It happens like clockwork. As soon as the weather dips below 40°, at least one person per week hits me with some version of the following: Is the Augustinus Bader Rich Cream really worth it? To this, I immediately respond, "Yes, yes it is."

The confection in question doesn't just coddle chapped skin with soothing fatty acids and barrier-supporting antioxidants. It also stimulates cell renewal with a patented complex called TFC8, softening fine lines, tightening skin, and brightening tone. It's both an effective winter moisturizer and a potent powerhouse for addressing skin aging.

You could theoretically use it year-round, but like its name suggests, the texture is quite dense (friends with oily or combination skin, you should know it leaves behind a dewy sheen), so I like to slather it on during the colder months. In fact, I have multiple bottles stashed in my beauty cabinet to save for winter's first chill as if I'm some hardworking squirrel preparing for hibernation. As you can probably tell by my hoarding, I firmly believe the bottle is 100% worth the hype.

The only issue? A 1.7-ounce bottle is tagged at $315. It's definitely a luxury (one that merits the price, I assure you), so I understand if dropping that much coin doesn't make sense for your skincare budget. When my friends and family members come to me with the aforementioned ask, I often suggest a happy medium: Treat yourself to the AB elixir on special occasions—a birthday perhaps or whenever the bottle goes on sale—and rely on less spendy alternatives with similar benefits in the interim.

After testing hundreds of whip-thick moisturizers over the years, I've come up with a superb list of swaps for the Rich Cream–curious. Below, explore the 10 perfect alts.

10 Moisturizers to Try If You Love the Rich Cream

If combing through beauty sales is an extreme sport, then Cyber Monday shopping is the freaking Olympics—not just because of the sheer number of markdowns out there but also because my beauty-editor reputation hinges on recommending top-tier buys. That said, I've spent hours identifying deals and cross-referencing retailers so my friends and family members (and you, gentle reader!) can feel confident they're getting the most bang for their buck. You should see my chaotic scratchpad of notes—not for the easily overwhelmed.

I could rattle off hundreds of deals worth a scroll from Nordstrom, Ulta, Sephora, Dermstore, and more, but ultimately, I suggest dropping coin on normally spendy items you might have otherwise shrugged off. For many luxury brands, Cyber Monday marks the biggest (and sometimes only) sale of the entire year, so there's no better time to get your hands on a pricey item you can't stop thinking about. And make haste, because the deals only last for a few more hours!

Below, I've rounded up the 28 I'm personally adding to cart from brands like Augustinus Bader, Victoria Beckham Beauty, and Tom Ford before the discounts end. And to ensure you're truly getting the most out of your holiday shopping, I'm only highlighting discounts over 25%. This is Cyber Monday, after all—time to go big or go home.

Quick Highlights

• The Serum Foundation That Makes Skin Look Like Silk: Victoria Beckham Beauty The Foundation Drops With TFC8 ($110)($83)
• The Designer Fragrance That Always Earns Me Compliments: Tom Ford Vanilla Sex Eau de Parfum ($405)($300)
• The Lash Serum Brides Swear By: Grande Cosmetics GrandeLash-MD Lash Enhancing Serum ($36)($25)
• The Moisturizer That Tightens Skin Upon Application: BeautyStat Peptide Wrinkle Relaxing Moisturizer ($72)($50)
• The Growth Factor Serum I Hoard in My Bathroom: Dr. Diamond's Metacine Instafacial Plasma Duo ($400)($238)

Skincare Deals

Makeup Deals

Fragrance Deals

Haircare Deals

Dua Lipa dropping a skincare line wasn't on our 2025 bingo card, but here we are. She's joining an ever-growing list of celebrities who are hoping to make their mark on the beauty industry with namesake brands. While it might be tempting to scoff at this before falling into a self-induced state of celeb-beauty-brand fatigue, there's something you should know. Hers is backed by a beauty superpower—Augustinus Bader. Yep, it's the luxury skincare brand known for its patented, skin-rejuvenating TFC8 technology that's beloved by the likes of Kim Kardashian, Margot Robbie, and Victoria Beckham.

This isn't the first time Augustinus Bader has collaborated with an A-lister. In fact, Victoria Beckham Beauty's Foundation Drops were created in partnership with the brand. Still, this is the first time it's collaborated on a separate and distinct line of products. What's more is that each of the three daily essentials that make up the new skincare line has a lower price point than Bader's signature items.

The Details

Lipa holds the title of founder and chief creative director of Dua. Where does Augustinus Bader come in? Well, the line is powered by its proprietary technology. Instead of the TFC8 technology, which is found in other Augustinus Bader skincare products, the Dua products contain TFC5 technology. The difference seems to be that the original TFC8 is tailored to mature skin, and TFC5 is tailored to younger skin or skin that has incurred minimal to moderate damage. The brand put it this way: "[TFC5] delivers renewal signals in a more measured way and promotes the skin's natural health by supporting its barrier and enhancing long-term elasticity." The high-tech complex combines biomimetic peptides with moisturizing proteins and protective antioxidants.

"I created this skincare line to be my everyday essential—a skincare routine that's clean, effective, and effortless," Lipa said in a press release. "It was incredibly important to me to work with a team who values the use of clean formulas and high-quality ingredients, and I knew I could trust Augustinus Bader to help bring this to life based on their attention to detail and the level of importance they place on the science that goes into each product. Using their TFC5 technology, the Dua collection adapts to your skin's unique needs, enhancing its health and resilience over time. My hope is that these become your daily essentials too—at home, on the go, and everywhere in between."

Shop the Dua Skincare Line Powered by Augustinus Bader

1. The Balancing Cream Cleanser

2. The Supercharged Glow Complex

3. The Renewal Cream

Shop Augustinus Bader's Original Skincare Products

Full disclosure: I believe that high-quality skincare doesn't have to set you back an absurd amount of coin. Drugstore favorites can be just as (if not more!) effective as formulas that cost upward of $200, and my own routine consists of quite a few high-low pairings, despite my crowded beauty closet of pricey samples.

Now, this all being said, I have tested my fair share of luxury brands (it's part of the job description!), mainly so that when people ask me if [insert wildly expensive skincare product here] is actually worth the splurge, I can confidently tell them to either invest ASAP or save their money. And truthfully, I'm very rarely recommending the former.

That said, some all-star beauty buys are truly irreplaceable—so good that if someone were to buy one product from a luxury skincare line, it'd be foolish not to snag it. See, some beauty lovers swear by following a full routine of Augustinus Bader or La Prairie, while others have the budget for just one fancy all-star. No matter what side of the aisle you're on, there's something for you. Read on to find my picks below.

Augustinus Bader

Sisley-Paris

La Prairie

Allies of Skin

111Skin

Dr. Barbara Sturm

Dr. Diamond's Metacine

IS Clinical

U Beauty

Eighth Day

Why Trust Who What Wear

At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.

This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that Victoria Beckham knows a thing or two about looking polished. From her sharp tailoring to her signature smoky eye (thank you, Satin Kajal Eyeliners), everything VB touches carries an effortless elegance—and her beauty line is no exception.

So, when The Cell Rejuvenating Illuminator (£142) (formerly the Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturiser) received a recent glow-up, I knew it was finally time to try it out for myself. I'm already a superfan of Victoria Beckham Beauty and ever since I've been testing the illuminators, I've not only bid farewell to foundation for good, but I've had people asking me if I've just come from a facial. Scroll ahead for everything you need to know.

Victoria Beckham Beauty The Cell Rejuvenating Illuminator Review

The Formula

Developed in collaboration with Augustinus Bader (the cult skincare scientist behind the namesake brand), it includes Bader's patented TFC8® complex—this isn’t your average illuminator. It’s designed to support skin regeneration, plump out fine lines and bring radiance to lacklustre complexions.

The pearlescent tint (which comes in three shades, including a pinky rose and radiant golden tint) it bridges the gap between skincare and makeup. The silky, light-as-air formula melts into skin to hydrate while lending the skin a dewy glow, which looks beautiful worn alone, underneath foundation or applied strategically as a highlighter.

