Wednesday 29 May 2013

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream

amazon.co.uk

I tried this for the first time last year, but couldn't judge it fairly as there were many variables at the time. I've revisited it, and am kind of impressed.

I'm not Garnier's biggest fan, generally, as I've had a bad experience or two using their skin care range(s), so I was a bit hesitant, but it was one of the first BB creams available in SA, and cost-effective (about R89) at that, so my curiosity got the better of me.

It's a 5-in-one and is meant to even tone, hydrate, smooth fine lines, blur imperfections and provide an SPF of 15. I used the "medium" shade, and although it looked a bit muddy (with hints of pink) on me at first, it blended really well. Depending on your skin type, you can use this on clean skin sans a moisturizer. It makes for really smooth application with your fingertips as you would apply your moisturizer. If you have normal/combination skin, you probably won't need to moisturize at all, just apply your eye product if you use one, and then Garnier's Miracle Skin Perfector BB. I can't really advise application methods for drier skins, as I find this BB quite oily for myself, and won't be able to tell if it's enough for you, or if you need added moisture. After about 2 hours, I'm whipping out the blotting sheets, and I always need more than one. Bear in mind that I don't use powder.

It provides a light coverage, with a radiant finish. My skin looks dewy after I apply it. This doesn't settle, and become matte. In fact, as I mentioned above, it becomes quite shiny and oily looking. Not just on the "oily T-zone" but everywhere. I actually look super gross after about 2 hours. Like, seborrheic. Or like I just cracked open an oil capsule and lightly brushed it on my face, with a basting brush. I tried using powder once with this BB cream and it certainly does make a difference, but not for long. I needed to use blotting sheets anyway, just not as soon as without the powder. 

I probably won't use this all over my face as a BB cream again, but I have to note that while using this, my skin did improve. Yes, the condition of my skin became better: clearer and more even. I don't have uneven skin tone, as such, but the difference was noticeable. Also, I "breakout" regularly (thanks, PMS) which doesn't always look bad, sometimes it's not at all noticeable. It is, however, a nice test for me with regards to products.  I like to try it out during that time so that I can observe how my skin reacts. Because of the light coverage, it doesn't cover spots really well. Not on it's own anyway, but it makes for a nice primer/spot-treatment under foundation.

For me, the best way to use this, is as a highlighter. I've tried it both under my foundation and over, and it works, both ways. It's got some concentrated mineral pigments which makes for a very nice glow that doesn't make you look like a disco ball. More like a Chrismas ball/bauble. You know, a little more subtle. I apply it to my cheekbones and brow bones, and on really lazy days, I use it over the entire eye lid with a coat of mascara. If you use a matte or mattifying foundation and have those days where you want t little more radiance without the effort of bronzing powders, highlighters and and and,  I think it would work really well if you add a tiny little blob of this to your foundation.

When I bought it, there weren't testers available, but I've noticed that there are now. So make sure to test it ON YOUR FACE before buying it, to make sure you get the right shade, unless you're getting it for highlighting/priming purposes.


Miss B