Why I Use It On My Sixty+Plus Year Skin

I Give This Cream Top Marks

Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream, Light and medium, 2.5 Fluid Ounce (Packaging May Vary)
This is the exact product I buy -repeatedly. It comes in shades that match Caucasian skin well, and if you have another type of skin, experiment because the product is not expensive.

Makeup Or BB Cream?

I actually became aware of BB creams by reading a review about them, and since then have tried a few brands. I have been purchasing the Garnier brand, despite a few detours trying out other brands, because of its skin enhancing qualities.

What Do I Like About This BB Cream?

• Garnier makes theirs with a smooth application, it glides on.
• I like the smell of the product
• It is something between a cream and a makeup giving decent coverage to my aging skin
• Sun protection!

I think it improves my skin. There doesn’t seem to be anything that is “not to like“, although my daughter considers it a little too “heavy”. I don’t agree, but thought it might help someone who is looking for the lightest possible feel. She likes Aveeno Positively Radiant moisturizer instead.

I’ve also used “CC” creams (Read on for comparison of the two types).

But again, I like this brand of tinted cream better for everyday wear.

I feel it protects my skin when I go outdoors (which is often, given that I’m an avid gardener), and it is moisturizing. It has a sunscreen level of 15, which is enough for most of the year in my Northern climate.

I use separate sunscreen to boost the protection in summer and when I go to sunnier climes.

More To Like

Easily available, and it is economical. I think the price point is important. Why spend more for products when Garnier has created a BB cream that works, feels good on your skin, improves it, and smells nice? I spend more on a full coverage makeup, but this is the tube I grab on most days, and sometimes use it as a prep for other liquid makeup.

A comparable product, L’Oreal brand is one I have also used and I didn’t like it nearly as well. Compared to Garnier it felt dry and powdery on my skin, with its medium shade too light. So I went back to using that bright gold tube with the grass green logo which I started out with.

How To Describe it?

Remember those sheer makeups that came out years ago? I always liked them and this product looks very much the same. They even out my tone, which in aging skin like mine has sun damage, gets dry easily, and needs some under-eye lightening. When I use this cream it smooths out that unevenness.

It goes on quickly and doesn’t look streaky . Yes, some products with pigments look a bit streaky when not taking time to blend in, but this one doesn’t need that extra step, which makes it great for busy mornings.

BB cream and Little Else

A daytime application for “out and about” in a botanical garden.

I no longer wear much makeup in my daily routine: this cream and a swipe of lipstick is about it!

A Few Tips For Getting a Great Look

• Apply in layers until you get the coverage wanted
• Apply with your fingers, it goes on easily
• Blend, if desired, with cosmetic sponge or Kabuki makeup brush
• I also use it to cover imperfections elsewhere on the body (mosquito bites, etc!)

*I noticed that the demonstrations in the videos on this page often use blender brushes.

I have made the Garnier  brand of B.B. cream one of the top choice products for my makeup bag for traveling.

BB vs CC Cream

What is the difference between these two types of products?

• BB creams are lighter than foundation but heavier than tinted moisturizers
• CC cream has a fluffier feel, while BB feels more like a moisturizer
• CC stands for “color correction” and theoretically provides more coverage

The OPINION Report

Have you tried this cream? Do you like it?

I do recommend this one. Try it out for little cost. You might stick with this choice like I have, or move on to more expensive brands, but I think you will like BB creams.

How to Apply BB Cream

Basically, smooth on the first coat just like tinted moisturizer. Then add additional thin layers to areas where more coverage is needed. For spots or blemishes, dab on extra coats with the tip of your finger and feather it invisibly into the surrounding skin.

This video illustrates the technique:

When you want something for those undereye circles

Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Sheer Tinted Eye Roller, Light/Medium 0.5 oz
If you like the idea of BB cream with its light feel, but great coverage and the added benefits of skin nurturing ingredients… you might find yourself in the market for something formulated especially for the eye area.

I have some circles (who doesn’t?) and the roller ball is pure genius.

This cosmetic brand has been creating a line of truly beneficial products and the price is economical.

If you have dark circles under your eyes and want a quick fix, put this into your makeup bag arsenal.

BB Creams I Didn’t Like

For comparison sake: from L’Oreal

I also tried L’Oreal’s, and did not like it very well. Although the white color from the tube turned to the proper shade on my face, it felt all chalky and unpleasant. It went on more heavy, too. In comparison, the Garnier brand felt more like a tinted moisturizer.

I also did not care for the smell of this product.

From Hydroxatone

I also tried this brand, which I purchased at Costco ( also available online). It had a dry application that felt and smelled a little like something “plastic”. The color was dark and not completely natural for me.

On the plus side it has a stronger sun protection, which is why I purchased it. I still chose the Garnier brand!