I have been on the hunt to switch up my current moisturizer, Avene Cleanance Anti-Shine Regulating Lotion, not because the current moisturizer is not good for me but because it is always good to switch the skincare products once in a while to ensure that I am getting the most out of that one product and not become too immune to its benefits. I have been using the Avene Cleanance Anti-Shine Regulating Lotion for two years now, I love how its ability to control the oil production under my skin, and regulate the shine for natural makeup look.

My criteria of a good moisturizer should be,
♥ Oil free
♥ Lightweight
♥ Hydration
♥ Additional benefits (if any)
♥ Soak into the skin effortlessly
♥ Little time to absorb into skin

And so far, the Avene Cleanance Anti-Shine Regulating Lotion done of all the above criteria until I came across Mario Badescu A.H.A. and Ceramide Moisturizer that claims with BONUS,

"Reduce Wrinkles and Sun Damaged Skin. Gentle, Alpha Hydroxy Acid-based daily moisturizer is formulated with Lemon Extract and soothing Aloe Vera Gel. Helps to revive and rejuvenate dull, congested skin. Helps reduce sun spots and skin pigmentation conditions. Non-greasy, absorbent and very lightweight." - copied from Mario Badescu's website. 



As usual, I sourced all my Mario Badescu products from Luxola as it probably not available in local market (I think Luxola should give me some tokens or gift card for mentioning a lot of good things about them. Hehe..)

Let's start with the packaging first, as everyone knows that Mario Badescu's products never come with a box and the label on it is super simple, straight to the point because they are focusing on the research and product development to ensure superior performance instead spending money on fancy packaging. But women tend to buy products due to pretty packaging right? Do not hope it will happen to Mario Badescu's. I think it will not.

The palm sized bottle comes with a tiny tube attached to the lid to dispense the product out for an easy application, which means user do not have to take the lid off to get the product out. I love this kind of innovation on a product packaging since it help me to control how much product I need at a time.

Image sourced from Google Image

As I can tell about the texture of this moisturizer, it is very lightweight and comfortable on my skin - I tend to forget that I have applied something on my skin. It does soak into my skin effortlessly and I do not have to wait for minutes for the moisturizer to absorb. I am really impressed with this moisturizer for the first time use and hoped that it will not caused any breakouts, and my pray was heard. Thanks Allah! The next morning I woke up with a well rested, glowy and hydrated skin. Yes, you read that, my skin glows!

The ingredients listed in the website are as below,

Aqua (Water,Eau),Propylene Glycol,Glycerin,Cyclopentasiloxane,Squalane,Glyceryl Stearate,Isopropyl Myristate,Dimethicone,Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract,Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil,Hulle Minérale),Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice,Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Leaf Extract,Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract,Glycolipids,Stearic Acid,Myristyl Lactate,Cetearyl Alcohol,Dimethiconol,Ethylhexyl Cocoate,Cetyl Alcohol,Ceteareth-20,Myristyl Alcohol,Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer,Caprylyl Glycol,Lecithin,Phenyl Trimethicone,Phenoxyethanol,Sodium Chloride,Triethanolamine,Methylparaben,Propylparaben,Diazolidinyl Urea,CI 19140 (Yellow 5),CI 15985 (Yellow 6)

I heard and read that this product does not work well for many people out there, but it works for me, I could not be any happier. I love the fact that this product contains lemon and aloe extract to reduce the sun spots and skin pigmentation, soothes my skin with the aloe gel and rejuvenate my dull and congested pores. Mind blowing!

I only need less than a pea sized (shown in the picture below) to be used for the whole face, by dabbing the moisturizer on after applying the serum. I continue to use this in AM and PM for a week now since it makes my skin happy, and makeup application seems smoother with this under my foundation. My pore also appear to be invisible with this on my skin - which is another bonus for me, right?