovered Mario Badescu Skin Care and it was my first real job and probably will be my last. Lord knows what my skin would look like if I wasn’t working in this business. I might actually look my age! I enjoy helping others find the perfect skin regimen to make them feel good about themselves. If anyone knows Mario Badescu products and lots of other brands too, it’s me. I will try anything once (or many times) even if it’s not for my skin type. I consider it research for work and it feeds my addiction.
My skin type is combination and leaning towards oily. Never once in my life did I have dry skin. I powder my face a few times a day to get rid of the forehead shine. I get deep, monthly pimples that I try to squeeze. Very bad. I’ve always been a picker but this cyst thing is really annoying because they are leaving brown marks that take forever to go away. It’s a new thing for me as I get closer to 40. Due to the gigantic size of my pores and the brown marks, I wear a ton of make-up most days including an extra coverage foundation and concealer, full coverage powder, bronzer, and blush. I won’t even get the mail without foundation on. I’m working on that issue. I have a tube of tinted moisturizer that I use on a good day but I still have to put a full coverage powder over it. Ok so now you have an idea of what my skin is like so I’ll tell you what I do daily, weekly and on special days.
My morning regimen starts with me looking in the mirror way to closely and looking for anything to squeeze. I need to be put in a straight jacket. I am 1-2 hours from having to be in public so I try very hard to not squeeze or pick anything unless absolutely necessary. Amazing how much better my face looks that day if I don’t touch it. I know this is bad and I am working on it. I start with either the Acne Facial Cleanser at the sink or the Glycolic Foaming Cleanser in the shower. When I’m not lazy or in a rush I then wipe down my face, neck and chest with Special Glycolic Cleansing Lotion if my skin feels and looks normal. Instead I use the Special Cucumber Lotion if I have some erupted pimples. I’m too lazy to take out my body astringent (Special Cleansing Lotion O) from under the sink and get a new cotton pad out. There I said it. I’m no different from any of you. I can be lazy.
Next I apply some Cellufirm Drops to the eye area, the vertical crease on my forehead (which thank god isn’t getting any worse over the years) and the lines around my mouth. Then I put on some Dermonectin Eye Cream until my eye area is all shiny and moist. I need some time to let that soak in before I do my make up. Now comes the hardest decision of the day. Which moisturizer? Is it sticky and humid? Then I go for the Herbal Hydrating Serum. Is my skin peeling from using Retin-A on my zits? Then I’m going for Honey Moistuizer and the rare occasion when I’ve completely overdone it with the Retin A, a tiny drop of Vitacel Moist Cream. If you are reading this and have oily skin do not use Vitacel Moist Cream! I’m a trained professional. Some days I may want to experiment with another brand moisturizer or cream. I have plenty of friends in the business who are more than happy to share their skin care freebies and samples with me. Hey, I have to be well informed about what else is out there. It’s my job. This morning routine takes maybe 5 minutes, if that.
At night it depends on what time I get home from work and if I’m going to be putting on make-up and going back out again. If I’m just going to bed I will cleanse with the Glycolic Foaming Cleanser if I’m in the shower or the Acne Facial Cleanser if I’m at the sink. Most nights I am good about using my Special Cleansing Lotion astringent. With the amount of make-up I wear and the new hormonal breakouts I’ve been getting, I really feel that this step is essential for me (and for you!).
If my skin is looking pretty busted I’ll do a mask. I’ll use either Calma Mask or Healing & Soothng Mask. If it’s broken out but I’m being very good and not squeezing I’ll do the Drying Mask. It’s amazing what this mask can do. I LOVE IT, as bad as it smells. I truly see a difference the next day. I use Whitening Mask some nights to help reduce the look of the brown marks. Some weeks they look worse than others. It all depends.
I will put some Cellufirm Drops around my eyes or use a drop of Dermonectin Eye Cream. I wake up very swollen in the face so using a lot of eye products is not something I want to do. At almost 40, I am lucky to report that I do not have crow’s feet. Some very minor wrinkling under the eye I can deal with. Not crow’s feet. I attribute that to the fact I have been working at Mario Badescu since I was 24 and using eye cream every single day and night. That and getting very little sun exposure over the last 15 years. I almost never use a night cream. I am never dry so it’s not a problem for me.
If I have a new zit I will hit it with a dab of Drying Lotion. If I have a scab or self-inflicted wound from picking I will dab on Drying Cream and then a bit of Special Healing Powder and by morning, it really is much better. If I am applying make-up and going out I will just do the morning routine.
I use a face scrub once or twice a week in the shower. Usually I use the Almond & Honey. This is particularly helpful if I’m using Retin-A and I’m peeling a bit. It smoothes things over so when I put make-up on, the flaky skin is almost gone.
If I have a hot date (Ha! As if) I love the Temporary Lifting Mask because it makes my pores so small and helps my make-up go on more smoothly so I don’t start getting all self-conscious about my skin. Honestly it is an issue for me when I meet new people but I am happy to have all the “tools” I need to make things a lot better. A good skin care routine has made a lot of difference in the way I look and feel. It does matter.
This post is going to bring us back to the question: “What is your skin type?”(See post: How To Identify Your Skin Type) When I ask this extremely important question, particularly over the phone where I can not see anything and have to rely on only my customer’s communication skills, and the response I get is “sensitive,” I start to get a little frustrated when it is not followed immediately with a more detailed explanation.
Sensitive skin.What does this mean to me? What does this mean to you?Well first of all for you it can mean you will be using all the wrong skin care products if you didn’t follow up with an explanation of the details of your so-called “sensitive skin”.Let’s see if we can really determine if this is a true statement for you or not.
