Tag: Mario Badescu

Belle Belle Visits Mario Badescu Salon

Belle Belle Visits Mario Badescu Salon // Belle Belle Beauty

A highlight of my recent New York City adventure was stopping by the Mario Badescu Salon to get treated to a facial and learn more about this brand that I love. Heading into a oasis of calm after hoofing it around hectic New York City was in itself relaxing. While I was fairly confident about my skin type, I was relieved when Maria confirmed that I had very dry skin, slightly sensitive and definitely suffering from sun damage. Relived that I was correct but discouraged I had an uphill battle ahead of me. She was direct but also comforting in saying there was lots I could do to reverse the damage and soothe my dry, irritated skin.

Using lots of products with Aloe, my skin was cleaned. Extractions are usually a breeze for me – clogged pores aren’t my biggest issue. But she was gentle while still achieving a great deep clean. Next up was my beloved Flower and Tonic Mask which can clean pores without drying and while calming sensitivity. Next up was a salon-only peel-off Vitamin C mask. You know me… I can resist a good peel off and this was to help with sun damage and pigmentation. She finished with Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater. To moisturize and protect, she used Aloe Moisturizer with SPF 15. I feel a little bit better with the higher protection of their Oil Free Moisturizer with SPF 30, but am happy to know of an alternative if I am feeling more sensitive than usual.

My skin looked so great, I braved a dinner with my favorite beauty bloggers that evening completely sans makeup. There is something to be said for just letting your skin breathe after a facial. For those of you in NYC, I highly highly suggest a visit to the salon (320 E. 52nd Street between 1st Ave & 2nd Ave). Starting at $65, facials can be a great way to whip your skin into shape and they are so affordable. The classic and no nonsense approach to skin care and in-person treatment left me with dewy, even skin. Even if you happen to find yourself in the neighborhood, you can drop in for a free consultation at the front desk. They will hook you up with samples of your suggested routine so you can try before you buy.

And those like me who aren’t in the big city, just check out this page on their website. You can chat live with a skin care specialist or fill out a form for your very own digital consultation. They will hook you up with those same samples to check out before you buy. How cool is that???

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Fighting Back Against Summer Sun Damage

Fighting Back Against Summer Sun Damage // Belle Belle Beauty

I started off this summer with a little irresponsibility. I hit the pool with sunscreen – but definitely not enough and in such a short time, I had my dreaded sun spots and hyper-pigmentation on my forehead and cheeks. I vowed to fight back! I knew I couldn’t be too aggressive with treatments as some make you too sensitive to any sun exposure. But I did come up with a routine that has made some pretty darn wonderful strides against those dreaded dark spots.

Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser // Belle Belle Beauty

First, I have been washing my face with my beloved Clarisonic. My cleanser of choice has been Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser. My skin is gently primed and exfoliated for application of serums and treatments, but not irritated in the least.

A-TEAM // Belle Belle Beauty

Second up, I knew I wanted to work in a retinol, but also new my beloved Rx Retin-A would be too strong for my pool-heavy summer. So I turned to mybody. This line, now available online, has wooed me with gentle and effective products and the most fun packaging and names. A-TEAM provides 0.3% Retinol that you can use in the AM and PM safely. Also in the formula, mySBP 189, Actiwhite and Chromabright can help tighten and recondition skin. So, say goodbye to rough patches and redness.

MELAMIX // Belle Belle Beauty

Next up, one of my skin care staples, albeit a controversial one: Hydroquinone. Banned in certain types of the world, many find it to be unsafe. But I trust my doctors here that say it is really the only effective way to reverse sun damage. While there are versions of this skin lightener in the drugstores, they are usually at 2% or below. So turn to your doctor for a 4% version. I use ZO Skin Health MELAMIX from Gabriel Horn at Dr. Joey Manduano’s office here in Tulsa (Gabe truly is the Tulsa Skin Guru if you are local). I use this both morning and night. During the day, not only does it correct dark spots, but it also works to prevent formation of new ones.

Super Nourishing Cream SPF 50 from Zensation // Belle Belle Beauty

Lastly, I am all about extreme sun protection. I used to dally around with a SPF 15 or 20, but for those blazing summer days, especially when you are outdoors, make sure to up the ante. Super Nourishing Cream SPF 50 from Zensation has been a summer favorite. On the richer side for my dry skin, it is perfect for those with aging skin or craving hydration. And I love the high sun protection. It is creamy, soft and absorbs well. It also works beautifully under makeup.

Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+ // Belle Belle Beauty

Another favorite is Kiehl’s Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+. It is totally lightweight, non-irritating and even works as a wonderful primer.

