I tried a luxury €250 facial beloved by A-listers — is it actually worth the price?

This A-lister-approved skincare line offers a luxury experience — but is it all it's cracked up to be?

Thu, 24 Jul, 2025 - 15:38

Sally Foran

During a recent luxurious stay at the beautiful Ashford Castle, I experienced the Augustinus Bader facial, a world-renowned skincare treatment only available at this historic and prestigious location.

As a skincare fanatic, trying a treatment infused with Augustinus Bader’s cutting-edge TFC8 technology, designed to boost the skin’s natural repair and renewal abilities, was a beauty lover's dream come true and undoubtedly the highlight of my trip.

The Augustinus Bader brand is famous worldwide, boasting a huge celebrity following.

Stars like Victoria Beckham (who has partnered with the brand on her own beauty line), Hailey Bieber, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Aniston, Margot Robbie, Alexa Chung, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Kate Bosworth all swear by the products with many crediting the products for their glowing, flawless skin before big events.

With such praise from A-list figures, I was excited to discover what made these products so special and effective.

The Augustinus Bader brand

Professor Augustinus Bader is a highly respected biomedical scientist and doctor, known internationally for his groundbreaking work in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.

With more than 30 years of dedicated research, Bader has developed advanced skin healing technologies that aim to reactivate skin cells that slow down with age or damage.

His approach focuses on supporting the body’s natural healing process, making his products unique in the skincare industry.

In 2008, Professor Bader created a revolutionary wound gel that healed severe skin injuries without the need for surgery or grafting.

This medical innovation inspired the launch of his skincare line in 2018, which combines scientific excellence with luxury skincare. The products are gender-neutral and are powered by the patented TFC8 complex.

TFC8, or Trigger Factor Complex, is a blend of natural amino acids, high-grade vitamins, and peptides that work together to guide essential nutrients to the skin.

Unlike typical skincare that focuses on superficial results, TFC8 encourages the skin to repair and regenerate itself over time.

Clinical trials and customer feedback have consistently shown that Bader’s products reduce wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and even stretch marks, while improving overall hydration, firmness, and radiance.

The facial experience

Before diving into the facial, I checked out the breathtaking spa.

Standout features include a stunning light-filled relaxation pool, a hammam, eucalyptus steam room and tranquil relaxation areas.

The spa has won Ireland’s Best Hotel Spa award for eight years in a row and holds the distinction of being the only Forbes Five Star spa in the country.

Located within the castle’s stunning grounds, it’s a haven of peace and relaxation, providing a magical setting for self-care and pampering, before and after treatments.

I was here for the Introductory Facial, a 60-minute treatment designed to introduce newcomers to the brand.

This facial aims to improve communication between skin cells and promote natural skin repair.

It combines advanced skincare formulations with professional massage techniques based on Professor Bader’s famous method.

The experience started with a personalised skin consultation to address my skin type and concerns.

My lovely therapist, Valerie, began by deeply cleansing my skin before applying a series of TFC8-infused serums, creams, and masks using expert massage techniques.

The treatment also included a relaxing head massage, which was divine and transformed it into a full-body calming experience.

The result was immediate and noticeable, my skin felt plumper, smoother, and healthier.

I was so impressed with how radiant and even my skin looked that I only wore a slick of lipstick and mascara to dinner afterwards, unheard of for me!

After the treatment, it’s advisable to continue using Augustinus Bader products to help extend the benefits of the facial. I particularly recommend the nourishing sunscream, €125 (30ml), – there’s no need to apply a moisturiser underneath.

Final Thoughts

My Augustinus Bader facial at Ashford Castle was an unforgettable experience, blending scientific innovation with pure luxury.

The facial left my skin glowing and healthy, with benefits that lasted well beyond the treatment.

Combined with the magical, enchanting atmosphere of Ashford Castle and the spa’s relaxing environment, it is a true five-star experience. Highly recommended.

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