Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner

I guess its obvious that I have been on an exfoliating crusade recently, but it has only done wonders to my skin! The texture is smoother, my complexion is brighter, and it has reduced the amount of angry bumps I'd get in-between shaves from in-grown facial hair. Exfoliating toners have since replaced facial scrubs in my routine, and Mario Badescu's Glycolic Acid Toner is the latest addition in my roster of acids. I hadn't heard of the brand before, but when I got my Anthony cleanser and my Liquid Gold from Beauty Bay a while back, I came across the brand. 

Mario Badescu was a Romanian skincare specialist who specialised in creating effective and affordable botanical skin care products, eventually opening since salons in New York in 1967. He has since created an empire that gave unparalleled European-style facial services and a wide range of products available for everyone and anyone (including the likes of Liv Tyler, Jennifer Aniston, Kate Moss AND MARTHA STEWART.) Well, if its good enough for Martha, it sure is gold to me!

I read the reviews, all being positive, and took a chance. Being the cat that I am, I initially didn't think much of the brand because of its very simple packaging (I like shiny packaging! Guilty.) Yes, yes, I know- one musn't judge a book by its cover, but admittedly, covers do play a part in my judgement. However, the positive reviews were glaring back at my judgemental stare, so I took a chance. The package arrived swiftly, and since my Effaclar toner was finished, I started on MB's toner right away. What struck me to begin was how short the list of ingredients was. The toner contains Water, Aloe Gel, Grapefruit Extract and 2% Glycolic Acid. Four ingredients AND no alcohol. 

The toner has a slightly citrusy, powdery scent but nothing too overwhelming. Upon application, it did leave a zingy feeling on the skin- but not was astringent at all. For the more drier skin types- do not fret. I didn't find it stripping at all, and right now my cheeks can get very dry. Normally during winter, even with intense hydration, my skin has the tendency to feel rough as well, but I haven't felt that in a good while so the toner must be doing its job. My skin was not left parched and squeaky, which is a relief because most exfoliating toners can be too exfoliating- like swabbing acetone. The 2% glycolic acid content makes it gentle enough to use daily as well, unless you're really sensitive, which in that case- you should probably check with a dermatologist. After a couple of weeks of using it day and night my skin became smoother and brighter, with all that dulling dead skin lifted in a quick swipe. No scrubbing necessary. No cons from me. 

I guess the saying is right after all. Some products may lavish on their packaging, but the contents of this plain, unassuming bottle from Mario Badescu actually does what it says and to great effect. No need for super space-age sheen. 

Purchase yours here at £17.95 for 8oz. It also comes in a bigger size, which I will be sure to purchase when I run out!

Have you tried this toner before? Sound off below!

Vichy Normaderm: Purifying Astringent Lotion and Chrono Active Night Care

NORMADERM PURIFYING ASTRINGENT LOTION, £10.50 for 200ml

Out of the lot, this product was the one I was really impressed with. I have been such a big fan of La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Astringent Toner that initially, I didn't really want to try Vichy's toner. But since it was on offer, it was the cheapest of the three and so I got it for free anyway. Surprise, surprise! It was the best out of the three. I probably wouldn't trade my Effaclar for it, but it comes at a very close second in the category of French Pharmacy brands that I've tried. 

PROS: Price-wise, it's doesn't dent the plastic too much, especially when it's on offer like a 3 for 2, you can't really beat that. As far as skin caring ingredients are concerned, this exfoliant has all the stars. Salicylic and Glycolic Acids are present to really unclog and clean the pores, helping in tightening them, as well as exfoliating the surface of dead skin cells to help reveal a brighter complexion. It also contains Glycerin, which is a great ingredient for keeping the skin moisturised, preventing the skin from drying as it works by attracting water from the base layers of the skin up to the surface. I have used some exfoliating toners in the past that have really dried out my skin to the point that in the walk from my bathroom to my room, my skin gets tight and really, really thirsty. This particular one however, mattifies without drying too much. The Hydrogenated Castor Oil  together with their own Thermal Water, also helps soothe and soften the skin, which is ideal if you have sensitive skin (primarily because that's what the brand specialises in) or dry skin that can be prone to irritation. 

CONS: I was really pleased with the product, so no cons from me at all. 

VERDICT: 4 out of 5. I would buy it again. 

***

NORMADERM CHRONO-ACTIVE ANTI-IMPERFECTION NIGHT CARE, £12.77 for 50ml

What a name. Such a mouthful, but whatever. At least it says it all on the headline right? 

From their website, Vichy explains that Normaderm Nuit limits the production of excess sebum at night with its Pore Targeting Technology, which works deep into the heart of the pores, dissolving any dead cells and unclogging them to tighten and reduce it's visibility, night after night. In the course of my trial, I didn't use a serum at all, so I applied this directly post-toning every evening.