Mario Badescu • Drying Mask • Masks

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NettalynnL on 5/13/2011 9:22:00 PM more reviews by NettalynnL

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

The Drying Mask is one of those things that you have to decide what's more important: the smell or the results. Most products that do not have an added fragrance are hardly likely to have a pleasing smell to them, and Mario Badescu's Drying Mask is no exception. On good days, I think it smells like dirt. On bad days, like old cigarettes. Of course, I don't use it for perfume, I use it to improve my complexion and it does do that. However, like any product, you cannot use it once and expect to see miraculous, long lasting results. Masks are meant as intense treatments, and these require repetition to produce real improvement. I've used this mask since I was about seventeen, when my skin began having terrible breakouts. I added Mario Badescu's Drying Mask and Whitening Mask to my routine (I use Cetaphil Cleanse and Cream, Neutrogena Gentle Daily Scrub, and a prescription Clindamycin 1% Solution). My breakouts increased initially (after the first two uses of the two masks) but then gradually decreased until stopping entirely after about two months. I use the Drying Mask five times a week for thirty minutes, following directly by the Whitening Mask for 30 minutes (any residue left by the Drying Mask is effectively removed by the Whitening Mask, which has exfoliating and moisturizing properties). It took about four months of steady use before my skin began to balance out, but it finally did (I don't have an oily face in the mornings or during the day anymore, even after using my Cetaphil cream, and I no longer breakout). It isn't a sign of a good mask if it strips your skin of oil and dries it out for some 24 hours, that's simply over drying your skin, and it will only cause it to produce more oil. Mario's Drying mask works, I believe, because it dries gently, without stripping away all of the skin's natural oils, and over time, it can help to balance out the complexion. This is why the Whitening Mask works so well as a follow-up; it's moisturizing, and lightly exfoliating, thereby removing the dried surface and moisturizing the newly exfoliated skin. Always follow up with your moisturizer prior to going to bed!

In short:

Pros: calming, reduces redness and swelling, helps to balance oily complexion without over drying (best if used in conjunction with the Whitening Mask, and needs to be used more than the recommended 3 days a week). Heals and helps to prevent breakouts.

Cons: the packaging is annoying (the seal carries away a descent amount of the mask with it, so you end up having to scrape it off and it's fairly messy), it's not cheap (around $24 w/ s/h), lasts about six-eight weeks, you have to leave it on longer than recommended (sometimes I leave it on as long as 45 minutes), and it works best when used with another mask (Whitening Mask), which runs you another $25/6 weeks. The smell (The Whitening Mask smells amazing, but the Drying Mask can make you think you just walked out of a high school restroom).

For me, it's worth it, it's gentle, natural, and not packed with useless, irritating ingredients like fragrances.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

debbrumb on 4/19/2011 10:23:00 PM more reviews by debbrumb

Age: 36-43   Skin: Oily, Olive, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Green    

Like the others the smell was my number one complaint. The second was it had a marshmellow consistency. Very thick. Third, after I washed it off my skin still felt like it had something on it. It did feel dry but only for the night and by morning my normal skin was back.

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KatrinTreichel on 4/6/2011 9:32:00 PM more reviews by KatrinTreichel

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Relaxed, Coarse   Eyes: Blue    

I don't know. I have used this once and it works. but the stink is wow... its incredibly bad. I had nose plugs and I still nearly threw up so something to consider!

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astrael_nyx on 3/21/2011 1:21:00 AM more reviews by astrael_nyx

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Effectiveness: Good. I tested this out on an incipient cyst/nodule on my nose over the course of three nights with Buffering Lotion underneath a dab of the Drying Mask as a spot treatment left overnight. It's disappearing, which has never happened before when I've applied 5% BP. I know it's not a perfectly controlled experiment about the efficacy of this product, but the combination of Buffering Lotion and Drying Mask has worked for me this once.

I also applied it to a cyst that had come to a head. Don't know it it helped it dry out faster.

