Darling, let me tell you about the one product that’s been sitting on my vanity for over two decades—and no, I’m not talking about that expensive La Mer I bought on a whim. I’m talking about Bobbi Brown’s Vitamin Enriched Face Base, the multivitamin enriched primer that instantly nourishes, plumps, and preps skin.
The Backstory (Because Everything Fabulous Has One)
Over 20 years ago, makeup artists using the original face cream backstage gave it rave reviews as a hydrating primer, and it was renamed Vitamin Enriched Face Base—a bestseller was born. If it’s good enough for the professionals working backstage at Fashion Week, honey, it’s certainly good enough for my morning routine.
What Makes This Worth Every Penny
Look, I’ve tried everything from $300 serums to actual gold-infused face creams (yes, really), but this is the one I keep coming back to. It blends the performance of a primer with the cushion of a moisturizer—full makeup prep in one step.
The formula is packed with Vitamins B, C, and E to help replenish and condition skin, plus Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, and Shea Butter to quickly hydrate and visibly plump skin for a fresh, healthy-looking glow. It’s like a green juice for your face, but actually enjoyable.
The Sensory Experience
Can we talk about the scent? The 100% natural fragrance of Grapefruit and Geranium uplifts the senses. It’s that bright citrus moment that makes my 6 AM skincare routine feel less like a chore and more like a spa experience. Every morning, I massage this onto my just-cleansed face, and it’s honestly better than my meditation app.
The Results Are In
From consumer testing on 123 women after using the product for one week: 98% said it left skin looking rejuvenated, 96% said it left skin feeling nourished and conditioned, and 96% said it left skin feeling moisturized throughout the day. Those aren’t my numbers—those are real results, sweetie.
The texture is rich yet lightweight and fast-absorbing, cushioning skin and gripping foundation for smooth, flawless makeup application. My foundation glides on like butter and actually stays put through board meetings, lunch dates, and that second glass of wine.
How I Use It
My morning routine is simple because, darling, I have things to do. After cleansing, I massage this all over my face (avoiding the eye area—I use the Vitamin Enriched Eye Base for that). Some days I layer it over my serum, other days it stands alone. The beauty is that it layers seamlessly with makeup and other skincare products.
The Investment
At $69 for the full-size, this is what I call an intelligent investment. It’s not drugstore cheap, but it’s not “took out a second mortgage” expensive either. Plus, a little goes a long way—that 1.7 oz bottle lasts me about three months with daily use.
Final Thoughts
After decades of trying every luxe product that promises eternal youth, I keep coming back to this. It’s not about chasing trends or buying the latest viral TikTok sensation. It’s about finding what works and sticking with it. Bobbi Brown’s Vitamin Enriched Face Base is an Allure Best of Beauty 2025 Winner Ulta Beauty, and honestly? That recognition is well-deserved.
If you’re looking for that one product that does it all—moisturizes, primes, plumps, and makes you look like you got eight hours of sleep even when you definitely didn’t—this is it.
Trust your rich auntie on this one.
XO