I've decided that we're kicking 2024 off not only with a new year but with a new glow up. It's time to start being that b*tch, if you know what I mean. I'm excited to start doing a little re-vamp on both my beauty routines + wardrobe this year. Everything has just been feeling a little lackluster lately so I think a little refresh is only fitting. I've always been a big beauty gal, especially when it comes to skincare. I firmly believe that taking care of your skin is vital- most importantly for your overall health- but also to better enhance makeup and your overall look.
It's also probably no secret that I'm willing to get a little boujee when it comes to my skin. While you definitely don't have or need to buy expensive products, I have fun splurging a little bit here and there. I tend to look for products that are both effective + that have relatively "clean" ingredients. One brand (and product in particular) that I've had on my wish list for over a year now is the Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream. It's very highly rated but very expensive. I went down a rabbit hole on Tik-tok to essentially justify why I shouldn't buy it. I've yet to decide if any products are actually worth this price point, however the reviews didn't exactly do what I wanted. Of course there were some negatives, however the overall consensus I gathered is that it's nice, a little too expensive but no other creams compare or work exactly the same. We'll definitely see about that!
I decided to bite the bullet but if I'm going to splurge, I'm going to splurge smart. Augustinus Bader offers some various "value" sets and this one called the Skin Renewal System caught my eye. It includes three AB products-- 1 x 1oz. of The Rich Cream, 1 x 1oz. The Essence and 1 x 1oz. of The Cream Cleansing Gel. The entire set retails for $185 which is what just the 1oz. of The Rich Cream sells for by itself. I always love a good set + the idea of essentially getting the other two products "for free" seemed like a good way to test out the brand. I was also able to purchase the set during the December Sephora sale for 20% off which ended up dropping the price down to $148. Here's a little more info on each product:
AUGUSTINUS BADER THE SKIN RENEWAL SYSTEM
+The Rich Cream: Suitable for normal-to-dry skin, described as "intensely hydrating" to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles + hyperpigmentation.
+The Essence: Suitable normal, dry, oily + combination skin, described as a three-in-one mild chemical exfoliant, toner + essence for smooth, soft + hydrated skin.
+The Cream Cleansing Gel: Suitable for normal, dry, oily + combination skin, described as a daily cleanser to cleanse, purify + renew skin.
I've only tried everything out a few times so far so I don't have much to report yet. I will say that the overall design, look + feel of the packaging is nice (as it should be). I have seen some videos that show the polarity between how much product you're getting versus the size of the bottle, but that isn't really new to the beauty industry. That seems to be very common, especially when it comes to foundation + complexion products. Logically we all know that a 1oz. product isn't very much, however when packaged in larger bottles you feel as if you're purchasing more than you really are. I'd be willing to bet that most of us would think a little harder about our purchases if everything was packaged in a container perfectly sized for the actual amount of product. I also think while not ideal, it's understandable from a business perspective. Even more so on higher end, luxury products. Keeping my fingers crossed that a little bit goes a long way!
If you've had a chance to try out anything from Augustinus Bader, I'd love to know your thoughts. I'm excited to see how the products work and I'm also half wishing they do and don't live up to the hype!
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Spendy or affordable- what's your favorite skincare product?
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