What They Say: "An easy rinsing, creamy cleanser that thoroughly removes all face make-up and surface debris. Great for all skin types because it is oil free and non-drying."

Jen's Experience:  I have tried a few other Mario Badescu products and have dearly loved each of them.  They're the only products I have ever tried that really work well but don't irritate my sensitive skin in the least.  That said, I am sad to say that this is not one of the best products that I have used by them.   There are still some positives: It lathers really well and I feel like it does a good job cleaning my face of all the products I've layered my face with throughout the day.  It's got a really nice texture, feels soft on my face, and is very gentle on my skin.  However, it doesn't wash off as easily as they claim.  I usually use one of their toners after I wash my face, so that isn't a terribly bad thing.  The problem is, that if I do have some residue of this cleanser remaining on my face, it leaves a dry patch on my face.  And I've already got enough of a dry skin problem.   I think this is a good, gentle cleanser for everyone out there with sensitive skin like mine, but if you tend towards dry skin, it is imperative that you go out of your way to rinse carefully.

Retail Price: $10.00 (Mario Badescu)

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What They Say: "A gentle, effective formula that thoroughly cleanses the skin, removing oil, make-up, pore clogging debris. Improves the skin’s condition with the Botanical Extract ingredient (Alpha Hydroxy Acid), while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture level."

Jen's Experience:  I received a nice size sample of this with my very first Mario Badescu order and since then I've been hooked.  All their products are so gentle, yet I really feel like my face is clean when I use them.  There's not a lot of lather involved, so it isn't really soapy, but it's effective.  My face is clean and I've yet to get a breakout from this product (or any other Mario Badescu product for that matter).

Retail Price: $12.00/8 oz (MarioBadescu.com)

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What They Say: "A residue-removing toner for combination-dry skin, made with Citrus Extracts (Alpha-Hydroxy Acid) and nourishing Seaweed Extract. Helps promote exfoliation of dead skin cells for a smoother complexion. Non-alcohol, gentle formula."

Jen's Experience:  This is the second Mario Badescu product that I have tried, and so far they are 2 for 2 on great products!  I've been using this cleanser, which falls into their toner category, for about 2 months, and I have been very pleased with my results.  I know I haven't used a toner since I was in 7th grade and Seabreeze was all the rage.  And I have sensitive, dry skin, so you wouldn't think I would find a use for it now, but I am a huge fan of this product.  First off, it is completely natural.  I tasted it once by mistake and was impressed that it didn't taste medicinal.  The ingredients list is only about 5 items long, and consists of things like extracts of aloe, grapefruit and lemon.  There's nothing medicinal in there.  It leaves my skin feeling extra clean and my pores feel like they can really breathe.  I also read in Allure this month that toner helps the skin absorb moisturizer, so I have been applying my moisturizer right after I use this product.    Now, you can probably go without a product like this in your skincare lineup and be okay, but if you've ever felt like there might be some soapy residue left from your cleanser or that your pores could use a little extra help, I recommend this product.

Tips:  I use this morning and night.  In the evening, I use after cleansing my face and before moisturizing.  In the morning, I skip the cleanser and just use this product before applying my moisturizer.

Retail Price: $15.00/8 oz (www.MarioBadescu.com)

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I started reading about Mario Badescu a few years ago, and his magical drying lotion was mentioned in particular.   I've read about celebrities paying hundreds of dollars to have some Drying Lotion sent to them.  Mario Badescu runs a spa in New York City frequented by Sarah Jessica Parker, Ashley Judd, and Naomi Campbell to name a few, but also sells his products online (at very reasonable prices, I might add).

What They Say:  "Dry up whiteheads and surfaced pimples overnight with this effective, fast-acting potion. A few drops of our world-famous Drying Lotion before bed will heal unsightly pimples, and soothe acne-erupted skin. Will not irritate or dry surrounding areas. "

Jen's Experience:  The very first day I got my Drying Lotion in the mail, I had to test it out.  I applied it to a patch of aggravated whitehead acne on my chin, and the next morning, the acne was no where to be found.  It literally disappeared overnight.  Unfortunately, it also left a big dry patch on my face all around the area I applied it to.   And it took a few days to really replenish all the moisture in my face.  I may have applied too much solution that first day, because I have used this lotion twice since that first time and I've experienced the same disappearing action with much less drying.  One warning:  the first time you use this you may find it to be unbelieveably painful for the first minute or so.  Like, you may considering jumping out of a nearby window as a respite from your current agony.

Tips:  Don't shake up the bottle.  Use a q-tip to pick up some of the pink stuff from the bottom and apply it to problem areas on your face.  If you have very dry skin, make sure you moisturize around the area, and that you don't use any othr harsh cleansers before applying the lotion.  You don't need a lot.  I have had very good results with just a dab.

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