Friday 30 September 2011

Garnier BB Cream - initial thoughts

A product that recently hit shelves in the last couple of months is the Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector, a BB Cream Innovation. I was intrigued... I've not seen a BB cream on shelves before, and have only heard about them mostly via youtube. I'm not sure about any other Aussie girls, but did this seem to just slip into stores without much fanfare, except on blogs? Or was I just out of it for that month or so?

Anyhoo, I popped down to Priceline and got myself a tube to try for just under $14. It comes in two colours, light and medium. You just have to guess at which colour you'll be, because there are no testers, which was quite annoying because I always find the terms "light" and "medium" really subjective - one brand's light is another's medium and vice versa. I did ask a friendly retail assistant and she recommended the medium, apparently the light is very light and only good for very pale people. I've been using a bit of fake tan recently, and it's heading into summer here, so I trusted her with the medium.

Here's a look at the box - apologies in advance for the slightly fuzzy pics, I'm working on my technique...


You can't quite tell here, but it's a really text heavy box - print everywhere. Info overload in my opinion. In short, Garnier promise this cream will give you "INSTANTLY PERFECT SKIN" via
- an even complexion
- reducing sunspots and imperfections
- boosting a healthy glow
- providing tinted 24 hour hydration 
- and UV protection SPF 15 

Quite the claim.



Here it is on the back of my hand - it's quite thick but spreads and blends well. It smells a little fruity.


 After blending - I spose it makes my hand more dewy looking.


 Comparison to non BB-creamed hand on right. BB-creamed hand is more dewy and glowy.


And about half an hour after application - still dewy.

I've used this about twice so far on my face and I can't say that it gave me instantly incredible, perfect, amazing skin. It did feel nice on my skin, gave good coverage, quite smooth and almost silky after application, the medium tint suited me well and it lasted fairly ok. But you could still see some of the heavier imperfections on my skin and I don't think the overall effect was that different from any other tinted moisturiser. (Mind you, currently my other tinted moisturiser is from Korres and cost me $50, so this does win on price.)

I'm a bit ambivalent about this product. Is it a must have? No. Is it nice? Yes. I would recommend this to people with normal to dry skin (I'm combination oily and it's ok, but so far I've been trying it in cool weather) who are looking for a nice, relatively inexpensive tinted moisturiser for summer to wear in lieu of foundation. This product would particularly be good for time poor people (like my sister with two kids... hmm, potential sticking filler).

I'll keep using for a bit, see if my skin improves as the box claims, and do some face before and after photos. Maybe even a half-half face photo like on the box. Then I'll do an updated review. Maybe it takes a few more times to beautified to the degree of perfection Garnier promise.

Toodles!

P.S. I currently have on order from Ebay a Skin79 Hot Pink BB Cream, one of the most popular BB Creams out. When it comes in the mail (hurry up Australia Post!) I'll do a comparison :)

3 comments:

  1. Can't wait for your Ebay Order! I really want to grab those BB creams but have not made the purchase yet. I'm not sure about the Garnier one though your post was so informative! The pictures side by side really was helpful!

    Take care,
    Rosamond

    RosamondWrites.Blogspot.com

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  2. I never really understand what BB cream is? But, I have heard many bad reviews on this product! Oh dear!
    http://oliviadollydaydream.blogspot.com/

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  3. I was going to buy this yesterday but I'm glad I didn't now! Great review!!

    I'm now a follower :) love your blog!
    Check mine out sometime -

    http://lovefayexoxo.blogspot.com/

    LoveFaye xoxo

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