“My Honest Review Of Augustinus Bader’s £360 The Rich Cream”
There are two types of beauty products: the ones you buy, and the ones you justify. Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, £124-360, firmly sits in the latter category.
At first glance, it’s just a moisturiser. A very expensive moisturiser. The kind that makes you pause before you tap your credit card, but then inevitably buy it anyway because every celebrity swears that it transforms their skin. So, why the hype?
The science-y bit
What sets it apart is its patented TFC8 complex, a signature blend of amino acids, vitamins and molecules designed to support the skin’s natural renewal process.
In layman’s terms: instead of aggressively exfoliating or overloading your skin with actives, it coaxes it into behaving better. Think less bootcamp, more restful wellness retreat.
Clinically, it’s impressive; studies have shown visible improvements in wrinkles, elasticity, and hydration within weeks. But beyond the science, what really sells it is the finish: my skin looked… expensive. Not shiny, not overly dewy, just quietly excellent. The kind of skin that catches the light in every mirror and makes you do a subtle double-take.
So why does everyone love it?
Because it’s the ultimate no-makeup makeup skin shortcut. This is the cream that makes foundation optional. It gives that elusive “I drink water, sleep eight hours, and have never experienced stress” glow, even if that’s far from reality for me.
Application
It’s also refreshingly low maintenance. No complicated layering, no ten-step routine. Just two pumps and go. And in a beauty landscape obsessed with excess, this simplicity feels so comforting.
Clinically, it’s impressive; studies have shown visible improvements in wrinkles, elasticity, and hydration within weeks.
Let’s talk about the price (because you can’t not)
It is expensive. Painfully so. And yes, there are moments when you question whether your face truly requires something that costs more than a weekend away.
Some users swear it’s transformative; my 39-year-old sister finds it… “nice, but not miraculous”. The truth, as always, sits somewhere in the middle. However, it hydrated my skin beautifully, noticeably improved my texture after a few weeks, and gives me a consistent glow, without even a hint of makeup, but it’s not going to give me or you a new face overnight!
However, and this is key: it lasts. You only need a small amount, and over time, the cost-per-use becomes slightly less outrageous. Slightly. (I tell myself on repeat!)
The verdict
Annoyingly, this is one of those products that earns its reputation.
It won’t replace every serum, facial, or a good night’s sleep, but it will make your skin look better with little effort. And in 2026, when life is chaotic for most, that might just be the ultimate luxury.
Would I repurchase? Reluctantly… yes.
Under makeup
Annoyingly, this is one of those products that earns its reputation.
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Other £££ but worth-it skincare
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