Mario Badescu • Herbal Hydrating Serum • Skincare - Face

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BudgetDiva on 2/2/2013 10:41:00 PM more reviews by BudgetDiva

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Cool   Hair: Silver, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Black    

I have a love/hate relationship with MB products and, after going through 2 samples, I'm going to have to put this on the "hate" side of our relationship.

It's a lightweight serum, clear blue in color, and it feels nice going on. That being said, no matter how I adjust the amount I use, it never feels completely dry and stays somewhat tacky on my skin, no matter how long I wait for it to absorb. I have combination/sensitive skin and I thought this might be a good way to moisturize and protect without irritating my skin...but the best I can say about it and gave it 2 lippies is because at least it didn't break me out. But, then again, it didn't do much else, either. Back to Dior for serum needs.

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*TOP REVIEWER* cgw1 on 10/14/2012 11:59:00 PM more reviews by cgw1

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Worthless product. Hydrates for about 2 mins then my skin is tight again. This was way too pricey. $30 for a blue gel in a tiny bottle that does nothing? No thanks. Returning this.

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hanako283 on 9/17/2012 3:02:00 PM more reviews by hanako283

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Fabulous, fabulous product! With my somewhat sensitive, dehydrated combination acne-prone skin (that's a mouthful), there aren't many moisturizers that I've found worked well without irritating me. I've been happy with La Roche Posay's Toleriane because it is definitely non-irritant, but sometimes it's just not moisturizing enough. This is where this gel comes into play. I layer this over my every day moisturizer and it really plumps up my skin! I also sometimes use it as night by itself -- though I admit I sometimes skimp on the night time moisturizing step, oops! You'd think layering so many products would cause problems, but so far I haven't had any issues with combining this serum with Toleriane! Both products have very few ingredients (also true for most other Mario Badescu products, which is why I love them so much), so less chances of bad reactions. The smell of this serum is very mild and pleasant, a little herbal. A little goes a long way -- I've had it for a month now, used it every day since I bought it and the bottle still looks full! Definite repurchase for me!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

earthlili on 8/9/2012 3:10:00 AM more reviews by earthlili

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

This is a wonderful, wonderful product. I love it so much sometimes I don't use it because I don't want to run out! But then it is so affordable, I shouldn't worry. This is just a commendable product that does what it says it is going to do. Simple packaging, easy to take travelling. Good for every imaginable reason; it's a quiet achiever.
I use it as a moisturiser when I need something light. I also use it under another moisturiser when I need an extra boost. AND it is wonderful to dab on through air flights. It penetrates like no product Ive ever known. And you can reapply with no threat of build up or heaviness. It disappears under make up with no problem. It is the sort of product that makes me want to write love letters to its manufacturor.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Laurenam44766 on 6/28/2012 8:35:00 PM more reviews by Laurenam44766

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Other, Tan   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I bought for about 30 dollars. It's a little pricey but I lasts a long time! I have very dry skin and also acne prone skin, it didn't break out my skin at all. All of my dry flaky skin has gone away! I put it on at night before I go to sleep and before I put my make up on in place of a moisterizer. I love it!

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misstaggart on 6/13/2012 8:19:00 PM more reviews by misstaggart

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Olive, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Great product. Got a sample just in time for a long flight to the UK, and the havoc that changing climates from foggy SF to summer in London will take on your skin. It saved me!

No miracles, just plump, hydrated, non-oily skin that you can then have your way with. A little goes a long way, if you're concerned about the cost for the amt. of product you get.

