Is Cult Favourite Skincare Brand Mario Badescu Worth Your Penny?

In the world of skincare, there are several brands that sit atop the hierarchy of favourites. Mario Badescu is one of those skincare brands that has garnered a cult following. Most of its products can be found at Sephora in-stores, or online. While some of their products are priced affordably, some can climb the steep slope of being pricey. But, what’s so good about Mario Badescu products anyway? Why is Mario Badescu skincare products loved by so many people around the world? Well, that is exactly what we are here to find out today! 

Beauty Insider is giving you an in-depth review of Mario Badescu products and if they are really worth your time. But as with all reviews, please remember that these are just personal opinions and to take this with a grain of salt. Treat this as a guide, to help those on the fence about this skincare brand, whether you should take that leap or not. 

Mario Badescu

Mario Badescu has one goal in mind. That is to provide skincare that is gentle, simple and effective. Over 50 years ago, Mario Badescu himself wanted to bring his European style facials to New York. Once he did, many flocked towards the skincare brand when they heard about his unique philosophy, and saw his loyal followings. As news quickly spread, the brand and Mario Badescu gained more and more. Today, Mario Badescu is a name that transcends generations as its products offer powerful acne solutions, as well as anti-ageing treatments. The best part is that Mario Badescu also provides customised regimens to cater to every skin type and any skin concern. Most of Mario Badescu skincare products are known for being high in quality. Its formula contains botanical ingredients and strives to provide affordable skincare. 

Mario Badescu Products

1. Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser

The Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser can be used alongside your regular cleanser. It is a cleanser that can replace your regular one 1 to 3 times a week to help with congestion, dullness and hyperpigmentation. Since glycolic acid is a type of AHA, it has the benefit to help exfoliate your skin! Furthermore, this cleanser contains surfactants that help get rid of any excess impurities and oils on your skin. Its formula is also packed with soothing extracts like chamomile, St. John’s Wort, marshmallow and yarrow extract. 

Why we love it:

• Exfoliation
• Contains AHA
• Brighter skin
• Even complexion

Price: RM85.00

Where to buy: Sephora

2. Rose Body Soap

Just as the skin on your face needs care, your body needs to be taken care of as well! Thus, the Rose Body Soap from Mario Badescu is perfect as a body wash. Even though it is rose-scented, it makes your skin smell refreshing. What’s more, is that the rose fragrance isn’t overpowering at all. Not only that, but lathering this on your skin makes it feel hydrated and clean! Thanks to the moisturising properties of both rosewater and rose oil, this body soap will leave your skin feeling soft and fresh.

Why we love it:

• Not drying
• No tight feeling
• Light fragrance
• Hydrating and moisturising

Price: RM130.00

Where to buy: Sephora

3. Mario Badescu Witch Hazel & Lavender Toner

Is purple your favourite colour? Then you might just love the Mario Badescu Witch Hazel & Lavender Toner! Kidding, but trust us when we say that those with oily and acne-prone skin will want to take a look at this. Even though the label on the bottle states that it is suitable for all skin types, we believe that it benefits oily and acne-prone skin more. Why? This is due to the presence of witch hazel and lavender in its formula. While witch hazel works to dry out any breakouts, lavender helps soothe any inflammation for a much radiant complexion. It is no doubt that this toner is a fan-favourite and can be used before or after cleansing! 

Why we love it:

• Suitable for all skin types
• Radiant complexion
• Soothes inflammation
• Dry out any breakouts

Price: RM65.00

Where to buy: Sephora

4. Mario Badescu Aloe Moisturizer

We love a good moisturiser and the Mario Badescu Aloe Moisturizer fits the bill. Those with sensitive, combination and oily skin will love this moisturiser as it is infused with aloe vera. Hence its green tint, it has the benefit to help soothe, balance and hydrate the skin. Thus, leaving a clearer complexion behind! 

Why we love it:

• Contains SPF15
• Soothing
• Suitable for oily, sensitive and combination skin types
• Contains aloe vera

Price: RM43.59

Where to buy: Cosmetics Now 

5. Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C is a key ingredient to a brighter complexion. So, the Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum is perfect for those wanting to get rid of dull skin. Not only does it help reduce the appearances of dark spots, but it also evens out your skin tone. Since Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant, it can also help protect your skin against free radical damage from the environment. Aside from being soothing and hydrating, its anti-ageing properties are also a plus! 

Why we love it:

• Brighter complexion
• Firmer skin
• Influences collagen synthesis
• anti-ageing

Price: RM250.00

Where to buy: Sephora

6. Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner

The Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner has the benefits to help brighten up your skin. Although it contains glycolic acid, it also has aloe vera leaf juice to help soothe the skin. Even though it helps get rid of blackheads and bumps, it does contain parabens and fragrances. So, if those are ingredients you actively avoid, we suggest you try other glycolic acid toners out there.  

Why we love it:

• Mild exfoliation
• Brightening
• Soothing
• Reduces blackheads

Price: RM105.00

Where to buy: Sephora

7. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

A cult favourite from Mario Badescu is their Drying Lotion. This is definitely a product that you’ve heard many beauty gurus rave about. If you are only going to get one thing from this list, we hope that you get this. Especially if you have blemishes you wish to get rid of almost overnight. This Drying Lotion is an acne spot treatment with a pinkish formula. Do note that the highest concentrated ingredient within its formula is isopropyl alcohol. So, if you aren’t a fan of alcohol in skincare products, you might want to stay away. 

Why we love it:

• Gets rid of blemishes quickly
• Contains salicylic acid
• Fast-drying
• Reduces inflammation

Price: RM95.00

Where to buy: Sephora

8. Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream

If you have oily skin, the Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream is a lightweight and oil-free skincare product that you will love! Not only is it soothing on the skin, but several ingredients within its formula offer anti-inflammatory benefits. What’s more is that this night cream is also hydrating, making your skin look youthful and plump! Even though it has several great benefits, this product sadly contains fragrances. If you don’t mind fragrances in your skincare products, go ahead and give this a try! If not, steer clear of it. 

Why we love it:

• Oil-free
• Soothing
• Anti-inflammatory
• moisturising

Price: RM131.00

Where to buy: Cosmetics Now

9. Mario Badescu Whitening Mask

Treat your skin once in a while by applying a face mask! The Mario Badescu Whitening Mask is a clay mask that contains kojic acid. The presence of mulberry extract and liquorice root help reduce dark spots while evening out your skin tone. Aside from that, this natural clay mask is also brightening and has the benefit of unclogging pores and absorbing excess oils. Although, this clay mask does contain ingredients such as parabens and synthetic fragrances. If that is not your cup of tea, skip this product. 

Why we love it:

• Exfoliates the skin
• Brightening
• Reduces dark spots
• Absorbs excess oils

Price: RM135.00

Where to buy: Sephora

10. Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater

As one of the popular products from Mario Badescu, the Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater has the benefit to help revitalise your skin. Providing your skin with a radiant and dewy complexion, it can be used as a toner as well. Or, you can apply some before makeup and it can help achieve a dewy look after! Since it is a facial spray, you can also use it any time of the day to freshen up your look. 

Why we love it:

• Revitalises skin
• Dewy complexion
• Use as toner
• Soothing 

Price: RM40.00

Where to buy: Sephora

Overall

All in all, we believe that you should give some of Mario Badescu’s products a try. But, be wary of some of the harmful ingredients it may contain. If you’d like to avoid that, then you may find your favourite products somewhere else. 

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