Look, when it comes to high-end skincare that actually gets the job done, I’m always going to point you in the direction of Augustinus Bader.
I’ve written before about the brand whose products Dua Lipa famously reported that she ‘can’t live without’, so much so that their Eye Patches and The Rich Cream have a permanent place in her (and now my) handbag.
Their cult-favourite moisturiser cleared my period-spot riddled skin up in just seven days when I first tested it, so when Augustinus Bader announced that they were bringing its cell-renewing TFC8 tech to a brand-new, delicately scented Rose Geranium body range I couldn’t have said yes to testing it out faster if I could.
The Details: Formula, Texture, And The New Rose Geranium Scent
Before you say ‘what the heck is TFC8’, it’s the brand’s secret sauce: a proprietary blend of natural amino acids, high-grade vitamins and peptides that supports the body’s capacity to renew.
According to AB, the body cream is clinically proven to deliver firmer, smoother, deeply hydrated skin. In fact, a 12 week study carried out by the brand reports a 75% reduction in cellulite (with 92% of users saying they saw a visible reduction).
As someone who (thanks to a whole lot of weight lifting, spin classes, swimming and a passion for dinners out) has a battle with cellulite and stretch marks across my thicc thighs, I was hoping for big results.
I’ve also never been a body moisturiser girlie and now in my mid 30s, I’m definitely paying the price – as a recent convert to regular waxes my legs now permanently feel like they need a good long glass of water. Luckily for me, the body cream’s blend of shea butter and geranium and rose essential oils promise to “deeply hydrate and lock in moisture for plump skin with greater bounce back.”
Now just to see if it works…
How I Tested It: 30 Days On Post-Gym, Waxed Skin
As with any product testing here at HuffPost UK, we don’t do it half-arsed. Armed with a fresh wax, a slight tinge of sunburn and dryness from regular dunks in chlorinated water, my skin was not about to give the Augustinus Bader The Geranium Rose Body Cream an easy ride.
For thirty days solid I committed to applying the cream to my body twice a day every day – once after my morning shower, and once before bed.
The new scent is incredibly spa-esque and made for a strong and invigorating way to kick off the day. Despite how thick the cream comes out the tub, it soaked in quickly without leaving a greasy film (because god knows there’s nothing worse than post moisturiser clothes cling).
The Verdict: The Final Skin Transformation
Thirty days on, my skin feels soft yet lifted, smooth yet firm – and if you’d told me a month ago that I wouldn’t think twice about going out without my beloved tights on, I’d never have believed you.
Alongside the longer term effects, the cream offers an almost blurring effect in the same way facial primer does – marks, bumps and rashy bits all immediately looked significantly less noticeable after my morning application.
Over time, my thighs’ dimpling has lessened dramatically and although it’s not gone completely (hey, no product can erase them altogether), I’ve found myself not giving it a second thought (a rarity!).
As with any Augustinus Bader product, this body cream doesn’t come cheap (£160 for 200ml) however, I will always bang the drum that anything the brand makes is worth the investment. More so because a little goes a long way, even with using the cream twice a day (probably worth noting at this juncture that I’m also almost 6ft, so there is PLENTY of leg to moisturise), I’ve still got plenty left in the jar after a month of near religious use.
Sorry tights, I may never need to pull you out my drawers again.