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kohlieee on 12/7/2011 10:55:00 PM more reviews by kohlieee

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I've only been using samples of this, but so far, I love it. I literally need a small dab for each area of my face, and then I'm hydrated for hours. It's non-oily, and so my face doesn't feel greasy in the least after I apply it. The sinks right into my skin and leaves my complexion feeling plump and moist, not tacky or sticky. I may even use this in the summer time at night as a lightweight hydrator. My skin gets a bit oiler in the summer months, and the MB seaweed night cream I'm using might be too rich. I plan to purchase a full size bottle soon. Additionally, I've never broken out from this gel serum. Although it's a bit pricey for the minimal ingredients and the small 1 oz bottle, it will last me forever and will serve its purpose.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Plagueofhamsters on 11/17/2011 10:55:00 PM more reviews by Plagueofhamsters

Age: 19-24   Skin: Very Oily, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

Amazing serum -- super hydrating, yet very perfect for combination, oily, and acne-prone skintypes. I use this little gem when my regular water-based moisturizer doesn't seem to be cutting it or directly after doing a Lactic Acid peel and I want to keep the flakies away. Currently, I'm using Face Reality's Hydrating Emulsion as my day and night moisturizer, but I went through a whole bottle of this first. I do find the two interchangable (Though the Face Reality is $22 for 2oz while this is $30 for 1oz) but the MB HHS gives a little more moisture (My very oily skin does need this occasionally since I am a RAM user). Overall, one of MB's more expensive products, but definitely one of the best in the line. Highly recommend you pick up a sample. If you're in the states, head to Nordstrom to get a sample :]

6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

wenopia on 7/15/2010 3:44:00 AM more reviews by wenopia

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I really love this product. I've only been using the sample but am considering ordering in my next mb purchase!

My skin is currently very dry due to weather and acne treatments. it's also a little flaky but if i apply this over my moisturiser, before makeup, it keeps my skin hydrated all day!

Also, it's the only hydrating serum that doesn't break me out at all.

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keshuibao on 2/15/2010 3:40:00 AM more reviews by keshuibao

Age: 19-24   Skin: Very Oily   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I am using the 6th bottle now. I have very oily skin, and I have to wear makeup more than 12 hours two or three days every week. To make sure my foundation stays as long as it can be, I put lot of shine-control stuff under or above my makeup. These stuff make my face very dry. I feel the dryness once I put my makeup and this feeling persist to the end of the day even thought I got tons of oil on my face (I don't like to use blotting paper because I believed using it would produce more oil, so I usually let the oil stays) I was looking for something to make the dryness feeling go away. So far, this serum is the only product works and the effect lasts all day. I apply the serum as a moisturizer during spring and summer time. During fall and winter, I would need a regular moisturizer (can be any kind of moisturizer, the type of moisturizer doesn't make a big differents) and then apply the serum above the moisturizer. Even though I like this product a lot, I should admit that it is rather expensive. The product only hydrates the skin and the bottle didn't last long. During summer as I use it as moisturizer, the bottle lasts about 3 weeks, during winter time, the bottle lasts a little longer, about a month. By the way, the packaging is really bad. There is always small amount left in the bottle and can't be squeeze out.

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fugitivebyfate on 1/5/2009 11:26:00 PM more reviews by fugitivebyfate

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I love this product. I have very oily, acne prone skin and this hydrating serum is perfect. I can use it if my face is feeling dry/tight from treatment products or cold, dry weather. It is a silicone-free moisturizer which is perfect for my sensitive skin. I can also layer it with another product if I need extra moisture. The price may seem expensive, but a little goes a long way. I only need to buy 2-3 bottles per year. I think this is a great product from a great brand.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Ronbong on 5/15/2008 8:57:00 PM more reviews by Ronbong

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I just finished one bottle and thinking about purchasing the same one tomorrow or try a different one.

I have very oily / acne-prone skin. Although I can clean & scrub it as hard and as many times a day as I want, it's really picky when comes to moisturising and makeup. Nothing from the premium lines i.e. Lancome, Chanel, Dior, Estee Lauder... can suit my skin. It just breaks out easily. I can never use moisturiser even I live in the UK at the moment, not to mention my summer in Asia where the weather is really humid.

However, even with oily skin, sometimes after cleansing I do feel that I need moisturizer and this Herbal Hydrating Serum works wonder. Of course my skin still gets oily after several hours but I learn that nothing helps (besides aging maybe). This feels very nice on my skin. Lightly hydrating without that heavy feeling. It's like a water-spray which would stay on your skin longer.

