Hey there! So I’ve been testing out this COVERGIRL & Olay Simply Ageless Foundation for a while now, and I’ve got some THOUGHTS. If you’re wondering whether this is worth adding to your makeup bag, especially if you’re dealing with some signs of aging, I’m here to break it all down for you!
Quick Take
This is a solid drugstore foundation that actually delivers on most of its promises. It’s especially great for mature skin, offers medium coverage that’s buildable, and doesn’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles like many other foundations do. Is it perfect? Nope. But for the price point, it’s genuinely impressive.
Let’s Talk Packaging
The foundation comes in a two-part compact:
- A glass container with a screw top that holds the actual foundation
- A plastic compartment underneath that stores the applicator sponge
This design is GENIUS because it keeps your sponge separate and clean! No more gunky sponges sitting directly on your makeup. However, there’s one pretty big issue that multiple people mentioned – this thing can be REALLY hard to open! Several reviewers said they struggled for up to 90 minutes trying to open it, with some even throwing it away in frustration. 🤦♀️
While most people figure it out eventually, this is definitely something to be aware of. Also worth noting: the compact contains 0.4 oz of product, which is less than half the amount in the pump bottle version (1 oz) of the same foundation.
Application & Coverage
When it comes to applying this foundation, I found several interesting points in the reviews:
- The included sponge applicator gets mixed reviews. Some love it, but many prefer using a foundation brush or beauty blender for better blending.
- The foundation has a creamy texture that goes on smoothly when applied correctly.
- Coverage is medium but buildable – you can layer it for more coverage without it looking cakey.
- A little goes a long way! Several reviewers mentioned that using less product gives better results.
- It works best when set with a powder to prevent transfer and increase longevity.
One 43-year-old reviewer shared a game-changing tip: “I got this, tried it and hated it. And then I learned the tips you need to follow to make it look flawless. 1) Apply it with a foundation brush. Dab it on. 2) Apply a powder over it. Now it is hands down my favorite foundation ever.”
Performance on Mature Skin
This is where this foundation REALLY shines. So many reviewers in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s absolutely LOVE this product:
- A 78-year-old woman who had been searching for years for a natural-looking foundation said, “I found it! This foundation is simply lovely.”
- A 62-year-old with olive complexion was thrilled that it matched her skin tone perfectly and covered imperfections without being too heavy.
- Multiple reviewers commented that it doesn’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles like other foundations do.
- The foundation contains B vitamins and peptides that are supposed to improve your skin over time with continued use.
However, not everyone had the same experience. One reviewer complained, “Unless you want to see it sitting in your lines and wrinkles after just five minutes. UGH!” This suggests that skin type and preparation might play a significant role in how well this performs.
Skin Types & Performance
Based on the reviews, this foundation seems to work best for:
- Normal to dry skin
- Mature skin with fine lines and wrinkles
- Those with uneven skin tone or discoloration
Several reviewers with dry skin mentioned that it didn’t emphasize flakiness when applied properly. For combination skin, setting powder was recommended for longer wear.
The foundation might not be ideal for:
- Very oily skin (though some oily-skinned users still liked it with powder)
- Those who prefer very sheer coverage or a dewy finish
- People who want a transfer-proof foundation (this can transfer if not set)
Longevity & Wear Time
The staying power of this foundation received high marks across the board:
- Multiple reviewers mentioned it lasted all day, even through 12+ hour work shifts
- A hospital worker noted that it held up well even with taking a mask on and off throughout the night
- It doesn’t oxidize much throughout the day
- Most found it didn’t need touch-ups during normal daily wear
One reviewer who works 12-hour shifts in all kinds of weather said she never has to reapply it. That’s pretty impressive!
Shade Selection & Color Matching
The Natural Beige shade seems to work well for many with light to medium skin tones with neutral to warm undertones. Several reviewers mentioned:
- The shade range runs slightly light (you might need to go one shade darker than usual)
- It blends into skin well once it sets
- Those with olive complexions found good matches in the range
- It doesn’t oxidize or change color significantly throughout the day
Skincare Benefits
This isn’t just makeup – the Olay component is supposed to deliver skincare benefits:
- Contains SPF 28 for sun protection
- Includes B vitamins and peptides for skin improvement over time
- Many users reported that their skin felt moisturized and smooth
- The formula is designed to sit on top of wrinkles rather than settling into them
A 61-year-old reviewer said: “I believe that the Oil of Olay within the foundation is what helps soften my skin.”
Price Point & Value
At around $13-16 per compact, most reviewers found this to be excellent value compared to high-end foundations:
- One user mentioned switching from an $82 designer foundation to this and being very satisfied
- Many found it performed better than more expensive department store brands
- The product does run out fairly quickly with daily use (about a month for many users)
- Amazon’s price is generally better than retail stores, with some mentioning savings of $3-5 per compact
The Not-So-Great Parts
Let’s be real – no product is perfect. Here are the consistent complaints:
- The compact can be EXTREMELY difficult to open (this was mentioned multiple times)
- Some received products that had been used or damaged in shipping
- The applicator sponge that comes with it isn’t always the best quality
- A few mentioned the formula can be inconsistent from batch to batch
- It’s not completely transfer-proof and can come off on clothes if not set with powder
- Some found it too heavy or cakey when not applied correctly
Comparison to Other Products
Several reviewers compared this to other foundations:
- Many former Bare Minerals users switched to this and preferred it
- Some compared it to KVD Good Apple foundation, calling this a more affordable “dupe”
- Users who tried high-end foundations from Sephora (Tarte, Born This Way, etc.) said this performed better
Who This Foundation Is For
Based on all the reviews, this foundation seems ideal for:
- Women 40+ who want good coverage without emphasizing lines and wrinkles
- Anyone with dry to normal skin looking for medium coverage
- People who want a foundation with skincare benefits
- Those who want a product that applies quickly and easily for everyday wear
- Anyone looking for an affordable alternative to high-end foundations
Final Thoughts
The COVERGIRL & Olay Simply Ageless Instant Wrinkle-Defying Foundation in Natural Beige definitely lives up to most of its claims! It provides good coverage for mature skin without settling into fine lines, has beneficial skincare ingredients, and lasts all day when applied correctly.
The formula works best when:
- Applied with a foundation brush (not the included sponge)
- Used sparingly (a little goes a long way!)
- Set with a light dusting of powder
While the packaging design is clever, the difficulty in opening it is a significant drawback. And like any foundation, your mileage may vary depending on your skin type and concerns.
For around $15, this is a SOLID option, especially for those with mature skin. Many users who’ve tried foundations at all price points keep coming back to this one, which says a lot! It’s not just marketing hype – this foundation really does help many people look and feel their best.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely – especially if you’re over 40 and looking for something that won’t settle into lines. Just be prepared to wrestle with the compact the first time you use it! 😉
Buy on Amazon: Here
