The Bobbi Brown vitamin enriched face base has long been a staple in the beauty world, with one pot selling every 30 seconds. However, No7's pro artist runway radiance primer, launched in October 2024 at just £19.95, offers a striking alternative that is £30 cheaper. Our beauty writer put both to the test side by side.
Ingredients and Texture
The ingredient lists are remarkably similar, both featuring vitamin C, vitamin E, shea butter, geranium oil, squalane, and hyaluronic acid. Key differences include Bobbi Brown's inclusion of vitamin A for anti-ageing and the use of different silicones: dimethicone in No7 versus cyclopentasiloxane in Bobbi Brown. Dimethicone locks in moisture, making No7 better for dry skin, while cyclopentasiloxane evaporates, suiting oilier skin. The No7 formula felt buttery and rich, whereas Bobbi Brown's was more slippery.
Performance
After applying both primers to each side of the face, the No7 primer held makeup better without the slipperiness that can lead to oiliness. Over several hours, No7's primer acted like a reverse setting spray, keeping makeup in place. Both primers left skin hydrated with a satin finish, but No7 outperformed the luxury brand in longevity and grip.
Verdict
While Bobbi Brown's primer remains a classic with added vitamin A, No7's dupe is an excellent budget-friendly option. It delivers similar results at a fraction of the cost, making it a worthy purchase for those who want quality without the high price tag.
How we tested: The primers were applied to clean skin on opposite halves of the face, followed by regular makeup. Texture, scent, feel, and skin appearance were monitored over several hours.
