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Skincare Review: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream

Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream If you’re a beauty junkie you’ve probably heard of Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Cream.  With endorsements from just about every A-list celebrity, it definitely has a cult following.

I’m one of those people who switches up my moisturizer often. Over the years, I haven’t really found anything that truly stuck.  I’ve tried K-beauty and green beauty, and this one is probably the one I’ve gone back to the most.

But since I’ve yet to find the “holy grail” moisturizer, into my cart The Rich Cream went.

There are a few things you need to know about this moisturizer.

  1. Its secret ingredient is called TFC-8 (trigger-factor complex), a proprietary blend of ingredients.
  2. It isn’t 100% green beauty, but it’s close.  Ingredients here.
  3. Augustinus Bader has been making skincare for over 30 years, so there is good R&D behind this product.  Plus, he only makes 3 products (two moisturizers and a body cream).  Talk about a laser-focused mission.

I wasn’t sure which of the two moisturizers would be best for me: The Rich Cream or The Cream.  I ended up buying them both and employed this strategy:

  • I started with The Rich Cream since it’s springtime (cooler/drier temps).
  • I’ll switch to The Cream during summer since my skin doesn’t need as much moisture during the hotter months.

While they’re both deeply hydrating, The Rich Cream is a super hydrator and better for those with dry skin.  If you have oily or combination skin, go for The Cream.

You’re instructed to use the moisturizer – and nothing else – for 28 days.  No serums, no eye creams, no retinol.  NOTHING.

I did obviously use face wash, make-up removing wipes and sunscreen.  Otherwise, I followed directions to the letter.

The Claim

The reason this moisturizer has a cult following is because it actually regenerates your skin.

It’s like Wolverine from X-Men or Isabella Rossellini from Death Becomes Her.  Think wrinkle-reduction, plumpness, brightness, elimination of environmental damage – total cellular rejuvenation thanks to stem-cell technology.

Other reviews have said it eliminated the recurrence of hormonal cystic acne (I haven’t had any cystic acne to validate this claim myself).

Pros
  • Despite its thick consistency, it absorbs quickly.
  • My skin feels plumper, firmer and honestly glows after I apply it.
  • The scent is very subtle (almost non-existent).
  • I can see more evenness of tone after 28 days.
  • Zero irritations or reactions (and I have sensitive skin).
Cons
  • The consistency is so thick it’s like glue.  You can rub it into your skin, but I prefer to rub it in my hands first and then pat it on my face.
  • It’s expensive.
The Verdict

Did The Rich Cream transform my skin to life-altering proportions?  No.  After decades of testing products, I’ve come to realize that shocking, visible, instantaneous results can only be achieved via cosmetic procedures.  You won’t find overnight transformation in a bottle.

Did it make my skin feel amazing and give me visible results after 28 days?  Yes.

Will I be buying another bottle?  Absolutely.

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Chic Spring to Summer Look

Janessa Leone Francis Packable Straw FedoraJanessa Leone Francis Packable Straw Fedora Janessa Leone Straw Fedora // Ganni dress

As I write this, it’s Greek Easter.  For all my fellow Greeks, Christos Anesti!  On Sunday we spent the afternoon dying eggs, watching my daughter open her Easter basket and playing the Greek Easter egg cracking game, tsougrisma.

Last week I shared the 3 straw hat styles I’m coveting for summer.  I picked this one up in Nordstrom’s flash sale and adore the posh vibe.  It reminds me of something Audrey Hepburn would have worn.  It can be more casual (worn untied), or very elegant when the linen is draped around the neck.

The linen ties are so elegant, but they’re functional too.  They keep the hat from flying off on a bike ride or windy day.  I love dual-purpose fashion!

When I was a kid, we had awesome Easter dinners.  Crystal stemware engraved with my family’s initials.  A huge Greek feast – lamb, salad, Greek potatoes, spanikopita, baklava, and of course dyed red eggs.  After dinner the younger generation entertained the family patriarchs with songs and Greek dancing.  It was SO much fun.

Although this Easter was much more casual, I still wanted to put on an outfit that made me feel fancy.  This dress was also a score in the Nordstrom flash sale.  It’s super flattering and comfortable (pregnant ladies, it would be perfect for a growing belly).  I plan to wear it with flat sandals.  Birkenstocks would look awesome with this!  To dress it up, I’ll pair it with my fave Isabel Marant block heeded sandals and lots of gold jewelry.

It’s truly the perfect chic spring to summer dress.

