I had previously never tried a BB cream that was actually for my skin type - I have bought 2 other BB creams, but I accidentally bought the oily skin version, so they dry my skin out like crazy and have therefore been sitting in my drawer wasting away (if anyone wants them, let me know...). My skin is usually normal, can get a bit dry around my nose and forehead and sometimes gets randomly oily on my nose :(
When I got this BB cream, I tried it out in all the ways I could possibly think of to find out how I like it best - as a base for my foundation, on it's own, on it's own with a powder, and I tried it out with different foundations and powders too. By far my favourite way to use this is with my Revlon Colourstay liquid foundation (the one for oily/combination skin again... always read the packaging, girls). Alone the BB cream is quite thick in consistency, and can look a little shiny on it's own, but combined with the matte look that my Colourstay gives, it's awesome! Super easy to apply, just put it on with my fingers (washed hands first, of course!), it has a very light amount of coverage, but because of that, I have found that I am using less foundation. That plus the hydration of the BB cream has stopped my foundation looking heavy and cakey, which is is sometimes prone to doing throughout the day. This means less touch ups for me, and my foundation seems to last a whole lot longer and looks "lit from within" instead of completely matte or dewy.
The packaging is pretty simple, not super cute like some other BB creams I've seen, but definitely not bad looking. The smell is great because it doesn't really smell like anything at all. I think that even if a product smells great, there's always going to be someone who dislikes it, so no smell is better. I think it's definitely worth the price, which is not much at all. It's just great, I love it so much, and it will definitely be my go to base from now on.
I just reviewed another version of this and it was very similar sadly. There are garnier versions I love but the latest 2 I have tried have been a disappointment.
I am mixing this with a sunscreen to get a nice consistency that is light and wearable. The consistently is otherwise their usual quite thick formula but it really causes my skin to break out so I mix to get a lighter cream for my skin.
It’s heavy and thick and the colour is a bit dark for me so it doesn’t blend well, the mixing with my sunscreen helps this. As with another formula of theirs I’ve used it causes this cakey appearance on my skin.. which can then rub off like skin peel it’s very odd. It doesn’t really absorb and cover it sits and covers like icing so isn’t a natural blended look.
Longevity on the skin isn’t great either it’s short lived not dewy or fresh. And definitely dries after time.
Even when I’ve mixed it I’m not 100% happy but its better that’s for sure.
Tips: Mix with sunscreen to lighten formula and use up