Alongside Augustinus Bader's TFC8® complex (which contains a cocktail of vitamins, amino acids and peptides) the illuminators also include fermented black tea extract and ectoin to shield the skin against environmental stressors such as pollution. You'll also find niacinamide, squalane and hyaluronic acid in the formula. The radiance of the illuminators themselves comes from plant extracts that help reflect the light on your skin.

The Shades

Victoria Beckham Beauty illuminator swatches; Golden, Pearlescent and Rose.

The Pearlescent shade is a translucent, pearly base that leaves skin looking healthy, rested, and ever-so-slightly angelic. Think “I just got back from a facial” kinda of glowiness, but without the spenny trip to a clinic. Golden brings a warm, subtle bronze radiance that’s stunning on medium to deep skin tones (and doubles as a subtle bronzing veil on lighter complexions). And Rose is soft pearly pink and gives that lit-from-within glow.

I’ve been using Golden on no-makeup days for a touch of sheer bronze and Pearlescent under a skin tint for an extra dose of radiance. On the other hand, Rose looks beautiful worn alone on the days when I don't want to wear makeup but still want to look effortlessly glowy, or tapped onto cheekbones over makeup as a highlighter. Whether worn alone or with makeup, it wears beautifully throughout the day—no pilling, no greasy T-zone situation, just gleaming, healthy skin. Bonus points for the packaging, which feels satisfyingly weighty in-hand and looks very chic on a dressing table.

The Verdict

Yes, it’s a splurge. At £142 to 50ml, it's a considerable investment and eyewateringly expensive. However, it does come in a 20ml vial for £76 if you did want to try it before committing to a full-sized bottle.

But, if you’re someone who’s looking for a hybrid product that actually earns its place in your routine—think skincare benefits, radiant glow, luxe texture and skin blurring effects—The Cell Rejuvenating Illuminator ticks all the boxes and may even replace your foundation. The fact that it's what VB uses herself for her fresh, luminous skin is another draw, alongside the skin-boosting benefits of Augustinus Bader's skin technology. When you wear this, the light catches your skin just right, you might want to forgo foundation forever.

In fact, you'll notice that Victoria Beckham Beauty is yet to come out with a foundation (it's just the concealer pen in the complexion category right now) and I think the brand really leans into the "no-makeup" makeup when it comes to the complexion with these illuminators. When I used this, all I needed was a touch of concealer around a few areas of redness and I felt comortable enough to head out without needing to mask my skin in makeup. Perfect if you're someone who loves the look of invisible makeup while wanting to remain looking and feeling polished.

Shop the Product:

Shop More Victoria Beckham Beauty:

Before I moved to Brooklyn last year, I lived within spitting distance of one of New York's most iconic "IYKYK" beauty destinations: C.O. Bigelow. The apothecary-pharmacy has been a Greenwich Village mainstay since 1838, known for its curated selection of high-quality skincare, haircare, fragrance, and bodycare heroes. It has a lore somewhat similar to French pharmacies, like CityPharma in Paris. I could spend hours weaving through C.O. Bigelow aisles to find my affordable favorites—Bioderma, Nuxe, Avène—and stock up on luxury brands such as Augustinus Bader, Parfums de Marly, and Dr. Barbara Sturm. It's like a French pharmacy meets Violet Grey—and it's my personal Shangri-la.

Now that it takes a 35-minute subway to arrive at the iconic storefront, I sadly haven't been able to step foot into the apothecary as frequently. (It's true: You really don't know what you've got until it's gone!) However, I can still metaphorically roam the shelves by scrolling through the endless beauty supply on C.O. Bigelow's website, which is currently having a major Labor Day sale.

From August 31 to September 5, you can use the code LABORDAY20 to score 20% off sitewide on orders over $100; for me, that's a pretty easy benchmark considering how big (and covetable) of an inventory the store has. In addition to the discount, you'll also receive three free lip products from C.O. Bigelow's chic namesake brand.

This is the Labor Day sale of my dreams, honestly. Here's every product I'm eyeing below to help you navigate the pages on pages of cult favorites—truly, you could spend hours browsing!

19 C.O. Bigelow Beauty Products to Shop for 20% Off

When it comes to cult skincare, there are few brands more hyped than Augustinus Bader. Despite only launching in 2018 with just two products—the now-iconic The Cream ($290) and The Rich Cream ($290)—Augustinus Bader has amassed an impressively devout following of celebrities, makeup artists and beauty editors who all swear by the glow-boosting, skin-smoothing benefits of this covetable moisturizer. It seems almost every A-lister, from Alexa Chung and Naomi Campbell to Hailey Bieber and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, has a bottle of Augustinus Bader in their skincare rotation—and if they don't, then their makeup artist does. But at $290 a pop for a bottle of moisturizer, it's impossible to offer up a truly unbiased review of Augustinus Bader without mentioning the cost. Because, let's be real, skincare with a three-figure price tag just isn't a realistic purchase for the vast majority of us. So what makes Augustinus Bader worth the hype, and is this luxury skincare line really worth the splurge?

Hailey Bieber took to IG Stories to share her favorite skincare products and revealed that she's on her third bottle of Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream.

Most notably, while the value of some heritage beauty brands and buzzy skincare products might be debatable, there is no denying that the sheer amount of science behind Augustinus Bader's products—and I'm talking proper science, not just marketing spiel—makes them true investment buys. In fact, before segueing into skincare, founder and professor Augustinus Bader actually spent decades as the head of stem cell research at the University of Leipzig, where he intensely studied the skin's natural healing process in a quest to find ways to aid burn victims and improve our body's capacity for renewal.

His research led to the creation of Bader's now-renowned Trigger Factor Complex, or TFC8. This patented technology, which powers all of Bader's formulations, is unique in its ability to not only support and optimize your skin's capacity for cellular renewal but also make Augustinus Bader skincare "smarter" by helping the products adapt to individual skincare concerns, whether that be fine lines, pigmentation or scarring. Essentially, it helps to deliver what your specific skin needs. Pretty clever, right?

Both Augustinus Bader's cleansing gel and moisturizer are staples in Priyanka Chopra Jonas's skincare routine, she told Vogue.

As a beauty editor, I'm endlessly fascinated by the products that makeup artists genuinely keep in their kits, so it's of huge interest to me that Augustinus Bader is continually name-checked as a skincare staple by some of the industry's biggest experts. After all, these people have access to the very best products in the world. Makeup artist Pati Dubroff, whose client list includes the likes of Chopra Jonas, Margot Robbie, and Kate Bosworth, swears by Augustinus Bader's products, which, to me, speaks volumes about the efficacy of Bader's skincare offering. In fact, it's so good that Dubroff told me that she not only uses The Rich Cream to prep her celebrity client's skin but also uses it in her personal skincare routine. That's a real seal of approval.

Facialist Melanie Grant shared Victoria Beckham's full skincare routine on Instagram, revealing that she uses Augustinus Bader's The Cream morning and night.

Finally, it would be more than fair to say that I'll try any skincare product that Victoria Beckham approves, and it turns out that VB swears by Augustinus Bader. Heck, Beckham is such a fan that she collaborated with Bader himself to launch her own skincare products—the Victoria Beckham Beauty Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturizer ($95) and Cell Rejuvenating Power Serum ($210). And surely a full-on skincare collaboration is the highest praise there is.

Of course, there's really only one way to decide if a product is truly worth the hype and that's to try it. So in the interest of research, I tried every product from Augustinus Bader to give you my honest opinion on whether it's truly worth the money. It's a hard job, but someone has to do it, right? Keep scrolling to discuss the products that I think are worth the splurge and the ones that I think are worth skipping.

Shop more Augustinus Bader products:

This article originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.

