It’s not the first time I’m using Studio Gear Hydrating CC Cream SPF20 in “Linen”, I actually tried a sample before, but it’s been so long, I actually forgot if I liked it or not. Luckily, I now have a chance to refresh my memories and try it again using a full-sized tube provided by the company via BrandBacker [bloggers, sign up here].
BRAND OVERVIEW
“Studio Gear Cosmetics is a prestigous cosmetics brand featuring a full collection of professional makeup brushes, revolutionalizing complexion formulas, and a wide selection of color products for the eyes, cheeks, and lips. This is a line created true to the concept that every woman deserves professional, high quality cosmetics at a reasonable price.”
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| Studio Gear Hydrating CC Cream SPF20 in “Linen” – squeeze tube packaging prevents cross-contamination |
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| Studio Gear Hydrating CC Cream SPF20 in “Linen” – white lotiony formula will self-adjust to your skin color |
Most of us probably tried at least one BB Cream already, but what about those CC Creams? What’s the fuss all about, anyway, and how are they different from foundations, tinted moisturizers and BBs? Turns out it’s not just a clever marketing ploy, and these products are actually different. The texture of CC creams is like runny lotion, usually white in color with some darker grainy specks. Once applied, the product oxidizes on the skin, and self-adjusts to your complexion; making each shade truly unique. In addition to concealing properties, CC creams usually also work as moisturizers, and sometimes as a base under thicker foundations to make the skin look truly flawless.
For this review I chose the lightest shade – Linen – in the hopes that it would work for my pasty skin. I always apply liquid complexion products with a dampened makeup sponge, and it worked pretty well for me. Always start with the nose, slowly blending outward – I discovered that this simple technique gives me the best result. After buffing Hydrating CC Cream into my skin, I waited about five minutes for the color to develop, and to my pleasant surprise is turned out to be a near perfect match. I mean, it was supposed to adjust to my skin and all, but I honestly didn’t expect it to do it that well!
The coverage is quite light, which isn’t a big deal for me, because I normally don’t wear heavy foundations anyway, but if you have more than one or two small imperfections, you will definitely have to double with a concealer. Another great option would be to use this CC cream as a primer/base for another foundation, this way you will have a nice even canvas.
Let’s not forget that it’s a “Hydrating” CC cream after all, so I checked the ingredient list and found Rose Extract, and Tocopherol [Vitamin E] near the top of the list, which are both known for their skincare benefits. And, of course, the nice mix of chemical [Octinoxate] and physical sunscreens [Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide], makes this CC cream an effective multitasker.
On my skin it lasted approximately seven hours before the color started fading, which is a decent track record for most lightweight complexion products. The finish is dewy and very natural-looking, like your skin but better. I admit, I had to blot my T-zone a few times during the day, but that’s because I normally use setting powder which takes care of any excess oil, however, for the sake of testing this CC cream, I wore it alone to get the unaltered results.
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| Studio Gear Hydrating CC Cream SPF20 in “Linen” – provides light natural-looking coverage |
THE VERDICT
Studio Gear Hydrating CC Cream SPF 20 provides natural-looking, light coverage that lasts seven hours on average. The color adjusts to the wearer’s complexion, blending seamlessly into the skin. Included mix of two types of broad-spectrum sunscreens, both chemical and physical, as well as moisturizing ingredients, make this a good multi-tasting product. Those looking for fuller coverage can use this CC cream as a primer underneath their usual product of choice.
PRODUCT RATING
92%, A-
Formula 10/10 | Application 10/10 | Pigmentation 8/10 | Longevity 9/10 | Product 9/10
PRICE & AVAILABILITY
$34 USD for 1.1 fl. oz. Available at Studio Gear, Ulta.
Special offer: Use code bloggercc to get 10% off your order at StudioGearCosmetics.com
Ingredients:
Octinoxate 7.50%, Titanium Dioxide 5.00%, Zinc Oxide 1.00%. Inactive: Water (Aqua), Dimethicone, Glycerin, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Saccharide Isomerate, Rose Extract, Tocopherol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Aluminum Hydroxide, Boron Nitride, Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Triethyl Citrate, Dextrin Palmitate, Sodium Chloride, Nylon-12, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Squalane, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Lysine, Magnesium Chloride, Palmitic Acid, Benzimidazole Diamond Amidoethyl Urea Carbamoyl Propyl Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Acrylates Crosspolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Xanthan Gum, Stearic Acid, Ethanol, Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Methicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Zinc Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol. May Contain: Mica, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).
This looks like a nice CC cream. I might just have to try it out!
Hi Kristyn — If you don’t mind the light coverage, then you will most likely enjoy this CC cream. It doesn’t really conceal any imperfections, but as you can see from the swatches above, it did a pretty good job at evening out my overall complexion, without masking anything. Let me know what you think about it if you do end up trying it!
Wow, this looks really great on you. I like the BB and CC Creams that have the oxidizing effect and go on with a bit of grit and white. It worked out well for you. I have to check this out!
Hi Judy — Those oxidizing complexion products sure are something, aren’t they? This CC cream provides fairly light coverage, but it did seem to even out my skin tone quite well. I would love to hear what you think about it, if you end up giving it a try!
This looks awesome. I have to check it out. Your skin looks really nice with this CC Cream!
— and thank you, Judy! 🙂
This looks quite awesome. And girl you have some stunningly perfect skin!!!! I am jealous!
Hi Jamie — Ahh, you are too kind! I used to be very sensitive about my skin, because it has discolorations and scars. I’m slowly learning to accept that this is what I have, so might as well show it, so I’m posting more pictures of myself this year. Prior to 2014 you’d be lucky to find one selfie on this blog!
