Product Rave: Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion

I have battled with hormonal cystic acne ever since I reached my mid-twenties. Some times were worse than others, but I have never been able to completely eliminate the cycle of cysts that would appear along my chin and jawline. You know what I'm talking about if you've experienced those deep, under the skin, painful bumps that take forever to surface and heal. Luckily I had a good skin regimen and was able to keep them at bay for most of the time, but I definitely would have a cyst appear every two weeks or so.

Ever since getting pregnant, my face has broken out like a teenager all over again. I was able to keep it somewhat under control with my skin care routine but it was starting to get a bit ridiculous this summer. After searching some pregnancy message boards, and then further researching it on makeupalley.com (my favorite place to read and post beauty reviews), I decided that I needed to go and get Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion. I found it at my local ULTA. Keep in mind, however, it is not available on ULTA's website. It also looks like you can get this at Nordstrom.

I have to admit, I know next to nothing about Mario Badescu and his brand. All I knew is that the Buffering Lotion got tons of great reviews and I needed it. I still don't know much about the brand.... so anyone who uses it, please enlighten us!

Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion

And, why yes, that's Butter London nail polish in The Full Monty... in case you were wondering ;)

Product Claims:

"Specifically designed to treat large, deep, cystic acne, the buffering lotion covers large erupted areas for overall treatment. Formulated with nourishing B vitamins and amino acids for healthy skin as well as soothing anti-inflammatory herbal extracts to promote healing. Reduce cystic acne fast with this deep penetrating, fast absorbing formula."

At $17, this little baby doesn't come cheap, but I've been using it for about a month and I've barely made a dent in it. It's very liquid-y, and you have to shake it up to get it mixed up before use. After cleansing and toning, I use about a quarter-size amount all over my face. The instructions say to apply it to "erupted areas" but I haven't been paying attention to that (I'm a rebel). I have been using it as a preventative every other night (sometimes every night if I feel something coming on). I do not use any other additional moisturizer/night cream with this aside from eye cream.

Guess what? In the month that I've been using this, I've only had ONE deep pimple. And get this-- it dried up in TWO DAYS and didn't even surface. This is a miracle, seeing as how those babies can take up to a week to fully heal!

I can't speak on its ability to keep other types of pimples at bay, but I can say that I haven't had any other kind of breakout WHATSOEVER.

Y'all. This receives MIRACLE HG (holy grail) status.

THE END.