What does Dictionary.com say?I like definition #2:readily or excessively affected by external agencies or influences.Having read that, do you think that because you get a pimple during your monthly cycle, that you have sensitive skin? No, it just means you are a normal human being and during this wonderful time of the month your oil glands are affected by the hormonal changes in the body and you get a zit. Do you think that because your skin is all red, raw and dried up from using every product in out acne line all at once that you have sensitive skin? I think not. Did it ever occur to you, using all of the top strength products in your skin care regimen that this may not be good for your skin nor helping to clear you up?Skin is sometimes delicate and doesn’t respond nicely to isopropyl alcohol, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, granular scrubs and clay masks all on the same day.It does not always mean you have sensitive skin.It may just mean you have normal skin and you are treating it badly.
When you tell a skin care salesperson “I have sensitive skin” with no follow up info, assume they are thinking (and I am thinking) you are highly allergic to many things, easily irritated and product reactive-see definition above.If this is not the case, then you better have some more details immediately or you will get a bag full of mild, soothing, potentially too weak products for what may be going on with your skin and then you will not get the results you paid for.Having acne doesn’t necessarily mean sensitive either. Just like getting a pimple every now and again doesn’t mean you have “acne.” Having a doctor tell you that you have rosacea usually does mean you are sensitive and should use caution with what you put on your face, although not in every single case.See what I’m getting at? There is no one-size-fits-all skin care and the more information you can provide, the better.Now where have I heard that statement before? I’m just trying to make sure you get your money’s worth when you walk away with your skin care regimen whether it comes from Mario Badescu or anywhere else.
Some sensitive skin guidelines. (GUIDELINES, not rules: everyone’s skin is different.)
If you have very fair, easily sunburned, thin skin that may appear ruddy and the capillaries show through, chances are you’re sensitive.Think Nicole Kidman, Howdy Doody or Danny Partridge.
Red-haired, blue eyed people of Celtic, British or Scottish decent often have thinner skin. Blood vessels and nerve endings are closer to the skin’s surface in this case, causing easily irritated or sensitive skin.
If products containing heavy fragrance or artificial color cause you to feel irritated or get blotchy, chances are you’re sensitive.
If being out in the cold, blustery weather, even briefly, causes you to get very red and blotchy, chances are you’re sensitive (and need to get a protective cream instead of a moisturizer). Does the same happen indoors when the heat is kicking full force? Yep, same thing.
Does your skin get uncomfortable and irritated from using a drugstore brand exfoliating scrub?This could mean you are sensitive or just massaging the scrub too long or using it too often. Never use your scrub daily unless the label says it is specifically a daily use product.
Does an alcohol-based astringent feel like it’s burning your skin slightly?Maybe you have dry skin and it’s too strong and shouldn’t be using it anyway or maybe you are truly sensitive. If you have oily/acne skin and also sensitive, there are other effective options.
Sensitive skin generally has an impaired barrier function so products are more permeable.In English:The protective, moisturizing part of the skin is not as strong so potential irritants can get through to the nerve endings and blood vessels causing inflammation.Water loss in the epidermis (top layer of skin) is common in sensitive skin so dehydration can also be an issue.Be careful about using soapy, foamy cleansers to often or at all. They can make this condition worse.
Hopefully this has shed some light on whether or not you really have sensitive skin and helps you in the future choosing the correct skin care products.
Nicole Darmanin is the Public Relations Manager of Mario Badescu Skin Care. She has extensive knowledge of cosmetic chemistry, make-up artistry and the fun job of making Mario Badescu Skin Care a household name.
It is not by chance that I have a career in the beauty industry. I have an unquenchable love of all things sparkly, fragrant, bubbly and creamy. When I was old enough to realize that I could make a living surrounded by beauty products, I dove right in. I am truly a product junkie.
When I first started working for Mario Badescu 3 years ago, all of my spare time was spent cleansing, toning, moisturizing and masking until I found the absolute best products for my well attended to but sometimes temperamental skin. I have sensitivity (meaning that I am allergic to some skin care ingredients), and am oily with occasional bouts of adult acne. If I use products that are too aggressive my skin gets dry. For me, skin care is a total balancing act. After years of experimenting with Mario Badescu Skin Care here are my staple, problem-solving and can’t-live-without products:
For daily cleansing I use the Seaweed Cleansing Soap. I love that it cleans well without stripping and leaves my sensitive calm and soft. Three times a week I switch and use the Glycolic Foaming Cleanser to deep clean.
I love toner! I probably alternate between 4 different ones but my favorite is the Special Cucumber Lotion. It leaves my skin feeling super clean and helps fight breakouts.
My biggest Mario must have is the Herbal Hydrating Serum. It is a water based gel that keeps my skin hydrated without clogging my pores. I use it day and night every day.
I absolutely love our masks and can never commit to using just one. My favorite thing to do is make mixture of half Drying Mask and half Whitening Mask to fight breakouts and brighten at the same time. When my skin is feeling sensitive the Calma Mask is a lifesaver.
The Almond and Honey Face Scrub is packed with good for your skin ingredients including seaweed, zinc, almond, clay and honey, I feel like I’m giving my skin a mini spa treatment every time I use it.
When I break out I turn to my tried and true arsenal of blemish fighters. The Drying Cream for small pimples, the Buffering Lotion for big under the skin cystic pimples and I always apply Healing Cream once I can tell that the breakout is fading away.
We here at Mario Badescu Skin Care are proud to announce that we are running a new contest!
We want to hear your personal skin care stories. Tell us what your problem is. Tell us how you've struggled. Tell us what you've tried that worked and what you've tried that hasn't.
5 lucky contestants will win a personalized one-on-one skin care consultation with one of our skin care professionals, as well as a complete customized skin care regimen targeted from their skin type and condition.
This contest is over November 1st, so act now! Find out more details and enter to win! Click the banner at the top of our Acne Resource Center, or just scroll down!
