I Was the First to Try the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base+ and I Honestly Like the New One Better Than the Original
Our take
The enduring appeal of Bobbi Brown’s Vitamin Enriched Face Base is a testament to the power of understated efficacy. It occupies a unique space in the beauty landscape, a bridge between skincare and makeup that many have attempted to replicate, but few have truly captured. The original formula's success stemmed from its simple promise: hydration, a subtle glow, and a perfectly primed canvas for makeup. Now, with the release of the updated “Face Base+,” the question becomes whether a beloved classic can genuinely improve upon itself. This article’s assessment, that the new formulation surpasses the original, is significant because it speaks to a broader shift in the industry—a move away from overtly complex, ingredient-laden formulas toward refined, focused products that deliver tangible results. It also resonates with the current consumer desire for products that feel both luxurious and functional, a sensibility explored further in our piece on [I Recommend YISE Beauty More Than Any Other Skincare Brand—These 7 Products Are My Favorite], where a celebrity line is surprisingly praised for its exceptional quality. This preference for thoughtful simplicity aligns with the growing understanding that less can truly be more, particularly when it comes to skincare.
The fact that the update focuses on enhancements rather than a complete overhaul is itself noteworthy. It suggests a confidence in the original's core concept, a willingness to refine rather than reinvent. The article's praise for the improved texture and absorption speaks to a deeper understanding of how ingredients interact with the skin and how formulations can be optimized for better performance. We’ve seen a similar dedication to optimizing existing formulations in the peptide space, as explored in [Peptides Are the Buzziest Skincare Ingredient on the Block—But Which One Is Right for You?]. This highlights a trend: brands are increasingly investing in research and development to elevate existing ingredients and delivery systems, rather than constantly chasing the next fleeting "it" ingredient. The subtle improvements to the Face Base+, therefore, represent a commitment to quality and a respect for the science of skincare, which perfectly complements the pursuit of a naturally luminous complexion – a goal mirrored in our review of [The 6 Best Hydrating Foundations for a Dewy, Glowing Complexion].
Beyond the product itself, this development reflects a broader cultural shift towards "calm luxury." It's a rejection of the maximalist, over-the-top beauty trends of the past in favor of a more considered, understated approach. The Face Base+ isn't shouting for attention; it's quietly delivering on its promise of hydrated, radiant skin. This aligns perfectly with the values of someone seeking a refined lifestyle, one that prioritizes quality, intention, and a sense of effortless elegance. The success of a reformulated classic like this reinforces the idea that true luxury isn’t about ostentation but about exceptional craftsmanship and enduring performance. It’s about investing in pieces—in this case, skincare—that elevate the everyday experience, fostering a sense of confidence and well-being from within.
Looking ahead, it will be fascinating to see how other iconic beauty products respond to this trend of subtle refinement. Will we witness a wave of reformulated classics, each seeking to improve upon a winning formula? Or will brands prioritize innovation and disruptive technologies? Perhaps the most compelling question is whether consumers will continue to champion understated excellence over fleeting trends, embracing a beauty philosophy rooted in timelessness and intentionality. The enduring appeal of the Vitamin Enriched Face Base, and its successful upgrade, suggests that the answer may already be unfolding—a quiet revolution in the beauty space, one refined formula at a time.
I’ve always thought of Bobbi Brown’s Vitamin Enriched Face Base as the product that sits between skincare and makeup. It’s technically a moisturizer and primer, and I always reach for it when I need some smoothing before makeup. Now, the brand is introducing Vitamin Enriched Face Base+, which is a reformulation and replacement of the OG product, and Marie Claire has the exclusive first look.
Face Base already did exactly what I wanted it to (hydration! foundation prep!), so I wasn’t automatically sold on the promise of more skincare benefits. Still, the additions make sense for the way people use primer now. “Consumers today expect more from every step—they want real skincare benefits, even from their primer,” says Aylin Guven, the brand’s director of product development. The updated formula adds more hydrating ingredients, plus niacinamide and a gentle smoothing ingredient designed to improve the look of skin over time.
Still, a longer ingredient list means very little to me if the product stops doing the thing I reach for it for: making my makeup look better. Guven says the goal was to “elevate performance, while protecting everything people love.”
So, does it still have that plush, instantly smoothing feel? And does the skincare upgrade make any noticeable difference? I tested the new Face Base+ to find out.
How Is the Bobbi Brown Face Base+ Formula Different From the Original?
The most interesting part of this update to me isn’t one of the (many) new vitamin additions. The original Face Base contained two silicones—D5, listed as cyclopentasiloxane, and dimethicone crosspolymer—both of which give it its silky glide and smoother finish. These ingredients have been removed from Face Base+. D5 is also set to be restricted in leave-on cosmetics in the European Union beginning in June 2027 because of environmental concerns. Bobbi Brown hasn’t linked the reformulation to the new rule, but the timing is notable.
Instead of swapping in another silicone, the brand appears to have recreated that silky, smoothing feel with a mix of lightweight emollients and texture enhancers. Together, they help the cream spread easily, soften the look of texture, and give foundation a smoother place to sit.
The skincare side got an upgrade, too. Niacinamide supports brighter, more even-looking skin, while glycerin and increased amounts of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 boost hydration. There’s also acetyl glucosamine, a sugar-derived ingredient that helps gently refine the look of texture over time. As Guven puts it, “It’s not just an instant payoff; it’s also a longer-term investment in your skin.”
How Does the Bobbi Brown Face Base+ Feel and Wear On the Skin?
My skin feels like freaking butter when I apply Face Base+. It still has that rich, cushioned quality, but it doesn't feel quite as thick as the original on my skin. The texture spreads easily with a punch of moisture and leaves behind the perfect amount of grip for makeup—without any of the tackiness I associate with traditional primers.
Once the foundation goes on, that grip earns its keep. My makeup doesn’t catch on dry patches or look like it’s sitting in a separate layer on top of my skin; everything just looks smoother and more luminous. Guven says the formula “helps prevent caking and flaking, so makeup stays fresh and smooth throughout the day.” So far, that’s been true for me.
The OG grapefruit-and-geranium scent is still there, too. I personally love the zesty smell, and my skin has always reacted well to the formula, but it’s worth noting for anyone with very fragrance-sensitive skin.
I’ve also started using Face Base+ at night. It’s technically marketed as more of a makeup-prep product, but I love it as a light, mask-like treatment when my skin needs something extra without being smothered in a heavy cream. Guven says people often come for the primer benefits and eventually use it on no-makeup days, too. I get it—I think I actually prefer this version to the original.
Is the Bobbi Brown Face Base+ Worth It?
I expected Face Base+ to feel mostly the same as the original. Instead, I’ve been reaching for it more. It feels lighter, makes my skin look more luminous, and gives foundation exactly the kind of smooth, grippy base I love.
The real surprise is how often I use it when makeup isn’t involved. I’ll wear it alone when I want my skin to look a little more even or apply it at night when I need extra moisture but don’t want a thick sleeping mask. It still feels unmistakably like Face Base—just less heavy and more useful in my routine. I like the original, but I’d choose this one any day—and that’s coming from a very picky beauty editor.
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