Hey beauty lovers! Today I’m sharing my thoughts on a drugstore classic that’s been around for YEARS – the Covergirl Clean Simply Powder Foundation. I’ve been testing the Creamy Natural shade for a while now, and I’ve got some THOUGHTS.
Quick Facts
- Product: Covergirl Clean Simply Powder Foundation
- Shade: Creamy Natural
- Price Point: Super affordable (about 1/4 or 1/5 the price of high-end alternatives)
- Claims: Covers like a liquid foundation while feeling like a powder
First Impressions
The packaging is simple and practical – nothing fancy, but it gets the job done. One weird thing many people mentioned is that sometimes the compact comes “backwards” in the packaging. Honestly, it’s super easy to take the two parts apart and reattach them correctly, so not a big deal!
The product comes with a sponge applicator, though some people prefer using a brush or beauty blender instead. I’ve tried both methods (more on that later).
Application & Coverage
Okay, so there are MIXED opinions on coverage! Some users swear this powder gives them enough coverage to skip concealer entirely, while others find it barely evens out their skin tone.
From my testing and reading through others’ experiences, here’s what I found:
- It applies easily and smoothly
- Coverage is light to medium at best
- It’s buildable without looking cakey
- Works GREAT for quick touch-ups on the go
- For best results, many use a damp beauty blender or setting spray
One reviewer shared a genius tip – soak a beauty blender, squeeze it out well, spray a fine mist of setting spray on it, then use that to apply the powder foundation. According to them, this method gave enough coverage to skip concealer completely!
Longevity & Performance
This is where this product REALLY stands out for the price point. Many reviewers with oily skin were impressed with how long it lasted, even in humid weather. One person mentioned it staying on their oily nose all day when even high-end brands would slide off within hours.
The formula seems to be particularly good for:
- Oily skin types (multiple reviewers confirmed this)
- Hot, humid weather
- Long days without touch-ups (though some say reapplication is needed)
One user mentioned wearing it with foundation at an 8-hour outdoor event and never having to reapply!
Comparison to Higher-End Brands
Several reviewers directly compared this to more expensive brands:
- Multiple people switched from Bare Minerals ($35+) to this ($8-10)
- Others mentioned it performing better than Sephora’s Matte Perfection Powder Foundation
- One reviewer who typically used “E-Laud” (assuming they mean Estée Lauder) found this to be a great alternative
The consensus seems to be that while some high-end foundations might have a slightly more luxurious feel or finish, the difference isn’t worth 3-5x the price for most people.
Pros & Cons
What I LOVE:
- SUPER affordable price point
- Feels lightweight on the skin (multiple reviewers mentioned not feeling like they were wearing makeup)
- Great for oily skin
- Stays put in humid weather
- Doesn’t break easily in your purse (unlike some higher-end compacts)
- Works well for quick application and touch-ups
- Good for setting liquid foundation OR wearing alone
The Not-So-Great:
- Coverage is hit or miss depending on application method
- Some received damaged/broken products (shipping issue, not product issue)
- A few users found the shade selection tricky when ordering online
- Not ideal for those wanting heavy coverage
- Some users needed to reapply throughout the day
Shade Selection Tips
If you’re ordering online, the Creamy Natural shade seems to run a little darker than it appears in pictures. Several users mentioned needing to go a shade lighter than they expected.
Many smart users buy multiple shades:
- One for summer tan
- One for winter pale skin
- Sometimes a third for “in-between” seasons
At this price point, having multiple shades is totally doable – unlike with $35+ foundations!
Best For…
This foundation seems to work BEST for:
- People with oily or combination skin
- Those wanting a natural, lightweight finish
- Makeup minimalists looking for quick application
- Anyone who needs touch-ups throughout the day
- People who want to save money without sacrificing quality
It might NOT be great for:
- Very dry skin (no specific mentions, but powder foundations generally aren’t ideal)
- Those wanting full, heavy coverage
- People looking for a dewy finish
Final Thoughts
For around $8-10, this powder foundation is a STEAL. Long-time users (some have been loyal for 20+ years!) keep coming back because it works. Multiple reviewers mentioned that despite trying expensive alternatives, they always return to this trusty compact.
The general consensus is that it provides a natural finish that evens out skin tone, covers redness, and controls oil without looking cakey or feeling heavy. For the price, you really can’t go wrong giving it a try!
Application Tips from Reviewers:
- Use a damp beauty blender with setting spray for maximum coverage
- A fluffy powder brush gives the most natural finish
- Layer over concealer on problem areas for more coverage
- For touch-ups, the included sponge works perfectly
Would I recommend it? ABSOLUTELY! Whether you’re on a budget or just looking to save where you can without sacrificing quality, this powder foundation delivers way more than its price tag suggests.
Have you tried this foundation? I’d love to hear your experience with it!
Buy on Amazon: Here