This blog is directed at the boys, the men. I want to know why so many of you are afraid to take good care of your skin. Is it a manly thing that you shouldn’t care about such things? How ridiculous. You spend hours at the gym to get buff but you don’t care about how your skin looks? Why? Well if you are reading this that’s great because you’re actually here and on your way to learning about good skin care. (No one has to know).
My experiences with men in my life and their skin care habits all sound alike. Men seem to be brand loyal and once they find something they like, they will just buy it over and over again just to avoid shopping and thinking about it, not because it’s actually a good product. Degree deodorant, random bar soap, Barbasol shaving cream, giant bottle of Tres Semme shampoo and maybe the odd day for some sunscreen if I was there to demand it. The basics. Maybe some pre-shave shave oil if he got it as a gift (from me most likely). If I brought some products home, yeah he’d use them intermittently without much force but in the end I wind up throwing away a year-old jar of eye cream, three-quarters full, in the garbage. Obviously there is a lot of room for improvement – for both the man I am thinking about in my head as well as all men. With a little effort, a little information, and a better skin care regimen, all men can have better skin – it’s not that hard.
Men’s skin is actually different. It is thicker with larger pores and more oil glands. So men’s skin actually has more strength and defense than women’s skin. This is no reason for neglect though. Daily shaving and working outdoors in extreme weather conditions takes its toll on the toughest of skins.
Let’s start with what you are currently washing your face with. Bar of soap? The same bar of soap you wash your, no wait. You know where I’m going with that, right? So far you’ve been doing that all your life and you’re still alive so I’m not saying it’s harmful, I’m just saying there’s a better way that’s just as effective yet less harsh and drying and barbaric. A specific face cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type will do a better job. I just opened up a can of worms there, right? What’s your skin type?
Sunscreen and moisturizer. Why are you not using these daily? Your skin needs protection from the sun’s rays all the time to prevent skin cancer and even more so if you work outdoors. Sun exposure is cumulative and is recognized as the number 1 cause of premature aging of the skin. Use it every day regardless of what the weather looks like. Get and all-in-one that is suitable for your skin type and don’t use your body sunscreen on your face, especially if you have problem or oily skin.
Eye cream is important for men too. Skin around the eyes can be 1/10 the thickness of the rest of your face and lacks oil glands. Those crow’s feet are going to show up some time if they haven’t already. Prevent wrinkles by moisturizing that delicate skin every day with an eye cream, not your regular face lotion. Eye creams are formulated specially for the eye area with ingredients to target puffiness and wrinkle prone skin.
Scrub. Yeah that sounds slightly manly, doesn’t it? Exfoliating a few times a week with a granular face scrub eliminates pore clogging build up which ends up as blackheads. No one likes looking at those. Exfoliating regularly keeps the pores clean so ingrown hairs will be minimized. It also helps keep your face nice and smooth as an added bonus.
Shall I go on? You will benefit from a mask and a toner too. Special shaving products will make your shaving pain go away. No need to suffer with razor burn and ingrown hairs. These additional, simple steps will only result in more clear, clean skin. What’s unmanly about that?
Nothing can take the place of a professional salon facial including pore extractions and the stimulating, revitalizing massage called “effleurage” on your face and neck. What you can do easily at home is still a relaxing, beneficial treatment not only for your face, but for your mind and body as well. If you find yourself dateless (or penniless) on a Friday night or want to have a girly night in with your BFF’s, this is the way to pass the time and achieve a great result on your skin. Maybe you can convince your boyfriend or significant other to join you in the fun. This is also a great treat for your skin before a special night out that will make you feel and look great.
Since most of us don’t have professional face steamers in the house, we will offer some easy substitutions for the salon procedures that can not be duplicated such as the steaming. It is highly recommended to avoid doing any home extractions for pimples or blackheads so we will skip this step altogether. Leave that top the professionals who can clean the pores without damaging surrounding skin and know when to stop.
Let’s get started with a list of what you will need:
Blender full of delicious, healthy smoothies or virgin cocktails.
CD player stocked with your favorite chill music.
Scented candles
Hair band or hair covering
A comfy robe that can be opened to expose the neck and décolleté. Preferably washable in case of drips and spills.
Strong chamomile tea, brewed and chilled or cold cucumber slices (of course!)
Cotton pads
Large towel or sheet to cover your couch or bed.
Large bowl filled with hot water
Facial spray or aromatherapy oils
Several small towels or large washcloths
Eye make up remover
Cleanser
Toner
Astringent – if you have oily/problematic skin
Gentle face scrub
Mask
Moisturizer
Serum
Eye cream
Lip Balm
Pimple treatment product(s)
STEP ONE. PREP:
Make sure your hair is out of your face and you are comfy in your robe. Cover your couch or bed with the large towel to protect it from spills and dribbles. Turn on your music and have your healthy beverage close by. Light your scented candles. Please use caution.
STEP TWO. CLEANSE:
Remove any eye make up by dampening a cotton pad with eye make up remover and gently press to the eye. Wipe away in a downward direction until all traces of make-up are removed. Wet your face with tepid water and gently massage cleanser in circular motions. Don’t forget under the chin and neck. If you have very oily skin or acne, do not spend too much time massaging as this can stimulate the skin to produce more oils. Rinse thoroughly with tepid water and pat dry. Dampen a cotton pad with a gentle, non-alcohol toner and wipe your face in an outward direction until cotton is clean.
STEP THREE. “STEAM”:
Soak a small towel or washcloth in hot water and completely wring out. You can put a few drops of aromatherapy oil (lavender is nice) in the hot water or spray the towel with our Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater. Make sure it’s not too hot to the touch. Lay down and apply the towel to your face leaving an opening for the nose. Relax for 10 minutes while the heat softens the skin and allows the pores to open up.
