Review: Mario Badescu Facial Spray

Item Reviewed: Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs & Rosewater

Price/pack size: US$7/4 oz. bottle

Available at: Onlyaesthetics, 5 locations including Delfi Orchard & Holland Village (I ordered mine online though)

Ingredients: Deionized Water,Aloe Extract, Bladderwrack Extract,Herbal Extract, Rose Extract,Gardenia Extract,Propylene Glycol

Description: A refreshing, hydrating mist to use anywhere anytime. Simply formulated with fragrant Herbal Extracts and Rosewater for a pleasant, pick me up for dehydrated, tight and uncomfortable skin. Spray your day and night creams for a boost of hydration or use it to set make-up or spray on dry hair throughout the day. Safe for all skin types. Gentle, non-irritating.

Usage: Mist on face, neck and hair as needed. Will not disturb make-up.

Review: I usually use it as a daytime toner (I use the AHA toner, also by MB, at night) – spray 5 times into the heart of my palm and pat it gently all over face. I’ve been using it for a while now and haven’t got a breakout, so that’s pretty good news to those acne-prone I suppose.

This is great if you are looking for a boost of moisture without heavy creams/gels/lotions. The aloe content really helps to hydrate skin. I also love the short and simple ingredient list.

Rating: 4/5

Would I buy again: Maybe

Review: Mario Badescu Strawberry Tonic Mask

Item Reviewed: Mario Badescu Strawberry Tonic Mask

Price/pack size: USD$18/60ml tub

Available at: Onlyaesthetics, 5 locations including Delfi Orchard & Holland Village (I ordered mine online though)

Ingredients: Deionized Water, Kaolin, Seamollient, Wheat Starch, PVP, Sclerotium Gum, Balsam Peru, Zinc Oxide, Strawberry Extract

Description: This Alpha Hydroxy rich clay mask absorbs surface oils and debris to keep normal, combination and slightly oily skin clear and healthy. Soothing botanical Balsam Peru helps reduce minor irritation and redness on sensitive skin. Also great for minimizing old acne scarring.

Usage: Apply a thin layer of mask on clean skin avoiding eye area. Wait 15-20 minutes and rinse thoroughly with tepid water. Follow with moisturizer or night cream. Use 2-3 times a week.

Review: The strawberry scent comes through really strong in this mask, not that it’s a bad thing cos it just reminds me of yummy strawberry milkshake! The colour and texture of the mask further enforces my thought – light pink and creamy. I was very tempted to taste it! There’s kaolin in the mask so it dries on my face, absorbing all the sebum and nasties. Seamollient moisturizes the skin, balancing it nicely. Zinc oxide has antibacterial properties so if you have acne-prone skin, feel safe to use it. I have never broken out using it, so if that’s a testimony to you… =) I use this mask alternatively with my DHC Mineral Mask as a deep cleansing treat. My skin is always soft and smooth, slightly brightened up when I rinse STM off.

Strawberry extract contains AHA which is great for oily, acne-prone skin as it helps to get rid of the top layer of dead skin cells, revealing fresher skin.

Revised review 27 Dec 2010: I fell out of love with this mask, mainly because it was so difficult to wash off! I had to use a washcloth to get it off, but even then, it feels like there’s a layer of oil on my skin which was damn hard to remove, even if I used a cleanser after rinsing the mask. BAD. Even if the mask helps to absorb sebum, reduces redness etc, it’s still a no-no for me.

Some people may be allergic to Balsam Peru, an ingredient widely used in MB’s products (eg: Control Cream, Healing Cream, Whitening Mask & Azulene Mask). According to Dermnet NZ, Balsam Peru may be antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic, but it also contains essential oils similar to those in citrus fruit peel. These are all potential allergens. Thus, you may want to try out a sample of these products before committing to a full size tub.

Rating: 4.5/5 (Revised rating: 1/5)

Would I buy again: Yes (Revised: No)

Review: Mario Badescu Whitening Mask

Item Reviewed: Mario Badescu Whitening Mask

Price/pack size: US$24 / 60ml tub

Available at: Onlyaesthetics, 5 locations including Delfi Orchard & Holland Village (I ordered mine online though)

Ingredients: Deionized Water (Aqua), Kaolin, Balsam (Myroxylon Pereirae Resin) Peru, Wheat (Triticum Vulgare) Starch, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Sorbitol, Kojic Acid, Mulberry Extract, Licorice Extract, Grape Extract, Scullcap (Scutellaria Galericulate) Extract

Description: This hydrating mask will help brighten uneven skin tones and gently minimize the look of old acne scars and discolorations from the sun. Skin lightening, natural ingredients like Kojic Acid, Licorice and Mulberry make this mask gentle for all skin types. Contains no Alpha Hydroxy Acids making it safe and gentle for acne erupted or very sensitive skin.

