Garnier Skin Active Renew BB Cream

I have seen a lot of mixed reviews of this product since it hit the market. To my knowledge, this was one of the first BB creams to be sold in the drugstore. Foundation can sometimes feel heavy on the skin for everyday, so the benefits of a lighter and thinner option are vast. I know that I jumped at the chance to try something like that.

The products’ claim is to renew, brighten, even, hydrate (for 24 hours), and protect the skin; it is a multi-benefit product that combines skincare and coverage in one. Initially the product was available for normal to dry skin, but now there is an option for oily skin as well. I should mention that BB stands for beauty balm, and is intended to be the only product needed to apply after washing your skin. The idea originated in South Korea, spread through Asia and eventually North America.

I have normal/dry skin and so I chose that formula. I find the consistency to be thick so I do apply this product alone after washing my skin; if I applied a face cream first, I think the product would slip. I typically apply about a pea size amount onto my face, using my fingers to distribute the product. I spritz The Body Shop Vitamin E Facial Mist before rubbing it all in, allowing the BB cream to spread more easily. I find that on its’ own the BB cream can become slightly sticky over the day, so I set it in the morning with a translucent powder. That’s all I need to keep it in place. Regardless of setting it, or not, the colour doesn’t transfer.

The coverage allows my skin to still look natural but better; more glowing. I dislike when my skin looks matte, so perhaps that influences my love of this product! I like that my skin feels moisturized and can I say, rich? It also offers enough coverage that my bronzer and blush adhere well, and have staying power — I must mention that if you don’t set this cream as mentioned earlier, your powders might look blotchy. I find it can be slightly heavy in the summer months, but I’m guessing the formula for combination skin would be a potential alternative — although personally I don’t wear much face makeup in the hot and humid months!

I can say that there are definite pros and cons to Garniers’ BB but I can’t stop reaching for it. It’s easy to apply, the colour looks sun-kissed (light/medium), the finish is dewy, the texture is moisture rich, and it offers a natural-light coverage. I use it everyday, and I know I will repurchase it!

Garnier Skin Active Renew BB Cream is all things francie approved!

Have you tried this product? What do you think of it? Leave your comments below!

I find the lowest price for this product is at good ol’ Walmart. Check it out here.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist can be seen here