A staple for your cabinet I never really write reviews, but after being a long-time user of Mario Badescu drying lotion and seeing that it has some pretty poor reviews on here I felt compelled to provide my review.
1. This product is in no way shape or form a miracle worker. You will not go to bed and wake up with porcelain, celeb-like skin and never have to use concealer on a nasty blemish again... you will however put it on before bed and wake up with a SUBSTANTIALLY smaller blemish and dramatically reduced redness/inflammation.
2. Yeah, it gets a little dry around the blemish especially after using the product for 2-3 days, but nothing a little added moisturizer and light exfoliation each morning doesn't fix.
3. Yes, it stings a bit. Think about it, you're putting salicylic acid on a very inflamed portion of your face. I wouldn't say it stings badly enough for me to take it off, but it does sting a bit especially if the pimple has been opened. I just tell myself it's working and it only lasts about 10-20 seconds until the lotion dries.
4. It does have a strong odor, but as someone else said it's sort of refreshing. It will definitely clear your sinuses! Again, this only lasts 10-20 seconds until the product dries.
In conclusion, I will always have this drying lotion in my cabinet. The product is seriously fantastic and although it has a strong smell and tends to sting at first, it really does make a dramatic difference in your blemish overnight with it clearing up completely in a few days. It's super affordable as well for the amount you get, so do yourself a favor and try it out. Oh, and read the directions - q-tip straight into the bottle to the bottom pink sediment and straight out. Use a new q-tip for each pimple so as not to transfer bacteria!
Didn't work for me I've basically finished the entire glass bottle of this drying lotion, I originally heard about how great it was for spot treatments, therefore I bought it for when I get that one zit that randomly pops up, but it did nothing for me. I don't think it did anything negative, however, it was ineffective FOR ME. I would dab some on with a cotton swab, and leave it over night (around 6-7 hours) and in the morning when I wash my face the zit(s) appeared the exact same as the night before. No difference. I'm still looking for another one that might work better.
Painful to apply and really drys out your skin 2
2022-07-30
Do not buy. I use to have terrible acne. It doesn't help. It just dries your skin out and gives you dry patches.
My Holy Grail Spot Treatment 5
2022-07-25
This is by far my favorite and the best spot treatment for all types of skin! Throughout my ever-changing routine, this remains a staple every night no matter what happens to everything else. I have had oily, acne-prone, self-esteem-lowering skin ever since middle school, and I'm just now getting my bearings and getting a routine my hyperpigmentation is the worst and my only real complaint now. I get hormonal acne every month and while they still come this product helps my pimples clear up ASTONISHINGLY faster than any other treatment I've used.
Overall: Great 4
2022-07-22
I have mixed feelings about this product, but it's definitely leaning towards the positive. It definitely brings down the pimples a lot, and with combination skin that's saying something. It oftentimes takes around 1-4 nights for a pimple/zit to disappear completely and I'm so happy about that.
However the alcohol like smell is something I dislike about this. It calms down after a few minutes though, so I can't complain too much. While it does sting, the label does say to not apply it on any broken skin, and I found wiping it off immediately helps a lot.
Amazing! 5
2022-07-20
OMG. I had a horrible breakout just two days ago and was mortified because I had a big social event to attend yesterday. I picked up this drying lotion and left it on overnight. Long story short: it lived up to its claim! My pimples were flat in the morning and I was able to cover the PIH with makeup. I was able to enjoy the event without feeling embarrassed. Would definitely recommend especially if you need results in a pinch!
I will be buying again 5
2022-06-24
This product is amazing. You need to try for yourself.
