For the foundation-obsessed out there, this post is for you. As you’ve already noticed by now, foundation and base makeup in general is my specialty and is the area that I’m most curious about. Because of that, I tend to experiment with foundations often and I think rather than experimenting with brands, experimenting with various formulations is just as helpful (but you be the judge).
Today’s post is about the Bobbi Brown EXTRA Repair Foundation SPF 25. Although I’m not new to the Bobbi Brown brand, I have only presently started to get interested in the foundation range. What drew me to the foundations is the wide color selection and formulations/textures.
This Repair Foundation goes along with Bobbi’s EXTRA skin care line. It focuses on intense hydration packed with botanical and other good-for-your-skin ingredients. She focuses her main ingredients on humectants, plant oils, and protective emollients to strengthen the skin; however, this line is catered towards those with dry and very dry skins.
My shade in Bobbi’s foundations is Sand 2. I appreciate Bobbi’s wide color range in her foundations, because it seems to be good for those with very, very pale skins to those with darker skins, and to those in between. If you’ve had trouble finding a good color choice for your foundation, I suggest you browse Bobbi’s line because there has got to be a shade for you!
Also, Bobbi’s philosophy is using yellow-based tones in ALL her foundations. All of her foundations are warm-toned because she believes this to be the most natural match for everyone. You can decide which is best for you, but I think this would be the best place to start for those struggling with color matches.
I gravitated towards this particular foundation surprisingly for some reason. And, I wasn’t put off by the thick and creamy texture either. Although this is formulated for those with dry skins, I went for it because I liked the overall outcome of this product.
For reference, I have fairly normal skin with a slightly oily nose (and sometimes chin). I wouldn’t consider myself “combination” skin anymore because the oil on my nose isn’t as prominent as it used to be. My cheeks are rather dry even in the summer time; and, my cheeks are also my problem areas, too. Thus, coverage on my cheeks is more important to me.
This product is extremely creamy and needs to be scooped out of the glass jar. Because of its thick texture, I like to first take a small amount and warm it up on the back my hand before applying it to my face. I find that it’s easier to work with this way, instead of trying to warm it up on my face!
At first, it’s quite dry but once you starting swirling it around, it warms up quickly and easily transferrable. After dotting mainly my cheeks with the product, I use a synthetic buffing brush (Real Techniques Expert Face Brush) and quickly buff it onto my skin. Then, I use whatever I have left over and apply to my forehead and chin. I apply this product sparingly on my nose.
With this foundation, I set my t-zone with powder because of its creamy texture. The finish of this foundation is perfectly glowy and dewy but not in an oily way. It makes your skin look healthy – like you’ve just gotten out of the shower or you’ve just finished working out. There’s something youthful about your skin because everything plumped up nicely and nothing is settling into pores or lines.
The Bobbi Brown website states that the “NEW Extra Repair Foundation SPF 25 gives skin perfect coverage, moisture & broad-spectrum sun protection.” It is “infused with Shea Butter and Evening Primrose Oil” and is a formula that “does-it-all.” It “combines all the skin-nourishing benefits of Bobbi’s Extra Skincare with the skin tone-correct color and buildable coverage of her foundations.”
Overall, I love the moisturizing finish and how this foundation feels on my face. It just feels like skincare – as if I’m just walking around all day with some good moisturizer on. The coverage is medium but buildable, but I apply this quite sheerly any way. If applied with a heavy hand, this can feel quite heavy and oily unless you already have dry skin. I do get oily faster with this product because the formula is not oil-free or oil-controlling in any way. I just blot and move on with my day and it’s no big deal to me (since I blot any way no matter what foundation I’m using).
The scent is very herbally and natural. I don’t mind it because it smells fresh to me, but it does linger so that may bother some people. If you’re into a foundation that comes with skincare benefits, this is great. It’s kind of like BB creams in a sense.
I was told by the makeup artist working at the counter that this product is designed to be used completely alone because it can substitute skin care. She said that technically you can wash your face in the morning and then apply this foundation straight on your face and be done. I suppose I can see where that theory may work – you have your skin care, coverage, and sun protection all in one. For me, I’d rather take the extra 10 minutes and go through with my usual routine before makeup application.
I hope this has helped in your foundation journey. I know that this is an area where many women struggle, but creating and maintaining that healthy canvas is so important – not only for your makeup routine, but for your general happiness as well! :)
*Quotes extracted from http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com.
*1 fl. oz.
*Retails for $56.00.
great post! i like moisturising foundations, pity this comes in a jar.. is application a messy affair?
Yea, products that come in jars worry me too because of germ issues and travel inconvenience. The application isn’t all that messy because the formula isn’t runny or anything; however, because I have to warm it up on the back of my hand before applying, I do have to wipe my hand off and the finger I used to apply it to my face (before buffing). Thanks for stopping by! :)
Very nice article, just what I needed.