Garnier BB Cream Oil Free in Light-Medium. Review and Swatches!

Hello my pretties!  Today I have a new review for you!  Get ready...its Garnier's new Oil Free BB Cream!

I did a review this past summer on their Original version, and I mentioned then that I'd seen an Oily Skin version. This is the version they released for the US.  I dont know if the UK and US version are different...I'm only reviewing what I have.

That all being said..lets see what Garnier says:

"Instantly controls Shine, Minimizes Pores, Evens, Hydrates" (according to box).

Not bad.  I would have enjoyed the original version more if the stuff hadn't melted off my face and was a better shade match.  Wanna know how this fared? Keep reading!

Click to enlarge pics.

The lotion is vastly different from the original.  There are some added mattifying ingredients, and the shade when compared to the original that came out, is actually a hair more orange.  Also, which I admit annoyed me once I realized it, this BB cream is only 2 oz.  Half an ounce less then the original.  Why discriminate against oily skinned babes?

As for how this did?  Not too shabby!  It evened out my skin nicely, and did a good job of keeping the oilies at bay.  However, it did look slightly powdery once it dried down, and settled into some fine lines around my eyes and mouth. 

How does this differ from the Original?

• No Citrus smell.  The original had a pleasant citrusy smell, that I rather enjoyed   The scent for this reminds me of sunscreen
• Light/Medium for this slightly more orange then Light/Medium for the Original.
• .5oz less in Oily skin version then the Original. 

I apologize, no face shots.  I couldn't take a picture of my face with this on.  The original is actually lighter then this version, so while the other version could pass (and I could go outside with it on), this one definitely made my face orange.

(Ingredients for your viewing pleasure)

(Original on left/Oily skin version on right)

(Oily skin version swatch)

Overall:  My face looks brighter, less dull, and shine free!  If only the shade match was better, then I would definitely use this everyday.  So I recommend gals with Combo/Oily skin to definitely give this a try! However, since it makes me look like I'm wearing a (very pretty) orange mask, I will probably give this away to my cousin (who's olive skinned).

Skincare Review (gasp!) Garnier The Ultimate Cleanser 3-Way Clean

Howdy!  Welcome to my very first skincare review! *I can already hear the applause*.  I tend to steer away from reviewing skincare because its all so subjective.  What works for me (with my Combo Oily/Normal skin) may not work for someone else who has the same oily/normal skin.  Anyway, I felt like this might be a little neutral enough to post about, and I kinda dig it..so here it is.

Garnier The Ultimate Cleanser 3 Way Cleanser.

Here's what Garnier has to say:

"• Dermatologist tested for safety • 100% oil-free• Non comedogenic• Won't clog pores• Allergy tested• Respects skin's natural moisture balance 

How do I use it?

As a Daily Cleanser: To wash away dirt and excess oil and remove surface impurities, moisten hands and face and gently apply cleanser in circular motions avoiding the eye area. Rinse face with water.

As an Exfoliating Scrub: To gently exfoliate away dead skin cells for super-smooth skin, moisten hands and face and vigorously massage for 1 minute onto skin in circular motions avoiding the eye area. Rinse face with water. Use 1 to 2 times a week.

As a 3 Minute Mask: to detoxify skin and purify clogged pores, spread a thin layer onto skin avoiding the eye area. Let dry for 3 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with water. Use 1 to 2 times a week. " source

What I liked :
I liked using it to exfoliate my skin.  It wasnt crazy rough on my skin (though the beads are a bit hard) , and had a pleasant floraly/clay smell.  It exfoliates without leaving my skin tight and dry (though I always moisturize afterwards anyway). I also like using it as a mask over my whole face. I apply, leave it on for 3 (ok..5) min, and rinse.  My face feels nice and smooth, and always looks a bit clearer.  The fact that it's oil free is also a win. With my oil slick of a forehead , the last thing my face needs is more oil.

What I didnt like:
..Truthfully, it cant be used as a regular cleanser.  The exfoliating beads are in the cream, and no matter what, you end up exfoliating, scrubbing, and taking off a layer of skin.  It's also a bit of a trip to take off. You have to rinse, and rinse and rinse to make sure all the beads and lather is gone.

Overall:
 This product is just " OK" . Its a good scrub if you dont mind scratchy exfoliating beads (personally I dont mind).  It's also an ok mask (though, as I said..the beads are always there...so be careful).  Theres no way in heck this could be used as a daily cleanser .  I personally like it as an exfoliator, and will use it as such.  Will I repurchase?  Maybe.

Review & Swatches! Garnier Skin Renew BB Cream in Light/Medium

Todays review is on the new BB cream from Garnier.  BB creams originated in Asia.  BB stands for Blemish Balm (or as we westerners call it-Beauty Balm).  People are going crazy over BB creams  because they're not just skin care or a tinted moisturizer; but they can help heal your skin, and help it look better over time.  BB Creams can be used under foundation, in place of foundation, as a primer, or worn alone.  So far I've shown you (my opinion and experience with ) the Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream (click here to read the review).

Here's what the Garnier (site) has to say about their BB cream  "A combination of Hyaluronic Acid, Lipidure Microspheres + Glycerin retains water in the skin, allowing it to maintain superior moisture levels and improve softness and suppleness of skin for 24hours.*Vitamin C provides antioxidant properties, boosts radiance and luminosity of skin.*Mineral Pigments delicately and immediately beautiful skin. The rich pigments instantly melt and spread flawlessly over skin."

(Click to enlarge) 

Garnier was (I believe) one of the first companies that made a bb cream for the drugstore.  Its been out for quite a while, but I was hesitant to pick it up.  As anyone whos super light or super dark can tell u.. "works for most skintones" usually means it doesnt.  I was worried about it being too yellow, or orange.

(you can see a bit of yellow, but its not too bad once applied to the face)

This BB cream actually aint half bad.  The color match wasn't perfect (though I wasn't expecting it to be), but it was good enough where my face looked refreshed and less dull (it didn't give me a mask or "my face is darker then my neck" look).  This cream has pretty strong citrus-y smell, which goes away after about 10 min or so of wearing it.

This definitely brightened and hydrated my face.  As for evening out my skintone, it did ok with that..not perfectly, but my skin definitely looked better.  For me, this isn't one that I'll use all the time.  My skin is combination (oily/normal), and this made my skin look super shiny if I didn't use powder over it.  I've seen on some UK beauty blogs that there's an "oily skin" version of this, and I wish I could get my hands on that, because I'm pretty sure that would have worked much better for me.

Overall: If you don't have a super oily tzone, I think this is worth a shot.  I did like the way my face looked while I was wearing it (if only it didn't turn into an oil slick).  It has vitamin c, which is great for the skin, and also has a bit of SPF which is nice.  For me, it works only if I put powder over it (which isn't ideal in the summer time), but for those with dry, normal skin..I think this is worth a shot!


*I cant compare bb creams here to those made in Asia (I havent tried any asian ones for starters).  The ones in Asia (from what I've read) are true bb creams, and are amazing.  My opinions here are just how it works overall, and if its a worthy investment or not-not whether or not its a true bb cream*


-$12.99 at CVS
-I bought this myself-all opinions are my own