Glow Like The Stars: My Luxe Augustinus Bader Facial Experience
Feelin' Like An A-Lister
On a Thursday morning, a call came through: “Trace, Ascension would like to offer you an Augustinus Bader $590 facial experience. Can you do it today?”
I wasn’t too familiar with the Augustinus Bader brand (until I saw its cameo in Emily In Paris Season 4 that is), but with my dull, dry winter skin, an indulgent facial sounded too good to pass up. I didn’t hesitate. Clearing my afternoon schedule, I was in the car and on my way to James Street faster than Lewis Hamilton.
Ascension Cosmetic Medicine, a non-invasive cosmetic clinic, is located at the quiet end of James Street. I was warmly greeted by their marketing manager, Sarah, who excitedly informed me, “You’re the first media to come try.” I felt quite special. Sarah then led me to a lovely waiting area adorned with Dina Broadhurst artwork and handed me a client consultation form to complete.
The form! I don’t know about you, but these forms always give me mild anxiety. I never quite know which skin concerns are the most important to me. Do I tick fine lines, sun damage, pigmentation, or elasticity? Will the facialist find me out and think, “Hey girl, hydration is the least of your worries, you should have ticked menopause.” How will they know what to treat first? Will the products counteract each other? This was the most perplexed I’d been all week. I hastily ticked hydration, trusting the experts to know what I needed.
With the questionnaire completed, Sarah explained that Ascension has recently been anointed the exclusive Queensland spa partner for globally-renowned, celebrity-loved skincare range Augustinus Bader —congratulations team!
About Augustinus Bader
Sarah gave me the lowdown about the brand and its namesake, the German professor and stem cell researcher, Augustinus Bader. Through years of research, he created a burn treatment that proved effective in healing a young patient who had suffered second-degree burns from scalding water, without surgery or skin grafting, essentially fostering the creation of new skin.
The science is over my head, but the story gets more fascinating. At a dinner party hosted by billionaire Robert Friedland, Bader was introduced to French investor Charles Rosier. Long story short—the ‘brain’ and the ‘money’ collided to create the scientifically formulated skincare line. Rosier is quite the marketer too, putting the product in the hands of movie stars, models, and the like. Now, the brand Augustinus Bader is revered by the A-list elite, including Victoria Beckham, who collaborated with Augustinus Bader on her skincare range.
Luckily for me, who does not appear on any list, I was introduced to my dermal clinician Lilly, who whisked me away into a treatment room.
The treatment
Writing about a beauty treatment often begins with questions and conversation, but soon the soothing facial massage and fragrant products take over. The chat fades, and before I knew it, I drifted off. I can’t fully explain the magic Lilly worked, but I left feeling deeply relaxed and pampered – and my face was glowing.
What I can tell you is that Lilly performed a bespoke Augustinus Bader x The Method facial, indulging in the groundbreaking TFC8® technology—the Trigger Factor Complex that’s formulated to support the skin’s innate potential for renewal. The Method is a facial ritual not to be missed. The AB products are a little pricey, and in no way undermining the skill and expertise of Lilly, the product is ‘queen’ here. Products named The Cream, The Rich Cream, The Essence, The Retinol Serum … The Method. I think you get The Drift. Imagine a facial with the very best, Goop-approved, scientifically tested products? I was extremely privileged to receive this exclusive treatment. Since the treatment, I have been using my samples and have decided to continue with The Cream and The Rich Cream to see how it goes.
The Message here is if you’re already a devotee, we have our own Augustinus Bader-approved spa in inner-city Brisbane to experience this luxury brand of treatments. I may not live the celeb life, but I do know that whatever I tick on the form at Ascension, I’ll be in expert hands, and my skin is going to award me The Oscar for it!
