little white truths

When the email was sent around offering a discounted subscription to Marie Claire's new Ageless Parcel - which would contain only skincare and not makeup - I didn't have to think too long before deciding to subscribe.

I don't need any more beauty products in any shape or form, but I'm better off subscribing to a skincare-only box since skincare is my first love and I actually get through my products (as opposed to things like blush and eyeshadow, which last an eternity).

The decision was made when I saw that the box would contain something from Alpha-H - a brand I use and love - so the value of the box would most likely be made up for me based on one product alone, and indeed it has been.

There's what we got above. This is easily the best box I've ever received from Marie Claire and I'm so glad I signed up.

I'll use everything in it, and it also contains Alpha-H's Liquid Gold - an HG product of mine and one I keep repurchasing - so I've saved myself money in one sense since the cost of the box itself is less than the Alpha-H product. Woot woot!

There's the product card. You can see the box contains a good mix of products from different brands.

Happily the Alpha-H product is the only one I've tried before, so I've now got a bundle of fun new stuff to sample. Winning!

I'm pleased I'll get to try something from SK-II because I've always wished I could afford their stuff, although I would have preferred something that wasn't a sheet mask (sheet masks annoy the bejesus out of me and I keep receiving them in sub boxes - argh).

Still, I bet it's at the good end of the spectrum, as far as sheet masks go.

As always I'll comment briefly now on each product and then update this post once I've used everything and can review things properly.

Alpha-H Liquid Gold with Glycolic Acid (RRP $30 AUD for 50ml; received full size)

The product card refers to this as an overnight facial and award-winning resurfacing treatment. It uses naturally derived glycolic acid, licorice extract and silk proteins to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, pigmentation and sun damage.

I can confirm that this product does exactly what it says it will do. I love it and can't live without it. I've reviewed it here.

Jergens Shea Butter Deep Conditioning Moisturiser (RRP $7.99 for 250ml; received full size)

This is apparently formulated for dull, dry skin and contains an illuminating blend of ingredients like African shea butter. It's fast-absorbing and aims to deeply condition and improve the skin's moisture barrier.

I received a Jergens product in another box from Marie Claire and I loved it so I'm looking forward to giving this a go.

Dr Lewinn's Multi Moisture Balm (RRP $9.95 for 50g; received 15g sample)

This is a decent-sized sample and it's a product that appeals to me because it's multi-purpose. According to the card, it contains a trio of nourishing and smoothing oils (almond, avocado and buriti), and it can be used anywhere, any time - as a daily moisture booster, hydrating mask, lip ointment, makeup remover and soothing hand cuticle cream.

That all sounds good! Hopefully I'll find a use that works for me.

The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Facial Oil (RRP $54.95 for 30ml; received 7ml sample)

I have dry skin and am therefore a total oil junkie, so I'm super glad to see this. It's apparently a daily facial oil that revitalises skin and helps reduce the visible signs of ageing. Made from 99 per cent oils of natural origin, the lightweight formula effortlessly melts into skin and leaves a silky, non-sticky finish. You can use it alone or add it to your moisturiser.

That all sounds good. I'll likely open this one first since I'm short on night cream and this will make a good replacement.

SK-II Facial Treatment Mask (RRP $28 each; received one)

My golly, $28 for a single sheet mask - it had better be good!

According to the card, it's beloved by beauty insiders and celebrities alike, and is saturated in the brand's signature Pitera essence. It thoroughly hydrates skin, leaving it looking noticeably more radiant and crystal clear.

Even though I'm not big on sheet masks, I'll happily try this one. At $28 a pop, I hope I don't like it too much though ; )

Narciso Rodriguez Narciso EDT (RRP $88 for 30ml; received 4ml sample)

A lot of people don't like receiving perfume samples in boxes but I personally don't mind an odd one here and there - particularly if it's a larger size like this one is (they're normally around 1.5ml).

The card says this fragrance is from the master of minimalism and comes in an elegantly spare bottle. It contains a blend of white peony, Bulgarian rose, musk, woods, black and white cedars, and vetiver notes.

I've smelled it and it's fine - one of those inoffensive fragrances that most people would be ok with. I don't love it but I'll definitely use it. One for the handbag.

ProPlenish Marine Collagen (RRP $49.95 for 30 x 3g sachets; received two sachets)

Now this is a brand I haven't heard of. This stuff is apparently made from 100 per cent pure marine collagen. It's a supplement that's tasteless and blends clear in hot and cold drinks, and helps naturally replenish the collagen levels needed for a glowing complexion, healthy hair and strong nails.

I'm not sure how much benefit you'd see from using only two of these, but I'll try them and see how I go. It's a nice idea and I haven't used anything like this before so I'll be interested to see what they're like.