STEP FOUR. EXFOLIATE:
This step will loosen up any pore congestion and remove the build up of dead skin cells. Dampen your face with tepid water and massage on your face scrub in circular motions for about 1-2 minutes. Avoid getting too close to the eyes or any areas where you have breakouts. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
STEP FOUR. MASK:
Apply a small amount of eye cream to avoid the mask from pulling the delicate skin once it dries. Apply a few drops of your favorite serum to “areas of concern” like the creases on your forehead and neck or around the mouth. Apply a thin layer of your mask all over the face, neck and décolleté. Lay back and apply tea-soaked cotton pads or cold cucumber slices to the eyes. Relax for 20 minutes while the mask takes effect. Now would be the perfect time to have your hands massaged with a rich and thick hand cream. Take turns with your friends. Sip your drink, listen to music and destress. When 20 minutes is up, thoroughly remove the mask with wet washcloths of by rinsing at the sink. Pat dry. Use toner or astringent if necessary to remove any mask residue.
STEP FIVE. MOISTURIZE:
First apply a few drops of serum. Gently tap on your eye cream following the orbital bone to the corners of your eyes. Massage on your moisturizer or cream. Don’t forget the neck and décolleté. Apply your creams to neck and décolleté in upward strokes. Finally, give your face a light spritz of facial spray and blot with a tissue. Apply lip balm. Now keep your skin out of the pollution and make-up as long as possible for the best results. You should feel relaxed and fresh with glowing skin. Enjoy!
Do you think you have to spend a lot of money to have great skin and look good? That’s what the major cosmetic companies want you to believe, isn’t it. With their $40 cleansers and $300 face creams and $50 foundations you would have to be pretty wealthy to keep up with a long-term routine on those brands. If you look closely at the product labels, many of the expensive brands have the same ingredients as the lower priced brands. The extra price you pay is to finance the company’s bazillion dollar advertising budget and the product’s excessive, and not very earth friendly packaging. Nothing says “I can afford the best, most luxurious products” like a fancy glass jar to hold your designer-label night cream with a $300 price tag! Do not forget to tell your friends how much you spent on it too. Why else would you spend that if you don’t actually have to?
In this economic recession, less and less of us can actually afford the little comforts in life like good skin care products much less the designer-priced ones. What can you do to get what you need and love for your skin without having to choose between paying your electric bill or your cell phone bill this month?
Money-Saving Skin Care Ideas
Invest in a good moisturizer and sunscreen all in one for daily use on your face. Protecting your skin from the sun is the best anti-aging defense you have and you should be doing it every day, sunny or not, winter or summer. Spend the money on a 2 in 1 product rather than layering 2 separate products at twice the cost. Not only are you saving money, you are saving your skin from potentially very dangerous skin cancer. Keep in mind, sunscreens made for the body are not always suitable for the face, especially if you have problem skin.
Prevention and maintenance is better than repair, I always say. If you are neglecting your skin and skipping important steps of your skin care routine, you will end up spending more money in the long run on repair products and treatments. For example; you are too lazy to take off your make up before bed or to do your mask or scrub regularly. The result? Your skin gets clogged up, starts breaking out and looks terrible. Eventually you will wind up in the facialist’s chair or worse the dermatologist’s office, spending even more money. A situation you could have easily prevented. Maybe if you didn’t bake your face in the sun for so long, you could have put off those very expensive botox injections for a few more years. I’m all for it (in moderation, of course) but if I can somehow take steps to avoid it longer, I’d rather do that, wouldn’t you? If you can’t seem to make good skin care habits a regular part of your day then you can invest in a package of facials, usually at a discounted price so you can have your skin professionally cleaned every 4-6 weeks.
Having and maintaining a tan does not have to be expensive or harmful to your skin. Don’t even get me started on the dangers of using tanning beds or baking yourself to a crisp at the beach. You don’t need the lecture because you are well aware of the dangers of sun exposure, I’m sure. If not, I encourage you to find out. Invest in a good body scrub and self tanner and fake it. There are many excellent body lotions on the market that contain subtle self tanners them which are ideal for adding gradual color or for maintaining your self-tan. Self tanners look beautiful if your skin is prepped appropriately(exfoliate and moisturize first, always) and applied carefully and correctly. Don’t spend on a fancy brand because they all work the same way, with similar ingredients. You can get self tanners for as little as $12 and body lotions with buildable color for as little as $10.
Basically the message I am trying to get across is this: Maintenance and prevention cost less than fixing what could have been avoided in the first place. Think carefully about where your money really goes when you buy your favorite beauty products. With just a little knowledge and research, there are often cheaper, equivalent alternatives to be easily found. Try to be green and use products with less packaging. They usually cost less for that simple reason. Compare labels and brands and make sure you are not spending more, unnecessarily for basically the same ingredients.
I’m an overpacker. I have to bring everything I use on a daily basis and everything I may want to use, just in case. Since I haven’t traveled by plane since these crazy one-bag-per-person luggage restrictions, I am in for some serious packing anxiety soon. Probably half of my suitcase is needed for my skin care, bath and hair products. I just don’t trust whatever the hotel may have as far as shampoo and body lotion. Sometimes good, sometimes bad and sometimes, nothing at all except a bar of soap. (Yes, sometimes I had to travel on a tight budget and wound up at a less than high end hotel. My travel agent wasn’t too happy about an 11pm phone call with me sobbing hysterically for him to get me out of there even though every room in the city was booked. Somehow it happened. But anyway…….)
