I knew, just knew that I would love the Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum Foundation. So much so that I bought it this afternoon while I was in London. Actually, it was a very timely thing to do – bloggers are often sheltered from the counter experience because they’re sent product or see it at launch, but I thought it would be good to have some Bobbi counter time.
I needed to be colour matched for exactly the right shade – at £39 a bottle, I didn’t want to do it myself and hope for the best. I know that one of the major players in the formula is Cordyceps Mushroom used in traditional Chinese medicine. While that in itself isn’t a particular sell for me, it is known as a skin energiser. What the Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum Foundation promises to do is boost the skin’s repairing ability, boost moisture, firm, lift and smooth, and replenish lipids – in other words, a proper skincare/makeup hybrid. It’s probably Bobbi Brown’s most technical and advanced product yet.
So, back to the counter with Ivan, the Bobbi consultant, who spent a lot of time patting the foundation into my skin. My shade, as it transpires, is Natural 4, to reflect the slightly olive tones in my complexion. The formula is like an instant hit of velvet – Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum Foundation gives the most beautiful radiance and actually feels soothing on the skin. It isn’t a heavy formula, but in the same way that if you have applied moisturiser, it’s not weightless either. Mostly though, and what distinguishes this blend from any other that I’ve known, is that it feels instantly skin compatible – like it loves your skin! I have experienced that only with certain facial oils (NUDE, Sarah Chapman) before and never with a foundation.
If your skin runs to oily, you might find you need a powder with it – it’s also got SPF40 so that’s one to bear in mind if your skin is sensitive to SPF. However, hand on heart, it’s an absolute winner, particularly for mature or dry skin. It’s HERE.
At counter, although I was asked to leave my details, no fuss was made when I refused, and no fuss either when I said I didn’t want a face chart (although there was a little bit of a disappointed face!). Ivan was so charming and straight to the point (with a little encouragement) that I got exactly what I needed and wanted and was out within five minutes. Perfect!
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17 comments
This sounds amazing! But with oily skin that can’t even survive a powder foundation, I’m not sure this would suit me 🙁
Nathalie @ http://www.love-nathalie.com
I’ve never tried a bobbi brown bases. This one sounds lovely 🙂
thebeautybloss.com
I really love Bobbi Brown’s foundations. Never been disappointed with them or the service at the counter! The stick foundations are so perfect for that natural look. I can’t wait to get down to the counter and check this one out!
Nosebag NI
sounds like I should go see if there’s one selling in Adelaide
I can’t wait to buy this foundation for myself, sounds like a genious product, killing two bird with one stone in treating and beautifying and I am a big fan of her brand. I have never bought any Bobbi Brown as I have been lucky enough to be given her makeup when working on shows but will buy this one. I did a post on this last week myself. Thank you for your post, as always, interesting and informative !
All the best,
AM x
I’m so tempted with this one. I recently switched to Nars tinted moisturiser from Bobbi Brown and I really miss the glow.
clementinebuttercup.blogspot.co.uk
Would be very interested to know if you think this oxidises as this has been my major gripe with many of the latest Bobbi Brown foundations.
Actually yes, I would say it does – on my skin only fractionally and I don’t mind the warm up. x
Thanks Jane – i was hoping it would be no – the oxidisation from Bobbi Brown’s recent foundations doesn’t just warm me up I look as if I’ve been tangoed!
I can see how that would happen on certain tones.
Well I bit the bullet and bought some on Saturday, however the assistant did give me a good-sized sample in case I have a problem with it so that I can just return the unused purchase – which will be going back. I’ve tried the sample this morning and within 20 minutes look as if I’ve been splashed with orange paint – have gone down two shades just in case as well and I am on the pale end of the spectrum anyway. It feels extremely heavy and unpleasant and I’m completely aware that there is something sitting on the surface of my skin.
I’ve been a fan of Bobbi Brown for many years but there is something seriously off with their foundation formulas nowadays.
Oh dear.. that’s really not good. Did you try adding in a little bit of serum or a tiny drop of face oil? I know that others say that Bobbi foundations do oxidise – on me not really but I have heard this before. You should definitely feed back at counter. I have to say I didn’t find it heavy but I think we’ve got used to such fluidity and lightness with foundations that anything that isn’t that formula feels all wrong to some. I’m going to try mine again today just in case I missed something and posted too enthusiastically.
This sounds like an interesting product!I like the idea so maybe i will try it out soon although tha i have quite oily skin and i’m not sure if it will work for me ^_^
xoxo Afrodite ~ BubblyBeauty135
Do you know what kind of cordyceps mushroom go into the foundation? As far as I know, cordyceps are “grown” when a fungus spore infects a host (usually a caterpillar or ant), which then gets mummified into a sort of mushroomy thing.
Ew.. doesn’t sound lovely, that’s for sure. No, I don’t have that level of information I’m afraid. I do trust this brand implicitly though, and they’ve got mushroom credentials as it’s a sister brand to Origins and all their mushroom magic.
Sounds intriguing. I love Bobbi Brown foundation.
I love the moisture rich foundation but thought this would be great for my 50 plus skin. I know what you mean re the oxidising. I bought the treatment foundation after they changed the formulation and the colours were slightly off key and I was advised to go a shade or two lighter than my warm beige to one of the sand tones. It made me look like I had been tangoed. Am looking forward to this new one. Promises good things.