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Fashion Friday

Fashion Friday

Thanks for all your support on last week’s Fashion Friday.  It was my first foray into Tik Tok and while I still have no idea what I’m doing, I’m having a lot of fun.

Today I want to get back to the standard Fashion Friday format because there is a lot to discuss!

First and foremost…

Clare Waight Keller Leaves Givenchy

Clare left Chloe to come to Givenchy.  While I thought Chloe was the PERFECT fit for her, I was excited about this new partnership.  I foresaw a long-standing relationship.  Her expert tailoring seemed perfectly poised to execute the structured, voluminous silhouettes Givenchy is known for.

But after just 3 years, she’s out.

What happened?  This Tweet seems to perfectly sum up Clare’s fall from Givenchy.

“At the risk of reading too much into it, this basically feels like more proof that without a shoe, without a bag, without a stalwart (and ideally perennial) “statement” piece, it doesn’t matter how good of a designer you are, you won’t have a job.”

During her tenure at Givenchy, Clare didn’t give us an “it” bag.  She didn’t give us a new shoe style.  She DID give us an amazing first couture collection.  But was that enough?  If you design excellent clothes but can’t incite a cult following among the 99%, do you have a career?

This begs the question…

Are luxury brands just accessory companies that happen to make clothes?

I’ve thought a lot about consumer perception of luxury brands.  For example, most people know the interlocking “C” logo of Chanel, but do they actually KNOW Chanel?

There’s an old episode of America’s Next Top Model that I’ll never forget.  Paris Hilton guest stars and asks one of the contestants who her favorite designer is.

Contestant: “Chanel”.

Paris: “Do you know who designs Chanel?”

[CRICKETS]

This is forever seared in my brain.  I was incredulous.  If something is your “favorite” how is it possible to know nothing about it?  If the Lakers are your favorite basketball team, don’t you think you should be able to name some of the players?

A lifelong passion for fashion has allowed me time for lots of research.  I’ve read a ton about brand history, window shopped til I’ve dropped, and devoured runway footage.

When someone says a brand name I see pictures in my head.  Adjectives, colors, textures, patterns.  It’s like a mood board.

It didn’t occur to me that others may not see this too.

With COVID-19 halting production, shuttering storefronts and putting the world of fashion at a standstill, I wonder if consumer perception will change.  Will consumers pay more attention to the brands they’re wearing?  Will they shift their focus to quality over quantity?  Less is more?  I hope that sustainability takes a more front and center role.

Brand Response to COVID-19

There are tons of brands doing amazing things right now.  rag & bone has slashed prices sitewide to make their product more accessible.  Read their manifesto here.

One of my fave leather jacket brands is doing a Name Your Price sale.  In their manifesto they are very candid about possibly not surviving the wake of COVID-19.  So 100% of their proceeds are going to their employees.  That’s class.

Here’s the sad reality: if the economy remains shuttered for 2 or more months, 80% of brands will find themselves in financial duress.  They may not survive.

Now is the time to support the brands you love.  Align your support with brands that embody your values.

The power of your dollar has never been more important.

What I’m Coveting

With summer approaching and self-quarantine still in place, I’m trying to spend as much time outdoors as I can.  It’s the one thing I feel we still get to “do” even if it’s just sitting on the porch or taking a walk around the neighborhood.  I’ll take it!

I never go outside without a hat – read why here – so having something functional and stylish is key.

For summer, I’m all about straw hats.  They’re packable, breathe well and offer great sun protection.  I’ve found 3 straw hat styles that work best for me – boater hats, Panama hats and visors.

I recently scored a couple new ones on sale and wanted to share my tips for what to look for.  Read on for sizing, fit and outfit pairing tips.

Straw Boater Hats

Straw Boater Hat

Boaters come in wide or narrow brims and have a stiff straw so they hold their shape well.  I prefer a wide brim boater – better sun protection and the stiff shape works well on larger hats.

Pros: fashion-forward and versatile.  You can easily dress it up, down, make it more feminine or edgy.  A narrow brim boater is better for causal looks while a wide brim boater lends well to dramatic looks.

Cons: boaters tend to have shallow crowns, so if you have a big head, this might be a tough style for you.  The shallow crown also means you typically have to wear it perched on your head (exposing more of your face to the sun), rather than pulled down over your forehead.  So if it’s windy outside, this is a tough hat to keep on.  Also, they aren’t packable, so they take up more space.

