As for the differences between the creams, Bobbi Brown’s features a vitamin A derivative to help with anti-ageing, and the two formulas use different silicones (dimethicone in No7 versus cyclopentasiloxan in Bobbi Brown) to create their silky smooth finish.
When I look at the ingredients of No7’s pro artist primer against those of Bobbi Brown’s face base, it’s actually astounding how similar the lists are, with both creams featuring vitamin C, vitamin E, shea butter, geranium oil, squalane and HA.
After wearing both primers on my skin for around an hour, it became apparent that No7’s formula had a better grip on my make-up without the telltale slipperiness that usually – on my skin, anyway – precedes an oily sheen.
Upon swatching both creams, this variation in skin suitability was immediately apparent and the No7 formula had a decadently buttery formula, while Bobbi Brown’s was more slippery and spreadable.
After application, the No7 formula proved – once again – to be a near copy of Bobbi Brown’s iteration, with both creams leaving my skin feeling hydrated and with a subtle, satin-like finish.
