Mario Badescu: Skincare's Got Me All Excited Again

OK, I have a confession to make. This beauty fiend right here has not always been so good at keeping up a healthy skincare routine. While I always wash my face twice a day (with a generic facial cleanser), I'm not as devoted to a regimen of exfoliating and moisturizing as I know I should be. I think the skin on my face would best be described as combination - I get the occasional oily T-zone, with drier patches on my cheeks and chin. The rest of my skin, however, is nothing short of dry, dry, dry! My arms and my legs especially crave moisture, even in the balmy summer months. I'm hearing my skin's faint plea more and more lately to wake up and stop neglecting it. I think I'm finally ready to listen!

The foundation of any good makeup routine has to start with keeping up with skincare. I'm happy to report that the Mario Badescu skincare line has really helped to rekindle the flame inside me. I recently received samples of three of their products: the Seaweed Cleansing Soap, the Cucumber Cleansing Lotion, and their Vitamin "E" Body Lotion (Wheat Germ).

Here are some details about each product:

Seaweed Cleansing Soap - This facial cleanser gently exfoliates the face while removing makeup residue. This product contains seaweed extract as well as actual bits of seaweed in it (I know I love eating seaweed - sushi anyone?), so I think I am going to dig rubbing it on my face! The cleanser is available in two sizes: 8 oz. ($12) and 16 oz. ($20).

Cucumber Cleansing Lotion - This astringent (which I think would work nicely after washing with the seaweed cleanser), helps to disinfect and remove any residue left on the skin's surface. This toner is available in three sizes: 8 oz. ($15), 16 oz. ($26), and 32 oz. ($45).

Vitamin "E" Body Lotion (Wheat Germ) - I am so excited to introduce this product. This "non-greasy, light and creamy" lotion is going to be welcomed by my body without a doubt. First of all, I must say that I love the scent of this lotion. Honey extract lends a delicious fragrance, while acting all the while to seal in the skin's own moisture. This baby is getting slathered on my thirsty skin ASAP. The lotion is available in two sizes: 6 oz. (for $10) and 16 oz. (for $22).

Here is a photo of the line-up:

From left to right: Seaweed Cleansing Soap, Cucumber Cleansing Lotion, Vitamin "E" Body Lotion

I have gotten the chance to try out the two face products one time each, and as initial observations, I really like the way they make my face feel (and they both smell great!) I am going to continue to use these products so that I can form a definitive opinion on them.

Mario Badescu skincare has been around for 40 years, and specializes in personalized skincare and treatments - they offer products to help deal with acne, the effects of aging, and to combat a variety of other skin issues. With something for everyone, Mario Badescu has garnered a long list of celebrity devotees.

Mario Badescu products can be purchased at the following locations:

Mario Badescu Skin Care Salon - 320 East 52nd Street in NYC (800) BADESCU

Online at http://www.mariobadescu.com/

A variety of Nordstrom (http://www.nordstrom.com/), Henri Bendel, and Fred Segal stores

Definitely check out the Mario Badescu line! They have renewed my interest in all things skin and I can't wait to write more in-depth reviews of the products I have!

Have you tried any of their products yet? Do you want to? Share your experiences! I'm already working on my Mario Badescu wish-list ;-)