Mario Badescu is a New York-based skincare label that is renowned for its line of products that are created based on the chemical nature and complexities of the skin. For a long time now, some products from the label have received international acclaim and there is also hype all over the Internet. Hence, I decided to try out the Say Hello To Clear kit, which contains some of the brand’s most popular products. Find out what I thought about it:
Here’s what it says on the website:
This kit helps you put your best face forward, eliminating blemishes, breakouts and blackheads. Say Hello to Clear Set contains Drying Lotion, Silver Powder and Drying Cream.
- Drying Lotion: The lotion contains quick drying ingredients which effectively and rapidly reduces and dries out blemishes and ugly spots. It can even be used for back acne and spots on your chest. Unlike other acne products, the Drying Lotion is gentle on your skin and does not irritate it.
- Silver Powder: This super absorbent powder which unclogs congested pores, prevents blackheads and promotes an overall healthier complexion. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are natural astringents that clear and tighten the pores on your skin, particularly on and around the T-zone.
- Drying Cream: Effective for treating pimples that appear as bumps. Containing Aloe, the cream can heal and cover up blemishes, and can be used both with make-up or on its own.
Drying Lotion – The Drying Lotion consists of calamine and salicylic acid. You’re not supposed to shake up the bottle to mix the two solutions. To use it, dip a cotton swab into the bottle until it touches the pink solution, then, pull the cotton swab out and apply the product directly on pimples or spots.
When I used it for the first time, I applied too much product and it stung my skin quite badly. So, I would suggest using a very light hand. Having said that, the Drying Lotion really does work on pimples and spots. I apply it before bed and the next day, the pimple would be dried out completely with minimum redness around the affected area.
Most spot-clearing treatments either don’t work on me or they leave horrible scars on my skin. I only get one or two hormonal pimples once in a while and the Drying Lotion works wonderfully to eliminate them.
Silver Powder – The Silver Powder has a slightly chalky texture and to use it, simply dip a damp cotton pad into the product before applying it onto the skin directly. Then, leave it to dry for 10 minutes and wash it off before following up with the rest of your skincare.
Some people use it as a mask all over the face but I’ve only used it on my nose to get rid of blackheads. After washing off the product, some blackheads and whiteheads were raised to the surface of my skin for easy removal. I also noticed that the surface of the skin was smoother and clearer.
I tend to get many blackheads and the Silver Powder works effectively to combat that issue. Unlike the Drying Lotion, this product did not sting when applied. The only problem is that application can get a little messy. I recommend using this product only when you need it and not weekly as it may be too harsh on the skin.
Drying Cream – The Drying Cream is a little gentler compared to the Drying Lotion and it doesn’t sting when applied. It is also more hydrating on the skin. I use the Drying Lotion at night time and the Drying Cream during the day if there are stubborn pimples I need to treat.
As for its effectiveness, it does work slower than the Drying Lotion when it comes to treating pimples. However, this product wears brilliantly under makeup and conceals the spots really well. After applying a thin layer of product, I allow it to dry for a few minutes before applying my makeup as usual and it makes my pimples look almost unnoticeable.
I usually don’t wear makeup over pimples just so I don’t irritate them further, but this product seems to be no problem and it actually heals the pesky pimples.
All the products from the kit smell of chemicals, so do take note of that. If you can get past the smell, these products are amazing must-haves to add into your skincare routine. These products are suitable for all skin types, but I would suggest consulting with your dermatologist first before using them on acne-prone skin. The kit doesn’t come cheap, but these products would last you a very long time and they are indeed effective. Hence, I believe that the kit is worth paying for.
Mario Badescu’s Say Hello To Clear kit can be purchased via Luxola for RM153.50. Upon checkout, type in “BLX-LIPSTIQ” to enjoy 15% off on all first time orders*. This voucher code is valid until the end of February 2015.
* The following brands are non-discountable – Dercos by Vichy, Dr. Wu Clinical Skincare, Real Techniques, SkinCeuticals, Sigma Beauty, Vichy, ZOEVA, Origins, Sachajuan, Koh Gen Doh, Laneige