Cleansing is an essential step in every skincare routine, vital for removing makeup, product residue and excess oil, as well as for prepping skin for future product application and targeting concerns like dullness and congestion. "Washing your face really is the cornerstone of a great routine and glowing skin,” says facialist and skin expert Charlie Perry. "If you aren't cleansing your face properly with the best cleanser for your skin's needs, it’s very hard for everything that follows in your routine to go right.” Choosing the right formula can make a vital difference to your skin, with options ranging from balms and oils through to gels, milks, and foams. However, the best cleansers don’t necessarily need to be expensive or packed full of pricey active ingredients in order to be effective. 

"‘You get what you pay for’ is true of many consumer goods, but not necessarily beauty,” says beauty journalist and brand founder Sali Hughes. "I love many luxury beauty brands and their products, and I always will, but it’s important to remember that for every fancy jar, magnetic lid, beautiful ad campaign and gold-foil box, pennies and pounds are added to the price you ultimately pay from your purse.” It’s always worth keeping in mind that a product’s price tag is often dictated by these factors and so doesn’t necessarily reflect the quality of the ingredients used or the product’s formula. "I think increasingly, people are paying more attention to what matters,” adds Hughes. "The product at the heart of the fantasy. That’s what needs to be great. The rest is delicious detail.” It’s true; take a look at the offerings of affordable skincare brands like The Ordinary, CeraVe, and Beauty Pie, and you’ll see that there are plenty of standout affordable face washes out there. They may not have luxurious packaging, but it’s what’s inside that counts.

Hughes herself recently collaborated with beauty brand Revolution to create her own line of affordable skincare products. "It was my number one priority to make this product range available to as many people as possible, and that meant keeping the prices as low as I could squeeze them without compromising on quality and ingredients,” she says. "I just very strongly believe that great, effective, high-quality and intelligently formulated skincare formulas should be available to the overwhelming majority of people who have to consider and prioritise where their hard-earned cash goes.” We are, after all, in a cost-of-living crisis, and so it makes sense to cut down where it’s possible to do so. "A cleanser is always the product I'd recommend saving rather than spending on,” says Perry. "It's not on your skin for long, so pricey actives have a short time frame to work their magic, and the best formulas don't need huge amounts of actives to be effective.”

If you’re building a budget-friendly skincare routine and looking for affordable versions of your favourite luxury cleansers, look no further. With like-for-like textures, formulas, functions and hero ingredients, these cleanser dupes are just as good as (if not better than) their more expensive counterparts.

If you love: Augustinus Bader The Cream Cleansing Gel

Try: Revolution Skincare x Sali Hughes Clean Sheet Morning Cleanser

If you love: Kate Somerville Delikate Soothing Cleanser

Try: E.l.f. Skincare Pure Skin Cleanser

If you love: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

Try: Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser

If you love: Eve Lom Cleanser

Try: By Beauty Bay Chamomile + Oat Lipid Cleansing Balm

If you love: Dermalogica Clearing Skin Face Wash

Try: CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser

If you love: Tatcha The Camellia Cleansing Oil

Try: The Body Shop Camomile Makeup Cleansing Oil

If you love: Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

Try: Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Hot Oil Cleansing Balm

If you love: SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel

Try: The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser

If you love: Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel 

Try: The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser

If you love: Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip

Try: Skin Proud Wonder Clay Cream Cleanser

If you love: Bioderma Sensibio Cleansing Micellar Water

Try: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

Next Up: These 15 Budget Serums Are Just as Good as the Expensive Versions

 Opening Image: @amaka.hamelijnck

If there's one thing people ask me the most as a beauty journalist, it's whether the luxury skincare brands are really worth the money. After all, it's so easy to be drawn in by the allure of a £200 pot of moisturiser for the thrill of owning a cult product. There's nothing like an eye-watering price tag to build hype and intrigue.

Sure, those luxury skincare brands that you see dotted on the vanity tables of Instagram do look enticing, but do they actually cut the mustard when it comes to results? When you're looking to invest in beauty products, you want to ensure that your hard-earned money is going to give you a good return on investment. Whether it's glowing skin or the promise of targeting troublesome acne or pigmentation, when you're making a skincare investment, you want it to work.

We're big believers that you don't have to spend a fortune to get great skincare. (These cheap moisturisers feel so much more expensive than their price tags.) But sometimes, it's fun to splash the cash on luxurious skincare. So I spoke to some of my beauty-journalist pals who have tried all the best brands during their careers. These are the best skincare investments they recommend.

Keeks Reid, Freelance Beauty Editor and Who What Wear Contributor

"The KateCeuticals range by Kate Somerville is expensive but so, so worth it. I'm honestly obsessed with the Total Repair Cream and do a little cry each time I get to the end of the tub, as it costs a whopping £110. Kate describes it as her facial in a bottle, and I get it. My skin looks and feels instantly plumper and hydrated after use."

Shop Kate Somerville

Georgia Seago, Editor of The Tweakments Guide

"Exuviance is probably my favourite skincare brand. It’s all I’d use if I had to choose just one brand. It’s clinical-grade, professional skincare that I’d be confident recommending to anyone because it just works. The level of skin science that goes into research and development is truly impressive. Plus, the formulas and textures are really enjoyable to use. The Skin Rise Bionic Tonic pads literally change people’s skin, and I also love the brand’s 20% vitamin C capsules—the best vitamin C I’ve used."

Shop Exuviance

Anita Bhagwandas, Beauty Journalist and Author of Ugly (out 2023)

"One premium skincare brand that's really impressed me is Ranavat, which is based on traditional Indian and Ayurvedic ingredients. Not only are the textures one-of-a-kind and packaging incredibly chic, but I notice a huge difference to my skin when using them. Because the smells—like jasmine and saffron—feel so familiar to me, and I know the care that's gone into creating them, I feel more connected to myself and my Indian heritage each time I use them. I can't stop raving about it—definitely worth every penny."

Shop Ranavat

Amanda Pauley, Deputy Editor at Professional Beauty

"111Skin is known for its super-hydrating sheet masks, but this serum from the brand should be in everyone’s beauty cabinet too. Yes, it is on the spenny side, but it really is worth it. If, like me, you struggle with hormonal breakouts every month, then this serum is going to be a game changer. I’ve been using it for the past three months, and my complexion is now glowy and spot-free on the regular, and that’s thanks to its powerful blend of salicylic acid, colloidal silver, colloidal sulphur and kojic acid, which targets blemish-causing bacteria, reduces inflammation and helps minimise pigmentation marks after a breakout. The serum is super lightweight—perfect for oiler complexions—and it doesn’t dry the skin out like other spot-fighting products do, so you won’t experience any annoying flakiness during the day."

Shop 111Skin

Sarah Barnes, Beauty Editor at PIBE Magazine

"Is it just me? Upon entering my late 20s, I have found that my dark acne spots tend to outstay their welcome long after the spot itself has gone! Shiseido's White Lucent Illuminating Micro-Spot Serum is a pricey bottle but worth every single pump. Silky in texture, it's like a big drink of water for my skin and contains Shiseido’s advanced 4MSK skin-brightening technology. This star ingredient has helped even out my skin tone, work on pesky hyperpigmentation and brighten up my whole complexion. It has honestly become my most-reached-for serum and choice of weapon against those stubborn dark spots."

Shop Shiseido

Lollie Hancock, Editorial Assistant at Professional Beauty

"If you told me a year ago I'd be considering spending £280 on a 30-millilitre serum, I would have called you crazy. But Augustinus Bader made me realise some products may actually be worth the price tag. Whilst I definitely try not to use this every day for the sake of my bank account, the serum is now essential in colder months when my skin needs a bit of extra TLC. I like to use it as the last step after giving myself a full at-home facial to really lock in those products and give my skin one last hydration boost."

Shop Augustinus Bader

Shawna Hudson, Associate Beauty Editor at Who What Wear U.S.