Packing Your Skin Care Essentials
What can you leave at home without sacrifice? Well, nothing really but space is at a premium in your suitcase so get creative. I say carry on whatever you desperately must have but keep in mind the 3.4oz liquid rule for your carry on. As far as make-up, everything I need for an entire face is in my handbag every day no matter what. Ya never know. Scour the cosmetic counter for sample bottles of foundation, mini mascaras, eye shadow sets and teeny blush sets. Come on, you know what I mean. These are included in the gift sets that major cosmetic companies give away several times a year. Buy something, anything, just so you can score make-up minis for your kit. If your skin is anything like mine, after a long flight you’re going to need to re-do your face before you get off the plane. That recycled airplane air is smelly and gross and makes a disaster of your skin. Bring your make-up on board!
Mile High Skin Care
The humidity level on an airplane is about 10-20 percent, lower than the typical 35-60 percent we are used to indoors. This can dehydrate skin making it dull and dry looking. Slather on a protective cream before boarding to coat your skin with an extra layer of protection from these conditions. Pack a moisture mask that you can do at the hotel before bed to do some damage control from the long flight.
On the other hand, strange as it may seem, some skin types gush oil when sitting in a dehydrating airplane. I don’t know if the long exposure to dry air stimulates the oil glands into overdrive but I can tell you, it happens. It happens to me and it’s not pretty. If this sounds like you, carry along a small bottle of astringent and some cotton pads so you can do a quick mop up when things get out of control. Oil blotting papers are great for this too. Just don’t sop up the gushing oil with your compact sponge and put it back in the compact. You are asking for skin problems by doing that, not to mention ruining the powder with moisture. Pack a clay mask to do before bed to tighten pores up and get things back to normal.
You're On Vacation, But Your Skin Care Regimen Isn't!
Get a hold of some 2oz travel bottles for your cleanser, toner, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion. These can easily be found in a drugstore or cosmetic store especially with the recent baggage and carry on limits, they are now more widely available. As for your sunscreen, bring a full size since research shows we never apply enough to get the protection we need. 1oz (the size of a shot glass) is the minimum that should be slathered on us at least 20 minutes before getting on the beach. Wrap all your liquid products in plastic storage bags to prevent leaks. Nothing worse than opening your suitcase to find all your clothes reeking in perfume or lotion that leaked on everything.
How come the sun is always stronger on vacation? Sounds funny but laying out at your own pool in New Jersey in the summer is a heck of a lot different from laying out on a tropical beach near the equator where the sun’s rays are much stronger. Load up on the sunscreen and keep reapplying, often. Don’t forget to protect your hair when you’re on a beach vacation. Bring a long a bottle of spray in conditioner that will keep locks moist when you’re out in the sun and it will help you comb through your hair after you take a dip in the ocean.
Other Skin Care Considerations for Traveling
How is the change in climate going to affect your skin? Have you thought of that? You will need to pack some special things for a ski vacation versus a beach vacation, obviously, but I don’t mean clothes. Cold, blustery weather can chap your face so a thick protective cream with sunscreen is a necessity. Your regular moisturizer will not cut it for a day on the slopes. A lip balm with sunscreen, super thick hand cream and body lotion would make sense here too. Does warm, humid weather cause your skin to breakout and act erratic? Add in too many margaritas, not enough sleep, and the inevitable diet-ruining feast, and your skin might not be in good shape. Bring along some acne spot treatments just in case.
Plan ahead so you can have great skin and enjoy your vacation without any stress. Happy packing!
Summer is starting to come to a close and the beautiful weather we have enjoyed will soon be a mere memory – but that doesn’t necessarily mean that we can’t have sexy, gorgeous tanned skin all year ‘round! Read on for some terrific self-tanning tips that can help you get that nice summer tan, even in the dead of winter!
Unless you are living on another planet, I’m sure you’re aware of the dangers and results of sun exposure. Skin cancer, premature aging, discoloration, to name a few. It’s not good for you, as good as you may look rocking a deep tan. I am going to teach you the proper way to apply a self tanning lotion so that you look good, feel good, and preserve your skin as long as you possibly can.
STEP ONE
Exfoliate all the areas you plan to tan. If you plan on waxing or shaving do it a day or 2 before. Use a moisturizing body scrub or a loofah and shower gel. The idea here is to smooth out any rough patches so the self tanner doesn’t stain in the areas where you are dry. Pay special attention to the ankles, knees and elbows and anywhere near the feet.
STEP TWO
Pat your skin dry and moisturize all over, again paying more attention to the dryer parts like knees, elbows, ankles and feet.
STEP THREE
Apply the self tanner by massaging it on to your skin like you would a body lotion, being careful to apply and even application of product so the color comes up natural looking. Go easy on the lower ankles because self tanner tends to develop darker there. Wash your hands thoroughly (with lots of soap) including between your fingers and cuticles. The product should dry in about 3 minutes so if you need to get dressed more quickly, get out a hair dryer or fan and help this process along. Should I mention that it’s not recommended to put on white or very light colored clothing anytime soon after self tanning? If you sweat, get caught in the rain or if it’s not completely dry your clothes will stain. I like to self tan before bed so I know there will be no problems with my clothing, especially since I wear a white uniform to work most days.
STEP FOUR
Maintain the color every few days by doing another application (minus the exfoliation step). Once the color starts to look uneven and dull or orange, its time to start over with a fresh application and exfoliate again. Be careful not to become a self tan-o-rexic because it can build up unevenly and look dirty and unnatural.
HELPFUL HINTS:
If your skin is very oily or you have large, congested pores, I do not recommend using self tanner on the face as it will draw more attention to the pores when the color starts to darken. You’re better off with a powder bronzer.
If your application is messy and you’re color develops unevenly, fresh lemon juice and a gentle body scrub will speed up the fading process.
Never use a new self tanner for the first time before a special event. Experiment at an earlier time to see how the color comes up on you.
Wait at least 10-12 hours before showering to avoid washing away some of the color.
Apply a little petroleum jelly or hand cream to your nails and cuticles to provide protection against staining.