So that is the story! If you are like me and paying for some summer sins, try these steps to get that skin looking more even.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

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Getting Clean With Mario Badescu

A good clean feel can’t be beat, especially on hot summer days. I’ve been turning to Mario Badescu the last couple of months for head-to-toe cleansing. I am completely hooked on their toners and their body washes are balanced and moisturizing (not to mention smell great). Click through below to check out my current favorites:

If you are reading this in an email or reader, be sure to click through for the full experience.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Mario Badescu Peptide Renewal Cream & Serum

Mario Badescu Peptide Renewal Cream & Serum // Belle Belle Beauty

“Simple, gentle and effective.” If any claim makes me sit up and listen, it’s those three magic words. While I am a huge fan of active ingredients and medical grade skin care, this summer I’ve been focused on nourishing and calming my skin. That’s why Mario Badescu has been such a huge part of my routine over the past couple of months.

Peptides have long been known to help fight the good fight against wrinkles and fine lines. This targeted duo also used botanicals to achieve a more toned complexion. Not to mention, the formula contains my beloved hydrating Hyaluronic Acid.

The Mario Badescu Peptide Renewal Cream is rich and nourishing but doesn’t leave my skin greasy. The Mario Badescu Peptide Renewal Serum is hydrating enough for me on its own. And it has similar properties to a face oil. Personally, I slightly prefer the serum as it contains soothing chamomile and yarrow helping the redness in my complexion. The serum also has green tea to protect against free radicals.

If you are aiming to skip retinol this summer or just want anti-aging for more sensitive skin, don’t miss these new treats from Mario Badescu. The Peptide Renewal Serum is definitely in my permanent rotation as a soothing, nourishing tool against fine lines.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

What’s In My Beach Bag

What's In My Beach Bag // Belle Belle Beauty

In less than a week, I am bound for the Caribbean! Knowing me, I’ve been pondering exactly what is going to go in that precious space to keep me safe and looking beautiful in the sand.

eos “Basket of Fruit” Smooth Sphere Lip Balm Pack is a four-pack of juicy long-time lip balm favorites including limited edition Fresh Watermelon. Also included are Strawberry Sorbet, Summer Fruit and Pomegranate Raspberry Smooth Sphere Lip Balms. The formula has great hydration and I love the ergonomic design of the spheres. Not to mention, they are easy to find at the bottom and a full and large beach bag! Recyclable and gluten-free.

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration™ After Sun Lotion is the first and only after sun product combining indulgent ribbons of gel and lotion infused with silk protein and shea butter to provide luxurious moisturization for a full 24 hours. Ribbons of aloe soothe and refresh the skin from the effects of the sun, while silk protein shea butter ribbons of lotion provide incredible moisturization that leaves skin feeling hydrated, healthy and radiant.

Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer with SPF 15 is my go to face SPF because it has never been the least bit irritating. It is also oil-free, avoiding those pesky summer clogged pores. And even while I am staying protected, the formula includes added vitamins. I also love the Soothing Facial Toner for a refreshing clean to get off all the grime and sunscreen at the end of the day.

Tanee Tan Line Corrector, is an innovative product to eliminate those annoying tan lines. Using a pen-like applicator, just color in where you need some extra color and you’ll get an all-natural self-tan exactly where you need it. I get instant color and the shade deepens over a couple hours. No need to fret those bikini straps or strapless dresses!

Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater is the perfect, refreshing mist to for a pick-me-up on a hot day. The Aloe and Herbs help hydrate tight skin. I also love the way this looks under makeup for a rosy, nourished glow. It is incredibly gentle and well suited for sensitive skin.

Beach bag available here. Beach towel available here.

This post was created in connection with my appointment as an Influencer in the Simple® Skincare Program.  Visit www.facebook.com/SimpleSkincare to share your story on sensitive skin.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Summer Lotions on FOX 23 Great Day Green Country

Summer Lotions on FOX 23 Great Day Green Country // Belle Belle Beauty
During these hot summer months, I hydration needs shift a bit. These days, I’ve been looking for fresh, light scents, after sun care and lightweight moisture. Here are my top favorites I am highlighting this morning on Great Day Green Country!:
Hampton Sun Continuous Mist Hydrating Aloe is for those days when you just got too much sun. Even though I am a SPF fanatic, I know it happens to all of us. The refreshing spray has powerful aloe and antioxidant vitamin E along with menthol to calm and moisturize skin.
Mario Badescu Summer Shine Body Lotion adds just enough shine for those legs in a summer cocktail dress, making skin look radiant and healthy. Beeswax, peanut oil and vitamin A help moisturize skin without leaving it greasy.
Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil  Body Butter is a natural, luxurious cream with a slight sitrus scent. The super charged Argan Oil is supremely nourishing for when you are really aching for some moisture.
Mustela After Sun Spray, originally a line developed for infants and children, has the gentlest and most soothing formula for sun parched skin. I love the spray dispenser and straightforward formula.

Bliss Blood Orange+White Pepper Body Butter Maximum Moisture Cream has long been a favorites, particularly for the bright and cheerful scent (blood orange and spicy white pepper top notes with nuances of coriander and white musk). The rich formula absorbs quickly and leaves skin nourished.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.