This is an info only post really, as I’m not particularly a primer user – it’s very rare for me to wear a primer and if I do, it’s always a radiance primer (luckily, there is one) rather than anything else. But, what’s interesting about the new Bobbi Brown primers is that they have very smooth, skin friendly textures, and two of them have SPF. The jury is still out on whether you can rely on a primer (or foundation) as SPF but on a day to day basis, assuming you don’t bask in the blazing sun, I feel these seem reliable. It’s such a complicated subject – for example, what makes the SPF50 a primer, rather than an SPF50 for the face? Because texture wise, it’s not that different to any other SPF50 face sunscreen. This is why I don’t get on with primers – so many questions and not much evidence that they’re actually priming.
Primer Plus Radiance SPF35 is light textured and skin softening – it’s a great moisture base for drier skin types and a good option if SPF is a must in your make up routine. It’s not oily or greasy and sits quite lightly on the skin. I felt it gave added skin sheen rather than radiance as such, but I liked the skin softening aspect in particular. Primer Plus Protection SPF50 – basically I think it’s sunscreen, and while I was aware of it on my skin, it’s not unpleasant. It also has a softening element and gives a little sheen.
I am definitely on board with setting sprays – this one, Primer Plus Hydrating 3-in-1 Setting Spray seems hydrating and delivers a milky fluid in a fine spray. The 3-in-1 refers to its ability to prep, set & finish and refresh make up. Sorry, that’s 4 things! And, I have never known a spray to ‘refresh’ make up – it might refresh your skin very nicely which is another matter. This collection is such a good example of why you should read and question labeling because so much is open to interpretation without actually giving anything solid. That said, as a setting spray it seems fine – I’d happily finish my make up routine with a spritz of this over foundation and if you like a setting spray, it’s a high recommend. Lastly, the Primer Plus Mattifier (no SPF) is definitely up there as one of the best textures in the genre that I’ve come across.
What’s common to all the Bobbi primers is that they seem to have a cooling effect and it’s most evident in the Mattifier, making it feel gorgeous and fresh on the skin. Unlike other mattifiers I’ve tried, it has more formula sophistication than the silicone-laden textures that feel curiously dry-oily and layering. This is top of the range as a mattifier although it’s more perfumed than the other three products, so if you can deal with fragrance, it’s another high recommend. It must contain silicone (I don’t have an ingredient list) but the formula really doesn’t feel like the ‘traditional’ mattifiers. They’re all HERE with prices starting at £24. Oh, I should mention that they’re formulated to work with BB foundations and I noticed on the site that with purchases over £25 you can get a six shade samples (they come with a booklet) to find your match.
Non Aff HERE.
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