Mario Badescu • Special Healing Powder • Treatments

Where To Buy?

*TOP REVIEWER* Aiko_Aiko on 7/22/2007 5:56:00 PM more reviews by Aiko_Aiko

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

I recently came off the Pill (after several years of steady use) and my otherwise normal/combo skin has gone completely nuts on me. Whereas on the Pill I used to have one or two hormonal zits pop up on my nose, I am now finding it's possible to breakout absolutely everywhere on my face again, a gift I haven't had since high school. Even the painful under-the-skin cysts have returned! At almost 30, I'm too old for this crap, so I went on a mission to find some products that would help my now increasingly oily, breakout prone skin.


This was my first purchase from the M.B. line and I selected it to use as a daytime oil/breakout control product, since I have an allergy to Benzoyl peroxide. It's sulfur based, and contains simple ingredients: Talc, Kaolin, Calcium Carbonate, Bismuth Subgallate. The first three ingredients are essentially chalk, clay and more chalk- effective oil absorbers but potentially drying - Bismuth subgallate has some astringent properties and the sulfur acts as an anti-bacterial agent.


The powder itself is a bright sulfuric yellow, and while terrifying in the container it actually does help to counter-balance redness when applied. The key is to apply it sparingly! The powder is quite finely milled, so a thin layer should not leave you looking jaundiced. Forget about using the included puff - it picks up way too much product. Get a nice clean powder brush instead. If your skin has yellow undertones like mine (MAC C2, Stila 20 Watts, MUFE F&B #20), you may even be able to get away with lightly dabbing this onto red spots with a concealer brush or Q-tip if you aren't planning on using foundation.


Having had this now for several weeks and using it as an all-over or spot treatment, I have to say I'm glad I purchased it. A light dusting after concealer or foundation acts as a nice finishing powder, and helps cancel out that last bit of redness my concealer or foundation doesn't. When used on it's own it will help to even out skintone (if you have small spots or healing marks). It does control oil well throughout the day, but be careful using this over dry or flaky skin as it will only highlight those problems - I always apply this on top of a sunscreen or moisturizer and find that really helps. And I do believe this has helped combat my latest round of breakouts - I'd dab this on spots with a Q-tip before bed and did find they were smaller and less angry looking in the morning.


An unpleasant side effect I noticed after a few days use was a darkening of existing blackheads on my nose, making them more visible. Nothing else has ever done that before! Can't say I liked it either. The 'effect' seems to have gone away (although I have since added other products to my regime that may have helped with the blackheads) but I'll report back if I notice it again.


Overall I like this product. It's a real multi-tasker - finishing powder, oil controller, anti-bacterial, color corrector, spot treatment - it performs all these tasks and performs them quite well. The sifter jar is sturdy, and should last several months to a year based on the amount of product needed per use. And it's reasonably priced at $16 CDN. I was pleased enough to want to purchase other products in the M.B. line, and I definitely recommend this if your acne control options are limited to sulfur-based products.

16 out of 16 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* RavenBeauty on 6/15/2007 11:23:00 PM more reviews by RavenBeauty

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I can't even believe how amazing this powder is. I have bought every powder under the sun and this is the only powder that truly takes all the redness out of your skin leaving you with a flawless pale look. It calms and soothes my skin like nothing I have ever tried in my life. The thing that has me cheering is that I've had stubborn acne for a while now and nothing was working and it's all cleared up!. I pat a generous amount of this down over my Skinceuticals Blemish Control gel (another great product) and my face looks like porcelain now! It began clearing up almost immediately! I have super oily skin and suddenly I have almost no oil anymore and the redness and acne are gone! How can this $10.00 powder do this when I have tried products costing me hundreds!! I wear it over bare skin on weekends and at night and it looks like I have foundation on because my skin has no red in it and looks so clear and smooth! It gives you this added bonus of looking like you have a beautiful foundation on when you have nothing but this healing powder! I even began to wear it lightly over my foundation and it has become my favorite over Lola's even! It keeps my skin from getting oily for hours and hours and takes out the red! I AM IN LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

bareMAC on 6/8/2007 8:56:00 PM more reviews by bareMAC

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

So far(I just received it today), its pretty good, it most def reduced redness. It was weird at first that my face wasn't red because it always is, except after I use a mask. Not sure how it does on healing blemishes, because its only been on my face for and hour or 2. Also its not as finely milled as Bare Escentuals(most of the makeup I use), but the consistency isn't bad. The jar is HUGE, it will last forever, so for $10 I think it was, this powder is dirt cheap. And I'm not going to use the little applicator that came with because I would make a mess, so I just use my Bare Escentuals brushes which work faboulous, because they are for loose powders. All in all great product for a great price!

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

fishchick72 on 4/14/2007 2:15:00 PM more reviews by fishchick72

Age: 30-35   Skin: Very Oily   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I bought this year's ago & made such a mess with the powder puff it comes with, I eventually tossed it.