"I've recently become obsessed with this brand after I got a Luzern facial with organic aesthetician Katie Sobelman. The brand's products are rich in Swiss Alpine botanicals and blend both organic elements and advanced cosmeceuticals together so perfectly. To me, it's better than other iconic brands out there, and I couldn't recommend the brand's L'Essentials Hydrating Essence, Serum Absolut Radiance Brightening Booster Complex, and Force de Vie Crème Luxe enough!"

Shop Luzern

Erin Jahns, Senior Beauty Editor at Who What Wear U.S.

"U Beauty makes some of the most expensive products in my medicine cabinet, but I find them worth every single penny due to how transformative they've been for my skin—smoothing out my bumps, evening out discolouration, curbing breakouts, the full monty! If you don't believe me, celebrities are equally smitten, and most recently, Paris Hilton waxed poetic to me about her love for the brand's Barrier Bioactive Treatment. It contains the brand's signature technology, the Immortal Siren Capsule delivery system, and is the closest thing to bottled magic I've tried in a long, long time. I'm also obsessed with the new Plasma Lip Compound, which is the next best thing to filler."

Shop U Beauty

Katie Berohn, Associate Beauty Editor at Who What Wear U.S.

"SkinCeuticals is a brand founded on skin health, so you can be confident that every product you use is scientifically backed. SkinCeuticals' philosophy is 'prevent, protect, correct,' and every product I've tried from the brand has lived up to these pillars. With SkinCeuticals products, I actually have seen my skin change for the better, particularly after religiously incorporating its cult-favourite CE Ferulic."

Shop SkinCeuticals

Shannon Lawlor, Freelance Beauty Editor and Who What Wear Contributor

"I fundamentally believe that luxury skincare is only worth the money if you can actually afford it. Never, ever put topical skincare on a credit card—it's not worth it, and it won't change your life. Having said that, if you do have the money to spend, Dr. Barbara Sturm products would be my go-to. Celebrities swear by these products, and I love them every bit as much. While the cleanser is adored by the likes of EmRata and the Clarifying Mask is Hailey Bieber's go-to, my favourite products are without a doubt the Sun Drops (they come Rosie HW approved, FYI) and Enzyme Cleanser. Sun Drops is easily the most glow-boosting, non-greasy, easy-to-wear SPF product I have ever come across and genuinely makes the chore of daily sun cream application feel luxurious and joyful, while Enzyme Cleanser is one of the hardest-working blackhead-busting treatments that my skin has experienced."

Shop Dr. Barbara Sturm

Zeynab Mohamed, Freelance Beauty Journalist

"There is nothing that compares to finding skincare that actually works for your skin. One brand I always find I can rely on to deliver the goods is Allies of Skin. Everything that I’ve tried from the brand I’ve been seriously impressed with. My skin has a complicated history with vitamin C, but the Allies of Skin 20% Vitamin C Brighten + Firm Serum is seriously impressive stuff. Expect glowing, radiant skin within days. And of course, I have to mention the almost always sold-out Allies of Skin Promise Keeper Blemish Facial. This is what skincare dreams are made up of. As someone with pesky breakouts, I can say this product has helped to keep them at bay, and trust me—I’ve tried heap-loads of breakout products. It works to nourish problematic skin, unclog pores, tackle old blemishes, refine skin texture and brighten the complexion. I mean, what more could you want from a product?"

Shop Allies of Skin

Up next: These Budget Skincare Buys Are Just as Good as the Expensive Versions

When it comes to hair products, I am more than a little fussy. My hair is thin and fine (as well as being very, very long), which makes it difficult to disguise any mishaps. In short, if my hair is greasy or weighed down with too much product, you’ll know about it. The perfect hair product, if you ask me, is one that gives my hair a little bit of body without weighing it down.

Sounds simple, right? Only it’s not. You see, the term weightless is thrown around a lot when talking about hair products but rarely does it actually refer to its true meaning. Having thin hair means strands are particularly susceptible to "weight” in hair products. Whether it’s a super-nourishing mask that leaves strands heavy and flat at the root or a styling spray that causes hair to clump, in order for my thin hair to have any sort of volume, I need to avoid any sort of heavy product.

As a result, I am on a never-ending quest to find the very best hair products out there that suit my needs. Every shampoo, conditioner, mask, treatment and oil that comes my way gets tested meticulously. More often than not, I am let down. But a couple of weeks ago, news broke that cult skincare brand Augustinus Bader was releasing a haircare line, including shampoo, conditioner, hair oil, scalp treatment and leave-in.

And at first, my hopes weren’t particularly high. Don’t get me wrong—I love Augustinus Bader products, but they tend to champion rich hydration, which doesn’t bode well when it comes to lightweight volume in hair. On top of that, as you would expect, the products are really expensive, with the shampoo and conditioner priced at £40 each. But given the track record of success I have had with all of the brand’s skincare products, I felt it was important to give it a go.

The packaging is as you would expect—simplistic blue and gold, in the typical Augustinus Bader design, and very chic. The formulas contain the brand’s famous TFC8 complex to deliver hydrating and nourishing nutrients to hair, scalp and follicles for healthier growth and stronger, smoother strands. The products promise to suit every hair type and claim to deliver healthier, stronger and fuller hair from root to tip to help prevent loss and breakage. So with the claims in mind, I overhauled my hair routine to be exclusively blue and gold and dove right in.

Before I get into the nitty-gritty of each product, I want to address something very important. As we’ve established, my hair is thin, fine, long and naturally very straight. After using these products for a couple of weeks now, I want to say that I would never in a million years dream of recommending them to someone with thick curls or coils. Because actually, they’re not nearly as rich as I expected. In fact, in order to get the nourishment you’d need, you’d probably have to empty the entire £40 bottle of conditioner onto your ends. So I'm busting that "suitable for all hair types” claim.

But if your hair is thin and fine, like mine, then listen up. The shampoo is really hard-working. My hair was squeaky clean from root to tip (literally, the squeak was real). And the conditioner was not what I was expecting at all. Part of me thought it would be thick, rich and creamy, much like the brand’s cult moisturisers, but it’s runnier than I expected. At first, you’ll question whether you’re using enough, but then it sort of nourishes the hair and detangles ends without coating it in a thick, weighty cream.

After towel-drying my hair, I massaged in the scalp treatment and applied the leave-in treatment and oil to the ends, as they felt like they needed some extra nourishment. (My strands are bleached and prone to matting.) Before I turned the hair dryer on, I couldn’t help but feel as though my hair lacked moisture, but once my hair was dry, the magic happened.

After washing, my hair feels light and bouncy and possesses a certain amount of grit that means a quick zhoosh with fingers gives roots a long-lasting lift. But the best bit is said grit is totally invisible and doesn’t add anything but body. No, my hair doesn’t look the silkiest it’s ever looked, but the volume and movement are all there.

Would I personally spend circa £40 on each product and use them every day? No. They’re good, but no amount of volume is worth clearing my bank account for. If I had to hero one product for thin-haired folk, it would be the conditioner (but remember it probably won’t be rich enough for thicker styles). However, if you do have the money to spend, chances are you won’t be let down. Keep scrolling for more information on each individual product.

Next up, 15 haircuts that will trick people into thinking you have three times more hair.

As a beauty lover long before becoming a beauty journalist, I have fond memories of saving up my weekly college money and heading to Superdrug and Boots on my lunches with my twin sister to check out (and ultimately buy) the latest makeup and skincare products on offer. There was something about it that would give me the biggest boost of serotonin and still to this day, I love nothing more than taking myself on solo shopping trips to check out what's in store.

As I've gotten older the amount I spend on beauty products has definitely increased but isn't extreme. I realised quite early on that the price of a product whether affordable or on the higher-end doesn't determine how you get on with the product.

Now, the most I've spent on a serum is probably around the £30 mark. I'm yet to personally spend anything over that but have been lucky enough to have been sent higher priced ones under £100 that I personally loved and would happily consider purchasing once I run out (preferably when it's on offer). So when a buzz started to circulate around Augustinus Bader's The Serum (£280) it was safe to say I was more than intrigued and for good reason too. Below, I detail my honest review.

