As you may have already noticed, Garnier is offering greek beauty bloggers with prereleases of their new and anticipated BB cream, so here's my take on it***. I decided to compose my review in a 10 FAQ format, so you can skip the parts you're already familiar with ;)
1. What is a BB cream?
BB cream stands for Blemish Balm; it was first formulated by German dermatologist Dr Christine Schrammek during the '60s and was first marketed as a post laser surgery treatment to protect and soothe the patients' skin, while offering light coverage on acne and surgery scars. In recent years, BB cream gained popularity in the Asian markets, after it was renamed as the Korean actresses' secret to flawless skin. Western markets are now following the trend, with high-end brands like Mac, Lancome and Clinique releasing their versions of BB cream.
2. What are the Garnier BB cream claims?
"Miracle Skin Perfector. Daily all-in-one BB cream.
Immediately perfected skin:
* Evens tone + boosts glow
* Blurs imperfections
* Smoothes fine lines
* 24hr hydration
* SPF 15 UV protection"
3. What it really offers for my skin?
These two thick-looking, intimidately dark blob of creams spread out incredibly easy, leaving skin plumped and moisturised. Its mineral pigments cling on the skin, providing a natural tint that brightens and evens out any shallow areas. The finish is quite dewy, which makes it an excellent dry/dull skin enhancer. The fruity-floral Garnier scent is there, but in a more subdued way.
In short: your skin, but better.
4. How much coverage it provides?
Coverage is very sheer- it won't hide blemishes and acne scars as the photo on the cardboard box suggests. However, it does an excellent job at evening out the skintone, thus aiding in a healthier appearance.
5. I have oily skin. Is this product for me?
It depends. Bear in mind that this product can't replace your everyday foundation, in the sense that you can't rely on the Garnier BB cream to wear it for 10-hours straight at work while still looking nice and neat; you'll end up with a greasy, blotchy mess. However, it is lovely for a natural and low-key makeup look.
6. Which shade should I go for?
If you're fair-skinned, opt for shade 02-Light. For deeper skintones or tanned skin, shade 03-Medium is best. Don't be alarmed by my heavy swatches, I can assure you both shades are extremely blendable; compared to my olive skin, my mum has an almost porcelain skintone and yet the 02-Light shade is a perfect match for both of us. Although sometimes I cheat a bit and wear the 03-Medium shade for a warmer caramel glow (along with a scarf worn tight on my pale neck, ha!)
7. How is it meant to be used?
As it's sufficiently moisturising, it's best to be used on its own rather than on top of a face cream. You can apply a little powder on top, if you want to take away some of the shine. You can apply more layers if you wish, or you can blend it with your foundation to sheer it out- the list is endless.
8. Is the Garnier BB crean comparable to Korean BB creams?
Well I can't answer this issue with certainty, as I haven't tried a proper Korean BB cream. The main difference between the two is that the latter offer a higher SPF and skin-brightening pigments the Asian customers are after. Coverage varies among Korean BB creams, though I've seen some beauty gurus replacing their medium-to-full coverage foundations with BB creams. To me, the Garnier BB cream looks more like the new-generation "5in1" tinted moisturiser rather than a western blemish balm replica.
9. Where can I get it?
The Garnier BB cream is currently available in Hondos Center stores located at Ermou str., Omonoia square, Maroussi and Piraeus. But don't you worry, it will soon be available in all HC stores across Greece ;)
10. How much does it cost?
Retailing price is 9,99E in the aforementioned greek cosmetic stores.
To conclude my review, I 100% recommend you to try out the new Garnier BB cream. I appreciate more than anything the fact that it's
so affordable and easily accessible- saves us european girls from shopping online for those premium Asian brands!
As long as you keep in mind that you're dealing with a "5in1" tinted moisturiser that will improve the appearance of your skin but it won't make for a flawless blemish-free face, you won't be dissapointed by this product.
Back to you: have you tried any Korean Blemish Balms?
Are you intrigued to get the Garnier version of BB cream?
***Products were provided by Garnier for review purposes. I'm not affiliated with the brand and I wasn't compensated for this review. These are my honest opinions; my loyalty is to my lovely readers!
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