'The $18 primer I love more than this $104 one for my over 50s skin.'

Over two decades ago, Bobbi Brown launched her Vitamin-Enriched Face Base and an iconic product was born. This changed the cosmetics industry as it was the first of its kind — a moisturiser meets primer.

It achieved cult status and, unlike most brands and popular products, they have not messed with the formula, keeping it the same all these years. It's one of those products that goes viral every few years or so but has become increasingly more expensive. So, despite its lush hydrating abilities, it's just not within reach for everyone. 

The good news? Revlon's new Illuminance Moisturise + Prime Balm Primer, $18, is a brilliant alternative — dare I say, it's a pretty darn good dupe. And I am about to tell you why.

Watch: Happy with what you have? Then here's how to use it better! Post continues below. 

Both of these primers are skincare-forward and super hydrating. The Bobbi Brown is well known for giving a smooth hydrated base for makeup which is why it's so popular despite its north of $100 price tag.

Revlon is now doing the same for under 20 bucks. I should say that no, this isn't an ad. I am just a skincare junkie that really loves discovering new things. And when they are this good, I have to share.

What's the difference?

Let's take a closer look at the ingredients and see how they actually stack up.

The Bobbi Brown Base has 34 ingredients to Revlon's 25. Of those ingredients, they have 17 that are the same plus another two that are varied versions or similar.  But is that relevant?

Firstly, the benefits of both products are that they are both hydrating, anti-ageing and soothing which means my skin loooooves them.

Next, to the boring technical part (now stay with me here because it's important).

While water is obviously the top ingredient for both, it's then followed by something called Cyclopentasiloxane for Bobbi Brown and dimethicone for Revlon. Both of these ingredients are silicones that have similar properties and are non-greasy emollients that moisturise the skin. Dimethicone is heavier and more hydrating, while Cyclopentasiloxane spreads quicker, is faster to absorb and has a dry, pleasant feel. 

That's all good and well, Teresa, but HOW DOES IT COMPARE ON THE SKIN?

Image: Supplied.

Patience, my sweets. I have been slapping this power-packed beauty on my face along with Bobbi Brown and I have thoughts.

The verdict.

On initial application, the first two things you'll notice are that the Revlon option feels thicker and creamier as opposed to the lightweight feel of the Bobbi Brown. It also feels like it has a bit more "slip" to it (I think that comes from the dimethicone) and feels like it sits more "on top" of the skin initially.

Next up, the scent is very different. Bobbi Brown has a more floral scent (it features geranium) whereas the Revlon primer has more of an orange/tangerine citrus scent that I actually prefer personally. 

After allowing five minutes for both primers to soak in, I would say the Bobbi Brown feels like it has more oils in it. That's really the only difference.

Image: supplied.

But how does it sit under foundation? Well, this is the real test, isn't it?

I trialled half a face of each primer and applied the new Maybelline 30HR Lumi Matte Foundation, $27.99, checking the wear after three hours.

There was no difference whatsoever in how my skin felt or how my makeup looked. Both sides of my face felt soft, plush and plump. There was no way to tell that a different product had been used and, more importantly, my makeup held up exactly the same on both sides of my face.

Now to go back to pricing for a minute, Bobbi Brown is $104 for 50ml and Revlon is slightly smaller in a 30ml jar. For full price, you are looking at $34.95, BUT again, it's always on sale somewhere and at the time of writing you can pick it up for $18.

Meaning? You are going to pay $20.80 for 10mls for Bobbi Brown and $7.19 for Revlon (even at full price, it's only $11.65 — which is still nearly half the price).

Between us, this new Balm Primer absolutely slaps and is as close to a dupe/replacement as I imagine you would be able to get for the Vitamin Enriched Face Base.

Give it a try and thank me later. All I know is that I am a fan of the Revlon Primer — it's a winner for me!

If you want to see more on this and the application, you can check out my deep dive on YouTube here.

Have you tried Revlon's new primer yet? What are your thoughts? Share them with us in the comment section below.

Feature image: Supplied.