Advertisement

I Hate That I Love This $165 Body Cream

Augustinus Bader Body Cream
Augustinus Bader Body Cream

Courtesy/InStyle

Standing naked in my freezing cold bathroom as I wait for my body lotion to fully absorb into my skin is not my idea of a good time.

The skin below my neck is dry, and in the winter, it gets flaky and itchy, thanks to seasonal eczema flare-ups. Needless to say, I need a thick, emollient cream that instantly gives my thirsty skin some relief, but also offers long-lasting hydration to help stop the perpetual cycle of rough weathered skin.

While there are body lotions out there that fit this description, I could watch a full episode of The Crown and many of them still wouldn't be full absorbed into my skin by the time it's done.

So even if I might be wearing the same leggings and hoodie almost every day since the pandemic has had us sequestered at home, that doesn't mean I want grease stains on my clothes or the sliminess of body cream while I have them on.

RELATED: How to Transition Your Skincare Routine From Summer to Fall

Augustinus Bader's The Body Cream is the exception, however, albeit an expensive one.

Since establishing cult-status with the launch of The Cream, an anti-aging moisturizer beloved by celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Naomi Campbell, and Kate Bosworth as well as beauty editors alike (myself included), the brand has expanded into a number of skincare categories including a gel cleanser, exfoliating toner, and of course, this body cream.

The secret sauce is the brand's signature TFC8 (Trigger Factor Complex 8), created by the German scientist who specializes in stem cell research. The patented technology, consisting of amino acids, vitamins, and peptides, sends signals to dormant cells, instructing them on what to do. Essentially, TFC8 is supposed to help your skin heal and self-regulate, which in turn, will help you look more youthful and glowy.

Specifically speaking to The Body Cream, TFC8 is supported by tried-and-true moisturizing ingredients, including shea butter, glycerin, and sunflower seed oil. It's also fragrance-free, which can be hard to come by in terms of body moisturizers.

I scoop about a spoonful out of the jar and massage the rich cream into my body. The smooth texture instantly melts into my skin without any filmy residue. And while it probably sounds like a gross exaggeration, my skin has never been so soft during the transition from fall into winter.

Like the rest of the Augustinus Bader line, The Body Cream comes with a hefty price tag. A jar will set you back $165. But if that gives you sticker shock, get ready to roll your eyes. A little truly goes a long way (I swear!).

While I'm heavy-handed with how much I use, half a spoonful is enough to moisturize your limbs. It's been a few months of using it and I've just made a shallow dent in the jar.

To Shop: $165; nordstrom.com.

Honestly, I've been using The Body Cream daily since September and I haven't had any eczema flare ups since New York had its first below 60 degree day last month.

To me, this along with the luxurious experience of using the cream, makes this jar worth the triple digit price point.

The Splurge is our recurring column dedicated to expensive beauty products that are actually worth it. This week, why we're rebuying Augustinus Bader The Body Cream, despite the $165 price tag.