Garnier B.B. Cream Review

The latest trend is BB Creams. Its been around for a long time in Asia and has just come over to the states. YAY for us. Lots of companies are jumping on this bandwagon i.e. Smashbox  and Too Faced (which I will review soon)

So what exactly is a BB Cream? 
It goes by several names Blemish Balm, Blemish Base or Beblesh Balm, is a cosmetic item sold mainly in East and Southeast Asia. Originally formulated in Germany it was initially used by dermatologists to help laser surgery patients protect, soothe and refine highly sensitive skin while providing light coverage for post-laser scars, acne and other blemishes.


BB creams come in a variety of different formulations and qualities. Some are said to have skin whitening or brightening properties. Others are said to be anti-acne or anti-wrinkle, some are intended to even out skin tone, and yet others to lighten blemish scars. BB creams are sometimes used like a primer under foundation, and if tinted may supposedly replace foundation and some newer ones are advertised as having functions of primer, foundation, moisturizer, sun block, pore minimization and skin refining together.

So lets talk about Garnier's BB Cream. First I love the packaging of this product its very sleek and modern.You have two shades to choose from: Light/Medium and Medium/Dark. I selected the Light/Medium

This is what it looks like out of the package

Applied to my hand. You can see the diference between the two pictures from one application.

Applying this product is just like applying any primer. A little bit goes a long way. It has a lovely scent to it, it goes one very smooth, feels wonderful on your skin and gives you such a nice coverage blending seemsly into your skin natural color. 

My skin has a redness, freckles, large pores and just overall has lots of flaws. As you can see below.

(I actually cant believe I posted this picture, oh well its for a good cause)

After having one application I feel it did exactly what it clams it does. Its not a full coverage like foundation but it gives a great coverage. A mom of two on the go, I dont always have time to do a full face so I love the idea of applying this in the mornings. It not only will give me the coverage I would want but also improve me skins overall appearnce. 

Would I purchase again: Yes

Did it deliver what it says it does: After one application I feel it does but would like to see what happens after two weeks of use to give a definite answer to this.

Cost: $12.00

Rating:

Hautelook-theBalm

Starting tomorrow 1/30 at 8am PST theBalm will be on sale at Hautelook. If you dont know about this site its a great place to get get high-end products for discounted prices. I have ordered several things from them in the past and it comes so quickly and beautiful packed. 

Now for theBalm sale tomorrow not sure if it will be their skin care line or their beauty line ( I have the Balmbini Palette, Ill post a review of the tomorrow 1/30) Either way if you havent tried this line before now is a great time to try it.

A little about "theBalm":

Marissa Shipman technically founded theBalm Cosmetics in 2004... but it really began a few years earlier when she bought 11 books on “how to make makeup” and began mixing in her kitchen.  Today, the products are no longer made anywhere near her kitchen and you won’t find their “recipes” in any book. theBalm boasts a full line of amazing color cosmetics along with a complete set of skincare and 33 nail polishes.  The brand is known for it’s high quality, multi purpose products that are branded with clever, woman-empowering slogans in retro-inspired packaging. All products are cruelty free and made in the USA.

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Happy Shopping

til Then

Amanda :)

My Favorite Primers-For Each Skin Type.

Practically everyday I get asked the same question."What can I do to make my makeup not look cakey, or my pores/fine lines/wrinkles not look so predominant?" My response is usually the same "Are you using a primer?"

Needless to say the answer is always NO. It is important to your makeup routine, moisterizing your face, is using a primer prior to putting on your cream ,liquid or powder foundation. Below you will find my favorites ranging from high-end to drug store products in order of my favorites.



Benefit The PoreFessional


This is may personal favorites. I use it myself everyday and on all my clients. It has a slight tint to which will hide imperfections and will work with any skin tone perfect for combination skin.

Company Description:

"Quickly minimize the appearance of pores & fine lines for smoother-than-smooth skin! Apply this silky, lightweight balm alone, under or over makeup. Translucent, oil-free formula complements all skintones and helps makeup stay put. Contains a Vitamin E derivative, known to protect skin from free radicals."

Price:
$29.00 (.75 oz)

Purchase at:  
Sephora    Amazon     Benefit

Too Faced Primed and Poreless



This works just as equally as well as The Porefessional. It has a great creamy formula with a slight tint that will cover any imperfections. My go to is the Benefit brand but this one is a very close second.  This is great for any skin type.

Company Description:
"This one-of a-kind makeup primer was scientifically formulated to wear alone or under bronzers and foundation powders for a look of flawless skin without makeup. Vitamins A & C, Mulberry extract, and a powerful dose of Retinol virtually banish pores while tired skin is left hydrated, firmer, and detoxified. Primed & Poreless creates the perfect canvas to allow powders, bronzers, and foundations to slide seamlessly on the skin—delivering a flawless and perfectly blended look that stay in place all day. Skin appears brighter, fresher, and younger."

Price: 
$30 (1 oz)

Purchase at:
Sephora    Amazon    Too Faced

Palladio Herbal Foundation Primer 



Another great primer that fits every budget coming in at $12.00 (cant beat that). It is a gel like primer that dries to a silky finish. It is great for dry and mature skin. 

Company Description:
"Palladio Herbal Foundation Primer offers a nourishing blend to visibly improve the appearance of skin. Skin is left perfectly primed and ready for makeup. Fills in fine lines and pores to help foundation go on smoothly and last longer"


Price:
$11.00 (.676 oz)

Purchase at: 
Sally Beauty     Ulta    Amazon


Rimmel Fix & Perfect Foundation Primer



This is a nice primer that you can find in any drugstore. It is a tinted shade and has almost a gel like feel but comes out creamy. Great for oily skin. 


Company Description:
"Smooth skin and minimize the look of enlarged pores with Fix & Perfect Foundation Primer by Rimmel. Apply prior to foundation to help smooth and even out your complexion. Helps makeup last all day long." 

Price:
$8.00 (1 fl.oz)

Purchase at:
Ulta    Amazon