Product Test Drive: Garnier BB Cream vs. Garnier BB Cream For Combo/Oily Skin

The most popular search on my blog is for BB Creams. I love these for those days when you want a lighter coverage that's easy to apply. I keep one in my Beauty To-Go Box. I think I've reviewed almost all of the drugstore versions--you can check out my BB Cream reviews here--and while these aren't Asian BB Creams, I'm a fan of them regardless. My personal drugstore favorite is the Garnier BB Cream, which is so nice for dry skin, but leaves you super shiny if you have oily skin. Luckily, Garnier now also has a formula just for combination/oily skin. After a year of using the original, and a few months of using the combo/oily, I'm reviewing them both today. Enjoy!

Garnier BB Cream--original formula

• SPF 15
• 2.5 oz
• 3 shades: fair, light/medium, medium/deep
• best for dry skin
• flip top cap
• thick formula
• +- $12

Garnier BB Cream--combo/oily skin

• SPF 20
• 2.0 oz
• 3 shades: light/medium, medium/deep, deep
• best for oily/combo skin
• screw top cap
• runny formula
• +- $12 (I used a coupon for a few dollars off)

Swatches of Oily/Combo formula in Med/Deep and Light/Med

I'm currently mixing them both, since I'm in between shades.

These are the same shades, but different formulas.

The original formula is very thick.

The c/o formula is runny and a slight bit darker.

Here they are rubbed in a little on my arm. 

Obviously this is not blended in, as

I just wanted to show the differences.

On your left, I have the original light/med on my face. It is slightly dewier.

On your right, I have the light/med combo/oily on my face. It has less coverage, 

allowing my freckles to peep through.

Neither formula matches my skin perfectly at the moment, 

but I wanted to show the same shade.

This photo has not been altered in any way, and used natural lighting.

Overall:

• I liked them both. I've repurchased the original a couple of times, and would repurchase the c/o formula. Both are easy to apply.
• The original formula is much thicker, and I felt it gave a bit more coverage, and left a glow to my skin. While I like the moisture it provides, sometimes it can be a little too much in summer months, so I can use powder, but using the c/o (combination.oily) formula would solve that.
• The c/o formula is very thin and runny, but gave a light-slightly medium coverage, and only slightly less coverage than the orig. formula. I didn't find it drying, which makes it perfect for dry skin, too.
• This is the thinnest BB Cream I've ever tried, and I would liken it to Maybelline's Dream Fresh BB Cream. Oily skin will like this. It is not a mattifying or drying product, and nicely sinks a little into skin. I would suggest buying this if you are in the market for a new bb cream to try.
• I do not like the cap on this product--it cannot be stored with the cap on the bottom, because it leaks out once opened. Such a mess! I prefer the flip-top cap instead.
• C/O has more SPF, but is half an ounce less, and costs the same. It used to be a dollar more, so I'm glad to see the price come down.
• C/O can be used as a makeup base if you have dry skin.
• I experienced no breakouts from either.

If you're a BB Cream fan, let me know your faves!

Questions? Comments? Let me know, below!

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