Mario Badescu was introduced to me when I started working as a makeup artist. The boutique where I worked had the entire line, and after a few samples I was completely addicted. One great thing about MB products are their reasonable prices, which remain low because they keep the packaging so simple. Martha Stewart, Jennifer Anniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Sharon Stone have all raved about this line. I adore so many of their products, but here are my absolute favorites.

Buttermilk Moisturizer: If you have acne-prone, sensitive, combination skin THIS is the daily moisturizer for you. Ingredients like lactic acid, carnation oil, and allatonin make this feel like a luxurious cream, without the pimple-causing effects. I have been using this every day for the last 5 years, and I swear by it.

Rosewater Facial Spray: Some nights after washing my face, my skin is tight and needing moisture. Aloe, rosewater, and herbs are combined in this sweet smelling mist to rehydrate the skin. Now you won’t need to worry about having a sticky face stain your pillowcase!

Apricot Super Rich Body Lotion: Let me just tell you that this body lotion smells unbelievably good— fresh, clean, and simple. Super Rich it is. The texture is super creamy and thick, and it soaks into the skin for the ultimate hydration.

Glycolic Acid Toner: Combined with grapefruit, glycolic acid works to gently slough away dead skin cells that build up over time. If your makeup looks dull, it’s highly likely that your skin is in need of exfoliation, and this product does exactly that without any rough scrubbing particles.

Herbal Hydrating Serum: I love this product because it can be used in a few different ways. If you have oily skin, this could be used alone as a light moisturizer. If your skin is dry, or dry now because of the changing seasons, layer this under your regular moisturizer for additional benefits. If you just want to have a super-hydrating mask, you apply 2-3 layers of this, leave it on for an hour before your shower, and your skin will feel lovely!

Glycolic Eye Cream: For anyone with premature signs of aging and fine lines, this eye cream is bound to soften and hydrate your skin. Keep this in the refrigerator for a soothing treat before bed. The Vitamin E smooths, while the glycolic acid removes dead skin cells from the surface layer, to repair the tissue-like skin around the eyes. Believe me, your concealer will look even better when your under eyes are hydrated!

SPF. 

Whether you’re headed to the beach, for a run, or window shopping on a sunny day, it is really important to protect your skin with SPF. The products below work double duty as a light coverage foundation and provide the added benefit of sun protection. If you need more coverage, add concealer where there is redness or darkness under the eyes.

Word to the wise— the term tinted moisturizer does not mean there is guaranteed moisturizer in the product. Be sure to hydrate the skin before applying the coverage.

Shop these products here (clockwise from top left): Nars Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 // Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 // Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 // Smashbox BB Cream SPF 35 // Dior Hydralife BB Cream SPF 30 // Bobbi Brown oil-free Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15

Beauty Secret: Tea Tree Oil, nature’s toner.

Tea tree oil, or Melaleuca alternifolia, is a natural antibacterial. This means, it combats germs and dead skin cells like an antiseptic. For oily, problem, or acne-prone skin this is a miracle worker because it all starts with bacteria— remove the source and you begin the healing process.

The aromatherapy scent mixed with the squeaky-cleanness you feel, is addicting. Before you try the entire face experience, test a small patch of skin in case of a reaction. If you’re in the clear, look forward to a fresher, cleaner, bacteria-free face.

How I use it: add a few drops to a damp cotton pad (do not use undiluted or it will sting) and wipe in a downward motion over the entire face. After doing this routine about three times a week, I saw immediate results of less blemishes & blackheads, and soon— clearer skin. After years of trying Proactiv and other topical acne “solutions” I was looking for an alternative that didn’t stain my towels and cost $50 a month.

When I use it: in the morning when I’m feeling oily, at night after washing my face to remove leftover makeup, or on a a problem blemish with a wet cotton swab to remove surface bacteria.

Where to find it: you can buy it online here, or look for it at a natural food/ vitamin store.