I now decided to give it another try. This time I am applying it ever so lightly with a brush. So far I really like it. I am super oily, it really helps to control oil. I haven't been using it long enough to be able to tell if it's helping to clear up acne I already have or to prevent new ones from forming.

But you only need a tiny amount, I do think this container is going to last forever.........

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* alisha_the_kitten on 4/7/2007 10:38:00 PM more reviews by alisha_the_kitten

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I don't think this does anything for my skin. It doesn't reduce redness on my skin, it doesn't heal my blemishes... My acne is really resistant to most acne products, so take that as you will.


I also avoid products containing talc, so this would probably be something that I would eschew repurchasing anyway.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* autumn95 on 3/25/2007 3:03:00 PM more reviews by autumn95

Age: 44-55   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

UPDATE: April 2007 I find this is great to dust over your products at night. Upgraded to a 5 from 4. I like Avene Ystheal cream but it can be shiny. As a very oily person it is great to wake up with "normal" looking skin. (Not a greasepit.) I contain to spot treat. The slight yellow seems to help diffuse the redness on spots.

This product contains basic ingredients:

Talc, kaolin, calcium carbonate, Bismuth subgallate


Package reads "sulfur based powder will not only help contol excess oil and reduce redness, but will help disinfect and heal blemishes" " Not tested on animals."


The powder puff in the package is useless. I apply (as a spot treatment) with either a Q-tip or a eye shadow brush that I have set aside to use only with this powder. It does reduce redness and it does help keep the swelling down on those "large bump" type pimples.


I bought mine at a store in South California called Planet Beauty for $10.00 US when I was visiting. Also available on online at www. mariobadescu.com. It comes in a ja rwith a sifter similar to Mineral Makeup foundation. Net weight 1/2 oz. The jar will last me forever but I will repurchase if I am running low. I have also put some into other little mineral makeup jars to have on hand when I am traveling, etc.

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

*TOP REVIEWER* starlight256 on 3/10/2007 11:40:00 AM more reviews by starlight256

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Hazel    

I like this product. I apply it after sunblock, using a brush instead of the round cotton applicator that comes with it. The special healing powder really tones down redness and gives my skin a nice matte finish. I apply mineral powder on top of it and am good to go! My face stays clean-feeling and shine-free for hours.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

CheeksMcGee on 9/23/2006 7:29:00 AM more reviews by CheeksMcGee

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

I bought this for the first time almost two years ago. I still have my first jar, and have barely made a dent in it! Inexplicably a monster zit will pop up every now and then (hormones? change in diet? who knows), and this is my super-hero in the fight against blemishes. I just dab it directly on a spot with a q-tip at night, and sleep my worries away. I always wake up happy with the results. I also use it instead of makeup when I want to have matte, flawlessly even-toned skin. I would buy another jar of this amazing stuff, but I don't think I'll ever have to, because it lasts forever! Considering how long it lasts, in comparison to how much it costs, I'd consider this product "dirt cheap".
Just remember... A little goes a loooong way. And, if you're of a darker skin color, you may have to wait a bit for it to settle into your skin before the chalky look goes away... don't be afraid to spray a setting toner to aid in the process.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* maliastyle on 6/27/2006 3:53:00 PM more reviews by maliastyle

Age: Unknown   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Wow! I was so surprised by the results of this product. At first sight (and first touch, to be honest) it doesn't look like much: silvery yellow powder that's not exactly the most finely milled. And when I tried to dust this on using the provided puff, I just made a whole mess all over my face. But when I tried it out using a flat eyeshadow brush, dabbing it on just where needed (like my chin, where I'm zit-free but sometimes so red) it's nearly miraculous. It really does reduce redness, and although nothing can ever stop my oiliness in its tracks completely, SHP does an awfully fine job. Another MB product I'll always have on hand!

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

bebesoul on 5/31/2006 6:12:00 PM more reviews by bebesoul

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

At first it sounds really great but when I used it, i could barely get it out of the container! I only used once and it made my face feel oily. It didnt do anything for me.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

4Ever39 on 1/29/2006 2:07:00 PM more reviews by 4Ever39

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

I really like this product. The color minimizes redness, and the powder really is soothing and healing. It helps dry up zits. Also, if you have irritated your skin by squeezing or picking at it, cleanse the area, dry it, then apply this powder. Especially good to leave on overnight. Only thing is, it's a little messy to use. Someday I hope they design a better container for it or just use a plastic squeeze bottle and the fine powder could be sqeezed out onto your finger. Overall, a great staple to have in your face kit.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

kittykatty9819 on 1/20/2006 2:07:00 PM more reviews by kittykatty9819

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

I can't see that this did much for my skin and it looked terrible under makeup. Won't repurchase.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

hartmanm18 on 11/28/2005 9:42:00 PM more reviews by hartmanm18

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I've been wearing this as a powder make-up after cleansing and moisturizing. I have a medium complexion with yellow undertones so it looks natural on me. My skin has been having a freakout for certain periods ever since my daughter was born (more than 2 years ago! C'mon skin, get over it!) and even the make-up I used for acne-prone skin seemed to make it worse. So I decided to give this a try as a spot treatment and thought, what the heck, I'll just put it on my whole face! Controls oil very well and has such a light, CLEAN texture to it. And the yellow tint masks the redness of any zits perfectly, You can see the bumps, they just don't look red. Cannot rave enough about this, another great product from Mario B!

