I’m usually the one to introduce my mother to new beauty products because she stays very true to her small arsenal of brands. When it came Mario Basdecu however she introduced the brand to me. While at her friends apartment she used some hand moisturizer and became so taken with the scent that she stopped by the salon (which happens to be very close to where my parents live), and picked-up some products. The smell of the products I’ve sniffed (their range is very extensive), truly are amazing. I didn’t actually use any of them though until recently after hearing Rachel Zoe gush about their Summer Shine Body Lotion ($10-$22), which IS great. The shine is super-subtle and the grease-less cream is incredibly moisturizing. Scent-wise (think lightly pina colada-esque) I don’t love it as much as the line’s Vitamin E body Lotion ($10-$22) and A.H.A. Botanical Body Soap ($8-$14) which the smells — seriously — ahhh! Super-Spring-like and refreshing; also they’re just as good for men as for women.
I haven’t tried them, but Mario Badescu has got a ton of acne products as well that you can learn about online or if you’re in NYC check-out their salon which is favored by tons of celebs (Charlize Theron, Liv Tyler, Jennifer Aniston…). More info here!
MB will send free samples if you visit their website. I was very pleased with all of their products. You fill out a personalized skin questionnaire and they will send you products for your skin type.