Vanese Maddix before applying Augustinus Bader The Serum.

I without a doubt had high hopes for this serum, not just because of the price tag, but also due to the sheer volume of praise that it has received from beauty lovers, editors and celebrities. The first thing I noticed was its lovely texture, which lightweight but not too thin or thick. It's described as a serum that works to nourish, replenish, protect and hydrate the skin due to the use of TFC8, which is the brand's famous complex of amino acids, vitamins and synthesised molecules that mimic those found naturally in the skin, and in turn, the formula is said to create an optimal environment for your skin's own repair and renewal processes.

You're encouraged to use it in the morning and evening, or as you desire. Simply take some serum and in an upward motion smooth over the face and neck until it has fully absorbed before proceeding with the next step in your skincare routine.

Vanese Maddix after applying Augustinus Bader The Serum.

I've been testing it out in the mornings and evenings over the past few days and I have to say it's been a really nice addition to my routine. I have a normal-to-dry skin type but the frequent cold weather has my skin feeling drier than ever before. I've found the serum has really helped with giving an instant boost of hydration and radiance to my skin when applied. It helped my skin to feel super soft and supple with no dry patches in sight.

Whilst I can't fault it for the instant improvements it's been able to make I personally didn't find it to be as long-lasting with its hydration as the other serums I reach for. As I say with all products, everyone will have their own skin concerns that they want products to tackle, and mine is definitely all about the feeling and look of hydration from the inside-out that pretty much lasts all day.

I'll definitely continue to reach for this until the very last drop as it has definitely helped with giving instant hydration for my skin, but I couldn't justify and wouldn't want to justify spending £280 on a product that personally doesn't check all the boxes for me. I'll continue to stick with the products I currently know and love but it's clear to see why this serum is so raved about.

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Never have I ever encountered a moisturizer quite as iconic as Augustinus Bader's The Rich Cream ($265) or its slightly lighter-weight sister The Cream ($265). Beauty editors, celebrities, and makeup artists alike seem to wholeheartedly agree that the moisturizer (plus the brand's other hero products) has fast launched the brand to cult status since it debuted in early 2018.

Naturally, my undying love for The Cream made me want to snatch up the brand’s newest addition to the family: The Serum ($375). Now available on Violet Grey and AugustinusBader.com, this everyday essential aims to hone in on some of the most common skincare issues we face as we get older, such as loss of elasticity, stress, fine lines, environmental damage, and dehydration.

Armed with the brand's quintessential TFC8 technology, invigorating vitamin C, pomegranate seed extract, squalene, and rice bran oil, the serum aims to tighten up your skin barrier and prevent future moisture loss. Sounds like your standard, run-of-the-mill serum, right? Wrong. As with any product of Bader's, its unique cocktail of ingredients packs a serious punch. The secret lies in his patented TFC8, or Trigger Factor Complex, which consists of natural amino acids, invaluable vitamins, and key molecules already found in the body. It boosts your skin’s natural renewal process, which will help you ditch lingering environmental damage, hyperpigmentation, redness, you name it.

That said, it just might be worth the splurge if your budget allows. According to a press release from the brand, the new serum doled out a staggering 291% improvement in skin hydration and an 85% reduction in wrinkles in a clinical trial of 30 female participants of varying ethnicities (ranging from ages 18 to 70). Think of The Serum as The Cream's highly concentrated sister. In this case, I'll act as a skincare mom of sorts selecting her favorite child (frowned upon but will be done for the sake of this review).

The Review

Some context: If I'm honest, my entire skin journey deserves its own novel (or more pointedly, a melodramatic soap). But to spare you the theatrics today, I'll provide you with the CliffsNotes version. I struggled with acne as a teenager and all through my early 20s. After trying just about every antibiotic and cream on the market, I decided to do a round of Accutane—the big guns of acne treatments. Even post-Accutane, I still deal with hormone- and stress-related breakouts from time to time and use a prescription-strength retinoid cream.

In its most natural state, my skin errs on the side of oily, but using a retinoid cream dries it out significantly. So now, I would say I have combination skin. Going into this review, my main concerns were acne, dryness, scarring, and fine lines caused by said dryness. You'll notice in the before photo that I was previously dealing with a few pimples here and there, dryness, and some dark spots sprinkled in. Although the product doesn't necessarily advertise itself as a star acne treatment, I was curious to see if it would help with breakouts considering its highly advanced formula.

Before I get into the nitty-gritty about the formula itself, we first need to talk about the packaging. Upon opening the box, I immediately felt like I was transported into the future (or straight into Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century—you pick). The sleeker-than-sleek glass container housing the product is a display piece worthy of any vanity. It's mindfully designed with recyclable packaging to minimize waste and is unlike anything I've ever seen before. The glass container's box insert is also made of renewable plant fibers, and refills can be purchased separately to promote sustainability. However, I couldn't let my shiny object syndrome deter me from my mission of finding out if The Serum is actually worth its hefty price, and I decided not to use The Cream in tandem with the serum so I could properly compare the two.

The brand recommends that you apply this product in the morning and evening, just like you would most other serums. It was tough to part with my previous daily favorite—IS Clinical's Pro-Heal Serum Advanced + ($155)—as it had become a staple of mine. But I have to say, after just one use of the new AB serum, my skin felt extremely soft and supple, which is not an easy feat when you use a retinoid cream regularly. The serum is a much lighter texture than the cream is, and its feather-like consistency absorbed into my skin so quickly I almost forgot I had applied it at all. 

Normally, my problem with most serums is that I have to apply much more than the allotted amount due to retinoid-induced dryness. This was not the case with The Serum. In truth, I barely had to apply any at all to achieve my desired level of hydration before moving on to my moisturizer—a welcomed characteristic considering the price tag.

Right before I began using the serum, I had a particularly angry-looking couple of pimples appear around my chin area due to stress (ugh). Not ideal but useful for the purpose of this review since I wanted to see if it would help with this additional skin concern. I was pleasantly surprised that it did in fact help calm them significantly after about three to four days. I wasn't exactly sure if this would be the case considering it didn't have additional acne-fighting ingredients like retinol, but I blame Bader's TFC8 technology for the acne-banishing magic.

After seven full days, my breakout had gone down, as you can see above, and all was right in the world again. It's nice to know that even though this product doesn't contain traditional acne zappers, it still holds up in that department. Not only did my redness reduce tenfold, but also my radiance levels skyrocketed, giving my skin a major sun-kissed look, in addition to all the other benefits this serum delivers. I dare say it just might be my new favorite product.

Final Verdict

So does this serum truly surpass the iconic cream? I'd say it depends on your skincare goals. I was entirely impressed by the serum's ability to reduce redness, deeply hydrate, and help with zits. If you share my concerns, I'd say the serum is definitely going to be more of your jam. If your worries only consist of keeping your skin hydrated round the clock (lucky you!), I would stick with The Cream (or Rich Cream).

Overall, I think The Serum will be a new staple in my routine moving forward—it just checks all my boxes. I can't wait to use the two simultaneously for double the deliverance. For my entire skincare routine and other current favorites, keep scrolling below.

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Step 1: Cleanser

Step 2: Toner

Step 3: Serum

Step 4: Jade Roller

Step 5: Moisturizer

Step 6: Eye Cream

My Favorite Add-Ons

Whether you're looking to smooth, hydrate, plump or bestow radiance, finding the perfect skincare to suit your derma needs isn't always easy. With thousands of creams, serums and oils to choose from, it can be overwhelming, which is why many of us will make our selection based on the formula we can afford at that particular moment. 

While there are countless amazing affordable skincare buys out there, many of which are staples in our editors' respective routines, that doesn't mean you should disregard luxury skincare altogether.

As with every purchase we make, we don't take investing in luxury skincare lightly, but there is some truth to the saying "you get what you pay for." Between us, we've tried our fair share of products from luxury skincare brands, most of which promise instantaneous results. Of course, some fall short on that promise, but others? They're a skincare revolution!