Okay, okay, okay! Guilty as charged. Throw the book at me. Take me away. I just can't help myself
I'm a beauty junkie.
How many of you out there are also guilty? If you can relate to more than 3 of these, I think it's time to seek some help.
1. Your medicine cabinet. Your friend walks into your bathroom “looking for a tylenol” and when she opens the medicine cabinet she is knocked unconscious by the avalanche of cleansers, hair serums, eye creams and zit creams that come tumbling out. You know she was snooping anyways, so she deserved it anyway. I hope you have insurance.
2. Make-up over money? You haven’t paid your electric bill, cell phone bill or paid your sister back the $500 you owe her but you just bought the most amazing 2000 watt hair dryer that can dry your hair straight in under 5 minutes.
3. Shopping issues. Count the bottles of self tanner in your bathroom cabinet. If it’s more than 3 and they are all about half used, you’re a beauty junkie. How many bottles of self tanner do you need at once? The answer is one. There is no rehab for this.
4. Variety problems. 75% of your lipstick, lipgloss and nail polish are almost all the same color. Hey, you know what you like…you just keep buying more stuff! Problem. Serious problem.
5. Celebrity lust. You just saw the celeb-du-jour wearing the trendiest nail polish. You buy the exact same one even though it looks awful on you and it cost $25. You wear it anyway and think everyone who sees you will start wearing it too, making you the trendsetter. I’m thinking Rihanna yellow. Yikes. Not cool.
6. Shower power. It takes you 10 minutes of water wasting in the shower to decide which shower gel, body scrub, shave gel, shampoo and conditioner to use. (Be green, people! Decide before turning the water on. Take a quick shower – it’s better for your skin and the environment.)
7. Merry...Christmas...? Holiday time comes and you get home from the mall with new lipstick, foundation, mascara, perfume, wrinkle serum, body cream and you’re out of money and bought no one a present. Well, no one except yourself. Oh well, you deserve it.
8. Situational dedication. Your gym bag, work locker, and boyfriend’s apartment all have a complete set of your skin care, hair care, and make-up products. You should never be caught off guard or unprepared. You never know, you may run into Matthew McConaughey in Starbucks. You need to look fierce, always!
9. Throw something out? The vegetable bin in your refrigerator has your overload of beauty products that no longer fit in your bathroom and on your dresser. Hey, at least there they are cool and dry and won’t be rancid when you get to them in 2013.
10. So necessary. You steal Equal and napkins from Dunkin Donuts, you reuse ziplock bags and tin foil but your Louis Vuitton make-up case cost $200 and is only big enough to hold one lipstick and a blush.
Let me know - how many of these do you relate to? I want to hear your stories! We'll publish the best ones.
We are extremely proud to announce the launch of our brand new Acne Resource Center. We were looking around to see what other people have said and written about acne on the web, and we couldn’t find one spot with all of the right information. We decided to take matters into our own hands.
Our team of estheticians and professional beauty consultants all linked up to share their years of experience and insider secrets about treating acne and clearing up skin. The end result? The absolute end of the road for acne treatment advice and tips. Moreover, we’ve formulated specialized acne treatment regimens for people with different skin types, and explained exactly how these regimens work (we even have some printable checklists for you to keep in your bathroom!).
Readers: What do you think about the ARC? E-mail us your feedback! And don’t forget to submit your MB Acne Treatment Success Stories – we featured Lisa from Yonkers, NY this week – you could be next!
With the sun beating down, summer in full swing, and vacations abound, a lot of skin care advice is flying around – and it might not all be correct.Read on for our top 5 summer skin care myths.
Myth #1:My skin will be better protected if I get a base tan.
Wrong!While having a tan does mean that your skin has increased melanin, and melanin helps protect against sun burn, the added protection is only equivalent to an SPF of about 3-4.A base tan does not provide nearly enough protection for your skin, even on the cloudiest of days.Truth: Any tan is the body’s response to the skin being damaged.
Myth #2:Tanning booths are safe.
Think again.Many people think that just because tanning booths help you get tan with less chance of a burn, they protect your skin or are in some way better than the effects of the sun.The truth is, tanning booths are way worse.While normal sun burn is caused by UVB (burning) rays, tanning beds use UVA (aging) rays, which can penetrate deeper into the skin and cause more damage.
Myth #3:All I need to look for in a suntan lotion is a high SPF.
Actually, looking for a suitable SPF is only part of the winning formula for safe skin care during the summer.Two other ingredients are crucial for safe skin care: Titanium Dioxide and Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate.Titanium Dioxide helps to scatter UV light and block both UVA and UVB rays, while Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate is the leading FDA approved sun blocker, and is adept at absorbing UV rays.Look for sun care products that contain these ingredients, and you’ll be able to keep your skin healthy, even in the sun.
Other things matter besides for the chemical composition.It is advisable to use a sunscreen on your face that is specially designed for faces, because body sun screens are usually made with heavier oils that may not be suitable for faces.Try a face moisturizer with sun screen that is compatible with your skin type.
Myth #4:I just need sun screen on my face and body.
It’s easy to get to the beach, slather some sun block all over your body and on your face, and forget about two crucial areas: your eyes and lips.Lips are easily burnt, and must be protected by either special lip sunscreen, or with a lip wax containing SPF.Likewise, the eyes need protection too.Proper sun screen use on the eye area can also help to prevent wrinkles and other aging effects caused by the sun.Keep in mind that the eye area is the thinnest and oftentimes first to show signs of aging, so protecting this area is vital!
Myth #5:You don’t need sun screen on a cloudy day.
This is perhaps the biggest summer skin care myth of all.The fact is, the proper use of sun screen is not just for the summer.Protecting your skin is a year-round job.UV radiation and UVA/UVB rays penetrate through clouds and reach the Earth’s surface no matter what, meaning that daily sun screen use is the ultimate skin care weapon to keep your skin looking healthy, young, and beautiful.