Cons: The smell. It's sulfur and it truly stinks. Since I apply it overnight, I can smell it for hours. However, considering the product has (probably) worked for me thus far, I don't mind it too much. If you have a very sensitive sense of smell, try dabbing or waving some aromatherapy oils under your nose.

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libra4 on 2/9/2011 2:15:00 PM more reviews by libra4

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

It stinks. It works.

Yes it has a sulfur smell, and it really put me off at first, but having used the product, now I don't care, and I'm actually getting used to it.

I just started using this as a spot treatment. I usually get a pimple or two when I have my period. Other products have caused me more pimples or bumps, made my skin flaky, or they just haven't worked as well as this. One application of the Drying Mask, however, left on overnight, pretty much does the job for me. I typically use a tiny, tiny bit the next night or two, just to be sure, but in a day's time, what was a huge, self-conscious inducing pimple becomes a hardly noticeable spot, and it doesn't seem to bring more bumps on either.

I think this would be too drying for my sensitive and not all that oily skin if I used it as a full mask treatment, but to dry out a zit, this stuff works, (for me, even better than MB Silver Powder). MB are generous with their samples, so I would definitely recommend at try on this one.

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akrypti36 on 12/18/2010 8:37:00 PM more reviews by akrypti36

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Fair, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Past reviewers aren't kidding when they say this product smells more like something that goes in your car than on your face, and yes, the smell *is* pretty horrible. However, this product delivers.



I have very oily skin. If I sit still for an hour, my face can accumulate enough oil for a stir-fry, so I'm constantly on the hunt for something that will help me reduce the slick. MB's Drying Mask does just that. It leaves my skin healthier and less greasy throughout the day.



The best part is it's a great overnight spot treatment. I use a Q-tip to dab a spot of it on cysts or whiteheads and find that literally overnight, the Drying Mask will dry up the pimple.



Be mindful of your skin type. Unless you have very oily acne-prone skin, this product is probably not for you.

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bobes on 12/12/2010 4:04:00 PM more reviews by bobes

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I am onto my 3rd jar of the drying mask now. My skin is pretty good but my nose and chin area gets build up and black heads. I use this mask 1x a week to dry out any little zits and cleanse my face. If I go longer w/o using it, my face starts to feel too clogged up. It has a sulfur smell when you wash it off, but I don't mind it. this is a staple in my skincare regimen.

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MsEmilyPark on 11/15/2010 7:29:00 PM more reviews by MsEmilyPark

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

This product smells horrible to me. I think it's the colloidal sulfur that is the culprit. It does what it's supposed to do, but I still prefer Queen Helene's Mint Julep Mask.

"HOW TO USE: Apply a thin layer on clean skin avoiding eye area. Wait 20 minutes and rinse with tepid water. May be used 2-3 times a week all over face or on problem areas only including back and chest.
BEAUTY TIP: For excessively oily skin, dust Special Healing Powder on the skin before applying Drying Mask. For acne-erupted skin apply Buffering Lotion before and after mask. For the most balanced regimen alternate with Healing Soothing Mask on different nights.
INGREDIENTS: Deionized Water (Aqua), Kaolin,Wheat (Triticum Vulgare) Starch, Calamine,Ichthammol,Propylene Glycol, Colloidal Sulfur, Titanium Dioxide"

$18 for 2 oz. I will not repurchase this product.

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

varmintrifle on 11/5/2010 2:32:00 AM more reviews by varmintrifle

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Black, Straight   Eyes: Blue    

This mask is far superior to MB's Drying Lotion when used as a spot treatment. I rarely break out, but recently had three bumps appear on my right cheek (probably thanks to my cat sleeping on my pillow), one of which came to a head thanks to the Drying Lotion I used the night before. The other two were still below the surface and a little red and painful. Having just run out of Q-tips, I decided to try the sample of the Drying Mask I received instead on the bumps. The next day, they were not only completely flattened but also no longer red, and the one that had been a whitehead the day before had healed. It took the mask only overnight to accomplish what my face would take a week to do on its own. As for the smell, I don't think it's bad, but then again I'm the type of person who enjoys the smell of gasoline.