So whether you're looking to up your skincare ante or you're keen to see if the cult product you've been reading about for years is truly worth the hype, we're here to help. Keep scrolling to see our edit of what we consider to be the best luxury skincare brands to spend your precious earnings on. 

1. CHANEL

Chanel has some extraordinary skincare amongst its range. Beauty editor Eleanor Vousden says that the N°1 De Chanel Revitalising Mask was amongst one of the best new skincare products she has tried, saying that it leaves her skin looking like glass. The Sublimage is both luxurious and efficacious, and worth the investment if you want to address fine lines and wrinkles, while the Hydra Beauty range hydrates and plumps skin like none other. Naturally, the textures and formulas feel luxurious on the skin, and even the subtle scent makes your skincare routine feel that little more indulgent. And who doesn't want a jar on Chanel upon their bathroom shelf?

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2. LA MER

No luxury skincare roundup would be complete without La Mer. The beauty brand's origin story is as epic as they come. It was initially developed by scientist Max Huber to treat burns sustained after a lab accident. La Mer's signature sea kelp formula has seen its moisturiser become one of the most iconic products on the skincare scene and counts many an A-list celebrity amongst its fans. Today, the range has expanded to serums, balms, and body products, all of which deliver seriously impressive results. 

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3. AUGUSTINUS BADER 

The work of world-leading stem cell research expert professor Augustinus Bader, this skincare collection has been 30 years in the making, and it’s undoubtedly been time well spent. Augustinus Bader’s groundbreaking skincare uses a unique, patented Trigger Factor Complex (TFC8) to help visibly reduce lines and wrinkles, as well as damage caused by environmental stressors. Victoria Beckham has previously professed her love for this brand (so much so that she actually collaborated with Bader for her own line), and we all know how glowy her skin looks. 

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4. TEMPLESPA

Templespa's efficacious formulas have earned the brand a number of beauty awards. Not only do the products have sensorial, spa-level formulas, but you only have to take a look at the several 5-star reviews from the brands loyal customers to know that these products really work to deliver visible results. The Trufflelixir range is particularly worth the investment, which features the namesake ingredient that delivers both short and long term results to leave skin looking smooth and radiant. We'd also recommend the bestselling Let's Concentrate serum if you're looking to address pigmentation while giving your skin an unrivalled glow.

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5. SKINCEUTICALS

SkinCeuticals products might not have the same luxurious packaging and texture as most of the others on this list, but trust us when we say the products work. Formulated to be used in clinical settings, the products are totally no-frills, but are created with science at their core. Do they look luxury no? But you'll soon realise that the hefty price tags are worth it once you try the products.

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6. STELLA MCCARTNEY BEAUTY

Stella McCartney beauty is the pairing of both luxury and eco-conscious skincare. Offering clinically proven results, you'll find a concise edit of sustainable and vegan skincare which focus on regenerating the skin barrier to reach optimum glowing results. What's unique about this luxury skincare brand is that each and every product is refillable (even its travel-sized miniatures) so you can play your part in cutting down on waste while indulging in great skincare, too. If you only try one product, make it the Alter-Care Serum, which boasts an award-winning formula of hyaluronic acid, squalene and rock samphire extract, which work in tandem to cushion and fortify the skin's delicate barrier. Fun fact: The serum is perfumed with the brand's High Cliff scent, created by Perfumer Francis Kurkdjian (yes, the very perfumer behind the TikTok-viral Baccarat Rouge 540 fragrance).

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7. CHANTECAILLE 

While naturally derived beauty products are all the rage right now, Sylvie Chantecaille recognised the potential in botanical ingredients over 20 years ago, when the idea was less commonplace. She created a company that tapped into plants, flowers and ground-breaking science for its game-changing, high-performing skincare products. Today, Chantecaille is a family-owned, independent business that is committed to making healthy, clean beauty products as well as protecting the planet through philanthropy collections to support wildlife conservation.

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8. 111SKIN

Upon hearing the words "Harley Street," chances are the words "plastic surgery" swiftly follow suit. The area in London is known for its industry-leading procedures, carried out by the world's most-skilled surgeons, one of whom is Yannis Alexandrides, MD. Recognising the gap in post-treatment skincare, Alexandrides set out to develop the perfect skincare collection for his patients. What he ended up creating was the renowned luxury skincare brand, 111Skin. Designed to protect skin against environmental aggressors, the products' potent healing ingredients promote a youthful and radiant complexion like nothing you've seen before. If you're new to the brand, we recommend starting with its face masks. They're the best we've tried. 

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9. 3LAB

Another brand that brings science and beauty together is 3Lab. This technology-led range has been rigorously developed to tackle your every skin concern, from combating environmental damage to smoothing and hydrating. Expect surprisingly lightweight formulas that stretch way beyond what you might expect—a little goes a long, long way with 3Lab's creams, serums, and toning sprays. 

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10. SARAH CHAPMAN

As one of London’s most sought-after facialists, Sarah Chapman’s Chelsea Skinesis clinic has become a mecca for skin-savvy celebrities, editors and skin obsessives—all of whom were beyond delighted when she finally launched her eponymous range. Her products deliver results at a cellular level and on the surface, so you can apply your serums and creams confident in the knowledge that the results will be anything but fleeting. 

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11. ALBIVA

Some of the best luxury skincare brands surpass all expectations, and Albiva is one of them. Albiva blends more than 50 high-quality active ingredients, which seek to stimulate and support the skin's cellular healing. The products are free from chemicals‚ synthetic compounds and fillers, so the impressive results you see entirely, down to its potent blend of sustainable ingredients. Owing to the active properties found within its bottles, Albiva products are best kept in a fridge (even though the wooden packaging would look stylish sitting on your bathroom shelf). 

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12. LA PRAIRIE

Skincare stalwart La Prairie utilises the latest scientific breakthroughs to provide true excellence in skincare. Developed at Clinique La Prairie in Switzerland, its products help prolong the youthful appearance of even the most delicate skin. Using the most precious ingredients (think rich caviar, rare platinum and opulent gold), the term "luxury skincare" was practically invented to summarise La Prairie's range of cult products. 

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13. RÉVIVE

Drawing on his expertise as a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Gregory Bays Brown developed his luxury skincare brand, RéVive, to help restore the skin with a luminous glow. Inspired by patented and Nobel Prize–winning science, RéVive's groundbreaking formulas help renew and rejuvenate skin by boosting collagen and elastin production for a youthful, glowing complexion. Its Radiance Oil is a great product to start off with. Though, RéVive's anti-ageing serum is fast becoming the stuff of legend. 

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14. EPARA

Epara was founded by entrepreneur Ozohu Adoh, who had long suffered from a condition that made her skin dry and uneven. She couldn't find a product that solved her skincare woes, so she set about developing her own formulas. As such, Epara was born. An edit of high-quality, scientifically proven products, all derived from the rich soils of Africa, Epara skincare boasts potency and luxury in equal measure. The products work to repair and pamper simultaneously, leaving skin moisturised, hydrated and looking its very best. 

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15. DR. BARBARA STURM

Barbara Strum believes that the secret to beautiful skin doesn’t lie in an exhaustive routine. Instead, she insists that you only need a minimal number of expertly crafted products to see the best results. And that’s precisely what she has created with her namesake luxury skincare brand. Based on a thorough medical understanding of cells and anti-ageing, her products protect, strengthen and detoxify without overburdening the skin and are gentle enough for sensitive complexions. While her entire range is noteworthy, her most iconic product is undoubtedly her hyaluronic serum.

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16. VALMONT

The expert clinical team at Valmont, another Swiss skincare offering, has been creating top-of-the-line skincare on the banks of Lake Geneva for over 30 years. Utilising pure and natural ingredients and implementing them with unique cellular cosmetic research, Valmont's efforts have resulted in highly effective products that instantly revive and rejuvenate the skin, leaving the complexion radiantly healthy and smoothed.

