During the last three months, I have used Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream.
This limited line has a cult following with remarkable reviews. The development of the line reminded me of La Mer which is one of my favorite moisturizers. It has been one that I have used for more than fifteen years.
The Rich Cream is a luxurious white cream formula. I think that it is different from the first gel base product developed by Augustine Bader. I began to use it during the winter months when areas of my skin get a little dryer. It is a great product for very dry and/or dehydrated skin.
One thing that I like is that it is in an airless bottle which protects the product of being spoiled by my fingers and by the air. At the same time, this type of packaging can be tricky. Sometimes the pump does not work. However, in terms of hygiene, I do prefer the airless pump than a regular jar.
I love that this formula is free of silicones and perfumes. It contains Argan oil for a dose of vitamin E, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. It also contains Avocado Oil for a deep moisture and Evening primrose oil (my favorite) to calm and soothe the skin. I love that it contains Squalane, Lactic Acid, and Zinc.
The list of ingredients is impressive for a moisturizer because the formula does more than moisturize the skin. It really works on my skin during the winter months. As soon as it gets a little bit warmer, it is too nourishing for the areas that are normal or oily (forehead, nose). Also, I have to really pay attention to the type of serum I am using because the wrong combinations have caused me, some skin reactions. My recommendation is to be careful when you combine serums and creams from different lines. Always read the ingredients! Sometimes is not the one product that causes an irritation, it is the combination of several.
I also like the simple application method with this cream. There is no need to warm the product, but I learned to warm my serums and cremes before applying them.
How it compares with La Mer? These are two different products but with lots of similarities:
Both products are moisturizing nourishing, promote regeneration of the skin however La Mer has a larger range. I love their Soft Cream and Gel Formula during the summer days, and I’ll be making sure to grab one jar pretty soon.
La Mer success is based on their famous “miracle broth” derived from the fermentation of sea kelp giving the skin cell self-regenerating powers. The product does not contain parabens and Phthalates but contains fragrance. The list of ingredients is longer than Augustinus Bader. I am not sure at this point how the formula has changed from the first La Mer batch. That is before it was acquired by Estee Lauder.
On another hand, there is this young line. 2020 will be the third year that Augustinus Bader is in business. There is much more to develop from a business standpoint but I am aware that they launched the body cream with excellent reviews late in 2019. Still, it is a small line however I think that its ingredients and efficacy make the moisturizers a strong player in the market. Evidence of it is having an ex La Mer executive leading this line since 2019. Quite impressive for an executive leaving a Public Company for a smaller Augustinus Bader Group
But again, La Mer continues to perform with a longer line of products and obviously a higher investment. Besides their “miracle broth”, it also contains some oils in their list of ingredients that I like: Eucalyptus Leaf Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Alfalfa Seed Power and Sesame Oil. During the summer balmy days, I love their Gel formula. It is moisturizing, hydrating and just fresh without adding additional oils to my oily zones. Some of us with combination skin appreciates these formulas without losing the skincare benefits of richer formulas.
At this point, I feel safer with the list of ingredients in Augustine Bader. In paper seems a pure line. I recommend it for people who have normal to dry skin or dry skin, including mature skin. I prefer a lighter formula, and, in that respect, I will continue with La Mer as my day moisturizer but, I still use Augustinus Bader what at nights to protect my skin of the air conditioner or heater but also because it is really good.
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