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kava123 on 10/25/2010 12:30:00 AM more reviews by kava123

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I honestly had to return this due to the strong smell. It reminded me of a cross between tires and oil. Made me gag every time I used it. Almost left a film on my face once I rinsed it off. Did decrease breakouts but I just couldn't get past the smell!

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wenopia on 7/7/2010 8:31:00 AM more reviews by wenopia

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

Probably the third night i've used this and it really amazed me this time. most of my blogged pores (tiny bumps in the skin) have dried up and flattened out, skin got really smooth and soft. immediately after, small pimples are soothed and not irritated. I kept it on longer this time though, for about 30 mins. skin got a bit flaky afterwards but nothing that toner and moisturizer didn't fix.

UPDATE:

Woke up with a rash! tiny bumps all over the areas where i applied the mask. it's really itchy and irritated - does cover with makeup though which is lucky. no pimples in sight though which is the weird thing (3 stars).

I'll probably try cutting down the time to until the mask dries and using it like once a week or something if you have sensitive skin/not overly oily skin. Or pack on the healing and soothing mask after.

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

jaclause on 5/20/2010 1:42:00 PM more reviews by jaclause

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

After experiencing acne for the first time at 31, I was desperate for a fix. Allergic to benzoyl, I was limited. Changed everything- now on Cetaphil, kept the Mario Gylcolic Cleanser and instituted Mario Healing Cream and Mask, Drying Cream and Mask, Whitening Mask and Buffering Lotion. After the Drying Mask was recommended by Blue Mercury (Rittenhouse location), I was excited to start. Well, their little sample ended up selling all those products listed. This mask is what I think is helping the most. It is amazing. Smells like a nasty car shop, but works like a charm. Two times a week has been all I needed to get my mess of a chin under control.

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*TOP REVIEWER* gommiebears on 2/10/2010 8:14:00 AM more reviews by gommiebears

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Dark, Cool   Hair: Black, Kinky, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I wanted to like this product. I really do since it has all of the best ingredients to draw out acne to the surface and heal faster, which includes colloidal sulfur and ichthammol, which is a kind of sulfur compound. But unfortunately it makes me itch and I strongly suspect it is the wheat starch. Along with the itchy skin, I would break out even more. I think I might have developed an intolerance to wheat, which my esthetician suggested to me. I just want to reinforce that it is not a bad product but the wheat starch just doesn't agree with me. If Mario Badescu replaced the wheat starch with something else, I would be buying this in bulk. Luckily the drying cream works splendidly for me.

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ejmendez13 on 1/30/2010 11:18:00 PM more reviews by ejmendez13

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

This product is amazing! All of the MB products that I have tried have improved my skin so much. However, with MB products you have to actually read and do some research on what would be good for your skin. The reviewers that haven't had luck with this product probably don't have oily skin which is what this mask is aimed for (oily/acne skin).
I love this as a full on mask b/c it really sucks all the oils out of my super oily face. It also works really well as a spot treatment. If I get a whitehead I'll put this on it and it dries it up by the morning. This product isn't meant for cystic acne. If you have cystic acne use the buffering lotion, that's what got rid of cystic acne. If you just have bumps on your skin then I recommend the drying cream. My skin is beautiful now thanks to those three products. They also have the Drying Lotion which they're famous for but that's more for typical, whitehead acne that I don't really get. The key to MB products is figuring which type of acne you have.
FYI the drying mask has Colloidal Sulfur which makes it smell like something that belongs in a car.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

baffwhack on 1/13/2010 8:09:00 PM more reviews by baffwhack

Age: 36-43   Skin: Very Oily, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

The smell. Oh my god. It reminds me of diesel fuel mixed with kerosene! But, BUT!!!!!!!!

