Recently, BB Creams have become front and center within the makeup world. It seems like every season, another brand is coming out with their own version of the BB cream (short for Blemish Balm). BB Creams provide the wearer with light foundation coverage, with the added bonus of moisturizer, primer, toner, and even sometimes, sunblock.
I had already owned one BB cream when I was given the opportunity to review 3 others. I decided that this would be the best occasion to compare and contrast the creams and provide a thorough review on which was best. Therefore, the Battle of the BB’s had commenced!
The reviews will be broken down into two parts – two products per posting. The BB cream’s being analyzed are as follows:
- Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream
- Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream
- Marcelle BB Cream Beauty Balm
- Annabelle Multi-Action BB Cream
First up, Garnier and Maybelline.
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Courtesy of Garnier
Product: Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream
Price: $19.99 (CAN)
What It Claims: “…hydrates, corrects wrinkles and imperfections, protects, evens, and brightens”
Available: In 2 shades (Medium Light & Dark Medium)
Review: LOVE this BB cream. The product is just thick enough to provide a decent coverage, and the colouring is spot on. The texture is substantial enough that the product stays put all day, but light enough to feel weightless on your skin. The coverage is decent enough to cover up minor imperfections, but anything larger than that and you will need some concealer. Yet for hot days, this product is a perfect multitasker.
Personally, I didn’t find the product oily at all. It blended well and didn’t require reapplying. The fragrance is sweet – nice and airy, much like the product itself. One major drawback though – it only comes in two shades. With the vast amount of woman looking for the convenience of BB creams, I’m not sure why they only provide coverage for a small amount of the population. Another drawback – the price. It’s one of the more expensive BB creams available.
Do you see how thick the product is? The blended product (right side) gives a nice sheen.
Final Verdict: Very good BB cream – decent coverage and light finish.
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Courtesy of Maybelline
Product: Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream (8 in 1)
Price: $8.99 – $12.99 (CAN)
What It Claims: “…blurs imperfections, brightens, evens skin tone, smoothes, hydrates, enhances, protects, oil free…”
Available: 5 shades
Review: I found this product to be less a BB cream, and more a tinted moisturizer. It’s definitely not as thick as regular foundation, or even the Garnier BB cream, but it applies very evenly and smoothly. I found that the product brightened the skin, and evened out my skin tone, but did very little to blur imperfections. If you’re having a bad skin day, this product won’t do a lot to conceal that fact. It’s better suited for days when you want minimal coverage and to allow your skin to breathe.
The best thing about this product was the added SPF – SPF 30 for a BB cream is absolutely amazing. Another added bonus was the minimal price tag – it’s a good product for the money, even if it acts as a better tinted moisturizer. The product itself had no fragrance (a bonus, for some!) and wasn’t oily at all.
Can you see the consistency change? And the coverage (right) is very minimal.
Final Verdict: Good moisturizer, great price, yet minimal coverage.
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That’s it for Round 1! Coming next, Annabelle and Marcelle.
Let me know if you’ve tried any of the above BB creams. How was your experience? Leave a comment or e-mail me at ashley@torontobeautyreviews.com.
NOTE: Products were both purchased and sent for review.
I can’t believe I stumbled on this post now. I just blogged about my own B.B. battle! I used all of these drug store brands before and gotta say, I prefer department store brands. I’m in love with the Dior Hydra Life right now. Check out my post here: http://theskiny.com/dior-bb-vs-estee-lauder/
The Garnier BB Cream was so darn sheer, I had no coverage at all. It also made me feel really oily.
I definitely love Marcelle better than any BB Cream on the market because it does every it claims!
marcelle is my fave! I hope you like it 🙂
Hey Leesh, the Marcelle line has a darker shade now too! Maybe check that one out 🙂
Thanks Elaine! The Vichy one I think would be a good option!
Hi Leesh! Wow, that’s awesome about the Maybelline one. It sounds like a good inbetween tans option, and it’s good that its so cheap. I’m really enjoying the Marcelle one, and it sounds like it would be a good choice for the winter months.
Thanks for the comment!
I really liked the Marcelle one but I didn’t purchase because I knew I would be getting a tan and would need a darker shade. I will probably pick it up in the fall.
I was given though the Deep in Maybelline BB cream and I really like it. It’s a little dark for my face but I use it to add colour to my fading tan. It doesn’t have the same effect on my face as Marcelle but I find it does bring this summer glow/sheen.
Great reviews Ash! I really like the Marcelle one – see my review here: https://www.torontobeautyreviews.com/2012/01/marcelle-introduces-canadas-first-bb.html and my mom loves the one by Vichy for more mature skin: https://www.torontobeautyreviews.com/2012/03/vichy-gets-thumbs-up-from-mom.html
Hello Eliz! Most of them are relatively new to the Canadian marketplace. The Maybelline once launched very recently, and the Marcelle and Annabelle are either pending very soon, or have JUST been released.
They’re a great addition to any makeup kit, I hope you experiment! Thanks for the comment.
Wow I never even heard of BB creams until now…Can’t wait for the other reveiws
Oh no! What was your experience with the Garnier BB cream?
I’m working on Marcelle and Annabelle this week. How did you find Marcelle’s?
Battle of the BB Creams…I like this!
I’ve tried the Garnier BB Cream and I reallyyy dislike the product.
Marcelle BB Cream is my fav!
I think you’re right Cynthia, thanks for the comment.
Yes, I think Wal-Mart has the cheapest price around. Garnier was the one I actually purchased beforehand, and it was a steep $20.00.
Thank you! Ditto, I wish the Garnier one had SPF. It would be amazing then.
I’ve also heard beauty balm for BB cream – I think that’s the standard for most North American/western brands, probably because these brands are more make-up-y while the Asian brands are more skincare.
Garnier is about $15 at Walmart plus I know there is $3 coupons floating around
I wished Garnier has SPF. Great post
http://happychinadoll.blogspot.ca/2012/07/organized-mom-tips.html
Thanks for the comment! The Garnier one is amazing, except for the steep price tag.
I’ll have to look into the Kanebo Kate BB cream, I’ve never heard of it. Thanks for the tip!
love the review thanks! I personally haven’t tried the BB Creams in your post as most of my BB Creams are from Asia. My fav is the Kanebo Kate BB Gel Cream. It’s just amazing! Check out my review of this BB Cream here: Mimika’s Little Wonderland