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17. SISLEY

Sisley might not be the first French beauty brand that comes to mind, but it's certainly deserving of your attention. Founded in 1976, Sisley was one of the first companies to use botanical essences in cosmetology and to this day remains a family business—albeit one with worldwide success. Renowned for its advanced scientific formulas, which combine the best of technology with the best of nature, Sisley skincare is known for its outstanding results and formulas of the highest quality. 

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18. NATURA BISSÉ

Barcelona-born luxury brand Natura Bissé uses groundbreaking technology with high-performance, pharmaceutical-grade ingredients for targeted smoothing results. Natura Bissé's powerful concentration of amino acids works to stimulate skin cells, fight free radicals and erase imperfections, leaving you with glowing, rejuvenated and visibly plumped skin. What more could you ask for? 

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19. DIOR

While we understand that people can be dubious of buying skincare from brands that have their eggs in many baskets, trust us when we say that Dior get it right across the board. The brand's skincare labs, based in France, are at the forefront of cutting-edge skincare technologies—and it shows from the products. If you like your skincare to ooze luxury while knowing your skin is in safe hands, Dior is a great place to start.

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20. SUSANNE KAUFMANN

Formulated and created in the Alps, specifically in Kaufmann's hometown of Bezau, this eponymous skincare line is one that beauty editors swear by for healthy skin. Yes, it's fairly expensive, but the formulations are science-led with a spa-like feel and they genuinely work. Plus, the unassuming packaging is both chic and also sustainable. The brand prides itself on running their production units on renewable energy, the glass packaging is made from recycled glass and a great many of their products offer refills. If you haven't tried it yet, then it's well worth the investment. 

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21. EVE LOM

Founded by Hollywood facialist Eve Lom, this skincare line is one that beauty editors and skincare professionals have long since recommended to those looking for spa-grade products to use at home. The nourishing formulas are focussed on restoring and rejuvenating skin with healing and reparative ingredients. Plus, every product is designed to feel and smell incredible, so you really can recreate a spa facial from the comfort of your own bathroom.

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This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

I’m a bit of a cleanser snob if I’m being honest. I don’t care about luxury or expense (some of my favourite cleansers ever cost less than a tenner), I’m just fussy. If you ask me, a great cleanser that offers up a deep clean without disrupting the skin barrier and causing tightness lays at the heart of any perfect skincare routine. Because the truth is, and I know you don’t want to hear this, but that rather satisfying tight feeling you get after going in with a new cleanser doesn’t mean your skin is super clean, it’s just its way of crying out for help.

My skin is naturally quite oily, so although my cleanser of choice is never stripping or drying, that’s not to say balmy, creamy, moisturising cleansers do my skin any good either. The sweet spot, for me, is a cleanser that really does its job at clearing pores of gunk and bacteria, but doesn’t leave it looking or feeling taut afterwards. It doesn’t sound like a big ask, but you’d be surprised. The real issue is that actually, cleansers that promise to keep the barrier in check all too often leave a sort of moisture film over the skin which always proves bad news for my blackhead situation.

So, when I caught news of the fact that Augustinus Bader was due to bring out a new cleanser, you can probably understand that I was a little bit dubious. For those that aren’t familiar with the brand, Augustinus Bader is a super-luxe German skincare brand (headed up by professor Augustinus Bader himself) famous for creating seriously efficacious moisturisers that are loved by some of our favourite celebs (VB, Alexa and Margot, I’m looking at you). From the iconic The Cream to the cult glow-boosting, skin-loving Cell Rejuvenating Power Serum formulated in collaboration with Victoria Beckham Beauty, all of the Augustinus Bader products have one thing in common: they all contain the brand’s famous (and of course patented) TFC8 complex which works to reduce signs of damage and ageing.

Let me first say that I am a huge fan of the TFC8 complex. The VB Beauty serum is basically one of my favourite skincare products ever and there is no doubt that long-term skin health is at the centre of all Bader products. So, in theory, I should have been totally over the moon about the new cleanser. However, my initial reservations were founded in the fact that I’m not a huge fan of the original moisturisers (The Cream and The Rich Cream). For my oily skin, they are simply just too rich for my already congested complexion. My concerns were that the new The Cream Cleansing Gel (£50), would also have a thick, rich cream consistency that my skin rejected. But good grief, how wrong I was.

After using Augustinus Bader The Cream Cleansing Gel.

The truth is, the new cleanser is genuinely the most perfect cleanser my face has ever been blessed to. My concerns that the texture would be overly creamy and sumptuous were totally wrong. Actually, it’s a relatively runny, gel-like formula that has the silkiness and nourishment of a cream, but the deep cleansing abilities of a gel. With aloe vera leaf juice, cucumber extract and rose flower water, it’s calming, soothing and purifying, making it ideal for sensitive skin types like mine. However, most importantly, it’s formulated with TFC8 to deliver all of those high-grade vitamins and amino acids to boost cell renewal and repair. When massaged into damp skin, it creates a luxe-feeling lather that cleanses pores with ease and, once rinsed, leaves skin feeling healthy and, dare I say, normal. Plus, after a couple of weeks of use, my skin looks healthier, clearer and noticeably more glowing than it did previously.

Any downsides? Well, as with all Augustinus Bader products, the price is a total elephant in the room. Sure, it’s wonderful in just about every single way, but a puny 100ml will set you back a staggering £50. However, as I sat in front of my bathroom cabinet and really thought about this for some time, I realised that actually, if I were to add up the cost of all of the waste-of-space cleansers that I find myself buying throughout the year just to "give them a go”, I’d probably get to £50 in no time at all. Plus, the power of this cleanser means you require much less product than you might be used to applying.

In fact, after much debate, I’ve come to the conclusion that if testing new products wasn’t my job and my life as a beauty editor was a distant memory, Augustinus Bader The Cream Cleaning Gel would be the only cleanser I use.

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Ultra-hydrating ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, and vitamin E, along with natural antibacterial benefactors such as honey and white peony extract help soothe and velvet-ize dry, irritated, overwashed hands, but it's the TFC8 (a results-driven byproduct of 30 years of research executed by Bader himself) that acts as the true fairy godmother here. Strategically composed of amino acids, high-grade vitamins, and the synthesized versions of molecules naturally found in our skin, the brand explains TFC8 essentially works like a GPS—attracting rehabilitation-oriented nutrients to skin cells with the goal of creating new and ideal conditions for our body's natural cell renewal process. Translation: It's basically the Benjamin Button phenomenon, bottled.

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More Handcare Products We Love

Chances are you've seen or at the very least already heard about Victoria Beckham's new Cell Rejuvenating Power Serum. It could be that you recognise the distinctive glass bottle from your Instagram feed or it might just be that you've heard all about the expensive new skincare product that Victoria Beckham is loving. Either way, it's fair to say that the beauty world is a little obsessed. And when a product garners as much hype as this one has, it can make it difficult to figure out whether it's actually any good at all.

If you're more or less in the dark about what exactly Victoria Beckham Beauty is and why everyone seems to be so excited about it, let me give you a little rundown: Last year, Victoria Beckham launched her beauty line with a range of eye makeup products. The products were incredibly pretty to look at, seriously pigmented and impressively luxe (with price tags to match). Basically, the beauty world was seriously impressed. Gradually, over the course of a couple of months, the collection expanded into lips and later skincare. In November, VB announced that she was launching into skincare with a priming moisturiser, formulated in collaboration with beauty's brands of the moment, Augustinus Bader, famous for its game-changing moisturisers already loved by celebs including Margot Robbie, Alexa Chung and VB herself.

And the truth is VB's first foray into skincare proved really quite popular, with the moisturiser promising a natural-looking, radiant glow that provided the ultimate perfecting base for foundation. It's safe to say, therefore, that a VB serum, also formulated with Bader's patented technology, was destined for greatness.