Usage: Apply a thin layer of mask on clean skin avoiding eye area. Wait 5-10 minutes and rinse thoroughly with tepid water. Follow with serum and moisturizer. Use 2-3 times a week.

Review: Due to the grape extract as one of the ingredients, the mask smells absolutely yummy – quite like a grape sweet. Consistency of the mask is good, liquid but yet not runny. You won’t need a lot to spread evenly on your face, making the mask pretty economical (USD$24 for 60ml – I reckon it can be used for at least 4 months with twice weekly usage). I cleansed my face with a exfoliating wash before applying the mask, and surprisingly it stings for a couple of moments when first applied. None of the MB masks have ever stung me so I was taken aback and quite worried that I’ll get some kind of reaction to the mask.

Luckily, nothing bad happened, and in fact, my skin was brightened up after one use! It can be a little difficult to wash off due to the titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (they’re not water soluble). I prefer to follow up with a mild cleanser to make sure I got it all off.

Revised review 27 Dec 2010: I decided I had enough of the mask because it was such a pain in the ass to wash it off thoroughly.

Some people may be allergic to Balsam Peru, an ingredient widely used in MB’s products (Control Cream, Healing Cream, Whitening Mask & Azulene Mask). According to Dermnet NZ, Balsam Peru may be antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic, but it also contains essential oils similar to those in citrus fruit peel. These are all potential allergens. Thus, you may want to try out a sample of these products before committing to a full size tub.

Rating: 3/5 (Revised rating: 1/5)

Would I buy again: Yes (Revised: No)

Sample sale!

I have too many skincare products on rotation right now, so I’m offering samples to those interested to try.

Samples of the following products available (5ml decant samples jars – additional cost or mail me your own).
- Toc Toc BB Cream $3
- Kiehl’s Centella Recovery Skin-Salve $9
- Mario Badescu Azulene Calming Mask $7.50
- Mario Badescu Silver Powder $12
- Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel $2.60 (10ml)
- Niks Gold Nuggets $2.50 for 1

Item: Everyday Minerals – Medium Beige Matte
Qty: 1 sample jar
Price: $2.20 (including postage)

Item: Everyday Minerals – Light O/Glo
Qty: 1 sample jar
Price: $2.20 (including postage)

Item: Everyday Minerals – Soft bronzer sample
Qty: 1 sample jar
Price: $2.20 (including postage)

Coming my way!

I have these coming soon!

x2

Garden of Wisdom package

Everyday Minerals package

MB azulene calming mask

Azulene calming mask
2 oz – USD$18

Ingredients: PVP, seamollient, methylparaben, protol, castor oil, balsam peru, kaolin, wheat starch, zinc oxide, quaternium-60, titanium dioxide, talc, boric acid, polysorbate-80, propylene glycol, azulene

Review: This is the mask version of the control cream. This is the ‘go-to’ mask when my skin is irritated, red, and with a few pimples. The mask helps to reduce redness and balance my skin. It is very gentle and therefore would be suitable for everyday use. However, I’m a lazy person lately so I haven’t been using the mask as frequently as I should.

Overall rating:

Review: Mario Badescu Control Cream

Item Reviewed: Mario Badescu Control Cream

Price/pack size: S$58 / 15ml

Available at: ONLYaesthetics. Alternatively, you can get it online from www.kissandmakeupny.com

Description: Our famous anti-redness cream is an effective treatment for red, rashy, flaky and irritated skin types and Rosacea sufferers. Balsam Peru is the active, soothing botanical ingredient that will make a visible difference immediately upon application. Non-greasy, low oil formula. May be used for troubled areas of the face or in place of a moisturizer. Works well with our Azulene Calming Mask.