Boater Hats I Love
Panama Hats

Panama Hat

Panama hats are my favorite.  It’s a classic silhouette with a neutral vibe.  You can make them look masculine or feminine.  They too come in shallow or wide brims.  For city excursions or low impact sports (golf, boating) I like a shallow brim.  For beach or pool lounging, I prefer a wide brim.

Pros: they look good on everybody.  The classic style means you can find them anywhere and at all different price points.

Cons: no cons for me, but they do lean a little masculine so I’d plan your outfit accordingly.  I probably wouldn’t wear a Panama hat with something super feminine or to a special occasion.  The vibe here is little tougher and cooler.

Panama Hats I Love
Visors

With an opening at the top and back, visors keep you cool while still protecting your face from the sun.

Pros: you can wear any hairstyle with them (topknot, bun, ponytail).  The majority are adjustable so sizing issues are virtually nonexistent.  They are very compact – most can be rolled up by unfastening the back.

Cons: they definitely lean casual.  I consider visors to be 80% function and 20% fashion.  I wear mine while swimming or doing beach sports.  If you’re looking to make a statement, I’d go for a boater or Panama hat instead.

Visors I Love

Life Lately

AGOLDE Parker Black Jeans AGOLDE Parker Black JeansAGOLDE Parker jeans // Pharaoh tee // Roxanne Assoulin necklace // YSL bag
Golden Goose sneakers // Le Specs sunglasses

Like the rest of the world, my daily scenery consists of the rooms in my house and a dog walk/toddler nature excursion.  Despite the change in schedule, I wanted to give you an update on my life lately.

Binge-Worthy Shows

I finished The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and adored it.  If you love fashion, comedy and New York City (three of my loves) you’ll adore this show.  I love how meticulously put together Mrs. Maisel is while also serving up some loose-cannon zingers.  Her father, played by Tony Shalhoub, has me rolling on the floor laughing.  My husband said it’s been so nice to see me laugh while watching this how.  If you need some refreshing escapism, this show is for you.

I also tried Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn’s new show, Making the Cut, and sadly had to scrap it after 3 episodes.  It’s Project Runway 2.0 without the grit.  The producers obviously identified a favorite in the first episode, and I don’t think I need to continue watching to know who will have the next global fashion empire.

Next on my list is Cheer and Schitt’s Creek.  What are you watching?

Workouts

I’ve been consistent with BBG (the Bikini Body Guide).  I do four resistance workouts per week – legs, arms, full body and abs.  They are 7-minute circuits that get repeated 4 times for a total of 28 minutes of exercise.  You need minimal equipment – I use 3 lb weights and resistance bands – and it’s done through the Sweat app.

The cost is either $20 per month or $120 for a yearly membership.  Clearly, I went with the yearly membership and think it’s SO worth it.

My husband and I also decided to invest in a Peloton because we don’t think we’ll be able to return to the gym anytime soon.  It arrives on April 25, so once I’ve had a chance to test it out, I’ll write a review.

The Peloton app (which has yoga, meditation, dance classes, etc.) is free for 90 days.  You don’t need the bike to do these other workouts, so jump on the freebie while it lasts!  You must sign up by April 30 for the 90-day free trial.

Fashion

I’ve honestly only put on jeans once since self-quarantine began.  These jeans are my hero pair.  I wrote about them here.  They run TTS (size down if you are in between sizes) and come in several different washes.

I recently upped my loungewear game because my collection only consisted of two pairs of joggers.  Clearly with life as it is, I need more!

I’m going to update this loungewear review once all my new picks arrive.  Stay tuned!

New Obsessions

Okay, I don’t know that I’d go so far as to say I’m obsessed, but I am really enjoying Tik Tok.  I started creating videos.  Check them out here.

No, I will not be doing sexy dance videos.  I do have some ideas for a twist on my Fashion Friday series, so stay tuned!

Life Lately

This was the last photoshoot we did before self-quarantine began.  We shot right outside Copa Vida coffee shop, which is adjacent to Petco Park.  I remember feeling so excited for opening day at the Padres (I love a sunny day of baseball, beer and good friends).  It still blows my mind how much has changed.

Interestingly, I ran into two friends while doing this shoot.  It was so nice to randomly run into people and chat for a few minutes.  I long for the days when that reality starts again.

Yes, this is a hard time, but I know we’ll get through it.  Let’s continue to support each other, open the lines of communication and be thankful for the many blessings we have.  Sending you all well wishes for health, happiness and comfort!

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