Studio Gear Hydrating CC Cream SPF 20 in Linen: Swatches, Thoughts, and Review

This is my first CC Cream ever! So, naturally, I was so excited to try it when I received the Studio Gear Hydrating CC Cream in Linen for testing purposes through Brandbacker.  I am already familiar with and like Studio Gear, and because the weather is starting to warm up in California, a CC Cream would be a nice break from foundation on the weekends.

Studio Gear Hydrating CC Cream SPF 20 in Linen retails for $34 (again, my sample was powered by Brandbacker). There are three shades: Linen, Natural, and Wheat. Linen is the lightest and this also has an SPF of 20. Here is a little bit about the product: "Hydrating CC Cream transforms and enhances your complexion in an incredibly light, smooth formula. This foundation simultaneously fights aging, retains moisture, and covers and treats blemishes with a non-oily, perfectly radiant finish".

Key Benefits:

"Prevents fine lines and wrinkles with collagen-building ingredients
Restores skin elasticity by promoting moisture retention
Brightens and illuminates skin with a non-oily, complete coverage application".
Do I agree with these claims made by Studio Gear? Yes...I do...from what I have tested so far.
This CC Cream is very hydrating and my skin feels good, but not oily, when wearing it, which is great because my t-zone is prone to being oily. It is also radiant and has that light, smooth formula . I do feel my skin is illuminated, but the coverage is very very light for me. It does not cover my acne well.
If you have a flawless face, this is all you need, but I needed to set this with a bit of powder to have more coverage, which is fine, because it is still lighter than foundation!
I cannot comment on the treating of acne or the preventing of fine lines and wrinkles because I have not tested it long enough to see long term results. However, I can say it has not aggravated any blemishes of mine further.

This is the first stage of the CC Cream--- (and this is about enough for a full face): Goes on white with little granules in it that produce the color.

Above it is smoothed out and rubbed in half way.

Sorry the picture is a bit blurry, but the tone is accurate. This is the CC Cream on my skin. Matches my skin well (maybe a bit too yellow right now, but will be perfect in summer---keep in mind I am VERY fair) and as you can see it minimizes redness but does not fully cover acne. You can layer on problem areas, but the overall effect is just dewy, healthy skin.

I can be into that...I need to let go of my fear of people seeing my skin anyway. Maybe Studio Gear CC Cream will help me with that!

Overall: Great product...and for my first CC Cream, I am surprised at how much I like it. It does smell like sunscreen, which does not bother me. Also, if you are very fair, like me...this is a good summer product but may be too dark for winter skin. Everyone else...go for it!

Want one for yourself...check it out at Studio Gear's website!

To help you try it out...or anything else from Studio Gear, the brand and Brandbacker has given me a discount code for you guys!

Reader Discount: 10% Off
Reader Discount Code: bloggercc

Happy CC-ing!