Primark Prep + perfect vs. Bobbi Brown

The Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base has been one of the most talked-about luxury moisturising primers for years. Almost everyone who's tried it swears by it – but I find it hard to spend over €50 on a moisturiser just because "everyone recommends it." The good news: Primark came out with their own version, the PS Prep + Perfect Vitamin Enriched Moisturising Primer, available for around €5. Obviously I had to buy it and try it.

My first impression

I'd seen the Primark version in photos before buying it – the packaging looks almost identical, the texture description matches, and the ingredient list is very similar. The first thing I noticed when I picked it up: the scent. Softly creamy, silky – not perfumy, not chemical. The Bobbi Brown has that exact same subtle fragrance, which many consider a signature of the brand.

The texture is thick but not heavy – it melts into the skin immediately and leaves an invisible, luminous finish.

How I use it

Like a moisturiser. I apply it in place of my regular moisturiser as part of my skincare routine, then follow with SPF on top. On drier days it can be layered over an extra hydrating cream.

Foundation and powder sit better on top, pores look less visible, and my skin doesn't dry out throughout the day. Both products deliver on this – the Primark version keeps up completely.

Where there's a difference

Honestly, beyond the price, I found very little difference. The only area where Bobbi Brown edges ahead slightly is longevity. On long, tiring days, the Primark primer tends to "wear out" a touch earlier – but I only noticed this when I was actively looking for differences.

The Bobbi Brown is also slightly richer in texture – for very dry skin types, that could genuinely matter. For normal or combination skin, the Primark version performs just as well.

Who should buy it?

I recommend the Primark PS Prep + Perfect to anyone who's heard about the Bobbi Brown Face Base but isn't ready to spend a larger amount on it. It's the perfect "test purchase" – if you love the effect, you can decide about the luxury version later. If you have very dry skin and need maximum nourishment, the Bobbi Brown is genuinely a step up worth considering.