To B.B or not to B.B....

...That is the question on everyone's lips (or faces) at the moment.
As you've probably seen on TV/ read in magazines, B.B creams or 'Blemish Balms' are being touted as Britain's next big thing.
Having already conquered the far east with the promise of convenience and multifunctionality, B.B cream has finally arrived on our shores and good old Garnier are the first to jump on the bandwagon.
The Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector Daily All In One B.B cream claims to get to work on your skin in 6 different ways - even tone, boost glow, blur imperfections, smooth fine lines, hydrate for 24 hrs and protect with SPF 15.

Garnier B.B Cream comes in a 50ml tube and retails for £9.99

As a complete sucker for a new beauty fad, I rushed to boots when this little revolution hit the shelves, further enticed by the fact that this £9.99 cream was part of a three for two deal!
I picked up the Medium shade, got home, washed all my makeup off and promptly slathered my face in the stuff. (Not really, I more dotted and blended).
In inspecting my new improved reflection in the mirror, I was a little frightened to be confronted with what can only be described as an oompa loompa version of myself. This isn't entirely true either, but I did look somewhat similar to a terracotta plant pot.  Now, I'm not really sure if this is a fault with the product, or my bad judgement in just how alabaster my face has become. My beloved Australian tan has well and truly left the building, so I should probably have accepted this and picked up the light shade.

The texture of the BB cream is very similar to that of most tinted moisturisers or light foundations. It comes out of the tube quite thick and a little does go a long way. Because I wasn't too impressed with the colouring of the product (once again, probably my fault), I've started using it very sparingly and I must say that it is quite nice, but I'm not going nuts over it.
It feels very light, and does make the skin look a little more even - like a 'no make up' look, but I'm not quite sure what sets it apart from a tinted moisturiser
As for the scent, it's got that trademark fruity smell that garnier are known for, so I sort of subliminally felt like I was putting shampoo on my face. I'm not very keen on fruity scents in products, but if you are, this would be right up your alley.

My first ever swatch!..And a close up of my veiny wrist

Garnier's not the only brand that's been bitten by the B.B bug with everyone from MAC to Maybelline launching their own versions of Blemish Balm. You can already pick up Dior's version at Harrods for £36.50, while Mac, Clinique and Estee Lauder's B.B creams are currently only available at Harrods.

I don't really like ditching foundation when I'm out and about, but I have put this on followed by a dusting of pressed powder (I use Dior Diorskin Forever Compact) when I was running late for work. Wearing it without powder, I seem to end up with a slight oil slick on my T Zone and found my glasses sliding further and further down my nose. I'm thinking people with dry skin will appreciate this product because it is quite soothing and my skin does get pretty darn dry in the colder months over here, so I might grow to love it now that the mercury's dropping!

For now though, the Garnier B.B cream shall stay in my handbag for beauty emergencies alongside my back up mascara and spare knickers :)