In sum

This is a great little box and it's definitely worth the $20 outlay - particularly because I would have spent at least that on repurchasing my trust Alpha-H Liquid Gold.

Can't wait to try everything! Let me know if you received this box and, if so, what you think of it.

As you may know I made November Mario Badescu month and opened up this kit, plus a couple of other Mario Badescu products I had sitting around.

Over the month I've reviewed each item in turn, and I'll now do a quick round-up post on the kit as a whole in case anyone's interested in the set and not any particular product.

This kit contains the Glycolic Foaming Cleanser, Glycolic Acid Toner, Collagen Moisturiser SPF 15, Super Collagen Mask and Glycolic Eye Cream.

I reckon the best item is the eye cream. It's a clear winner in my books and a product I plan to purchase once my little pot runs out.

I also like the cleanser and might purchase that too, but the other products weren't ones I plan to buy again. There's nothing hugely wrong with them, it's just that I have other products I prefer.

Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser

I've reviewed this here. I like this cleanser but do note that it's not for the faint-hearted, so if you have very dry or sensitive skin it mightn't be for you.

It's a clear gel that smells and feels astringent, and I can only use it twice a week on my dry, sensitive skin. Even with a small number of weekly uses, I still think this product has an effect on blemishes and it's great for getting rid of dead skin cells and giving your face a squeaky fresh feeling.

If I over-use it, it strips my skin red raw so do go gently with this product (at least to start with), but I'll happily use it twice a week and enjoy the skin-clearing results.

It also manages to exfoliate and resurface the skin without the use of harsh grains, which can be a plus for many.

Love. Great for dull, congested skin.

Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner

Full review here. This is a reasonable toner that removes grime well and it's not too expensive, particularly considering the amount contained in the full-sized bottle.

It's a blue liquid with a light, pleasant scent (I'm smelling the papaya extract). I can tell that it doesn't contain any nasties because it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin, but while I like this product and there's nothing hugely wrong with it, I don't think it has enough punch for me.

Two per cent glycolic acid isn't going to get you very far, and I don't notice the kinds of benefits I would expect from that ingredient when using this product. It does remove that last layer of grime from the skin and it's pleasant to use, but I don't think it generally meets its claims and it doesn't leave my skin looking and feeling fresher, brighter, smoother and less lined.

I'm glad I've tried it but I wouldn't buy it.

Mario Badescu Collagen Moisturiser SPF 15

Full review here. I've seen many online reviewers complain about this product and I can see why they don't like it, but the issues they have with it don't bother me too much.

It does leave a slightly greasy film on your face, but I have dry skin so any extra moisture is very welcome. The nozzle also clogs with product because some cream hits air once it's closed, but even the dry bit manages to sink in so this issue doesn't bother me too much either.

This cream isn't amazing and it doesn't achieve anything wonderful, but it does moisturise my dry skin well enough. It's not a product I would buy but I'm happily using it every day and my skin isn't suffering from it.

Mario Badescu Glycolic Eye Cream

In my opinion, this is the star product from the kit. Full review here.

It's quite heavy and greasy so it won't suit everyone, and I reckon it's best used overnight because it's slick and probably wouldn't fare very well under makeup.

Just the faintest dab is enough to cover the eye area, and I wouldn't overdo it because it won't absorb and the excess will get wasted on your pillow.

It's super hydrating and my dry skin loves it, but you mightn't if you have oily skin. Do note, though, that while the product is greasy to start with, it does absorb well and any slick feeling is gone soon enough.

I notice a difference in my eye area when I use this product - my skin just looks happier and healthier overall. Plus it's cheap! I've finally found an HG eye cream : )

Mario Badescu Super Collagen Mask

Full review here. There's nothing hugely wrong with this mask, it's just that I'm quite picky when it comes to masks because if I don't see any great benefits then I don't think they're worth the time.

The good thing about this product is that, despite being a clay mask, it doesn't dry out or irritate my already dry/sensitive skin. Most 'lesser' clay masks do this, so I'm always pleased to find one that doesn't.

It applies smoothly and feels quite cooling/soothing on the skin, drying down with a slight tightening effect that's not too uncomfortable.

I do think it's gentle enough to use up to three times a week as directed: I've never felt that this was too much or that my skin has suffered from this many applications.

Problem is, I don't notice any huge difference in my skin after using the product. It perhaps looks a little brighter and feels a little smoother but that's about it.

In sum

This is a decent kit overall and a good introduction to Mario Badescu as a brand.

The eye cream is definitely the stand-out for me and I plan on buying it once my tub has run out. The cleanser is the only other product that I would consider buying, since I have nothing else like it and it delivers a really deep clean.

Have you tried any Mario Badescu products? Let me know what you think of them if so.

little white truths

Pages

Contact Form / PR Friendly