We tried over $1,000 worth of products from a "quiet luxury" skincare brand and this is how it went

You might not be familiar with Augustinus Bader but chances are, you would have seen some of the skincare brand's cult items such as its beloved The Rich Cream on the social media pages of A-listers like Gemma Chan, Victoria Beckham and Margot Robbie.

So when the opportunity came to review this celeb-approved skincare brand, we couldn’t say yes faster.

First thoughts and impressions

For the uninitiated, Augustinus Bader is the result of German-born physician and scientist Professor Augustinus Bader’s stem cell and biomedical research. Its secret lies in the use of a proprietary Trigger Factor Complex, affectionately known as TFC8, which is able to complement the skin’s regeneration process. And it’s able to do so because the complex is made up of amino acids, vitamins and synthesised molecules, which are naturally found in healthy skin. This, in turn, allows it to boost skin’s natural renewal process, fighting against and repairing external environmental damage to reveal a healthier, more youthful-looking complexion.

My skin type and needs

Since going through an extremely bad bout of adult acne a couple of years back, I’ve struggled to get my skin in a healthy state. While it’s looking much better these days, I’ve had to work hard at it, which involved regular laser treatments and a few courses of antibiotics to control the breakouts. Sadly, this has resulted in my skin being really sensitive and dehydrated. This has left me trying to find the right balance in my skincare products because too much and my skin flares up; too little and it gets congested.

The Serum, $555

What It Is: First things first, I was absolutely in awe with how pretty the bronze tube-like bottle looks. It really looks so pretty on my vanity counter. The only downside was that it topples over easily because the flat base at the bottom is super small, and needs a really even surface to stand on.

Besides Augustinus Bader’s iconic TFC8 complex, the serum also boasts the use of skin-loving actives like vitamin C, rice bran oil (rich in ferulic acid), antioxidant-rich pomegranate seed concentrate and resveratrol, as well as edelweiss extract to protect skin from pollution.

What It’s Like: The serum has a viscous lotion-like consistency, but absorbs easily. Two pumps are enough for my face and neck. Yet still makes my skin feel soft and plump, which makes for a good base for moisturiser application after.

More importantly, my dry and sensitive skin that was flaring up earlier in the day due to a lack of hydration felt instantly soothed and comforted. After a week of consistent use, I've noticed how my skin looks less tired and dull.

The Rich Cream, from $140

What it is: A rich moisturiser that not only hydrates the skin but also improves moisture retention. It also gives skin extra nourishment thanks to the use of evening primrose oil, squalene and vitamin E. And with each use, it strengthens the skin barrier for a healthy-looking complexion.

What it’s like: This is reportedly Michelle Yeoh’s favourite, which of course made me super excited to try.

As its name says, this hydrator is quite rich. Though it feels more like a really thick lotion rather than a cream. It does feel a little tacky upon application. But fortunately, this melts effortlessly into the skin. With its rich texture, it’s definitely better suited for those with dry skin or as a night cream if you sleep in an air-conditioned room. My skin felt more hydrated and my fine lines were also less prominent.

I also tried The Cream, from $140, a lighter version of the Rich Cream that’s packed with vitamins A, C and B5, and hydrolyzed rice protein to promote collagen production and reduce the signs of ageing. Its lightweight texture works well for the daytime use.

The Face Cream Mask, $330

What it is: A soft cream mask that’s enriched with a Swiss grape and polysaccharide complex that helps to rehydrate the skin and deliver an immediate lifting and plumping effect.

What it’s like: It goes on thinly and is almost invisible to the eye. There’s an instant cooling effect on the skin that feels really good especially on a hot day.

I genuinely like that this can be used both as a wash-off mask or an overnight treatment. I’m usually quite lazy, so I’m not a fan of wash-off masks, and much prefer overnight masks that work hard while I sleep.

As mentioned, one of the advantages is that you really don’t look like you’re wearing anything on you face – you can feel it somewhat, but you won’t really be able to see it. But there are pros and cons to this. A definite pro is that you won’t scare anyone in the house, like my husband didn’t even know I was doing a mask!

On the other hand, I actually forgot that I was using a mask and left it on for way more than its recommended seven to eight minutes.

And fortunately, it didn’t feel tight or pull at my skin when I was washing it off. Instead, I was greeted by the smooth and soft skin.

The mask is really like an extra boost of hydration and glow. It’s also great as a pre-event skincare for any important occasion.

Final thoughts

Each product that I’ve tried has made my skin feel and look good. The only thing that would put people off from trying is the not-so-wallet-friendly price tag. Though truthfully, you do only need a small amount to get the job done.

It’s also important to remember that there is no miracle product that will deliver amazing results in a day.

So while my complexion did look less tired the next morning, it was only after a week (or slightly more) of use that I started to notice that my skin looking better. plump and with that soft lit-from-within glow.

Today, my skin looks brighter, is more hydrated and plump. And I’m also pleasantly surprised at the reduction in the appearance of some fine lines as well as lightening some pigmentation spots from old acne scars.

Check out the full range of Augustinus Bader products at Sephora Raffles City and Sephora.sg