Moisturizer is deeply personal—sort of like coffee orders or signature scents. I’ve never been loyal to just one because my skin’s too moody for that; between weather shifts, stress, and hormones (thanks, postpartum life), what works one month suddenly doesn’t the next. In the warmer months, I stick to lightweight formulas that won’t make my face feel slick, but when the air turns cold and dry, I reach for something rich and creamy. Then I met Bobbi Brown’s Vitamin Enriched Face Base Moisturizer & Primer, a 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner—and for the first time, I thought, “Maybe I could actually commit.” It’s the skin-care equivalent of finding a needle in a haystack, as it truly doubles as both moisturizer and primer. And after a few weeks of using it, I’m starting to believe “the one” might actually exist. Here’s what happened when I put it to the test.

My Skin Goals: Hydration without Heaviness

I have dry, sensitive skin that tends to freak out the second the temperature dips below 60 degrees. Tightness and dullness set in, followed by those flaky patches on my cheeks that no amount of foundation can disguise. In fact, makeup only makes them more obvious.

What I need out of a moisturizer isn’t just hydration—it’s balance. I want something replenishing enough to heal and smooth, but not so occlusive that it clogs pores or leaves a greasy film. A product that feels indulgent, yes, but also performs and keeps my skin comfortable and makeup-ready from morning drop-off to afternoon meetings.

First Impressions: From Rich to Weightless

At first glance, Vitamin Enriched Face Base Moisturizer & Primer looks buttery and thick in the jar—the kind of texture that usually spells too rich. But the moment I scoop some out, it immediately melts into my skin. The texture is plush and nourishing but somehow still light enough to disappear without a trace.

Then there’s the scent: a bright, natural blend of grapefruit and geranium oils that’s fruity and fresh. It’s free of synthetic fragrance (the kind that can trigger irritation for sensitive types like me), which makes it all the more enjoyable. It’s one of those products that instantly lifts your mood the moment you open the lid, yet it never feels overpowering.

The Formula: Classics That Deliver

What makes this moisturizer-primer hybrid so effective is its thoughtful blend of skin-strengthening ingredients designed to hydrate, protect, and prep.

You’ve probably seen squalane everywhere lately. It’s ultra-light yet nourishing, making it one of the most universally loved ingredients in moisturizers. “Squalane is a lightweight, saturated lipid that helps replenish the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss. It occurs naturally in the skin’s sebum, making it highly biocompatible and well tolerated across all skin types,” says Shannon Humphrey, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in British Columbia, Canada. In other words, it hydrates without clogging pores—the perfect base for any skin type, but especially for extra-dry skin like mine.