Have you ever walked up to a cosmetic counter looking for some skin care products and the salesperson asked you the simple question, “What is your skin type?” You look at her with a blank stare and realize you have no idea.
Now for a skin care and beauty junkie, I find this very odd but I know you exist and I want to help. After a few simple questions, some sharp observations and some communication with you, the salesperson should be able to make that call - but you can’t always guarantee the person selling you products knows any more than you do. Don’t rely solely on them. You could get lucky and encounter a professional, career skin care beauty advisor with years of experience with many brands, perhaps even with an esthetician’s license. On the other hand, however, you may wind up dealing with someone who is just learning the biz herself. Everyone has to start somewhere, right? You just never really know.
Why is skin type important?
When you are purchasing any skin care product, it is so important to understand what is going on with your skin and how it reacts day to day, and season to season, and to be able to verbalize this clearly. In some cases you may be left to your own devices to make your selections so you definitely need this knowledge.
Why is this so important? If you randomly select skin care products without paying attention to the skin types they are made for, you could be throwing your hard-earned money in the toilet. You may not get the results you are after or you could be causing your skin to look worse by using the wrong products for your skin type. The salesperson is there to not only sell to you but to guide you in making the proper selections. The more information you can give about the condition of your skin and your lifestyle, the better chances you will get great products that will give you maximum results.
Knowing your skin type has one other distinct advantage, and it can help save you money. The less you know about your skin, the more opportunity the salesperson has to take advantage of that lack of knowledge and sell you the moon and make you actually believe you need it. If you know your skin in and out, you’ll be able to work with the salesperson to make an informed decision that is best for your skin.
Determining Skin Type
There are several simple and effective ways in determining your skin type. One is purely by observation. The other uses a “tool” to help you. When I say “tool” I mean a simple piece of tissue paper.
The condition of your skin when you first wake up as well as in the late afternoon tells us a lot. Look in the mirror when you get out of bed and also when you get home from work or school. A magnifying mirror is ideal for this. What do you see?
Is it shiny all over? Shiny only in the t-zone? Visibly enlarged pores? Do you wake up greasy? Does your make-up seem to melt off by late morning or are you blotting and touching up all day? Do you have enlarged pores that get congested easily? Does a humid summer day cause your skin to gush oil that seems out of control? Then you probably have oily skin.
Does your skin feel normal? Minimal shine and dry patches? No sign of any large pores or maybe just a few? Rare breakouts and minimal blackheads? A random pimple every now and again but nothing that really concerns you? Depending on the weather it can lean dry or a little oily but really, not to any one extreme. Then you probably have normal skin or combination skin (has a little of both). Lucky for you if your skin looks good and stays normal. The only concern you will have is finding the right balance of products. Nothing too strong or you may become dry and conversely, nothing too mild that won’t be effective. You may also have to change products seasonally if your skin changes.
Do you wake up with uncomfortably tight skin that looks dull and drab? Do you moisturize before bed only to wake up dry as a bone? Tight pores, flaky patches? Does this get worse in cold, dry weather? Yep, you have dry skin.
Have you found where you fit in one of the 3 categories of skin types above? Additionally, do you experience redness and get easily irritated by certain products or ingredients? Does your skin look blotchy and uneven? If so, then you also have sensitive skin.
The Paper Test for Telling Skin Type
The second way to determine your skin type is to use a piece of tissue paper, plain facial tissue or eyeglass lens cleansing tissue. Cleanse with a gentle, soap free cleanser and pat dry. Wait 3 hours for the skin to normalize. Press a piece of tissue paper each to the cheeks, chin and forehead.
Did the tissue paper stick? Do you see patches of oil on the paper when you hold it up to the light? Oily skin. Does the paper stick on your skin but when you remove it you don’t see any oil or maybe just a bit from were you pressed on the t-zone? Normal skin. Does the paper not stick at all? No oily spots on the paper at all? Dry.
Once you have figured out your skin type, it is essential to realize that it may change depending on your health, the season, the temperature and many other environmental factors. You don’t have to lock yourself into a skin type forever but be aware of its condition and type now and select appropriate products. Most importantly, now that you know your skin type, make sure that you select an appropriate skin care regimen - there is no one-size-fits-all skin care system.
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Kristin Larson writes the beauty and fashion blog 
Hope DeAngelis Schmid is co-founder of the popular women's travel and beauty blog, 
Sarah Conley’s uber popular site 
Never until this year did I realize such a change in my skin from season to season. I had a hard time understanding customers who would say their skin gets so dry in the winter when I have never experienced anything close to a change like that in myself. Maybe in August I get a bit shinier and in the winter it’s more normal but yep, it’s true. Now I can say it’s real because it’s happening to me!
Felicia Walker Benson, Editor in Chief of 
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All of us here at Mario Badescu Skin Care wish you a happy, healthy, and safe Fourth of July.
You have your skin care regimen, you’re actually doing it this time and it works. Everything is coming along nicely and your skin is fab-u. But you can’t leave well enough alone can you? You had to go and do something to your skin that was going to make it even better than an airbrushed magazine picture. Or so you thought. A peel that promised the skin of a baby’s bottom with one application. The newest celeb skin care products you watched on TV at 4am. Or you begged your derm to give you a topical Rx to make your skin flawless but instead you now have toast. Or the best one that we all know and love- you have a cystic pimple that is lingering forever so you decide to go medieval on it and now you have a raw patch that make up wont stick to or you have a scab the size of a quarter and Murphy’s Law -- to top it off you have a date, event, or photo shoot in 3 days! Ah if I had a dollar for every time this happened to me I could retire. 
cu Skin Care offers a number of products specifically designed for mens skin care needs, including the 
Last week was an exciting week for Mario Badescu Skin Care - we launched a new product and the skin care community is buzzing about it. It is our great pleasure to introduce the Oil-Free Moisturizer (SPF-30).
