Over the last 16 years, I’ve seen a lot of skincare products come and go. Some have been good, others not so much. But there’s one I keep coming back to – the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base. It’s been a part of my routine, on and off, for about a decade now.

I recently picked it up again after finishing my treatment with allitretinoin tablets for eczema which has dried my skin out somewhat (although it’s looking better than it ever has). But still my skin was in a bit of a state, flakey, easy to dry and a little dull due to still not being able to use my beloved acid exfoliators, retinols and scrubs; so needing hydration but hating anything too heavy or greasy.

I remembered how the Face Base struck the right balance in the past, so I decided to give it another go!

Why this man is a big fan of the Vitamin Enriched Face Base

Non-Greasy Hydration

One of the standout features of the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base is its ability to provide deep hydration without leaving a greasy residue and is why I love it. This is largely thanks to ingredients like Squalane and Shea Butter that are rich but non-greasy.

These components ensure it delivers effective moisturisation and would be suitable for most men’s skincare routines focused on hydration, without clogging the pores – crucial for most of us.

Truly Luxury Men’s Face Moisturiser

The texture of this Face Base is nothing short of luxurious, I mean for £52 it should be, but it’s buttery and rich, yet it doesn’t create a heavy layer on the skin. It’s a calming product and there’s definitely a sensorial experience on application that you don’t get from many others.

This is why I rank it as a top contender in the world of more luxury men’s moisturisers and why I keep coming back to it and recommending it again and again It’s the kind of product that can elevate a simple skincare routine to a more indulgent experience.

Soothing Scent with Natural Oils

The natural fragrance from essential oils like Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil and and Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil, adds an uplifting and soothing experience to the product.

This aligns well with the trend towards men’s skincare products using less artificial perfumes in favour of more natural ingredients for scent. For those particularly concerned about reactions, especially when using this product’s natural aroma is a big plus.

Primer and Moisturiser in One

The Face Base doubles as a primer, making it a ‘2-in-1 primer’ and moisturiser. This is a significant advantage for anyone looking to streamline their grooming routine with fewer products.

Its ability to leave the skin looking flawless, aided by ingredients like Dimethicone Crosspolymer, aligns with what one would expect from a good all-round face base.

Some people don’t like these silicones as they can find them congesting, particularly men who are prone to blocked pores. I don’t find them blocking or leading to congestion. However, I don’t use this as a night-time moisturiser where I prefer something completely reparative. During the day this is perfectly fine.

Vitamins in Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base

Not just a typical moisturiser but a healthy blend of essential vitamins which work fantastically well for men’s skin health. Let’s break them down:

Vitamin B (Panthenol) is excellent for guy’s skin, particularly for addressing post-shave irritation and dryness. It helps maintain the skin’s barrier, locking in moisture and soothing the skin.

Vitamin C (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate) is another popular standout in men’s skincare for its brightening and anti-ageing properties. Vitamin C aids in firming the skin and reducing signs of ageing, while also brightening the complexion to tackle uneven skin tone often seen in men’s skin.

Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) a powerful antioxidant for both the skin and keeping the product fresh, offers essential protection against environmental stressors, a crucial aspect for anyone exposed to outdoor elements. It also moisturises, promoting a smoother skin texture.

How effective are vitamins when applied to the skin?

Vitamins applied topically through skincare products can be highly effective. They primarily function as antioxidants, protecting the skin from environmental damage, and as agents that improve skin hydration and texture.

Their effectiveness depends on their formulation, stability, and concentration in the product. For most men, including vitamins in our skincare routine can significantly benefit skin health, aiding in moisture retention, reducing signs of aging, and improving overall skin appearance.

Why might you not like the Enriched Face Base?

In a push for clean men’s skincare, we are all becoming more concerned about certain ingredients, preservatives and alcohols etc. The following are very common ingredients and I don’t have much of a problem with them. They’re very commonly used but take a look:

The Solvent: Butylene Glycol

This extremely common ingredient and conditioning agent can potentially irritate those with extremely sensitive skin. It’s also derived from petroleum, which some individuals avoid due to environmental concerns.

The Preservative: Phenoxyethanol

Used as a preservative in many, many, many cosmetic products, phenoxyethanol can irritate some individuals with very sensitive skin.

Fragrance Compounds: Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool

These fragrance components are derived from natural essential oils and contribute to the product’s scent. They are potential allergens and can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. They’re found in almost everything that is naturally fragranced.

Conclusion: Why the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base Stands Out

In my journey through the men’s skincare landscape, the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base consistently impresses me. It’s been a staple for a decade, striking a rare balance between luxurious texture and effective hydration, thanks to ingredients like Squalane and Shea Butter.

It excels in offering a non-greasy yet deeply moisturizing experience, making it ideal for men’s skincare routines. Its natural fragrance from essential oils like Grapefruit and Geranium adds to its appeal, providing a soothing scent without artificial perfumes. Plus, its dual role as a primer and moisturiser is perfect for simplifying grooming routines.

The blend of vitamins B, C, and E caters to men’s skin health, targeting concerns from post-shave irritation to anti-ageing. However, for those mindful of ingredients, the presence of Butylene Glycol and Phenoxyethanol, and fragrance compounds might be points to consider but not something I don’t put much weight into.

In conclusion, the Vitamin Enriched Face Base is a top-tier choice for a hydrating men’s skincare routine – effective, luxurious, and multifunctional, albeit with a few ingredients that might give the clean beauty enthusiasts pause.

For me, it remains a reliable, go-to product in my skincare arsenal.