..........it works.

I have uber-oily skin (think oil that can clobber mattifying foundation AND powder in about an hour) that is a nightmare for me. I saw a review for Mario's Drying Mask on Youtube, and shelled out the dough for it at Ulta.

I was floored that this stuff actually does work. My oil slick days are behind me! I have been using the mask for about two weeks now and the improvement is startling.

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

Zodia on 1/12/2010 6:29:00 PM more reviews by Zodia

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

If using this product, I suggest using the Healing and Soothing Mask right after, as it will balance out your skin. This is especially important for those with dry and/or sensitive skin. If you do not have time to use both masks, apply the Healing Cream after the Drying Mask, as it will help calm the skin after the Drying Mask as well.

I have been using the sample of this for a few weeks now (as needed) and I am not sure if this is working for me. It does feel like it is drying my skin and my blemishes seem to be a bit smaller, so maybe it is doing something, however, this is not a miracle worker for me. This could be in part because much of my acne is cystic, which is difficult to treat. However, for acne at the surface, I think it does help.

If you can get past its nasty odor, this might be a product worth trying. Just make sure to follow with the Healing and Soothing Mask and/or the Healing Cream. Those products are wonderful and can be used without the Drying Mask.

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

SPOILEDkiwi on 1/6/2010 10:34:00 AM more reviews by SPOILEDkiwi

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Olive, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I don't use this as a mask because my skin isn't very oily. Instead, I use this as a spot treatment after I pop a pimple. I pop the pimple and squeeze as much stuff out as I can without pressing too hard, then I put a thick layer of this over the spot. It sucks out the rest of the oil in the pimple and dries it up faster than if I didn't put anything on it. I may be in the minority, but I don't mind the smell.

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

priscillawong on 1/1/2010 6:10:00 PM more reviews by priscillawong

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

I received this as a sample from the website from filling out their questionnaire. I have oily/combination skin with occasional monthly breakouts. True, the product smells really really really bad. But it did help reduce the size of my pimples by the next day. However, little did I know, that cool trick didn't last. My skin has probably developed some resistance to the product, so it no longer minimizes my pimples. I also find the product to be difficult to completely wash off. I will not purchase the product in full-size.

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MauraLynn on 12/22/2009 9:43:00 PM more reviews by MauraLynn

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

DON"T attempt this if you have dry skin, or worse still, sensitive skin like mine.

It's lucky that I got this in a sample pack. First off, the smell is absolutely horrible, and I just knew that something that smells so similar to your industrial strength rust cleaner or whatever can't possibly be good for your skin. And I was right. 15 minutes after the mask dried out I had a terrible time trying to remove the mask completely from my face. My skin then promptly turned tight, shiny and dry.

It was only overnight that I realized a bad rash all over my face, which worsened over a span of two days. My skin is sensitive to certain products, and in the case of this one, my face broke out in a hot, red and itchy rash over the course of the next two days. After the span of two days, the redness slowly went away and I was left with a face of flaking skin.

The only reason I gave this product two stars is because it actually cleared away my acne after the disastrous first usage. While this may have worked for others without any side-effects, it was definitely too strong for me. I definitely recommend anyone thinking of trying this out to get the sample. Mario Badescu always have samples in stock, one thing I really like about them. And anyway, I've had worse results with other products.

Two stars, considering that it did what it promised to do and didn't cost me a cent, though I'll never use it again.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Hothead on 12/8/2009 7:56:00 PM more reviews by Hothead

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal, Fair, Warm   Hair: Red, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

A staple for smooth and blemish free skin.

I use this 3x a week at night as a pore sealer on my T zone -- especially around the nose and cheeks. I do all my cleansing, toning and creams -- and then I use this on the T zone only.

it has worked for me for years and I will continue to use it.

I would recommend this to anyone who gets small blemishes, has large pores and wants to keep a healthy skin.

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