Usage: Gently massage on red, irritated or flaky areas before moisturizer or night cream. May be used in place of a moisturizer for very sensitive skin

Ingredients: Water,Carnation Oil,Polyglycerylmethacrylate (and) Propylene Glycol, Seamollient, Balsam Peru

Review: I have to say, I’m in love with this product! I’ve tried for close to 3 years to find a product to help soothe and reduce redness and dryness from the eczema patches I have around my jawline. Nada. Nothing that I’ve tried before Control Cream has worked (well, maybe just for a short while, but my skin goes back to being as it was after that ‘honeymoon’ period).I went to Kit Cosmetics and my favourite lady recommended me to use the CC. Godsent product! It took away all the redness, dryness and itchyness in like a day and a half. I swear I’m not exaggerating! It’s true. And now, I swear by it whenever my skin needs a bit of TLC, or after I’ve squeezed out the blackheads on my nose. Even my sister is in love with it after using it for a week.

It goes on matte, not oily at all, and stays well beneath makeup! It’s my favourite product to use if my skin is getting a little red from the abuse I do to it.

Overall rating: 5/5

MB cleansing milk w/ carnation & rice oil

Cleansing milk with carnation and rice oil
6 oz – USD$10
16 oz – USD$20

Ingredients: Deionized water, rice oil, carnation oil, stearic acid, isopropyl myristate, cetyl alcohol, triethanolamine, methylparaben, sodium benzoate

Review: I was desperate for a calming and moisturizing cleanser last June when winter was wrecking my skin. I headed right to Kit Cosmetics and consulted Chin, who then introduced me to this luxurious cleansing milk. I wasn’t a stranger to cleansing milk, having used one from Niks previously. But this is nothing like the Niks’ version. The 2 oils were absolutely soothing and calming, moisturizing my skin and removing the flakies within a week of using the cleanser.

It has a very light texture, turning into water upon touching the skin, spreading easily so there is minimal tugging on the skin. However, I figured out that it wouldn’t be that suitable for use in humid Singapore. The humid weather made my skin better instantaneously, so I’ve been using the Enzyme Cleansing Gel when I’m in Singapore.

Overall rating:

Coming up, I promise!

I apologise for the lack of updates recently. I’ve been lazy busy with I-Don’t-Know-What lately and couldn’t find time to do updates. Besides, my skincare regime is extremely simple these days because I’m too busy to deal with anything else. Here’s what I’m using now.

Morning:
Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel
Pharmacy brand rosewater toner
Mario Badescu Control Cream
Christian Dior DiorSnow sunblock
Everyday Minerals foundation MMU (Olive Light in o/glo formulation
Lumiere blusher MMU (True Radiance)

Night:
Simple Cleansing Wipes
Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel
Pharmacy generic brand rosewater toner
Clindagel &/ Helichrysum hydrosol (if skin is congested)
Mario Badescu Control Cream

I’ve just ran out of Simple Cleansing Wipes, and my Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel is finishing soon, so I’ll be trying out new products, do expect new reviews in the pipeline!

the use-it-up challenge yr 2008!

Following up from my previous blog entry in 2006, I’m pleased to announce that I’ve finished most of my skincare products then. Current list is now:

cleansers
Simple cleansing wipes
Mario Badescu enzyme cleansing gel
Juice Beauty cleansing gel
Simple cleansing scrub
Clean & Clear Daily Soft cleanser
moisturzers
Mario Badescu control cream
Mario Badescu glycolic cream
Clear Skincare 2% cream
ZA True White essence
sunscreen
IPL Clinic sunscreen
The Cancer Council Australia Clear Zinc sunscreen
Cover Girl tinted moisturizer
Christian Dior DiorSnow SPF50 sunscreen (sharing with mum)
pimple gel
Mentholatum acne gel
Stieva-A (sharing with sis)
masks
ZA True White essence mask x7
Mario Badescu azulene calming mask
MD Formulations hydrating mask
Juice Beauty sensitive green apple peel sample
Mario Badescu silver powder
Biore pore packs x16

foundations
Too Faced Magic Illuminating foundation
MAD Minerals foundation sample
Everyday Minerals foundation sample kit
powders
Origins translucent loose powder
Anna Sui pressed powder *finishing soon!*
Bourjois pressed powder
blushers
MAC Petticoat MSF
Jane Blushing Glow
Shu Uemura m peach 44
lipglosses
Anna Sui lipgloss #305
Majolica Majorca lipgloss X3
Victoria Secret lipgloss
body moisturizers
NIL!