Awhile ago I decided it was time to try BB Cream. I started with the easiest to find: Garnier.  Which was pretty handy since their medium shade was a pretty close match to my skin. I am a big fan of foundation, but sometimes you just want something lighter, something that’s actually good for your skin.

What they say:
With a unique mix of active ingredients including vitamin C, mineral pigments, and SPF15 UV filters, Miracle Skin Perfector instantly cares for skin in 5 visible ways:

1. Long-lasting hydrating care thanks to a moisture binding formula of Hyaluronic Acid in Lipidure Microspheres which allows skin to retain moisture for 24hrs
2. Creates an even complexion with a lightly tinted formula enriched with mineral pigments to correct signs of fatigue, sun spots and dullness.
3. Corrects blemishes and imperfections to unify skin tone and create a flawless finish.
4. Boosts skin’s natural glow and radiance thanks to vitamin C – known for its anti-oxidant properties.
5. A SPF15 UV filter forms a protective barrier to help minimise the damaging effects of the
sun. 

What I say:
Garnier have created a nice all-in-one product. The packaging is simple but effective. The tube and flip-cap make it easy to use and to dispense the right amount. The cream has a very light, fresh scent that’s almost undetectable after a few moments. On my slightly sensitive, relatively oily skin it tingles a little at first (almost like when you use a very strong astringent). Depending on the level of coverage you require (I prefer as much as possible) you’ll require between a pea-sized amount and an amount around the size of a ten cent piece. The coverage is buildable to a point, but starts to cake, smear and become uneven if you try to put too much on.

The medium shade is a fairly good match for my skin (medium to dark in most foundations) although it’s got a bit of a pinkish tinge to it, especially in daylight, which is annoying if you’ve got yellow-toned skin like me. It feels almost dry to touch after a few seconds, but the finish is kind of shiny and I feel it makes my skin look oily, rather than dewy. It does, however, look much better with a layer of yellow-toned powder over the top.

I’ve got freckles, sun damage, dark circles under my eyes and redness around my nose and chin and I must say I’m impressed with the “evening-out” properties that Garnier’s BB Cream possesses, even upon first application. The mineral pigments reflect light away from things like blemishes and dark circles, although the coverage is only light so if you’ve got any serious blemishes you’ll need concealer as well. The finish is nice and natural, smooth but by no means “flawless”. Perhaps if you have perfect skin to start with, but not if you’ve got normal skin like me. A base of primer will help it to last, but you’ll definitely need to touch up if you’re planning on wearing it all day.

I’m a bit bummed that it’s only SPF 15. I mean, if you’re going to make an “all-in-one” cream you could at least make it SPF 30+ so we don’t have to use sunscreen as well. In any case, it provides a little sun protection, but not enough. It’s better than nothing, but I think if you’re wearing Garnier’s BB Cream you should be wearing an SPF 30+ sunscreen underneath as well.

All in all, it’s better than any tinted moisturiser I’ve ever tried, and it’s a fine substitute for skin-clogging foundations, especially on the weekend. I’m trying to encourage myself to wear as little makeup as possible, and this product is handy to help me feel fresh-faced, without feeling like I’m off to face the world completely bare.

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector retails for $13.95 and is available from supermarkets and selected pharmacies. For stockists phone 1300 659 259.

Have you tried any BB Creams yet? Which ones? What did you think? Let me know. Leave your comments, stop by Facebook or tweet me.

Rosemary xox

All the above images were taken in natural light. This product was purchased with my own finances.