Would recommend to ppl with oily skin like mine ^^. Luv it

I also tried MB A.H.A Ceramid Mois but didn't work.

Only give 3 for Packaging since although I don't mind the simple bottle, it's very hard to get the serum out when it's near the end. I have to put mine up side down to day and still end up banging it on the table to get the liquid out.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

sue52175 on 2/18/2008 4:22:00 PM more reviews by sue52175

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

This is a great serum to wear under your moisturizer or alone. It leaves my skin moist but not oily. I really like Mario Badescu products because they are made with natural ingredients and they're affrodable. I would buy this again because my skin feels great when I add a few drops.

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*TOP REVIEWER* dilllll90 on 9/8/2007 3:39:00 AM more reviews by dilllll90

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Overall, I don't know why I got it as a sample. I have oily/ sensitive skin. This product does nothing to my face. It's pretty moisturizing, feels like water stayed on my face for quite some long time. I tested it. I put it on around 8 pm and I can still feel some kind of moist on my face 3 am. But does not feel much in the morning because my face secretes lots of oil itself.

I usually love MB line esp. control cream, so this product is not impressive nor would I purchase it. It's not for my age, not for my skin type. It does not improve anything. I can recommend some people with super dry skin to get a sample before purchasing. Becuase for the price tag, lots of other products does the same thing---simply moisterizing.

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littlecabbit on 4/21/2007 6:20:00 PM more reviews by littlecabbit

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green    

I have dry skin and had high hopes for this serum. Its just not hydrating for my skin type. It goes on like a gel then basically evaporates leaving my skin just as dry if not more so after using it. I bought it in the winter when I needed the most help and tried it for a month or so and it did not once actually make my skin feel comfortable and hydrated! Perhaps this would work in the summer as a replacement for moisturizer for someone with oily/combo skin.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

everitt4 on 1/25/2007 12:44:00 AM more reviews by everitt4

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Finally bought this recently after a few samples in the past. Didn't have a use for it until this winter, with drier skin around my nose/cheeks (s/p Accutane a few years back). Now with a few clogged pores again, I'm using AHA more often, so my skin reacts more as well. Use it over a light moisturizer/SPF for those areas that still need a little more help. It's light, non-greasy. Don't know if it's the best there is to offer, but it fills my need. Will definitely go the distance. Littlest drop used per application.
UPDATE: I use this all the time as my go-to moisturizer. Especially in winter (in california), especially when traveling (airplanes!), and now esp during pregnancy for a light moisturizer. A little still goes a long way, but I love this stuff!!!

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*TOP REVIEWER* swirlingblacklily on 1/6/2007 6:40:00 PM more reviews by swirlingblacklily

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other, Dark   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I bought this product almost a year ago, but it didn't really have a place in my regimen until recently, when I started the Obagi system. One of the major side-effects of Obagi is itchy, peeling, skin -- usually, I just dealt with the flakies, but there were some times when I had a special event and did NOT want to walk around with skin flaking off my face! Just a drop or two of this serum really helped relieve the dry patches and cut waaaaay down on the flakies.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

demoninthedark on 9/21/2006 4:08:00 PM more reviews by demoninthedark

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I received this as a deluxe sample. The serum is a very comfortable hydrating gel- not really anything more. As other members have stated- $30 for 1 ounce SHOULD produce some results. So- I will not be purchasing this not because it is a bad product, but because there are better ones out there for it's price tag.

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*TOP REVIEWER* CaliBello on 4/7/2006 3:00:00 PM more reviews by CaliBello

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Tan, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

Pretty good oily skin moisturizer. It felt comforting on my skin and provided light moisture, which is all I need. I wasn't irritating at all. I prefer Vernacular Skin Works Hydrating Fluid, so I will not repurchase.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Tahari on 12/25/2005 6:01:00 PM more reviews by Tahari

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I got this as a sample. I have really oily skin so I can't use it as a moisturizer, but I found that patting some under my eye AM or PM moisturized my under-eye very well. It helped diminish fine lines and smiling wrinkles on the sides of my eyes. For that reason I might order the full size once my sample runs out. :)

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