Product Review: Garnier BB Cream - The Miracle Face Cream

BY GRECIA MGOLOMBANE
Oct 2, 2024
6 min read

Updated: Oct 30, 2024

We put the Garnier Skin BB Cream to the test after seeing all the hype about it on socials. Keep reading for our full product review.

Editor's Note: At Modern Opulent Gazette, we take product reviews seriously, our approach to product reviews is all about transparency, authenticity, and real results. We meticulously test each item to see how it holds up in everyday life, looking at everything from quality to how well it fits into diverse skin types, routines, and lifestyles. Whether it’s a new beauty launch or a classic staple, we’re here to give you the honest tea on what’s worth your time and money. Our goal? To help you make confident, informed decisions that fit seamlessly into your world.

Personally when it came to beauty and skincare, I was like Mia Thermopolis before the whole makeover scene in the Princess Diaries. Well, technically I still am—I believe minimalism is the art of sophistication; I draw inspiration from Alicia Keys with her soul-care approach to beauty and femininity.

My motto is that one is a spirit before a human, but I also realised that a little bit of being extra is not a crime. Right? I mean, I never used a BB, CC, or any other alphabet cream before this month. It’s so unlike me. When seeking ways to treat and cover up my dry and eczema skin throughout winter - and my early morning errand runs and important interviews, I realised that Garnier BB cream might be a way to counter 90% of my skin products. So, a lot of people opt for well-known foundations and makeup products on the South African market. I decided to put on my research hat, and dive into the world of cosmetology and what could actually treat and cover-up my eczema prone skin.

Review: Garnier BB Cream - Before and After

All that being said, I was happy to include Garnier Skin BB Cream in my weekly lineup. It's got everything—targeting uneven skin tone, being gentle on sensitive skin, offering sun protection, covering blemishes, and providing hydration. But does it really work? Or better said, is it worth the hype? There’s only one way to find out. Keep reading for my honest review. I remember thinking, ‘What is a BB cream, and why in the world would I need one?’ Well, it turns out they come in handy when looking for a beauty multi-tasker such as myself, so I took the plunge with Garnier Skin BB Cream Classic Dark.

About Garnier BB Cream:

"Beauty Balm" or "Blemish Balm,"creams (BB), is your all-in-one skincare and makeup essential. It hydrates, evens out skin tone, offers lightweight coverage, and usually includes SPF for sun protection. Think of it as a multitasking hero—moisturiser, foundation, and sunscreen in one, perfect for a fresh, natural look.

The Garnier BB Cream is a multi-purpose beauty balm designed to simplify your skincare routine. Known as the "miracle cream," it offers a 5-in-1 solution by combining hydration, SPF protection, and light coverage in one easy application. The formula works to even out skin tone, minimise the appearance of pores, and provide a natural, radiant finish. Its texture is more substantial than a tinted moisturiser but lighter than a foundation Ideal for everyday use, Garnier BB Cream is a favourite for those seeking a lightweight, all-in-one product that enhances skin's glow while protecting it from the sun’s harmful rays.

However, unlike foundations that offer dozens of colours, BB creams typically have much less range, with offerings in the Light/Fair, Medium/Deep, and Deep categories. The South African market only offers deep and not the classic medium/deep like the American market so for all my deep caramel skin tones and in-between - like myself, do not panic, as I found the perfect blend that saves you from splurging on a new foundation. The new Essence Coverstick in Matt Caramel (or any other shade) mixed with your BB cream creates a flawless match for your ideal skin tone.

About my skin: Eczema prone skin

I have eczema prone skin that tends to have seasonal flare ups. During the winter months my skin tends to lose moisture;which leaves unwanted blemishes on my cheeks.

Also when my sinuses are bad this causes my entire body to react which causes my skin to look dehydrated and tired; as well as my iron deficiency.

How to Apply: Use a Brush

When applying the Garnier BB Cream, at first glance, it seemed way too dark for my medium brown skin. However, once I started applying it, I noticed it blended well with my skin tone; and was quite heavier than I thought it would be, and as such, I had squeezed out far too much product. This product's substance is much like toothpaste.

I have to date been using the Garnier BB Cream for a month now and to be honest I thought it was just a regular foundation. This cream has done wonders for my skin; all my blemishes are starting to fade and even the dark circles around my eyes are starting to fade. I read that the product contains mineral pigments but I did not pay much attention to the effect that it would have on my skin.

My complexion is much even and my skin has a radiant glow. The other perk of using this foundation is that it is waterproof and does not melt from your face as I rarely sweat in heat when wearing it.

Pro Tip: Use sparingly and apply with your finger a little sparingly with a foundation brush. A little goes a long way. I recommend using a brush for application because it takes a bit of work to blend it properly for even coverage, and a brush makes blending much easier.

The Results: Natural Glazed Look

I have been using the Garnier BB Cream for a month now and I noticed a major difference in how my skin looks.

Over the course of four weeks, I noticed a remarkable transformation in my skin. In Week 1, the most noticeable change was how the foundation covered all my skin imperfections, giving me a radiant, glowing complexion. By Week 2, my skin felt smoother, and the blemishes from eczema started to fade, while my face no longer appeared pale. By Week 3, the improvement in my skin's texture was dramatic, and the way my skin glistened in the sun was truly noticeable. For years, my pale complexion had been attributed to iron deficiency, causing uneven skin tone. By Week 4, I saw even more progress, as the dark circles around my eyes began to vanish, along with a lingering blemish on my left cheek from a previous eczema flare-up.

The product is a miracle cream that works for you if you want an all-in-one perfector and skin treatment. However, there was one drawback.

When applying too much, or without the blending effect, it does leave my skin looking very dewy - a little too dewy for my taste. Other people have recommended a bit of translucent powder in some areas to take down the shine. I prefer a matte skin appearance, so depending on your preference, you might want to try what works for you. I also used the ANEW Daily Defense Moisturiser Vitamin C Sunscreen by Avon which has SPF 50 to deal with the scorching Capetonian sun.

The Garnier BB Cream Skin Active is available in several formulations outside the South African market; you can also find the Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector on Amazon and other outlets.

What We Liked:	What We Don't Like:
The mineral pigments which actually correct your skin tone.	It has a dewy touch and feel to it/ a bit thick.
It has SPF 25 that actually protects your skin from the sun.	I would also like a precise shade without me having to mix it to fit my exact skin tone.
It covers your face for up to 24 hours.	It is not very easy to apply to skin easily because of its thickness
It is waterproof and does not come off easily.
It makes your skin glisten and shine without using bronzer.

Final Verdict: Finish that Lasts for Hours

Garnier BB Cream gives your skin a natural, glazed luminous finish that lasts for hours without caking or fading. Suitable for all skin types, this cream is especially good for anyone that has skin sensitivities and allergies. Overall, I am pleased with the results of the Garnier BB Cream, as it has proven to be a perfector—my eczema marks are less visible. The cream offers minimal sun protection, as it does not melt or become sticky when outside. If you’re trying to achieve a natural, no makeup look, this cream works well and really gives off a natural appearance. The BB Cream is true to its promise as it does: