Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base Review for the Philippines: Pros and Cons After Testing

To evaluate how well it prevents skin tightness, we asked women with dry skin to apply only this primer as part of their morning routine and observed their skin after six hours. Out of 13 testers, 10 gave it high ratings. Many shared positive feedback, such as, “My skin felt moisturized from the moment I applied it, and it stayed hydrated for hours,” and “Even after several hours, my skin still felt plump and comfortable, with no tightness.”

While some of the other products we compared caused noticeable tightness for testers, this one maintained a lasting, hydrated feel. A few testers mentioned that after extended wear, slight dryness appeared around the mouth and eye area. However, overall dissatisfaction was minimal. It’s a strong option not only for those with dry skin during the cooler "ber" months in the Philippines.

Tester Comments on Skin Tightness:

1. “I didn’t feel any dryness or tightness. Right after applying it, my skin felt soft and well-moisturized.”

2. “There was no tightness either upon application or after several hours. My skin stayed hydrated throughout the day.”

3. “My skin felt hydrated at first, but after many hours, there was slight dryness around the edges of my face and mouth.”

4. “It felt fresh and moisturizing after applying. Later on, I noticed some dryness around my mouth and nose.”

It also performed well in preventing flaking caused by dryness. Out of 13 testers, 10 said the hydrating feeling lasted for hours and their skin looked fresh and plump. They also noted that it felt like a protective layer on the skin, with no noticeable flaking.

This supports the online reviews claiming that it “doesn’t feel dry even after hours of wear.” If you struggle with makeup breaking down due to dryness, flakiness, or patchiness, this product should be a reliable option.

1. “My skin looked fresh and slightly plump right after applying it, and even after six hours, there was no dryness. I usually experience flaking around my eyes, but this time I didn’t.”

2. “It felt like a thin layer was protecting my skin. It stayed soft and bouncy, and there were no signs of flaking.”

3. “Even after wearing it all morning, I didn’t experience dryness or flaking. It keeps moisture locked in for hours, so it seems especially useful during dry seasons.”

4. “It felt moisturizing at first. However, since it was a drier time of the year, I noticed some flaking on my cheeks, around my mouth, and on my forehead after several hours.”

Another highlight is its rich blend of oil-based ingredients. Upon reviewing the formula, we noted that Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, an oil-based ingredient that supports moisture retention, appears third on the ingredient list, suggesting a meaningful concentration. It also contains Shea Butter and Squalane.

Oil-based ingredients help reduce moisture loss by forming a protective barrier on the skin. This makes it a good option for those who experience makeup breakdown due to dryness. Compared with some products in our test that lacked noticeable moisturizing components, this formula also includes water-soluble moisturizers such as BG (Butylene Glycol) and Sodium Hyaluronate.

However, the formula is primarily oil-based, with a relatively smaller amount of water-soluble ingredients. For best results, properly hydrate your skin with toner or a lightweight moisturizer before applying this product.

Another strong point is its ability to create a healthy-looking glow. In our test, more than half of the testers shared positive feedback, saying it delivered “a hydrated glow with a smooth, soft feel” and “a natural radiance that isn’t overly shiny.”

While some of the products we compared contained shimmer, this formula does not include glitter or pearl particles. Instead, it creates a glow that looks like well-prepped skin after a skincare routine. That said, a few testers mentioned that it could appear slightly oily. If you’re concerned about shine, especially in the T-zone, lightly blotting with tissue can help balance the finish.

1. “It doesn’t look overly shiny and gives a natural finish. However, it feels very moisturizing, which can make the skin look slightly oily.” (Female 20s)

2. “It leaves a hydrated texture with visible glow and a smooth feel.” (Female 30s)

3. “After settling into the skin, it gives a natural glow like after skincare. Right after applying, it looked a bit oily, so blotting might be necessary.” (Female 30s)

4. “It creates a natural glow that looks very healthy. It’s not overly shiny and works well for everyday makeup.” (Female 40s)

While it has a rich, buttery texture in the jar, it softens and spreads smoothly once applied to the skin. Out of 13 testers, 10 shared positive impressions, saying it “glides on without dragging” and “melts into the skin.” Compared with some products that required extra effort to blend evenly, this one was easy to apply without streaking or patchiness.

It also features a fresh citrus scent. Some testers described it as “aroma-like with a cooling feel” and “pleasantly floral.” However, a few noted that the fragrance felt slightly strong and lingered after application. If you prefer fragrance-free products, this may not be the best match.

1. “It has a rich, smooth texture like butter at room temperature. It melts into the skin and spreads effortlessly. The scent feels refreshing, almost like aromatherapy.” (Female 20s)

2. “It looks like a cream, but once applied, it spreads smoothly and feels light. The scent is botanical and slightly organic. It’s not overpowering, but it does linger.” (Female 30s)

3. “It blends easily without becoming patchy, even over larger areas. The fresh grapefruit-like scent is exactly my preference.” (Female 40s)

4. “It spread smoothly without dragging on the skin. However, the fragrance felt quite strong once applied.” (Female 40s)

As some online reviews suggest, this product does not offer strong coverage. In our test, several testers commented that it “didn’t noticeably conceal dark spots or uneven texture” and that “pores looked almost the same as before application.”

That said, impressions were mixed. Some testers felt that it helped smooth the look of pores and slightly improved overall skin tone. If you have minimal skin concerns, it will still create a smoother-looking base. It may also suit those who prefer makeup that enhances natural features, such as freckles, rather than fully covering them.

Compared with other products we tested, some had a thicker, tinted formula that provided more correction of uneven tone and visible pores. This product is not tinted and focuses more on hydration and glow rather than coverage. If you’re concerned about noticeable imperfections, pairing it with a high-coverage foundation or concealer should do the trick.

Tester Comments on Smoothness and Coverage:

1. “I didn’t feel that it covered my dark spots. It looked almost the same as when I’m bare-faced.” (Female 20s)

2. “It helped refine the look of my pores and made my skin appear smoother. Since it’s a clear cream, it doesn’t really correct uneven tone or dark spots.” (Female 30s)

3. “My pores around the cheeks and nose looked less noticeable. It also reduced redness, which helped brighten my complexion.” (Female 30s)

4. “It filled in pore texture and made my skin look smoother. However, I didn’t notice much coverage for redness or uneven tone.” (Female 40s)

The packaging is not the most convenient. It comes in a glass jar, which carries a risk of breaking if dropped. While some of the products we compared used tube packaging, this jar design can feel bulky inside a pouch. Although it fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, it may not be ideal for travel or business trips.

The lid is screw-type and includes an inner cover. Opening and closing it does not require much force, but some testers noted that having to open two layers felt slightly inconvenient. Because it’s a jar that requires scooping with your fingers, a few testers also mentioned that it can be difficult to control the amount used. On the positive side, the clear container makes it easy to see how much product is left.

Tester Comments on the Packaging:

1. “The lid has rounded edges and feels comfortable in the hand. It’s not too heavy and is palm-sized, but since it’s glass, I worry about it breaking.” (Female 40s)

2. “Because you have to scoop it out with your fingers, it’s hard to get the right amount.” (Female 20s)

3. “It’s about the size of my palm and lightweight, so it’s easy to handle. The lid opens easily, but having an inner cover feels like an extra step.” (Female 30s)

4. “The container feels slightly heavy, but not enough to be bothersome. The shape fits well in the hand.” (Female 40s)