MARIO BADESCU Men’s Grooming Essentials
BAZ TRIES THE MARIO BEDeSCU 'MEN'S GROOMING ESSENTIALS'
By Baz Ozturk
Mario Badescu
Men's Grooming Essentials available at Mecca Cosmetica ($44)
Includes:
- Enzyme Cleansing Gel
- Protein After Shave Lotion
- After Shave Moisturiser
- Peppermint Shaving Cream
- Pre-Shave Conditioner
(Each item is also available to purchase individually)
Enzyme Cleansing Gel
This product is a cleansing gel that is meant to get rid of impurities and gently exfoliate the skin. I didn’t feel any exfoliation at all, but I do think it’s a good idea to use a cleanser when washing your face before you shave. I’m someone who’s never really had a beauty regimen or shaving routine of any kind - all I basically do is wash my face, slather on a supermarket brand shaving foam, and shave away. And I’m surprised that it hadn’t really occurred to me to use something to cleanse my skin before I do it, but it makes total sense!
Pre-shave Conditioner and Peppermint Shaving Cream
I used this conditioner as a base application over which I then applied the shaving cream. I don’t know which of the two products was the more effective (maybe it was the combination of the two), but the result of my shave was amazing. It was the most painless, smoothest shave I’d have in a really long time. It really surprised me.
Protein After Shave Lotion
This cooling lotion gave my skin that icy sensation in the first few seconds of application, and I worried that it was going to cause irritation on my freshly shaven skin, but fortunately it didn’t. It’s oil-free so it felt really light and pleasant.
After Shave Moisturizer
Over the lotion I then applied the moisturizer over my entire face. Again, it was light and super non-greasy. My skin felt really smooth and refreshed.
Overall it was a bit of a process, and it requires a bit of extra time set aside to use all the five products, and knowing my own laziness, I don’t know if it’s something I would do consistently. But I have to admit it was the best shave I can ever remember having. Shaving is an annoying thing we have to do and redness and irritation is not uncommon – but with this process, there was not a single mark, and my skin doesn’t feel the rawness of a new shave. It feels supple and clean and smooth.