Hey there! I’ve been analyzing hundreds of real customer reviews for the COVERGIRL & Olay Simply Ageless Instant Wrinkle-Defying Foundation in Natural Ivory, and I’m excited to share what I’ve found. This foundation has been around for years and has quite the reputation, especially among those of us with ahem a few more years of life experience. Let’s dive in!
First Impressions & Packaging
Let’s address the elephant in the room – THE LID ISSUE. So many reviewers mentioned struggling to open this product that it simply can’t be ignored! Multiple people reported having to use tools like screwdrivers and even vice grips (yes, seriously!) to pry the lid open. One reviewer said they “burst an artery trying to open them,” which might be a slight exaggeration, but you get the point. Some even mentioned the container breaking during their attempts to open it. This is definitely something COVERGIRL needs to fix ASAP.
The product comes in a compact design with a sponge applicator included (though a few people mentioned not receiving the sponge, which is frustrating). The packaging is simple and functional – when you can actually open it, that is!
Formula & Texture
The Simply Ageless foundation has a matte cream consistency that feels lightweight on the skin. Many reviewers described it as having a “powder-like finish” after application. It’s not runny or messy like liquid foundations can be, making it perfect for quick application when you’re in a hurry.
The foundation contains SPF 28, which is a nice bonus for daily sun protection, though not quite high enough to skip your regular sunscreen if you’ll be outdoors for extended periods.
What makes this foundation stand out is the Olay component – it’s formulated with hydrating ingredients meant to benefit aging skin. This isn’t just makeup; it’s skincare too!
Application & Coverage
This foundation applies smoothly according to most reviewers. You can use the included sponge, a foundation brush, or even your fingers. Some mentioned that the cream can “drag” a bit during application, but this seems to be less of an issue if your skin is properly moisturized beforehand.
Coverage is described as light to medium but buildable. It won’t completely hide prominent dark spots or significant discoloration, but it does an excellent job evening out skin tone and reducing the appearance of redness. Several reviewers specifically mentioned how well it neutralized redness and blotchiness.
One 52-year-old user mentioned that it “smooths out your wrinkles,” while another in their 70s said it “reduced my wrinkles and smoothed out my complexion.” However, a minority of users found it emphasized their fine lines rather than hiding them, so results may vary depending on your skin type and application technique.
Shade Range & Match
The Natural Ivory shade seems to work well for fair to light skin tones with neutral to slightly warm undertones. Several reviewers mentioned being pleased with the color match, with one saying it was “an absolute perfect match to my skin.”
Some users with very fair skin found Natural Ivory too dark, so if you’re extremely pale, you might want to try a lighter shade. The foundation appears to oxidize slightly throughout the day, with one long-time user noting that it develops “a slightly orangey cast” after several hours of wear.
Performance on Different Skin Types
This foundation seems to perform best on normal to dry skin types. For those with dry skin, it’s described as “really hydrating” and “moisturizing.” Multiple reviewers in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s mentioned how well it worked for their aging, drier skin.
Results on oily skin were mixed. One reviewer with oily skin said it was “OK wearing for a few hours, but will start to shine through shortly thereafter.” If you have very oily skin, you might need to set this with powder and/or use a setting spray.
For those with acne-prone skin, proceed with caution. One reviewer explicitly stated that this product is “NOT for acne-prone skin, as it definitely is NOT a non-comedogenic or oil-free product.” Several mentioned experiencing breakouts after using this foundation.
Longevity & Wear
Most reviewers found that this foundation lasts well throughout the day without significant fading or patchiness. One enthusiastic user even mentioned that “if you happen to fall asleep with it on, it’ll still be there when you wake up” – though I definitely don’t recommend sleeping in your makeup!
The foundation doesn’t appear to transfer much once set, but one reviewer warned to wash your hands well after application to avoid leaving “makeup prints everywhere.”
How It Compares to Higher-End Foundations
Several reviewers mentioned switching from more expensive brands to this drugstore option and being pleasantly surprised. One person who had been using “a expensive brand” that looked “cakey” was “amazed at the difference” with this COVERGIRL foundation.
Another declared it their “new holy grail” that “beats out even my high end foundations.” For the price point (typically $11-16), many found it performs comparably to products costing 2-3 times more.
The Wrinkle-Defying Claims: Truth or Hype?
The “Instant Wrinkle-Defying” claim in the product name generated mixed reactions. Some older users were absolutely thrilled with how the foundation interacted with their fine lines and wrinkles, saying it “doesn’t settle into fine lines” and “floats over” wrinkles rather than settling into them.
However, others were more skeptical. One 52-year-old reviewer stated, “In the advertising it says this foundation defies wrinkles by floating over them, not settling into them. I think that claim is a little over the top… This does nothing whatsoever to minimize the appearance of wrinkles or make me look younger.”
As with most beauty products, your mileage may vary. The formula doesn’t seem to WORSEN the appearance of wrinkles for most users, which is actually a win compared to many foundations that can emphasize fine lines.
Who Should Buy This Foundation?
This foundation seems ideal for:
- Mature skin (40+) that’s normal to dry
- Anyone looking for a lightweight, natural-looking foundation
- Those who want added skincare benefits in their makeup
- People who prefer a powder-like finish without the dryness of actual powder
- Those with mild redness or uneven skin tone
- Anyone wanting built-in sun protection
Who might want to skip it:
- Those with very oily skin
- People with acne-prone skin
- Anyone who needs full coverage
- Those who can’t deal with potentially struggling with the packaging
- Very fair-skinned people might find even the lightest shade too dark
The Bottom Line
The COVERGIRL & Olay Simply Ageless Instant Wrinkle-Defying Foundation has earned its popularity for good reason. It offers a nice balance of coverage, comfort, and skincare benefits at an affordable price point. The formulation seems particularly well-suited for mature, drier skin types who want a natural, not-too-heavy finish.
While it may not perform miracle-level wrinkle defying as the name suggests, it does seem to work better than many foundations on aging skin. The product has clearly built a loyal following, with many reviewers mentioning they’ve used it for years or even a decade!
The biggest detractor is undoubtedly the packaging issues. If COVERGIRL could fix the lid problem, this would be nearly perfect for its target demographic.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable foundation that works well for aging skin and provides a natural finish with light-to-medium coverage, this is definitely worth trying – just maybe keep some tools handy to open it! 😂
Pro Tips From Reviewers
- Some users recommended applying with a slightly damp sponge for the best finish.
- Try using a primer underneath for even better wrinkle-disguising effects.
- Set with a light translucent powder if you have combination skin.
- Several users mentioned just using “a dab” for quick application – a little goes a long way!
- For those with extremely dry skin, make sure to moisturize well beforehand.
Have you tried this foundation? I’d love to hear about your experience with it! And if you have any questions about whether this might work for your specific skin concerns, feel free to ask. I’m happy to help you figure out if this should be your next makeup purchase!
Buy on Amazon: Here
