Summer skin saviors

Philippine summers are one of the ickiest times for problem skin. It’s hot, it’s humid, it’s sticky. You go out freshly bathed and, minutes later, are bathed again in sweat. For acne sufferers, especially, summer seems to aggravate the oil production that makes their faces feel like a grease slick, and this oily buildup and bacteria can cause even more acne. Short of showering two or three times a day, what can you do to keep the sweat and oil at bay?

Smart skincare is the answer — cleansers that clean without stripping, toners that wipe away every trace of dirt without drying, and moisturizers that hydrate without adding more oil. One of the go-to brands for every kind of skin condition — especially those with combination or oily skin who are prone to breakouts— is Mario Badescu. The vast (over 200) product range is easy to navigate, divided as it is into categories for dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin. There’s no hype (the natural formulas are housed in no-nonsense containers), and therefore no hidden costs are tacked on to the price. Products that really work, at ultra-reasonable prices? Now, that’s smart skincare.

Problem: Oily, acne-prone skin

Solution: With Mario Badescu Botanical Facial Gel, you can go into the bathroom covered in dirt, sweat and oil and emerge a new person, with fresh, revitalized skin that feels super-clean but not over-dried. This has grapefruit extract to sweep away pore-clogging makeup and impurities that can cause blackheads and pimples. Its many rabid fans say their skin totally transformed after just two weeks of use. (P745)

Problem: Dull skin, large pores, redness

Solution: Special Cucumber Lotion wipes away every last bit of gunk from your face that your cleanser didn’t catch. Its main ingredient, cucumber extract, deep cleans and has a pore-tightening effect to boot. Unlike many toners, this one doesn’t sting but leaves your face refreshed and dewy. Regular users attribute it with almost-miraculous properties, like dramatically reducing redness, shrinking existing acne, improving clarity and brightness, and stopping breakouts before they start. (P945)

Problem: Oily, combination or sensitive skin that feels dry after cleansing

Solution: Mario Badescu AHA & Ceramide Moisturizer seems made for our tropical weather, with its light, oil-free consistency that your skin will drink in like water. With its alpha hydroxy acids and ceramides, it’s a multi-tasker that doesn’t just hydrate skin (though it does that really well, without clogging pores), it also calms sunburn, tones skin with antiseptic ingredients and is rich in antioxidants like vitamin C. Short-term effects include velvety skin that doesn’t feel sticky. Long-term effects include a healthy glow from improved skin tone and texture. (P1,245)

Problem: Skin stressed from travel and heat

Solution: Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater is one of Mario Badescu’s key products, and rightly so. This nutrient-rich facial spritz instantly sprays away perspiration and refreshes with a light rose scent. In dry weather or on a long-haul flight, it moisturizes and rejuvenates parched skin and hair. You can even use it to set makeup, when it makes even the cakiest foundations settle into dewy flawlessness. (P445)

Problem: Crow’s feet, fine lines and wrinkles

Solution: Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Eye Cream is especially good in summer for those with mature, drier skin showing the first signs of aging. It goes on light and non-sticky, and plumps up little fine lines with intense moisture. A small amount goes a long way, and it doesn’t irritate your eyes or the delicate skin around it. (P1,145)

Problem: Rough, lackluster body skin

Solution: Made for all skin types, Papaya Body Lotion’s fruit acids exfoliate rough, callused areas like elbows and knees, making them softer and smoother. Rice-bran oil makes this lotion extremely moisturizing without being greasy, and the papaya scent leaves skin nicely fragrant with a nice sheen. (P595)

Problem: Dry, chapped lips

Solution: Lip Wax is a misnomer for this fabulously textured balm, which isn’t waxy at all but slicks on and melts into lips. This beeswax-based product doesn’t just sit on top of your lips but penetrates to really moisturize, and the effect lasts a good three to four hours. Enriched with rose extract and vitamin E, it also imparts a glossy shine and can be worn under lipstick, just in case you needed that extra oomph. Also comes in a version with SPF. (P345)

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Mario Badescu is available at Rustan’s Essenses.