No-frills potions from a facialist to the stars

In a land where even manicurists can gain rock-star status, New York has been the breeding ground of the best people in the beauty business. Mario Badescu can attest to that. A chemist and cosmetologist from Romania, he immigrated to the United States to share his vast knowledge of old-world techniques.

He became a facialist to some of the most recognized faces in the industry like Sarah Jessica Parker, Cher and Oprah, amongst others. He is prized

for his simple but effective technique in caring for the skin. His signature facials – which include steam to detoxify, the application of two masks and a soothing massage – leave skin dewy, glowing and refreshed.

Demand for his facials grew, and for the potions that came with it. Badescu developed 200 products for the skin, each for a specific need. His drying lotion is legendary in many discerning boudoirs.

His simple, no-frills line has many best-sellers such as the Olive Body Lotion that moisturizes mercilessly, the Face Spray with Rose extracts that leaves the skin spoiled to death, and the Kiwi Face Scrub that gently exfoliates and moisturizes the skin.

I’m a fan of no-frills products because I like to know that the secret is indeed in the pudding. His stuff is simply named because it’s comforting to actually

know what you’re putting on your face, with no scientific jargon to confuse you. So, if you’re serious about making your skin the best it can possibly be, Mario Badescu is a name to be reckoned with.

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Available at Rustan’s Essences Makati.