We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet products and deals.
Drew Barrymore says her pores were 'visibly gone' after using this $10 Mario Badescu mask — it's 50% off
It contains a powerful mix of dermatologist-approved ingredients.
Drew Barrymore has gorgeous skin, so when she raves about a beauty product, people listen. On an episode of The Drew Barrymore Show the talk show host and founder of Flower Beauty shared that she tried out a face mask that completely changed the look of her skin — the Mario Badescu Drying Mask. Of the treatment, Drew said: "This is where it's at." That's a pretty bold endorsement from someone who has her own beauty company! Right now, you can get the drying mask to try for yourself on sale at Ulta for a whopping 50% off; it's currently just $10 (down from $20).
Drew Barrymore said that, after using this mask, her pores were "visibly gone."
Why is this a good deal?
At a gorgeous and glowing 50% off, there are few products out there quite like this treatment, and many will cost you a pretty penny. Meanwhile, for only $10, you can try out a well-reviewed favorite from a beloved brand for much less. We've rarely seen it priced lower, so if you're looking to give it a go, we suggest grabbing a jar now while it's still half off.
Why do I need this?
On The Drew Barrymore Show, the host shared her newfound love of this marvel of a mask: "My pores were visibly gone," Barrymore said of the Mario Badescu Drying Mask. "This is where it's at. It will reign in your pores." The mask is specifically designed for people with oily, acne prone skin, and contains sulfur, an ingredient that helps reduce oil hanging out on your skin. It also helps calm acne and prevents future zits and breakouts.
But how does it work, exactly? "This mask helps remove excess oil from the skin to reduce shine and minimize the appearance of the pores," Dr. Joshua Zeichner, associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, tells Yahoo Life. "Think of your pores like tubes that stretch out when they are full of oil. Removing the oil lets them shrink down so they are not as visible."
The mask's sulfur is "great for killing bacteria, reducing dirt and removing the oil that’s been causing your pores to appear enlarged," board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ife J. Rodney, founding director of Eternal Dermatology Aesthetics, tells Yahoo Life. After that, she says, the mask's zinc oxide will go to work.
"Healthy skin has a high concentration of zinc," Rodney says. "Zinc oxide is great for healing skin, reducing oil, photo-aging and shrinking your pores." It’s also anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and antibacterial, and can help create a protective barrier to help lower the risk of more damage to your skin, she says.
The mask also contains kaolin, a form of clay that both absorbs oil and soothes inflammation in the skin, Zeichner points out.
The mask isn't all about drying you out, though: Rodney points out that the Mario Badescu Drying Mask also contains cucumber and propylene glycol, which are hydrating ingredients.
To use the pore-shrinking product, apply the mask to clean, dry skin. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, and rinse it off with warm water. You can do this for two to three times a week, according to the brand. Pro tip, per Rodney: It’s best to use this in the evening, after you’ve washed off your makeup and dirt from the day.
Just a heads up: If you already have dry or combination skin, this could dry you out even further, Rodney says. But, if you tend to be oily or want to use it as a spot treatment, the Mario Badescu Drying Mask can make a big difference. You can even use it on your chest and back, if you're struggling with breakouts there. "Drying masks take some time to impact your pores, so be consistent to see the best results," Rodney says.
What reviewers say
Drew's not the only megafan of Mario Badescu's marvelous mask — many Ulta reviewers have also given the Mario Badescu Drying Mask a flawless five-star rating.
"My family and I have been using this stuff forever. We have never been without it," shared one happy reviewer. "My family and I use this as an acne spot treatment. We just dab some on at night, and within 2 days they are usually gone. It works for regular acne, and boils. My sister was getting hormonal boils and couldn't get them to go away. After using this stuff, her boils are gone in no time. It's amazing. It clears your blemishes without over drying the surrounding skin."
Indeed, several shoppers do note that, while the mask does work wonders for their skin, it also smells quite a bit while it's doing its thing. "Yes, this mask smells like a smoky hotel room but that is a GOOD thing," confessed one user. "Real sulfur [like that used in this formula] smells terrible. Do not let it deter you, this mask is great AND it is a great spot treatment."
Another customer agreed: "The scent is pretty awful but you get used to it. It's done wonders for my complexion, and I keep this on my shelf."
This drying treatment is only $10 now thanks to a 50% discount, so if you're looking to give it a try, we suggest you pick it up sooner rather than later.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.