BATTLE OF THE BLEMISHES

A few weeks ago I ran out of my tried and true Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. I happened to be at Sephora and saw a similar product by Kate Somerville so I thought why not.

Lets see who came out on top.......

Claims

Mario:

The Drying Lotion is a fast acting, effective acne spot treatment. Formulated with salicylic acid, calamine and other quick-drying ingredients, this product will shrink ugly whiteheads virtually overnight while you sleep. While other acne spot treatments can irritate and dry delicate or sensitive skin, this product is safe and effective for all skin types. 

Ingredients: Isopropyl Alcohol,Deionized Water (Aqua), Calamine, Camphor, Colloidal Sulfur, Salicylic Acid,Glycerine, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Talc

Kate :

EradiKate Acne Treatment is a fast-acting, on-the-spot treatment that helps to clear up pimples and significantly reduce associated redness. This powerful formula quickly calms flare-ups and is specially formulated to prevent future breakouts.

Ingredients: Sulfur, Isopropyl Alcohol, Water, Camphor, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Salicylic Acid, Iron Oxides (Cl 77489, Cl 77491, Cl77492, Cl 77499), Zinc Oxide (Cl 77947).

The Verdict:

While both products contain acne fighting ingredients (Sulfur, Salicylic Acid) Mario's drying lotion just plane works better... Kate's version flakes off almost immediately  after drying. Night after night I would give it another try, and I would wake up to pink flakes everywhere and my eyes would be irritated. It wouldn't stay on the skin let alone a blemish. While Mario, on the other hand would stay put where I placed it. Mario Badescu is cheaper and comes in at $17 for a 1oz vile. Kate Somerville goes for $22 same 1oz vile. Save the few dollars and go with Mr. Mario Badescu. Your wallet and pesky blemish will thank you......

MARIO BADECUE CERMIDE EYE GEL

Normally I enjoy products from Mario Badescu, but this eye gel isnt one of their all stars. I was in the market looking for a eye gel. Having acne prone skin, its better to use a lightweight gel then a heavy eye cream like most that are on the market today. The retail price was $18 so I couldn't pass it up. 

I applied the gel after my cleansing and toning steps. I noticed the texture was somewhat "slimy" for the lack of a better work. A little goes a long way. I gently padded the gel under my eyes and on my eyelids. I then went to watch tv and after the show was over I notice that the gel had not soaked into my skin. Like it was left just sitting there on top. I looked in the mirror and it looked like I had chicken grease under my eyes!! I left it alone thinking that when I woke up the next morning the product would have been absorbed. Unfortunately it looked the same as the night before.. My eyes were still all greasy. This product would just not absorb into my skin!! I think someone who has EXTREMELY dry skin might benefit from this eye gel, it's just not for me.

Rated: *  *  1/2

• Pros: Inexpensive 
• Cons: WOULD NOT absorb into skin, left a greasy look to the eyes.