• Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter
My Women Stuff
  • About Me »
    • Contact Me
      • For PR
  • Budget Beauty »
    • Save & Splurge
  • Makeup »
    • Eyes »
      • Brow pencil
      • Mascara
      • Eyeshadow
      • Eyeliner
    • Face »
      • BB Cream
      • Blush
      • Bronzer
      • CC Cream
      • Concealer
      • Foundation »
        • Cream Foundation
        • Liquid Foundation
        • Cushion Foundation
      • Highlighter
      • Loose Powder
    • Lips »
      • Lip Gloss
      • Lipstick
      • Lipbalm
    • Makeup Brushes
  • Skincare »
    • Cleanser »
      • Cleansing Balm
      • Cleansing Cream
      • Cleansing Gel
      • Cleansing Milk
      • Cleansing Oil
      • Cleansing Water
      • Makeup Remover
    • Mask
    • Moisturiser
    • Scrubs
    • Serum »
      • Vitamin C
      • Retinol
    • Sunscreen
    • Toner/Lotion
    • Treatment »
      • Acne
      • Anti-Aging
      • Brightening/Whitening
      • Hydrating
    • Bath & Body »
      • Body Lotion
      • Body oil
      • Hair
      • Shower Gel
    • Facial Oils
  • Tips »
    • Tips & Discussions
    • Blogging Tips
  • Lifestyle »
    • Cooking at Chez PB
    • Beauty Services »
      • Hair Salon
      • Facial
      • Spa
    • Fashion »
      • Bags
      • Jewellery
      • Shoes
    • Home
  • Brands
  • Product Reviews
    • Beauty hor d’oeuvres
  • Blog
Home » Face » Foundation » My Bobbi Brown Story : All good stories start with a good foundation

My Bobbi Brown Story : All good stories start with a good foundation

February 25, 2019 Paris B 18 Comments

There are some makeup brands that enter your life like a comet, flying straight for your heart, and making a large impact. There are others that simmer at the back of your consciousness for years, like a slow burn, before one burst of oxygen ignites this interest and causes it to burst into flame.

For me, Bobbi Brown was the latter brand.

I only started experimenting with makeup when I started my first job. Neutral, muted colours that Bobbi Brown was known for, was not part of my makeup vocabulary then. I was all about blue and green eyeshadow, and shimmer and making sure people knew I had makeup on!

But to facilitate the application of all these colours, I needed a canvas.

bobbi brown foundation collection
  • Save

Liquid foundation was new to me then. I had only used powder foundation (then known as 2-way cake – hands up everyone who remembers it called that!) and my one foray into liquid foundation was a disaster of epic proportions. I picked the wrong brand, wrong shade and wrong formula. Understandably, I was not confident to pick the right liquid foundation for myself.

Then, the slow burn that was at the back of my mind whispered to me – what about Bobbi Brown?

And just like that, a puff of oxygen blew across my consciousness and fanned my interest.

Truthfully, my first time in the Bobbi Brown chair was not successful. Bobbi Brown prides themselves on a range of Skin Foundation with a yellow base, to suit most skin tones. While true, for the most part, I found their initial offering too yellow and too dark for me.

That initial puff of oxygen had failed to ignite the flame.

A few years later, I found myself again in the Bobbi Brown chair, this time, with an expanded selection of foundation shades in the lighter and deeper colour spectrum, a knowledgeable and helpful in-store guide and I went home with the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation in shade 0 – Porcelain.

This was the puff of oxygen that ignited the flame of my interest.

Not only was the shade perfect for me, I found myself enjoying the lightweight texture on my skin. Here was a foundation that made my skin look like skin! It also coincided with my less exuberant makeup style, and a realization that makeup did not need to be seen. I could in fact, use it so I look like myself, just better.

Since then, I’ve experimented with most Bobbi Brown foundations, and I can safely say that each has impressed me in their own way. Let me break them down for you!

bobbi brown foundation collection
  • Save

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF15

This is the original foundation, and the one that first caught me, hook line and sinker! The coverage is light-medium and buildable, with a lightweight and natural finish on skin. The formula is oil-free which makes it suitable for those with slightly more oily skin as well. Yet, I wear it comfortably as an everyday foundation, and I have dry skin! I noticed I never gave it its own review, which is terribly remiss of me!

Suffice to say however, that I love it for daily wear, as it’s not too heavy in weight or in coverage, and feels comfortable and natural for me. A good starter foundation to own.

Coverage: Light-Medium

Who will like this: Anyone who wants a lightweight, natural finish, light-medium coverage foundation with a good range of shade selection from very fair to darker skin tones

Bobbi Brown Extra SPF25 Tinted Moisturizing Balm

This isn’t widely talked about, but is a product that I have tried and quite enjoy using for my days off. It is a tinted balm and more suited to those with dry skin. The texture, as the name implies, is that of a balm which is a little heavy for most. If you have an oily or combination skin type, this is not the product for you. But if your skin tends to the dry or very dry, and you don’t need or want a lot of coverage, just something to lightly even out skintone and redness, this is one to consider.