When I first discovered that Victoria Beckham Beauty was bringing out a serum, I'll admit that I got just as excited as you'd expect a beauty editor to get. Within seconds of getting my hands on it, I'd torn the box open and was pretty much cradling the glass bottle, whispering "my precious." This brings me onto my first point: It really is a beautiful product. Housed in a frosted glass bottle with a chic tortoiseshell-patterned base and a unique dispensing system, it really isn't a bottle I'd want to hide away in my bathroom cabinets.

But as we all know, pretty packaging does not justify a £180 price tag. So what exactly is it that this serum actually claims to do? Well, essentially, it's what the beauty industry calls a "barrier protecting" product. Using Augustinus Bader's TFC8 technology, the formula contains a whole host of antioxidant vitamins, amino acids and moisturisers to strengthen the overall health of the skin. In short, it promises to "turn redness down and radiance up" as well as defend skin from potentially damaging aggressors such as pollution.

Before we get into my actual review, I would really like to highlight a couple of things that I feel you might benefit from knowing. First of all, I want you to know that I really appreciate that it is eye-wateringly expensive, and that's one of the reasons I want to give an in-depth review. Secondly, it's probably worth knowing that I am by no means a huge fan of Augustinus Bader The Cream. I have combination skin that is prone to congestion and redness, and even though I like the product, I do appreciate that other much more affordable products do better things for my skin. So with that out of the way, here's what happened when I put Cell Rejuvenating Power Serum to the test.

Because I wanted to give the serum a fair chance, I started using it at a time when my skin was more or less behaving itself. As a rule, because my skin is so sensitive, I personally rate a product on whether or not it causes my skin irritation or upset, maintains a healthy-looking state or actually manages to improve its appearance.

So besides the blackheads on my nose (which are more or less always there), my skin was starting out in good shape. For three weeks, I swapped out my usual antioxidant serum for this one and used it morning and night. I simply applied a few drops directly onto my face (at £180, I didn't want to waste any product on my hands, thank you very much) and massaged it in upward strokes.

As far as using the serum goes, it's actually quite an enjoyable experience. The texture isn't particularly rich or oily, it doesn't have much of a scent and my skin totally drinks it up which means it doesn't leave behind any residue. If I had to compare it to anything else on the market based on texture and consistency, I'd liken it to Estée Lauder's Advanced Night Repair. If you like that one, then I think it's safe to say you'll love Cell Rejuvenating Power Serum too.

During my three weeks of use, it's worth noting that I was hit with the flu. Usually, when I get even a hint of a cold, my skin is the first thing to freak out. It breaks out, dries up and gets sore and red. This time around, however, my skin didn't have anything to say. It stayed radiant, glowing and clear. And while I can categorically say this isn't the sort of skincare product that will have you waking up in the morning looking like a totally new woman, it does seem to keep your skin looking and feeling its best without any fuss. Unlike other VB or Bader products, this stuff doesn't moisturise for an instantaneous glow.

Three weeks later, and my skin is totally clear and actually looking really healthy. Whereas my cheeks are often plagued with redness and my chin is dry and prone to breakouts, I've had three weeks more or less problem-free—something that's usually unheard of for me.

So, overall, yes it's very, very, expensive, but it's an investment I'd be willing to make. If you're looking for a product that is going to totally change your skin texture and inject next-level glow overnight, move along. However, if like me you're constantly on the lookout for a no-frills product that works to keep your skin happy, this could well be it.

Shop More Victoria Beckham Beauty:

Next up, eight products that VB actually keeps in her makeup bag.

As a rule, I pretty much despise any kind of beauty product designed to be slathered all over my body—mostly because I despise the feeling of stickiness, tackiness, slipperiness, or butteriness as I pull on a pair of pants or toss and turn in my sheets. Anyone else with me here?

Aside from self-tanner, which I only tolerate in order to achieve a perpetual summer glow, I pretty much avoid body oils, lotions, creams, butters, masks—you name it—at all cost. However, as any certifiably sane, beauty-loving human would, I made an exception for Augustinus Bader's brand-new, highly anticipated launch, The Body Cream ($165), which is now officially available on Violet Grey's website and AugustinusBader.com. 

Ready to try the line for yourself? Score The Body Cream for 20% off on Violet Grey with the code SPRINGCLEANING now through March 15.

An extension of the brand's already iconic face creams, The Body Cream ($165) includes Augustinus Bader’s patented TFC8, the brand’s proprietary Complex Factor Trigger (which is what helps to reawaken dormant stem cells), and other skin perfectors like Brazilian Candeia oil and shea butter. Additionally, the formula is paraben-, fragrance-, mineral oil–, cruelty-, and sulfate-free and made with 99% natural ingredients.

As stated in a press release, "The Body Cream is the perfect complement to existing skincare regimens for a head-to-toe hydrating and anti-aging experience." This product, the brand says, was created due to popular demand, so not surprisingly, expectations and standards are running high. So, being the body cream despiser that I am, and since the Violet Grey team was kind enough to send me my very own jar to test ahead of time, I obviously had to give it a go. Another plot twist? I'm actually not a huge fan of the OG face creams. Am I an alien? Perhaps. But honestly, who better to test and review the brand's newest launch with utmost non-bias?

The Review

First, I'll start off with the texture and smell. As someone who doesn't typically wear body lotions or any kind of body moisturizer for that matter (I drink my body weight two times over in water every day), one of the only draws to a few of my favorite formulas is their delicious scent. If I'm going to be rubbing something all over me it A) better smell absolutely intoxicating and B) better keep me moisturized for more than two seconds. So, because this formula is fragrance-free (which many people will honestly appreciate), I was skeptical. Like any unscented body cream, it kind of smells like Elmer's glue. Enticing? Not particularly, but par for the course if you want something that's void of potentially irritating ingredients and won't collide with whatever fragrance you're wearing. Thus, I was able to get past it.

As far as the texture and consistency, I was impressed right off the bat. As I scooped my first helping from the jar, I noted how incredibly thick and dreamy the formula was, which made me nervous that it would be difficult to spread and wouldn't effortlessly melt into my skin. FYI: There's nothing I hate more than a cream or lotion that you have to rub and rub and rub into your skin while still being left with an annoying white or creamy cast. However, that's so not the case with this body cream.

Despite how luxuriously thick and buttery it felt (in my mind, it's more of a body butter than a cream), it melted into my skin almost instantly, which was surprising considering I had a massage (with heaps and heaps of coconut oil worked into my skin) just one day prior, and my skin was far from parched. Surprisingly, the cream sank in immediately, and within a few minutes, I was left with what I would describe as a velvety or satin finish. I could definitely feel it, but not so much that I felt I'd get stuck in my bedsheets or that more of the formula would end up on my bedding than on me.

With most lotions and creams, I expect to wake up the next morning already in need of another coat of moisture (so many body hydrators have fleeting results), but through the next day and even after an a.m. hot yoga session and shower, my skin felt like silk. Additionally, (sorry if this is gross) I noticed that more of my dead skin was sloughed off with my towel when I stepped out from the shower. Part of the cream's amazing renewal and cell turnover properties? I'm totally not sure, but my skin looked more incandescently radiant and felt softer than it had in weeks, maybe months.

For someone who doesn't like body creams and can only sometimes stan oils, this one has officially piqued my interest, landed a spot on my vanity (which is a covetable spot considering my countertop has reached max product capacity), and will likely work its way into my weekly self-care routine. I'm still not crazy about the texture. Again, I just really don't like the feeling of any kind of product on my body, but this cream is less offensive in that regard, and I love that it kept my skin so unbeatably hydrated. I honestly think it would only require a once-per-week application, which, at $165, makes it well worth the notable buck.

To maximize the results of Augustinus Bader's new cream, I made sure to prep, shave, and exfoliate my body beforehand. Keep scrolling for all of the other bodycare favorites I swear by for a radiant glow.

Step 1: Dry Brushing

Step 2: Shave

Step 3: Mask and Exfoliate

Step 4: Body Wash

Step 5: Hydration