Ever since I returned from Quebec, I’ve been breaking out like mad — perhaps it’s the climate change (to this awful, dry, volatile place,) perhaps it’s the stress, or perhaps it’s the zillion new skincare products I’ve tried out in the last few weeks.

Either way, there’s a problem: Rae’s flawless skin is becoming un-flawless! So, over the next few weeks, starting with today’s Mario Badescu review, I suspect you’ll be hearing about products I’ve been using to treat and conceal. I’ve been fine-tuning my skincare routine over the past few weeks, and so far, so good. My skin and I are quickly on the way to recovery, so I hope we can help you out too!

(For the record, if you have chronic cystic acne and very oily skin, my recommendations still might not be the best for you. I know that my definition of “breaking out” is much different from most people’s, and that’s simply because I’m used to seeing ZERO blemishes on my face… so when I suddenly have four large, painful ones, it really is out-of-the-norm for me, and enough to get me worried.)