The other reason I believe it is less popular is because the coverage is very light. I like using it just to even out my skintone and then build on it with concealer where I need more coverage, and then  a light dusting of powder. It is very natural so you look like you don’t have any makeup on, yet your skin looks just that touch better than usual! It however remains quite a niche product, as it is very skin type specific.

Coverage: Very light

Who will like this: Anyone with drier skin who wants to even out skintone without adding too much coverage

bobbi brown tinted moisturizing balm
  • Save

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick

This is the one I whip out when I travel because it’s both portable and easy to use. I can blend with just my fingers, and it stays put longer on my skin. Unlike most stick foundations I do not find this to be particularly drying. The coverage is medium to full, depending on how much you use. I personally find that less is more, for a more natural finish.

Read the Review: Skin Foundation Stick Review

Coverage: Medium

Who will like this: Anyone who wants a portable foundation that is easy to use and blend, looks natural on skin and is longlasting

Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF40

This was and remains one of my favourites. It is lovely and creamy on skin although I do need to set it with powder as it does not dry down fully. However, I like the medium coverage with its lightweight texture, and I have also found it to be quite moisturizing. It leaves me skin looking glowy, and I’ve also since prefer to apply it using fingers as opposed to a brush as I used to before. I however have one major grouse and that is with the dropper-style packaging that does not pick up product properly. I am reliably informed that this might change very soon, and for me, this change cannot come fast enough!

Read the Review: Intensive Skin Serum Foundation Review

Coverage: Medium

Who will like this: Anyone who has drier skin and wants a foundation that will feel more moisturizing

Bobbi Brown Skin Nourishing Glow Foundation

This one’s one of my favourite foundations of all time. Not only in Bobbi Brown, but of all the foundations I’ve used so far! This is the one I reach for when I want to put a perfect base forward, when I know I have to look good. This is the one I reach for when I want my skin to look as close to perfect as possible. This takes pride of place next to the Cle de Peau Radiant Finish Foundation. The only snag is that this remains an Asia-exclusive foundation. A pity, because this is one of the best foundations that Bobbi Brown has released thus far. The coverage is medium to full, but I prefer to use just a little for a light base, with an incredible glow to the skin.

Read the Review: Nourishing Glow Foundation Review

Coverage: Medium to full coverage

Who will like this: Anyone with dry skin who wants a high coverage foundation that does not look thick or cakey on skin, Anyone who wants a good foundation that feels light and comfortable on skin while imparting a beautiful natural glow

Bobbi Brown Skin Long-wear Weightless Foundation

As of today, this is the latest foundation offering from Bobbi Brown. While most long-wearing foundation leave my skin looking like parched, cracked mudflats after a few hours, this one from Bobbi Brown still manages to make my skin look like skin. Healthy, naturally radiant skin at that. It is lightweight, with a high coverage, and is very easy to blend using fingers. Because the coverage is quite high, I don’t even need to use a concealer! I just top up the areas that I need coverage with a dab more of the foundation and blend it out. I love this one especially when I have to be out and about in the heat and want something that will stay put without drying out my skin.

Read the Review: Skin Long-wear Weightless Foundation Review

Coverage: Medium to full coverage

Who will like this: Anyone who wants a longlasting foundation that does not dry the skin, Anyone who wants a lightweight foundation with medium to full coverage

Bobbi Brown BB Cream

While not a foundation per se, I feel that this one deserves honorary mention, because for me, it performs as a lightweight foundation. I have recently rediscovered this, and have been wearing it very often, because it gives me just a very light base. The coverage is higher than that of the Tinted Moisturizing Balm, and is a little lighter than the Skin Foundation. The tube packaging however, makes it portable and you can blend it easily with fingers. A good BB cream that is worth investigating.

Read the Review: BB Cream review

Coverage: Light coverage

Who will like this: Anyone who wants a portable and lightweight cream type foundation that is lightweight on skin without too much coverage


I thought it would be helpful to see the different textures and formula alongside each other. You can see how the Stick Foundation is creamy but fairly solid. The Tinted Moisturizing Balm is fairly sheer, while the Nourishing Glow Foundation and Intensive Skin Serum Foundation have a thicker texture that hold their shape better.

bobbi brown foundation swatches
  • Save

I will confess however, that the flame of enthusiasm was dampened somewhat by the Bobbi Brown Cushion Foundation which I unfortunately do not love. But I guess on every plain some rain shall fall.

When Bobbi Brown asked me to tell My Bobbi Brown story, it wasn’t hard. All I had to do was to start right at the beginning, with a good foundation.

