Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Zit Zapper

Some products get a lot of hype, but don’t always live up to their expectations. At first, I thought that was going to be the unfortunate scenario when I tried Mario Badescu’s drying lotion. This pink potion has been lauded in tons of magazines as the go-to-product for pimple prevention, which made me want to try it even though I'm well past the acne-adolescent years. In fact, after having it in my possession, I found myself waiting for one of those pesky imperfections to emerge. I never thought that I’d actually be anticipating the arrival of a pimple, but I couldn’t wait to try it - eventually I got that opportunity.

After dabbing a bit of the lotion directly on the zit with a Q-tip, I let it sit overnight. The next morning I was not impressed. I thought that it would have miraculously disappeared, but that was not the case. Usually when products don’t meet my expectations the first time, I usually toss them aside; but my ugly pimple made me reach for the drying lotion again. After applying it again the second night, by the following morning my blemish was just about gone! I was glad to see that this heavily praised product actually works (for me at least).

Have you ever tried this product? What do you use to get rid of unsightly whiteheads/blackheads or are you one of those lucky few who never get blemishes?


Drying Lotion available at www.mariobadescu.com for $17

17 comments:

B said...

Yay for it working the 2nd evening! I had the kind of skin that my friends dreamed for all throughout high school. However, last year I started getting CRAZY adult acne. Who gets acne in their early 20's? Grr...Murad's spot treatment is incredible at zapping the pimples. And I'm usually zapping at least 6 a night. Boo! Happy Wednesday!!!

K-Bear said...

BGG, I'm one of the unfortunate ones when it comes to skin. My acne started even before the pre-teen years and is still hanging on though not as bad (41 yrs old). A few years ago I took Accutane and it was like a miracle. It's hard core though and has the potential for some very frightening side effects. I took the chance and have no regrets. I was acne free for about 2 years and now I get a pimple every month or so. I use Duac Gel and Differin Gel daily and I'm relatively satisfied.

Anonymous said...

Really, that is quite interesting. I usually don't buy into the hype of potion lotions but this seems like it actually works IF you are giving it credit!

On that note, I have one bubbling o nmy chin that I was quite nervous about given the weekend... might have to sneak some on on Friday!

XOXO
AZ

Wes said...

I've been seeing ad's for this zit treatment since I used to read Teen magazine back in the 90's.. I always wondered if it was any good... lol

T said...

Hey BGG,

Great topic. I don't have bad acne, but I am acne-prone. If I skip one step in my face care regimen or have high stress just one day an UGLY blemish is going to surface on my face.

The sad part is that they typically come to the SAME exact spot every time, so I'm constantly fighting with my face.

I pick and prod as well, which you're absolutely not supposed to do, but I like my face smooth. If I get rid of the mountain sticking out from my cheek, concealer can cover up the spot. (I love you MAC) :)

Clean and clear advantage acne spot treatment is what's up. It's clear, so you can use it during the day as well. 3 applications (think breakfast, lunch, dinner)and it'll be gone in 24 hours (if I don't destroy it first anyway).

Product Junkie Diva said...

Hey BGG
I use DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask when I see a blemish and that stuff is good. I put it on the belimsh ONLY (too scared it will burn the rest of my face off). There is also a product from Origins but the name escapes me now..
Thanks for this review.
Product Junkie Diva

Brown Girl Gumbo said...

@DB - I started getting breakouts on my chin like once a month in my 20s. I guess I can attribute it to hormones/cycle, but whatever it is I HATE it. I always get them in the same place - my chin. UGH!!!

@ T - I LOVE CLean & Clear too! I haven't tried the clear one, but the white PersaGel cream that they have is good too!

@K-Bear - I tried Differin gel too, but it seemed to burn my skin. Maybe it was too much for me.

@PJD - I've never heard of DDF, but the name sounds like it would get the job done!

antithesis said...

i was JUST going to blog about mario badescu. you beat me to it. if you fill out a brief questionaire, they send you free samples with a mini regimine. i got the drying cream, a wash, a toner, a mask, and a moisturizer that i really like. with consecutive use, you could probably hold on to the samples for a week or maybe even two.

Kim {The Stylish Life} said...

BGG, I've used the drying potion before and I do like it. Thankfully, I don't have to use it very often but it does the trick quickly when one of those suckers pops up at the worst time! I use Collective Wellbeing's Change for the Better Acne Kit. I got it from the healthfood store and I've found that it really clears up blemishes.

PCD (Pretty Circle Drawer) said...

i tagged you (again) *sniggle*

Ms. Word said...

I get them on my chin once a month and I hate it...guess I need to stash some of this away...I've been using the blue line of Neutrogena products but, I don't have problems with my skin in general. I thank my grandmother's for those genes...LOL...

Do you know of any non-fragranced products for sensitive skin such as oils, etc...I've been dying to find some. Dr. Bonner's Peppermint Soap is lovely!

Just K said...

I've tried everything and nothing works for long. Perhaps I'll give this stuff a try. I certainly have nothing to lose!

Anonymous said...

I haven't tried this, but maybe one day. Thanks for all the really great beauty tips! With you being into style, I wanted to let you in on If Looks Could Kill. I work with Toyota, so I'm excited to spread awareness of some thrilling, new webisodes that follow an aspiring fashion designer, Bianca, who's involved in international espionage by night. If you're familiar with the BMW shorts from a couple of years ago (Guy Ritchie, Madonna), these webisodes definitely have a similar production level.

Link: http://www.iflookscouldkill.com

Interactive: Toyota has gone one step further, the viewer can interact with Bianca to help her unravel the mystery that has suddenly become her life. I really enjoy the multiple levels; it adds a dimension of reality to the story and builds a unique relationship between the main character and viewer.

Launch party: We have our official launch party tonight (6/11) @ Eyebeam in NYC— with performances by Ashanti, Janelle Monae and Anthony Hamilton. Tyra Banks is also on the guest list!

I'd really love your take on the first episode—Haute Pursuit—and discuss more as the other episodes roll-out. Myself, I'm still trying to figure out who the bad guy is—the ex, the boyfriend, the boss? Or maybe it's Nana? lol

Again, would love your take because bloggers like yourself definitely have a good eye about what's cool, hot and current. I would have contacted you via email but I didn't know which the best way to reach you was. I hope I didn't overstep my bounds by directly contacting you.

Don't be shy! :)

Best,
Whitney Maiers
ILCK Ambassador
maiers.whitney@gmail.com

bored_eats said...

I get those pesky things and beleive me I have found what works...

Neutrogena Rapid Clear-Acne Eliminating Spot Gel.

It's this tiny little bottle that works wonders..I dab some on where I can see or feel a pimple coming in and within a couple days..its pretty much gone. i love it and I live by it.

I'm going to post a picture on it on my blog cause i dont know how to do it here lol...

Brown Girl Gumbo said...

@Antithesis - I'm sorry I beat you to this post, but I'd still love to read yours! I haven't tried their moisturizers or toners yet.

@Whitney - I just came back from that Essence/Toyota event. None of those people performed, but Keyshia Cole did. Thanks for the heads-up though. :-)

Brown Girl Gumbo said...

@PCD - Thanks for the tag! I'll post it tomorrow.

yummy411 said...

thanks for sharing! i need to try it!