Drug Store BB Creams Part Two: L'Oreal Magic Skin Beautifier

Happy Saturday!
A few weeks ago, I reviewed a couple drugstore BB creams (you can check that out here).  During the process, I admitted that I haven't been the biggest fan of BB creams thus far, but Revlon's offering was able to tick the most boxes.  Recently, L'Oreal products were on sale at my local Walmart (sale items shouldn't count during a spending ban!) so I thought I'd give their Magic Skin Beautifier a try.  I've only used it a few times now so this will be more of a first impressions post.
The first thing that I noticed is that the packaging seems to be designed in a way that implies a little goes a long way (very narrow nozzle, thick product).  However, I find it doesn't spread as far as you'd think.  It starts off white, then adjusts to your skin tone, which I have to say works quite well even on my very fair skin.  The finish feels very powdery, verging on dry-  probably why it doesn't spread as far as some other BB creams.
The coverage is extremely sheer, in fact I think it works best under a foundation.  It does somehow make your skin look better but it doesn't do a great job of covering redness, evening skin tone or masking blemishes.  I think it would be a great first step in a foundation routine.
All in all, I'm still feeling a bit iffy.  Thankfully, summer is around the corner, meaning I'll likely be reaching for this type of product: light coverage with a powdery finish.  If you like a bit more coverage from your BB cream or have very dry skin, I'd give this one a miss.  However, if you're looking for a bit of extra "beautifying" in your foundation routine, or just feel like your skin needs that something extra, you could do a lot worse.

Have you tried this or any other drugstore BB creams? Thoughts?
Kendall
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Drugstore BB Creams

BB Creams have been on the market in North America for a quite a while now, but I'd never really been too keen. I tried one when they first became big and it really didn't impress me.  But now that summer is coming and I'm looking for easy, one-step products with lighter coverage, I thought I'd give them another shot.

This post is just going to cover a few of the drugstore brands although I'm dying to try out Dior and Clarins' offerings (if anyone has, I'd love to hear about it).

I originally was going to do a comparison between Revlon and Maybelline but I recently got a sample of Garnier's BB Cream as well so I'll talk about all three.

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB 8-in-1 Beauty Balm

The first one I tried was by Maybelline Dream Fresh BB 8-in-1 Beauty Balm and to be honest, I don't love it.  I believe it was only available in three shades (of which I bought the lightest) so it's unsurprising that it is much too dark, even in the summer.  It now comes in five shades so the colour range is probably a bit more suitable. I also found that throughout the day it oxidized, making it even more orange. As for finish, I found it quite oily and the coverage wasn't really great either.  I do like that it has SPF 30 but other than that, I don't think it's anything to write home about.

Revlon Photoready BB Cream

On to Revlon Photoready BB Cream which I showed you all in my last Haul. I bought it in the shade 010 Light and the colour match is great.  I find most Revlon products are able to match my skin very well (something for my pale friends to remember).  The coverage is pretty sheer but buildable: it actually does something to your skin.  I find most days a layer of this plus a bit of powder on my t-zone is great coverage.  It also has SPF 30 and a thicker formula than Maybelline's, meaning a little goes a long way.  It also lasts well.  I have a lot of love for this product.

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector for Combination/Oily Skin

Finally, we have Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector for Combination/Oily Skin in Light. I was hesitant to buy this one because I read a lot of reviews saying the original formula was quite oily.  Although my skin is dry/combination, I have a weird paranoia of looking shiny so I try to stay away from products with a lot of oil.  When I got a sample of their oil-free formula, I was excited to give it a try.  First of all, it goes on beautifully. It has a matte, velvety finish that almost feels like you aren't wearing any makeup at all.  I also dries quickly and I definitely wouldn't think you'd need a powder to set it.  All-in-all, I think it's a lovely product but unfortunately (and unsurprisingly) it is a bit too dark.  I believe they just released a lighter shade in the original formula so hopefully they will for the oil-free as well.  I will probably purchase a full-sized version of this in the summer because if it weren't for the colour-match issue, it would probably be my favourite.  The coverage is perfect and it makes your skin look flawless but still natural.  Sigh

Top: Maybelline Dream Fresh BB 8-in-1 Beauty Balm

Bottom: Revlon Photoready BB Cream

From the tubes

 Top: Maybelline Dream Fresh BB 8-in-1 Beauty Balm

Bottom: Revlon Photoready BB Cream

Slightly blended to show consistency 

 Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector for Combination/Oily Skin

I hope this review has been helpful! I have yet to try L'Oreal, Covergirl or Rimmel's BB Cream so I'll be on the lookout for that. They're making them faster than I can buy them! If there are any other products you'd like me to review, or if you've tried any of these ones, I'd love to hear what you think!

Kendall

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