BOBBI BROWN INTENSIVE SKIN SERUM FOUNDATION REVIEW.

I’ve been meaning to share this for ages now, and I’m not entirely sure why it hasn’t happened to be honest. But whilst I would have liked to have put this live a month or so ago, I think it’s actually a good thing that I’ve had longer to properly try and test this product . I find that product reviews are so much more telling when they’re shared after a decent length of time trialing the product. So, here goes - this is my review of the Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation. I hope you find this useful.

Okay, so just before I start - I don’t know about you, but personally, I find product reviews much easier to dissect when they are broken down into sections and marked in a selection of different areas. So, for this review, I’ve decided to score this Bobbi Brown foundation in five key areas, starting with the packaging...

1. Packaging

It’s no secret that when it comes to the appearance of Bobbi Brown products, absolutely no time or expense is spared in making the packaging look absolutely beautiful. So, if you like me you love to use makeup products that are particularly aesthetically pleasing, then the Bobbi Brown foundation will gain your seal or approval instantly. Presented in a luxe cylindrical bottle, the jet black outer with lavish-looking gold detailing is quite simply beautiful. This is without question the prettiest foundation I have ever used, and I think finding anything that rivals it in this regard would be a real struggle. It’s just stunning.

I rate this gorgeous foundation 10/10 for packaging - it’s completely faultless and luxurious in every single way.

How beautiful is the packaging of this foundation?! It's pretty enough to have on display!

2. Shade options available

With around 25 shades available to choose from, whether you’ve got a very fair complexion or your skin is very deep in colour, you’re sure to find your match with the Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation. The shade that I use is ‘Sand’, but there were about three different colours that all looked great when I tried them, which is reassuring, as when this bottle runs out, I know that I’ve got options if this particular shade isn’t available.

I rate this foundation 9/10 for shade options available - there are plenty to choose from, but there’s always a bit of room for improvement in this regard! Plus, if like me, you use fake tan, it's good to know that there are different shade variants available that are different but not too different from what you normally use. To find out more about foundation shopping when you fake tan, be sure to check out my blog post: 'How To Choose The Right Foundation Shade When You Use Fake Tan.'

3. Ease of application

Ease of application is such an important aspect of any makeup product, because let’s face it, as therapeutic as putting our faces on may be, the majority of us don’t have all day to spend making ourselves look perfect. So, how does this foundation fair in the application department? Well, you’ll be pleased to hear that this foundation is particularly easy to apply, and I think a lot of that is owed to the serum style formula that it boasts.

I swear by using makeup brushes in order to achieve a flawless finish, but with this foundation, you get a stunning end result just by using your fingertips. I tend mix it up when it comes to my application method. When I’m going for a light, natural daytime look, I apply using my fingers and blend in almost as I would a tinted moisturiser, and in the evening, for a more glamorous end result, I build up the coverage slightly using my Real Techniques makeup brushes.

I rate this product 9/10 for ease of application - it couldn’t be simpler.

I apply this foundation either using my fingers or one of my Real Techniques brushes. The Real Techniques Buffing Brush is fab!

4. Overall finish 

For me, the overall finish of this foundation is pretty unbeatable - but whether or not the formula will work for you personally all comes down to what you actually want from your foundation, and how you like your makeup to look. If, like me, you like your base to look really natural, then this product is an absolute must-have. I would describe the end result as fresh, dewy and healthy. After applying, my skin looks so radiant and youthful, which I love. I also love the fact that I can see my own natural skin through the foundation, as the product works more as a skin enhancer than a full-coverage mask.

For someone that prefers to flaunt a more airbrushed look with a matte finish, this foundation just wouldn’t work. Well, not on it’s own at least. But you could always mix it with another Bobbi Brown foundation, if you wanted to? The Bobbi Brown Skin Longwear Weightless Foundation provides effortless oil-free shine control in a 16-hour matte finish formula.

I rate the overall finish of this foundation 9/10 - it’s glowy, radiant and fresh, just how I like it best.

5. Coverage

As I’ve mentioned previously in this review, if what you’re looking for from your foundation is a heavy coverage that instantly conceals blemishes and imperfections, then this likely isn’t the foundation for you. This foundation doesn’t aim to cover up so to speak - it’s more of a tool to brighten and enhance your natural complexion without showing any obvious, tell-tale signs that you’re wearing foundation. All that being said, if you really wanted to touch up a couple of imperfections, or you had an area of redness that needed extra attention, you could always use this foundation alongside your favourite concealer and still keep things really fresh and glowy. The Bobbi Brown Instant Full Cover Concealer is a must-have in every woman’s makeup bag.

In terms of coverage, I rate this foundation 6/10 - great for a natural glow, but not the right choice for those seeking a heavy coverage.

6. Value for money

Priced between £48 and £50 depending on where you purchase your skin serum foundation from (I bought mine from Selfridges), it kind of goes without saying that there are much, much more affordable foundations available on the market - even if you want something premium brand.

But is the higher price point justified, or are the beauty gurus at Bobbi Brown having a good old laugh at us every time we whip our debit cards out?

Well, personally, I do actually believe that this product is worthy of the hefty price tag. I mean, sure, in an ideal world, it would be cheaper - even if just by a tenner - but it isn’t. I’ve always spent somewhere between the £25 and £35 mark on foundations, which I think is a considerable amount to pay for one product, but this is a lot more expensive still. However, given how great it leaves my skin looking and the whole host of incredible ingredients it contains, I think the price tag can be forgiven - and yes, I will absolutely 100% be buying again.

I really do love this foundation - it's full of fabulous luxury ingredients and it makes the skin glow

I rate this foundation 7/10 for value for money because it probably should cost a little bit less, but it’s still worth the splurge.

So, out of a possible 60, how did the Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation fair?

I’ve just totted up my markings and this foundation gets 50/60 from me. I would have marked it higher, but I couldn’t give it any more than a 6 for coverage, and I know this is something that a lot of you will be wanting when shopping for foundation. If you are looking for the best foundation for dewy skin, then this is 100% it.

I really hope you all enjoyed this blog post and I can’t wait to share more with you soon!

Lots of love,
Grace x