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* Jenesis914 on 11/16/2005 2:19:00 PM more reviews by Jenesis914

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This is a good oil absorbing powder that reduces redness but i didnt notice any of my pimples reducing/healing. kind of disappointing.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* april1976 on 7/18/2005 5:24:00 PM more reviews by april1976

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I think I've finally found an answer to my powder-prayers! I really love this powder..and I'll tell you why:
I have medium oily/acne prone skin. I never have liked the feeling of wearing powder, pressed or loose. I bought this on a whim while buying other MB products. I have come to a point where I am really liking my skin, but it's just a bit bumpy and oily. This has cured that.
After a morning wash and product application, I use this on my t-zone and around the sides of my face. It helps absorb the oil, and the tone of the powder cuts any redness in my face. Best of all, it's very light and I dare say I don't feel like I have anything on at all. On especially hot days, I might use this again in the late afternoon to combat more oiliness.
I will repurchase this, but I have been using the same container for almost eight months and it's only a bit over half gone. I do change the powder puff once a month.
One tip: Alot goes a long ways, put too much on your puff and you'll look ghostly. I am medium skinned, so if you're light, it won't matter. Tap you puff off though, or you'll end up using way more than you need.

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

siobhan5 on 6/3/2005 9:42:00 AM more reviews by siobhan5

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I really wnated to like this and I have to say it works quite good with the sulfur in it. What I didn't like at all was the smell, and the gaudy yellow color (on my face and on the pillow). There are better products with sulfur in them so I wouldn't repurchase.

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

*TOP REVIEWER* Arachne on 5/20/2005 8:09:00 PM more reviews by Arachne

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

What would I do without my Mario Badescu products?! This powder saved me from a meltdown. I broke out really bad, around my chin and had a party to attend in 3 days. I ran up to MB after work and consulted with a skin care specialist that suggested a bunch of products for my skin type. She told me that to clear up my chin, after cleansing, dab healing cream on the blemishes and gently pat some Special Healing Powder around the problem area. She told me that sulfur has amazing healing properties when it comes to breakouts. Overnight I saw a huge difference! She also told me to mix a bit into my loose makeup to contol excess oil during the day. I've been using it sparingly for 2 days now and my skin will look great for my party. Mario Badescu's products are superior to anything else out there IMO.

8/30/05 UPDATE: Had to stop using this, think I'm allergic to sulfur. Made me break out terribly after a while. Will not use ever again!

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

butterscotchpudding on 4/22/2005 2:28:00 AM more reviews by butterscotchpudding

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I have been using this for a couple of weeks now. It is the first thing that has ever stopped my zits from getting nasty and irritated during the day. (I've had acne for 20 years!) I just have to wash the bad ones once around lunch time, then put this powder on them aggain and they stay down instead of getting pussy, swollen, and causing scars.

I had tried washing them like this before but it only dried them out, and they still got pussy. I guess it's a matter of keeping the bacteria away with a barrier like this, plus it's ability to keep the oil absorbed. But it last for a few hours and then you have to remove the bacteria again.

When I don't have time to wash the zit I just dab some of this on at my desk a couple of times during the day. It helps a lot, but the washing makes it more effective.

I can also use this as a mild acne medication when I don't have another around.

The only thing I don't like about this is that it really looks like crap. It makes my skin chaulky and light and really points out the bumps like neon lights. I put a little light diffusing powder across my nose and cheek bones to combat the chaulkiness. If I really need to look good I wear makeup and just dust this on, but it doesn't work the same when makeup is on the zit doing it's best to infect it again.

So personally I go ahead and where it to work because I'm not there to get any dates. My skin looks better though because the zits heal without infection.

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

Gingerly on 7/8/2004 10:47:00 PM more reviews by Gingerly

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive   Hair: Red   Eyes: Green    

This makes a perfect "mineral veil" for my Aromaleigh Mineral Makeup. I didn't notice sulphur on the ingredient list. But there are healing and anti-bacterial properties that help keep my pores clear and my complexion smooth.

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

everitt4 on 5/17/2004 7:24:00 PM more reviews by everitt4

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

I've been using this for the past several months- it's a sulfur-based powder that I dab on with the powder puff after I've washed, toned, and moisturized or sunscreened. It gets rid of shine instantly, and I can apply foundation over it without caking up. My MB facialist also recommended mixing the powder w/ a favorite color powder, since it's yellow and can leave your face lighter than normal. It's great for taming redness, and helps keep me matte longer. I'm still on my first 1/2 oz, and I use it daily. My only qualm is the packaging- for no apparent reason, the lid doesn't seem to screw on so well, to the point where it goes flying out of my hands. Weird, I know.

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