This looks great on you! I wish I had nicer skin!
Hi Eugenia — This CC cream provides very light coverage, so I can see how it will not be suitable for anyone with problem skin. I switch to heavy foundations once a month, because I get hormonal breakouts. And thank you!
I love a lighter foundation/BB/etc. I love how this is sort of a ‘your skin but better’ look – you already have nice skin, why cover it up? The light coverage, with the brightness it gives you is perfect.
Hi Nidia — I’m a huge fan of “your skin but better” look too, it’s no wonder I was so excited about this CC cream. What are your favorites among light coverage complexion products? And thank you 🙂
That looks fantastic! It really perfected all over.
Hi Brooke — I’m happy that you think so, too! I thought it gave my skin just enough coverage to make it even and healthy without looking cakey and heavy. I wish more products felt the way this CC cream does, it was practically weightless!
Wow it looks great on you!
Hi Phyrra — Thank you, I’m glad you like it, too! I’m a big fan of light foundations, so this CC cream was a great find.
Sounds great for people who like light coverage.
Hi Leticia — It’s just as you say, this is a great product to try for anyone who likes light coverage, and it has SPF, too. Don’t you wish they offered various coverage options?
You have great skin! I love light coverage products, I might have to try this.
Hi Ashley — I’m glad that you also like light coverage products. This CC cream is worth checking out if you’re into that type of product. And thank you!
Your skin looks great. I also prefer light coverage.
Hello there! — Good to know that you also prefer light coverage. I just feel like they don’t suffocate my skin, whereas sometimes with heavy coverage foundations it really feels like a mask that I can’t wait to take off. What are some of your favorite products in this category?
Wow, 7 hours seems great for a lightweight CC/BB product. Your complexion always looks so lovely! 🙂
Hi Amber — Indeed, 7 hours for a lightweight complexion product is a very impressive track record, at least according to my personal standards. I was actually expecting 4-5 hours tops, but the result was pleasantly surprising. And thank you!
I really like the way this CC cream looks on you!
Hi Noelle — I’m glad you like the look of this CC cream. It’s a great product to try if you like light coverage and weightless feel.
It looks really good on you, a good alternative to BB cream
I would def try this
Hi Norah — I’m glad you approve of this CC cream on me, it means a lot to hear words of praise from a professional MUA. I would love to hear your thoughts if you do end up checking out this product. And thank you!
That blended very well with your skin.
Hi Melody — It’s nice when makeup just blends in, doesn’t it? The color correcting part of this CC cream is quite impressive, I thought it adjusted to my skin really well. Almost makes me wonder if that was a fluke, but all other reviews I’ve seen were quite positive, too.
I’m so curious about this, because I’m seeing it everywhere lately!
Hi Justina — I’m guessing the reason you’re seeing it everywhere lately is because it was recently sampled via BrandBacker. Being a blogger yourself, you could try reaching out to Studio Gear directly, I’m sure they would love to send you a sample to try.
SO curious to try this out!
Hello there! — It’s a very neat product to try; the way it changes from white to beige right in front of your eyes is especially fun to watch. Hopefully you can get your hands on a sample to experience it yourself.
I have tried this out before and I really like it! Great color on you!
Hi Laura — Good to know that you also liked this CC cream! Your skin is naturally beautiful, so light coverage products work really well for you, I imagine. And don’t you just love the included anti-aging properties and SPF?
Wow, looks great!!
Hi there — Glad that you like the way it looks! The coverage is very light, but it does even out the skin tone pretty well, doesn’t it?
This looks like a great cream!
Hi Kelly — It does look pretty nice, doesn’t it? This CC cream would work best for people who prefer light coverage, because it definitely doesn’t conceal any blemishes.
Probably not enough coverage for me, but it looks great on you!
Hello there! — I’m glad that you like the way it looks on me. You’re right, if you are used to heavier coverage, then this CC cream wouldn’t be a very good choice.
Wow – great coverage on you!
Hi Sheila — I’m glad that you think this CC cream provides good coverage for my complexion. I think so, too! Even though the coverage is fairly light, it hides just enough imperfections and discolorations so they don’t stand out, without really masking anything. I don’t think it’s a good product for problem skin, though.
You have naturally beautiful skin! CC Creams don’t really work for me (at least the ones I tried), for some reason, they just oxidize on me so bad!
Hi Kath — I think oxidizing is part of the process of CC creams adjusting to your skin color, but I may be wrong. In any case, there are so many other complexion products to choose from; not liking CC creams is really no big deal. 🙂 And thank you!
wow, I am really impressed by what this CC cream did for your skin. Your face looks amazing anyways, but the CC cream just made it look even better.
Hi there! — I’m so happy to hear that you are liking the coverage this CC cream gives my skin! And thank you! 🙂
I like this CC cream too, but just wish the coverage were a little heavier. Looks great on you!
Hi Allison — I wouldn’t mind if the coverage was a tad bit heavier either, because at this point it seems like this CC cream is aimed towards people with near perfect skin. Glad you liked it on me, though!
It looks really interesting
Hi Kimmi — I’m with you, I thought the whole color-changing thing was a very intriguing concept. This is quite an interesting product to try.
bit pricey but love how it looks
Hi there! — Unfortunately there aren’t many lower end companies that make CC creams that work like this one, so it might be a while before this kind of formula becomes available at lower price points. After all, it took drugstore brands a long time to adopt the idea of BB creams. I’m glad that you like the effect, though, so you now know what to look forward to if you spot a color-adjusting CC cream with a good price tag 🙂