First things first, even pre-Project bYouty I was a Bader user. Let’s face it, despite initially having none of the traditional resources that make a beauty brand an overnight success — like paid celebrity spokespeople, million-dollar ad campaigns, or millennial-pink packaging — Augustinus Bader became an overnight sensation purely through word of mouth and as someone very much researching the industry ahead of launching her own platform, my ears were firmly to the ground.

The Bader formula is based on TFC8 (Trigger Factor Complex 8) it promises to encourage regeneration and healing. So, armed with bold promises that it would activate stem cells, which go to work to repair fine lines, dark spots, and visible pores, me and my 35ml ‘The Cream’ and ‘Rich Cream’ (don’t judge, I couldn’t decide) set up in the bathroom.

Ahead, my honest thoughts about Augustinus Bader The Cream.

About My Skin:

Dehydrated but sensitive – I can go months with ‘great’ skin, then all of a sudden there’s a break out, so whilst I like to dive in on new brands I’ve done my homework on, I’ve always got the fear of a major breakout. Typically I’m dehydrated, but I’ve got the oily T-Zone going on, so for argument’s sake we’ll say combination skin. First things first, both The Cream and The Rich Cream can be used on oily skin #fact.

In terms of my routine, in general, I’m low key – Emma Hardie Moringa Balm and or Mara cleansing oil on rotation, AB cream in the morning followed by Ultra Sun Anti pigmentation SPF and in the evening, AB Rich cream.

Skincare is kind of like bookends – you can have everything and nothing in the middle but without bookends neither will stay up right. My hope for both The Cream and The Rich Cream was simply that it keeps my skin healthy and hydrated without clogging my pores or causing breakouts.

The Feel:

Best described as light and smooth - there’s not much difference in the texture of The Cream vs. The Rich Cream, other than the thickness. Both apply lightly; two small pumps cover my entire face and neck. It spreads easily and melts into the skin. Makeup applies over either cleanly (and with no waiting period) and my skin stays evenly hydrated the entire day, irrespective of the outside conditions never veering too dry or too oily.

Ingredients:

Unique to the brand, TFC8 is the power behind the skincare line which was built over 30 years of research. Trigger Factor Complex, as it’s more formally named, is a combination of amino acids, vitamins, and synthesised molecules of the same kind naturally found in the skin. The magic of TFC8 is that it guides key nutrients to skin cells, and allows the skin to heal itself.

The Cream also has aloe vera, vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as antioxidants and amino acids. There are no parabens, fragrance, mineral oils, SLS, SLES, or DEA, and their products are never tested on animals.

Initial Thoughts:

I’m a week into the 40’s club, so like many I have fine lines, the worst of them being on my cheeks when I smile. Days 1 – 7, I’m wondering what all the fuss is about, let alone why I’ve just taken out a mortgage payment to pay for it (breath – plot twist coming).

Day 7 – I look like I’ve had 12 hours sleep. A good half an hour in front of the window with varying angles and mirrors, I can also confirm there’s significant reduction in those fine cheek lines I hate so much. I also look remarkably hydrated, but not greasy.

I’m the first to admit sometimes, whether AM or PM, post a cleanse, my skin can feel tight and I usually reach pretty swiftly for my moisturiser de jour.

Day 8 that unequivocally wasn’t the case. I’m plump (an adjective usually only used to describe my thighs) and I’m smooth – there’s definite improvement.

Specifically, the brand suggests waiting until 27 days have passed before best results can be seen because this magic number is one full skin cycle and how long it takes for “every skin cell in the body” to regenerate. After this time, the brand claims (based on its own studies) that everything from wrinkle depth to pore size can be lessened.

Day 28 and I concur.

Day 30:

My pores looked more refined, particularly around my nose. My skin tone became perceptibly more even and subtly glowy. My skin texture felt bouncier and smoother. And with the extra layers of humectants and oil doing the work of keeping every drop of moisture contained, The Creams (I opted to use The Cream in the AM and The Rich Cream in the PM) was free to do its thing of imparting the ‘just-came-from-the-spa’ complexion of my dreams.

Look, it’s expensive – eye wateringly so, but honestly, The Rich Cream for me is worth every dirham IF you’re looking for something within that price point, and if not then trust us, there are some equally good alternatives available. For now, Augustinus Bader and I are happily married.