Mario Badescu

GEEZ I've been so STRESSED lately. There hasn't been a day that has gone by for the past week where I didn't cried or wasn't on the verge of tears. This is the first time ever that I've lost my appetite (and it's been a week) and I'm so frustrated, lonely, and even afraid. I think I lost 4 lbs this week. Not that I'm complaining, but I know it's unhealthy. I tell myself to man up--that soldiers don't cry--but I can't seem to stop myself. It's really eating me up inside and I think I've pretty much lost hope (yes, over stupid things like this and I don't even know the answer yet). I know it's not that stupid since it means a lot to me, but looking at the big picture, there are so many other things that need worrying and this shouldn't have such a high priority because relationships come and go all the time. Still, it's killing me. When I stay home, I feel so lonely and I want to be out, but when I'm out, I SHOULD be having fun, but I can't. It's miserable.

Anyway, I'm going on a camping trip with my work for 3 days... I didn't want to leave without posting something since I've been slightly MIA. Well not really, but I haven't been posting everyday like my usual habit. I still have to buy a sleeping bag and I have to pretty much do that ASAP before I leave since I've been lagging on getting it.

Thank you to everyone who left me condolences from the last few posts. It really meant a lot to me. Even if I don't know you all in real life, it's nice to know that someone takes the time to care.

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I'm glad that Mario Badescu sends free samples of their skincare items cuz otherwise, I wouldn't know what to get and if I really wanted to buy it or not since the only store they have is in New York. Anywho, you can fill out a questionnaire and they'll send you free samples. It doesn't say they'll send you samples at the end of the questionnaire, but they should email you within a week or so (I think that's how long I waited) and you have to click on a link to confirm that you want samples. Then it took about another 2 weeks until I received them.

Their products are very interesting to me cuz they have a category for different skin types and I think I fall in their C,D,S category (Combination, Dry, Sensitive). My t-zone gets really oily whereas everything else is REALLY dry and sensitive means if you have red blotchy skin which sometimes I have on my cheeks.

I really like how they include an instruction guide along with the samples to tell you how and in what sequence to use everything. I love how they're extremely helpful and that they seem to genuinely care about their customers.



I got:
Enzyme Cleansing Gel (ALL skin types)
"This non-foaming, gel cleanser thoroughly removes the day’s make-up, dirt and oil without drying the skin. Papaya Extracts are exfoliating Alpha Hydroxy Acids that help break down dulling build-up, leaving skin fresh and healthy."

Special Cucumber Lotion (C,O)
"Refreshing, disinfecting and deep cleaning astringent that is effective in drying up existing acne blemishes while preventing new eruptions. Sulfur and soothing Cucumber based, acne fighting formula that is non-drying and non-irritating."

Ceramide Herbal Eye Cream (ALL)
"This easily absorbed, non-greasy eye cream is made with a blend of Vegetable, Carnation and antioxidant Rose Hips Oil. Reduces the look of dry, tired eyes and helps smooth out fine lines and wrinkles to keep the delicate eye area looking moist and youthful."

Collagen Moisturizer SPF15 (C,S)
"Ultra-lightweight, daily moisture and moderate sun protection all-in-one. Collagen-rich formula protects skin from moisture loss and keeps skin plump and smooth without the use of heavy oils."

Flower & Tonic Mask (C,O,S)
"This is a combination purifying and calming mask for congested, bumpy or slightly oily skin types. The Kaolin based formula absorbs dirt and oil from pores while the soothing, botanical Balsam Peru ingredient soothes minor redness and irritation."

Kiwi Face Scrub (ALL)
"Made with real Kiwi seeds and soft bits of Seaweed to naturally slough away surface dullness and uncover softer, smoother skin. Kiwi Seeds gently buff away dull skin while natural AHA’s breakdown dull build-up which help to prevent blackheads and improve overall texture."

Product Review: Origins Make A Difference Skin Rejuvenating Treatment

Product: Origins Make A Difference Skin Rejuvenating Cream
Packaging: 4 out of 5
Overall: 3.5 out of 5
Price: $32.50
Would you buy this again? No

PROS: Great moisturizer especially for people with sensitive skin. It goes on very light so it doesn't feel like you're putting something really thick on your face. I didn't experience any breakouts with this moisturizer. The container is also pretty big so this will last a long time.

CONS: I have really dry skin so after using this product for long term, I noticed that it wasn't as moisturizing anymore. I'd put it on and it'd moisturize my face for an hour or so, but then my dry skin would show up again. The same thing would happen if I put on some more moisturizer within a few hours.

This worked great for me when I first got it, but with gradual time and use, it just didn't hold up anymore.


P.S. Wish me luck on my physics final tomorrow!

Product Review: Clinique 3 Step Skin Care System

For the longest time, I couldn't find a cleanser that my face meshed well with. I have really REALLY dry skin especially around my cheek area. For the facial soap, I use "Very Mild" which is for very dry to dry skin and #1 for the clarifying lotion. The first product is to cleanse, the second product is to exfoliate, and the third is to moisturize, which is their dramatically different moisturizing lotion. I find that this product works my skin type because it doesn't dry out my face AT ALL. It's a very gentle cleanser--it's just like the bar soap version so it's not foamy. All the liquid soaps are clear in their bottle except the Very Mild one. The Very Mild one looks like the texture of lotion.

The clarifying lotion comes after the facial soap and it's supposed to get off any residue left by your facial soap. The bottle says to use a cotton ball to apply it on your face and even your neck if you want. The main ingredient in this is alcohol whereas a lot of toners are alcohol-free. I've found that even though this is an alcohol based toner, it doesn't dry out my face and still does the trick. So I guess it just depends if you're picky about alcohol or non-alcohol toners. I'd also recommend buying the bigger bottle for this one because I find that it goes pretty quickly.

The dramatically different moisturizing lotion is a little bit on the heavy side. It's the same one for all skin types whether you have dry skin or oily skin. I only use it around my dry areas during the day and I put it all over my face at night. This has never made me break out or anything though.

I'd highly recommend these products to anyone who needs a new facial routine. I think Clinique might even offer some samples. You should check with your local store to see if they do.