Mario Badescu

Mario Badescu is a New York skincare brand with roots going back to 1967, when its Romanian-born founder began mixing botanical formulas for clients out of his Manhattan apartment. What started as a small salon grew into a trusted name across more than 70 countries, still family-run today by the third generation. The brand has built its reputation on simple, effective formulas that solve real skin concerns, without the high price tag you'd expect from a brand with such a loyal celebrity following.

The Drying Lotion is the brand's original hero product and still its best-seller, using Salicylic Acid, Sulfur and Zinc Oxide to dry out surface blemishes overnight. For deeper, under-the-skin blemishes, the Deep Blemish Solution takes a gentler approach, using Niacinamide, B Vitamins and Zinc Oxide to calm cystic bumps without causing dryness or discolouration. The Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs & Rosewater is another cult classic, a hydrating mist infused with Rose, Gardenia and Thyme extracts that revives dull, dehydrated skin with a quick spritz. On the lip care side, the Pomegranate & Guava Lip Balm is a firm favourite, blending Jojoba and Olive Oils with Aloe and Vitamin E to nourish and protect lips with a sweet, fruity finish.

For acne and blemishes, the Acne Facial Cleanser uses Salicylic Acid to cleanse pores, the Blemish Repairing Powder uses Sulfur to absorb excess oil, and the Anti Acne Serum helps calm and clear breakouts. For anti-ageing, the Super Collagen Mask uses Collagen and Kaolin Clay to soften fine lines, while the Collagen Moisturiser SPF15 pairs Collagen with sun protection for a firmer everyday complexion. If dullness is your main concern, the Glycolic Foaming Cleanser exfoliates with Glycolic Acid, and the Hydrating Glow Toner adds a boost of radiance. For hyperpigmentation, the Vitamin C Cream brightens dark spots by day, while the Vitamin C Serum works overnight with Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid to even out tone.

Yes, alongside their skincare, Mario Badescu have a solid lip care range too. The Mint Lip Balm is a great everyday option, using Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil and Sweet Almond Oil to replenish dry lips with a cooling, refreshing finish. For something more intensive, the Acai & Vanilla Lip Mask works as an overnight treatment, using Acai Berries and a blend of nourishing oils to deeply hydrate lips while you sleep, so they feel soft and plump by morning.

Each spray in the facial spray range is built around a different combination of botanical extracts, so the right one depends on what your skin needs. The Aloe, Herbs & Rosewater spray is the most iconic, offering a gentle, hydrating pick-me-up with a classic rose scent, while the Aloe, Cucumber & Green Tea and Aloe, Sage & Orange Blossom sprays offer a fresher, more uplifting finish. For something calming, the Aloe, Chamomile & Lavender spray uses Vitamin C to soothe and brighten, while the Aloe, Adaptogens & Coconut Water spray adds Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide for a dewier, more hydrating finish. If your skin is feeling reactive, the Repairing Facial Spray with Hypochlorous Acid is worth reaching for instead, using a no-rinse antimicrobial formula to calm redness and flare-ups. They're all designed to be used throughout the day, whether that's before moisturiser, over makeup, or as a simple refresh.

Mario Badescu is 100% cruelty-free and doesn't test any of their products or ingredients on animals. They also offer a range of vegan-friendly products, each clearly labelled so you only use the products that are right for you.