My name is Andeea and I am a Skin Care Specialist and Make-up Artist at Mario Badescu Skin Care. My skin has always experienced a combination of problems. Growing up in Minnesota the weather was hot and humid in the summer and really dry and cold in the winter months. I had always thought my skin was oilier than it really was therefore I was always unintentionally using the wrong products on my skin. It was not until I went to school for make-up artistry that I realized how important skin care really was, up until then I can’t even remember what I used, but I know it wasn’t right. 
March is a weird month for the Northeast. It could snow one day or be 50 degrees another. I woke up this past Sunday morning smelling and hearing Spring from the open window. Somewhat the same way you can smell winter coming around the middle of September. Its just one of those things you can smell in the air and sense in your bones. I guess Mother Nature is a pretty smart lady.
I’m a late bloomer. I went on my first official Spring Break to Cancun at age 31. It was just on the verge of being the real Spring Break for some colleges so it was a few days of a normal, adult vacation followed by a few days of craziness with the college crowd. I did feel a little weird but no one had to know I was really 31 and so was my best friend who was with me and we both came back with some fun stories and minor sunburn. I pulled it off and I’m thinking maybe I actually passed for mid 20’s or it’s really that beer goggles help make everyone look better, younger and prettier. But still, thank you Mario Badescu Skin Care! Maybe it was a little bit of both.
So January is almost over and I think now is a good time to discuss New Year’s Resolutions. I’ve had enough time for the concept of a new year and fresh start to sink in and think about these things long and hard. (Not). 
Carmen has been working at Mario Badescu Skin Care for almost 9 years.
Christmas is finally over, and although I’m still full from the traditional Italian seven fish dinner on Christmas Eve, it’s time to gear up for New Year’s Eve.
"Wax on, wax off," 
We've been blowing up! Check out who's been talking about Mario Badescu in the past week:
Hello readers! We would like to thank everybody for responding to our calls for questions on Facebook and Twitter. We got a huge response, and we picked out a bunch of our favorites to respond to in depth. Remember, you can ask us a question anytime by posting on our 
Kelly Barrett is the Assistant Manager of Mario Badescu Skin Care's Manhattan salon. She has been working for Mario Badescu since 1994 and studied Communications and Journalism in college. Aside from her duties in the salon, Kelly is Mario Badescu's go-to blogger and is widely known to have vast knowledge of the skin care industry and all-things-Badescu.
This post is going to bring us back to the question: “What is your skin type?”.jpg)
Nicole Darmanin is the Public Relations Manager of Mario Badescu Skin Care. She has extensive knowledge of cosmetic chemistry, make-up artistry and the fun job of making Mario Badescu Skin Care a household name. 
This blog is directed at the boys, the men. I want to know why so many of you are afraid to take good care of your skin. Is it a manly thing that you shouldn’t care about such things? How ridiculous. You spend hours at the gym to get buff but you don’t care about how your skin looks? Why? Well if you are reading this that’s great because you’re actually here and on your way to learning about good skin care. (No one has to know).
Nothing can take the place of a professional salon facial including pore extractions and the stimulating, revitalizing massage called “effleurage” on your face and neck. What you can do easily at home is still a relaxing, beneficial treatment not only for your face, but for your mind and body as well. If you find yourself dateless (or penniless) on a Friday night or want to have a girly night in with your BFF’s, this is the way to pass the time and achieve a great result on your skin. Maybe you can convince your boyfriend or significant other to join you in the fun. This is also a great treat for your skin before a special night out that will make you feel and look great.
Do you think you have to spend a lot of money to have great skin and look good? That’s what the major cosmetic companies want you to believe, isn’t it. With their $40 cleansers and $300 face creams and $50 foundations you would have to be pretty wealthy to keep up with a long-term routine on those brands. If you look closely at the product labels, many of the expensive brands have the same ingredients as the lower priced brands. The extra price you pay is to finance the company’s bazillion dollar advertising budget and the product’s excessive, and not very earth friendly packaging. Nothing says “I can afford the best, most luxurious products” like a fancy glass jar to hold your designer-label night cream with a $300 price tag! Do not forget to tell your friends how much you spent on it too. Why else would you spend that if you don’t actually have to?
I’m an overpacker. I have to bring everything I use on a daily basis and everything I may want to use, just in case. Since I haven’t traveled by plane since these crazy one-bag-per-person luggage restrictions, I am in for some serious packing anxiety soon. Probably half of my suitcase is needed for my skin care, bath and hair products. I just don’t trust whatever the hotel may have as far as shampoo and body lotion. Sometimes good, sometimes bad and sometimes, nothing at all except a bar of soap. (Yes, sometimes I had to travel on a tight budget and wound up at a less than high end hotel. My travel agent wasn’t too happy about an 11pm phone call with me sobbing hysterically for him to get me out of there even though every room in the city was booked. Somehow it happened. But anyway…….)
Summer is starting to come to a close and the beautiful weather we have enjoyed will soon be a mere memory – but that doesn’t necessarily mean that we can’t have sexy, gorgeous tanned skin all year ‘round! Read on for some terrific self-tanning tips that can help you get that nice summer tan, even in the dead of winter!
Okay, okay, okay! Guilty as charged. Throw the book at me. Take me away. I just can't help myself
With the sun beating down, summer in full swing, and vacations abound, a lot of skin care advice is flying around – and it might not all be correct.
Have you ever walked up to a cosmetic counter looking for some skin care products and the salesperson asked you the simple question, “What is your skin type?” You look at her with a blank stare and realize you have no idea. 