The Skincare Line That Made Bobbi Brown Quit Foundation: Augustinus Bader
BY JENNY JUNG
Augustinus Bader: Extortionately priced, or worth the splurge?
26 APR - 2023
High performance skincare meets luxury, topping La Mer in every category.
Augustinus Bader is the German biomedical scientist behind the multi-billion dollar skincare company that stopped Bobbi Brown from wearing foundation. Isn't that the dream?
Before making its debut in Australia and New Zealand, I only ever saw my favourite makeup artists use The Cream by Augustinus Bader to prep and prime the skin. However, it turns out that The Cream has been an industry favourite doted on by celebrity superstars such as Margot Robbie, Victoria Beckham and Jennifer Aniston for a long time.
The secret to the success of Augustinus Bader is the patented TFC8 technology sprinkled in all their cleansers, serums, and creams. Otherwise known as ‘trigger factor complex 8,’ TFC8 is a powerful blend of natural amino acids, medical-grade vitamins and bio-identical synthesised molecules.
In other words, Augustinus Bader boosts our natural ability to heal itself with just the right amount of chemical assistance. Plus, no matter your skin condition, these products are designed to help you at any stage of your skin journey.
The Cream vs The Rich Cream
The Cream is the baby of Augustinus Bader. Packed with TCF8, vitamins A, C, and B5, this moisturiser supports collagen stimulation and immunises the skin from environmental stressors.
On the other hand, The Rich Cream combines TCF8 with skincare resident favourites such as hyaluronic acid, squalane, vitamin e and rice proteins. It is an excellent moisturiser for dehydrated skin, fortifying the natural skin barrier by retaining and optimising hydration levels.
At first glance, the ingredients accompanying TFC8 don't seem so special. We've seen them in plenty of other formulas and products, so what makes Augustinus Bader worth the splurge?
According to my skin specialist bestie, we have to see TFC8 as the star of the show. She taught me that TCF8 is clinically proven to improve skin cell function dramatically and facilitates our ability to respond to skin tissue damage in just 27 days. Every star needs a supporting cast and if HA and squalane are making an appearance, you know you’re in for a good show.
Elephant in the Room
It's time to address the elephant in the room: the price.
Yes, dropping $500 on a moisturiser seems like a ludicrous thing to do. However, Augustinus Bader claims that The Cream or The Rich Cream alone can replace a rigorous skincare regime that usually consists of at least 5-7 steps - including eye cream. In fact, the only reason why Augustinus Bader created an eye cream was due to consumer demand, but he stands firm on his claims that you don't need one when using his products.
A typical routine will consist of some form of essence or toner, hyaluronic acid, vitamins, amino acids or peptides, moisturiser and an SPF. And if you are especially pedantic about your skin, your routine may consist of even more steps! Don't you sometimes wish that everything could be in one magic bottle? Imagine only needing three steps: cleanser, Augustinus Bader and an SPF.
If you calculate the price of your entire skincare routine, it won't be far off from a bottle of The Cream or The Rich Cream. Moreover, considering that Augustinus Bader is scientifically backed and uses high-grade ingredients that are efficient and effective, it is a worthy investment.
Additionally, the Augustinus Bader ingredient list omits nasties such as petroleum/ petrolatum derivatives, mineral oils and synthetic fragrances - unlike La Mer. Even if you don’t decide to join the Augustinus Bader club, consider these factors when searching for new skincare products!
Bobbi Brown on Quitting Foundation
Did you know the first stand-alone retail store for Bobbi Brown launched here in Aotearoa? Now the brand is worth over 75 million dollars as she continues to trailblaze the makeup industry with her commitment to the "less is more" mantra. She is an icon in the beauty space and is widely sought after by countless companies for her entrepreneurial skills and relatability to the everyday woman.
In August of 2022, Brown took over as the chief creative advisor for Augustinus Bader, and she shared that her experience with the range has liberated her from using foundation. While this may seem like a paid brand endorsement deal as part of her role at Augustinus Bader, her career in the beauty industry is more than enough proof that she speaks the truth. Take, for example, her secondary company, Jones Road, which she launched in 2020.
Jones Road is predicated on valuing natural beauty. Many of her formulas are low coverage, radiance-boosting and complexion-rescuing. Thus, it makes sense why she would partner up with a skincare company that aims to improve the skin's regenerative properties.
Brown's recent partnership with Augustinus Bader and the launch of Jones Road further highlights her dedication to creating products that enhance natural beauty without masking it. Will you be trying her Augustinus Bader routine this year?
Bobbi Brown, Chief Creative Advisor for Augustinus Bader.
Investing in a skincare range like Augustinus Bader can be a wise choice for those who value a low-maintenance lifestyle. Although it comes at a cost, the range aims to improve the skin's regenerative properties and can potentially reduce the need for heavy makeup, allowing for a more natural look. This approach aligns with the "less is more" philosophy that Bobbi Brown has championed throughout her career. While the initial investment may be high, the long-term benefits of improved skin health and reduced reliance on makeup can make it worthwhile for those seeking an effortless skincare approach.
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