MARIO BADESCU - FOR ALL SKIN TYPES

I am loving Mario Badescu products! I was extremely thrilled when I found out this line is cruelty free. Though not Peta or Leaping bunny certified, Mario Badescu does not sell in China indicating they are a true cruelty free company as claimed. For anyone unaware, all cosmetics sold in China are tested on animals. 

What's wonderful about Mario Badescu is that these high end products are designed to accommodate all skin types from aging skin to acne prone skin at exceptionally reasonable prices. Mario Badescu believes that everyone deserves to have great skin at an affordable price. Additionally the products are full of natural, good for your skin ingredients which more and more women are turing to. 

Here's a list of my 3 favorites by Mario Badescu to date: ( I'm normal to dry skin type)

Enzyme Cleansing Gel (8 oz) - $15 Non foaming daily cleanser removes makeup, dirt, oil. Love it! I was skeptical at first about using a makeup remover that didn't foam because that's what I'm used to. However, typically makeup removers which form a lather have Sodium Laurel Sulfate which can be drying. This does not and so it's much more gentle on the skin. It's effective in taking some eye makeup off but I use my Tarte Maracuja Oil to get the last of that pesky black mascara. 

Glycolic Acid Toner (8 oz) - $18 Sloughs of dry cells for healthy skin. Anti - aging. Great for wrinkles and pigmentation. Glycolic Acid in any product is used as an exfoliant and therefore promotes healthy new cells which in turn decreases the depth and appearance of lines and wrinkles. Beneficial to anyone interested in Anti-aging products. The toner leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean. A new must have in my daily routine. 

Botanical Exfoliating Scrub (3.4 oz) - $26 Gel based formula sloughs off dead skin cells promoting new healthy cells for younger and brighter looking skin. This product is amazing and the beads aren't abrasive which can otherwise lead to skin irritation. It has a perfect texture with beneficial ingredients such as ginger, ginkgo, green tea, aloe and coconut. I have really come to believe that exfoliating is a must do in anyones skin care routine.

ANTI - AGING 

In addition, I tried out a couple small samples of the Peptide Renewal Serum and Cream. Because they are small samples and otherwise designed for mature skin, it's fair to say I can't give an honest review. However, based on customer reviews where I work, the Peptide Renewal cream is preferred of the two and an excellent option for middle aged women and older. 

Peptide Renewal Serum (1 oz) - $45 Targeted for dry to mature skin types.  Though I do not have mature skin I was able to try out this serum. Serums typically have smaller molecules than creams or lotions and penetrate more deeply into the skin. This product is slightly tacky/ sticky and best applied at night after cleansing. If you prefer the texture of a cream you can try out the Peptide Renewal Cream which combats fine lines, sagging skin and wrinkles. Recommended for anyone who is looking for anti -aging products. 

Peptide Renewal Cream ( 1 oz) - $35 Fight fine line, wrinkles and sagging skin with a blend of peptides, nourishing botanicals and other naturally derived ingredients to nurture aging skin. Leaves skin feeling soft. 

If you haven't tried Mario Badescu...TRY IT!

LINKS:

Mario_Badescu

ST. TROPEZ & WHISH BODY BRONZERS

It's no secret that the European originated, St. Tropez brand is the world leader in sunless tanning. After having tried out their product, I can say they really do have the best body bronzers available on the market. In addition, there's a new line of body care by a brand called WHISH which carries a self tanner. I noted that some people are comparing it's effectiveness to ST. Tropez and had to try it out. Here's the low down on both tanners:
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About Product: St. Tropez enriched nourishing body moisturizer provides long lasting hydration and a touch of self tan for natural looking radiance. This gradual tanner will build up a golden glow over time. Simply massage into your body for a gradual tan. Suitable for daily use. 

Review: I love this self tanner! If you want a tan that looks gorgeous, NATURAL and streak free...try this stuff! I have fair skin so what worked best for me was to apply the tanner daily for the first 3 days to build and achieve a beautiful glow. After that you can re-apply it every few days to maintain color. I found that I could shower just like normal without the color coming off and going down the drain. Obviously when you shower some color will come off as you exfoliate and cleanse but still the color maintains well. The bottle retails at $30 and lasted me about a month and a half. At first I had a hard time bringing myself to spend more that I'd like on a tanner. Realizing I wanted to achieve excellent results without the hassle that drugstore tanners often bring, I opted to try a professional tanner and now I can firmly say I will never look back. I find the moisturizer hydrating and helps my skin to look healthy. It  can be used alone or in addition to the most famous of the ST Tropez products, Self Tan Bronzing Mousse which is their biggest seller. Video link below. An excellent solution to tanning beds. CRUELTY FREE. ST. Tropez does not test on animals. ST. Tropez uses natural ingredients.
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About Product:  Whish self tanner is the perfect every day all over tanner. It will keep you skin soft and radiant. Our formula: firmer feeling with kigelia african fruit, seaweed extract, and coffee arabica extract. Refines and clarifies with goji berry, soap bark extract and moisturizes with organic shea butter mango and organic aloe. Natural DHA provides a non- streaking beautifully natural tan. 

Review: If you want a great tan in a matter of few short hours, this tanner delivers. It was about 3  - 4 hours after the 1st application when I looked down at my legs and said, "Whoa...where did you come from?!" I honestly didn't expect to bronze up like that and so quickly. My only recommendation is that for the knee, ankles, feet, elbow areas, make sure to blend really well. I like to apply moisturizer before and after to those parts of the body just to make sure the product won't develop overly in those areas. Retail: $30. Not tested on animals. All natural ingredients. 

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In summary, I think both tanners are excellent with benefits of their own individually. ST. Tropez is more moisturizing, a little more natural looking and distributes a little more evenly. Whish tanner develops more quickly and in my opinion delivers more of a darker tan. Both long lasting results. I seriously would have to question which one I'd repurchase before the other but if I had to put my money on it at this very moment, I'd have to go with St. Tropez. 

LINKS:
WHISH
ST.TROPEZ