I stumbled upon the "consulting" tab on the website, which lead me to fill out a questionnaire that they would then select products best suited for my skin type. You do have to register with the website after this, but it's free. A few days later, I received an email from Mario Badescu asking if I'd like to try samples of the products I was recommended. I clicked a link through the email which took me to a page on the website to select which products I wanted and enter my shipping information. When I got back to school this last weekend, my samples were waiting for me! This is really cool, guys. I was afraid it'd either be gimmicky or the samples would be skimpy, but that's not at all the case.
There were a few products I was recommended that they don't do samples of (as noted in the pamphlets they sent), but I received mini sizes of:
- Special Cucumber Lotion (toner)
- Enzyme Cleansing Gel (cleanser)
- Strawberry Face Scrub (exfoliator)
- Flower & Tonic Mask
- Ceramide Herbal Eye Cream
- Collagen Moisturizer SPF 15
- Drying Cream
They included a booklet of detailed information about all their products, along with a small one of the products I received and how to use them. This was really helpful to me, being new to Mario Badescu.
Now, I haven't tried everything out just yet, but I've given a few a whirl over the last several days. I'll write my initial thoughts about the ones I've tried underneath their picture.
Enzyme Cleansing Gel- This gel cleanser has a very herbal...almost chemical smell to it. I've gotten three uses out of it and I still have about half of the little container left! It feels very refreshing so far and doesn't leave my skin tight or dry.
Strawberry Face Scrub- I've only used this once but it's so cool! First of all, it's pink. ;) The better part is that it looks to have real strawberry pieces in it, which I think is awesome. It's like you're smearing a piece of fruit over your face, haha. I would consider buying the full size of this just for the cool-ness factor if continued usage doesn't break me out or anything.
Ceramide Herbal Eye Cream- I've read several places that eye creams aren't necessary, but having never used one (and having just started noticing fine lines and large pores around my eyes) I was interested. Let me first say this sample will go SO far- you only need a tiny, tiny dab of product since the skin around the eyes is so thin. Usually the skin around my eyes is pretty dry, and since using this the last four nights I haven't seen any flaking.
Collagen Moisturizer SPF 15- This is a really light, creamy moisturizer that melts into my skin. It reminds me of a thinner, less-creamy version of my Neutrogena oil-free moisturizer for sensitive skin. It gives me a similar simple moisturizing effect, no tingling or irritation.
I wanted to try the infamous Drying Cream right away but I currently don't have any pimples! Part of me wishes my skin was worse right now just for that. Wait, what did I just say?
Alright, so I know I haven't had a chance to fully test out and review each of the products for you. My point in putting this post up now was so hopefully you all can take advantage of this offer too! I don't know how long it will go on for, or if they only email random people asking to receive samples (because it really seems too good to be true?). But it doesn't hurt to try! The samples they give you are generous, which is my favorite part. With skincare you can't always tell how something will perform with only one use.
If this works for you, or if you've already tried Mario Badescu products, I'd love to hear what you think!
Note: I am in no way affiliated with this company and my opinions are all my own. :)
