Are you an alphabet virgin? Garnier BB Cream Review
I once was an alphabet virgin. What? I mean I never used a BB or CC or any other alphabet cream before this month. It’s so unlike me, I know! When BB creams first came to market, I remember thinking ‘what is a BB cream and why in the world would I need one?’ Turns out they come in quite handy for a beauty multi-tasker such as myself so I took the plunge with the Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream in Medium/Deep.
What is a BB Cream?
Joining tinted moisturizers and traditional foundation, BB creams (beauty balm creams) offer skin tone perfecting with a bit of skincare mixed in. Depending on the brand, BB cream formulas can provide moisture, sun protection, acne treatment and anti-aging ingredients.
More substantial than a tinted moisturizer but lighter than a foundation, BB creams can be the perfect middle ground for tone correction and skincare benefits. However, unlike foundation that offer dozens of colors, BB creams typically have much less range with offerings in the Light/Fair, Medium/Deep and Deep categories.
Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream
For my first foray into the alphabet soup, I tried the Miracle Skin Perfector in Medium/Deep by Garnier. On first glance, it seemed way too light for my medium brown skin. However, once I started applying it, I noticed it blended well with my skin tone. It was also heavier than I thought it would be and as such, I had squeezed out far too much product. It’s like toothpaste in that way. Lesson learned.
Pro Tip: Use sparingly and apply with a foundation brush. A little goes a long way.
I recommend using a brush for application because it takes a bit of work to blend it properly for even coverage and a brush makes blending much easier. I preferred using my MAC flat foundation brush (pictured above) over my duo fibre brush because it handles the weighty cream much better.
The Results
Overall, I was pleased with the results of the Garnier BB Cream. If I’m trying to achieve a natural, no makeup look, this cream works well. There were two drawbacks however. 1. I still needed extra coverage for my trouble spots: dark areas under my eyes and around my mouth, and 2. It left my skin looking very dewy. A little too dewy for my taste. I found myself applying a bit of translucent powder in some areas to take down the shine. I like youthful, supple skin but I don’t want to look like a just ran a half mile.
Here’s me with just the BB cream and before I fixed my wig.
What You Need to Know About Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector
The Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector is available in several formulations. I used the Daily Moisture Care with Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Sunscreen. It’s also available in an oil-free shine control formulation as well as anti-aging and anti-acne options. There are four color choices: Fair/Light, Light/Medium, Medium/Deep and Deep but not all formulations come in all colors. Visit GarnierUSA for more details. Retailing for $14.99 for 2.5 oz at Garnier, this cream is also available on Amazon.
What about you? Are you swimming in the alphabet pond? What are your favorite BB or CC creams?
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I can’t find the daily moisture care medium/deep anymore was this product discontinue
Hey Charlene! They changed the name. Here it is on Amazon https://amzn.to/2KM6E8Y and at Target https://goto.target.com/c/365796/81938/2092?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fgarnier-174-skinactive-153-bb-cream-5-in-1-miracle-skin-perfector-anti-aging%2F-%2FA-14962053%3Fpreselect%3D14564144%23lnk%3Dsametab
Let me know how you like it!
I was like what the heck is a BB and CC cream. Clearly I don’t swim in the alphabet soup but it looks great. Thanks for the info and tips.
I swim in the alphabet and soup and more. I happen to also be a makeup artist and work with a variety of products because different skin needs different hings.
I’ve never tried a BB or CC cream. I like makeup but I usually next take the time to apply for than lipstick, eyeliner, and mascara unless it’s a special occasion. I’m working on it though.
Good review and I like the photo of the with the product on it and thank you for showing us how the product looked on you.
I’m looking for a good BB cream because I don’t wear foundation but want some kind of coverage. I’ll have to check this out.
It’s pretty good. I’d also suggest checking out the others in the line to see if there’s one that addresses your specific skin concerns.
I was on a mission this year to try one of these out. I love my BB cream by studio fix. It is perfect and it makes me feel like I have some type of coverage and that my skin is evened out! I
I haven’t tried the studio fix but I just tried the Smashbox which is also fantastic.
I don’t wear makeup at all but this is a great breakdown of what to do and I love real product reviews because you get a sense of what you are buying before you waste any money.
Glad I could be helpful. Let me know if you try it or if you have any makeup questions in general!
Thanks for a great explanation. I don’t wear a lot of makeup or anything. I always see this product. You look great.
Thanks! Let me know if you decide to try it.