And the rest as they say, is history 🙂

What is your Bobbi Brown story? Do you enjoy using their foundations too?

Mine is the Skin Nourishing Glow Foundation – beautiful formula! I’m interested to know what your favourite Bobbi Brown foundation formula is so do share!

Paris B

This post is brought to you in part by Bobbi Brown Malaysia. All opinions are my own.

Was this helpful? Tell your friends!

12 Shares
  • Facebook 12
  • Twitter
18 Insightful comments ... Read or JOIN THE DISCUSSION

YOU MAY FIND THESE THESE POSTS HELPFUL TOO!

About Paris B

Paris B is a 40-something beauty and skincare enthusiast with a practical and very critical view of beauty products and the world of beauty. Her mission on My Women Stuff is to deliver clear, honest reviews and facilitate discussions about beauty trends and life, tempered with a healthy dose of humour. Let the buyer's remorse be ours not yours! When not testing the newest skincare creams and lotions, or playing with makeup, find her testing her culinary skills in the kitchen at Chez PB. Read more about us here or leave a comment below or connect with us on social media at Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!

PREVIOUS POST: When sleep eludes me ThisWorks Deep Sleep Night Oil helps Mr. Sandman do his job better
NEXT POST: I was once blind to the world of the visually impaired but now I see

18 comments ... Read or JOIN THE DISCUSSION

  1. shusheshe says

    February 25, 2019 at 11:42 am

    My first liquid foundation was from Bobbi Brown and I still remember fondly~

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      February 25, 2019 at 12:49 pm

      If there’s one thing I can say, they’ve gotten better since they started! I’m liking their later versions and colour range too 🙂

      Reply
  2. AS116Nabihah says

    February 25, 2019 at 9:19 pm

    I reaaaally wanted to try the skin longwear weightless foundation but having olive undertone means missing out on many nice foundation because I can’t find a match. Maybe someday when I have an olive/yellow mixer I’ll give it a go.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      February 27, 2019 at 8:55 am

      Oh dear so sorry to hear you can’t find a match in their shade selection 🙁 I have read that they have released more new shades in the Skin Longwear foundation so maybe you can try again the next time you’re near a store? 🙂 I have found BB foundations to be very skin friendly for those with more yellow skintone, and Asian skintone, but of course, there are always exceptions 🙂

      Reply
  3. Ivy says

    February 26, 2019 at 12:44 pm

    Bobbi Brown foundations and long wear eye brow pencil has always been my no.1 choice. Thanks for the review.

    But what?!?! Bobbi Brown’s Cushion Foundation is my favourite as the coverage was full with just a little dab. It’s mosturizing and kind to my sensitive face skin. This is my second buy of the same type.

    I might want to try the BB cream since you mentioned it. Next! ?

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      February 27, 2019 at 9:01 am

      Haha I couldn’t get the BB Cushion to work for me 😛 But happy to know that it works so well for you! 😀 I do like the BB cream. It’s actually quite nice – not heavy at all!

      Reply
  4. Sharon says

    February 26, 2019 at 9:36 pm

    Thanks for the extensive review! I’ve never thought to try Bobbi Brown foundations but after your reviews I might just give it a shot. What are your thoughts on how the nourishing foundation compares to the Nars sheer glow though?

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      February 27, 2019 at 9:08 am

      Nourishing Glow has far higher coverage than Nars Sheer Glow. I’d liken Sheer Glow to the Skin Foundation. BB makes good foundations. Quite underrated unfortunately, as for some reason, they aren’t as noisy as other brands. But the quality of their products have really stepped up in recent years, and I like that! 🙂

      Reply
      • Sharon says

        February 27, 2019 at 11:18 pm

        Ah. I read medium coverage and a glow and immediately thought of Nars! I’m always afraid of foundations feeling too heavy and cakey but it seems like BB has a whole range of lightweight feeling ones. Where does one even start?

        Reply
        • Paris B says

          March 1, 2019 at 11:39 am

          At the beginning with the Skin Foundation! 😉 But seriously, the best way to try a foundation is to go in store, have them put it on you to test for shade and then walk around for a bit to see how you’ll like it. I often find that makeup artists put on more than I like but it’s a good indication of how it will feel if you layer it on 🙂

          Reply
  5. phachatsalma says

    February 27, 2019 at 12:20 pm

    I’ve tried their tinted moisturizer and loved it! Got it on sale at MITSUI OUTLET in my shade (score!!!). The price point at retail is rather ouchy to my wallet though.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      February 27, 2019 at 2:40 pm

      Now THAT is a score! So often the stock at the outlets are such random selections 😀 I haven’t tried the tinted moisturiser but I hear lots of good things about it!

      Reply
  6. Maja says

    February 27, 2019 at 8:18 pm

    Thank you for this excellent overview. I will try the glow foundation in the summer, when I’m in Japan. Too bad it’s an Asia only release. Sounds awesome.
    Have you tried La Mer soft fluid foundation? Awful smell, but wonderful finish. 🙂

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      March 1, 2019 at 11:37 am

      Yes I have tried the La Mer foundation. I think it’s nice, but it isn’t one I reach for very often. Maybe it’s because it’s not as creamy as I like my foundations to be (I am in the minority here, I do admit!) 😉

      Reply
  7. Nerizza Boon says

    February 28, 2019 at 11:32 pm

    Thanks for helping to introduce readers to the different types of foundations that Bobbi Brown offers! I agree with you too. Bobbi Brown isn’t the first brand that I experimented with. It took some time, like a slow burn you mentioned, before I started to turn my curiosity towards it. I’m looking forward to trying lipsticks and foundations by Bobbi Brown next! 🙂

    IG username: Beautyinpyjamas
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      March 1, 2019 at 11:47 am

      You’re most welcome! I only realised recently that I’ve tried almost all their foundations, so why not share how each of them are different or similar 😀 Their quality and shade selection has improved a lot in recent years. It’s a good thing (although my wallet does protest 😛 )

      Reply
  8. Liz says

    March 30, 2021 at 2:42 pm

    I have oily skin face.
    I want my face look healthy with good coverage but not oily. What type of Bobbi Brown foundation you suggest me and why?
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      April 1, 2021 at 10:56 am

      If you’re looking just at Bobbi Brown, then it would be the Bobbi Brown Skin Longwear Weightless foundation which is supposed to perform better for oily skin.

      Reply

Comment Policy:At MWS we love reading your comments. However, if you are new to leaving comments you may benefit from reading the comment policy first.

What's your view? Share it! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

My Women Stuff by Paris B

Welcome to My Women Stuff, a beauty blog based in Malaysia, written by veteran blogger, Paris B. What you can expect is honesty, critical views & a healthy dose of shared life lessons sprinkled amongst beauty product reviews. What you shouldn't expect is a page filled with unnecessary narcissistic photos. MWS is a blog for those who love to read, because we love to write! Read More about MWS and Paris B

Subscribe for weekly updates of all published content

BEAUTY & LIFE TIPS

tom ford blush, charlotte tilbury bronzer

Has your makeup preferences changed post-pandemic? I’m rekindling my enjoyment for wearing makeup

beagle looking at a biscuit with 2023 on the bottom

2023 – Be Focused, Be Disciplined and Be Kind

2022 recap

Looking back to see if there was more laughter than tears this past year

I tell stories on Instagram @parisbmws

For my anti-aging skincare routine, I’ve worked For my anti-aging skincare routine, I’ve worked out my 3 pillars - the foundation of my skincare routine. Read on the blog mywomenstuff.com It isn’t about what product I use. It’s what in it 😉

#parisbmws #skincareblogger #skincareblog #antiagingskincare #over40blogger #over40skincare
Done with your vote? Not sure what to do the rest Done with your vote? Not sure what to do the rest of the day? Go read my post about #sundayriley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum 😜 mywomenstuff.com

#parisbmws #sundayrileyretinoidserum #sundayrileyaplus #retinoidserum #retinol #sephora #sephoramy #sundayrileymalaysia #antiaging #antiagingskincare
The best thing I’ve bought in recent times! Chec The best thing I’ve bought in recent times! Check out the #uniqlo Mini Round Shoulder Bag! mywomenstuff.com 😍

#uniqlomalaysia #parisbmws #uniqloroundminishoulderbag #uniqlodumplingbag #uniqlolifewear
Had more than a few people ask me about this @mura Had more than a few people ask me about this @muradskincaremy Vitamin C product so that’s what I wrote about this week! Go to mywomenstuff.com for your weekend read 😊

#parisbmws #muradskincare #muradvitaminc #vitamincserum #murad #muradmalaysia #muradskincaremy
Just got a new preloved bag? Want to clean your le Just got a new preloved bag? Want to clean your leather bags at home? Here’s how I do it! 😊 check the blog mywomenstuff.com 

#parisbmws #vintagebags #leathercleaner #vintagefashion #vintagelouisvuitton
Chatting about preloved designer bags and where I Chatting about preloved designer bags and where I go for the deals on the blog mywomenstuff.com ☺️

#prelovedmalaysia #prelovedbranded #prelovedluxury #prelovedluxurybags #vintagelouisvuitton #vintagedesigner #vintagebags #parisbmws
Join over 10500 followers on Instagram

ABOUT ME · CONTACT ME · DISCLAIMER & COPYRIGHT · PRIVACY · ARCHIVES

© Copyright MY WOMEN STUFF 2007 - 2022 · All Rights Reserved