Hey beauty lovers! Today I’m diving DEEP into the COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Ultimate Finish Foundation in Classic Tan. After analyzing hundreds of customer reviews and drawing on my years of beauty expertise, I’m giving you the REAL scoop on this drugstore staple.
This is COVERGIRL’s 3-in-1 liquid-to-powder foundation that promises all-day coverage in a convenient compact. The Classic Tan shade is designed for medium skin tones with warm undertones. Let’s break down what makes this product tick – and whether it’s worth your money!
My Top Findings
- Price point: Typically under $15 but prices have increased recently
- Longevity: Most users report 6-8 hours of wear
- Best for: Normal to oily skin types
- Worst for: Very dry or mature skin
Packaging & First Impressions
Let’s start with the basics – the packaging. The COVERGIRL Outlast foundation comes in a standard compact design with a mirror and applicator sponge included. Nothing fancy, but SUPER practical for on-the-go touchups.
Several reviewers mentioned that the packaging seems to have changed recently, with some feeling it’s “cheaply made” compared to previous versions. The compact is slim enough to fit into smaller purses, which is a major plus for everyday use.
The applicator sponge that comes with it is considered too small by many users, with one specifically mentioning: “I don’t use the sponge applicator that comes with it as it’s too small so I buy the larger round applicator sponges which work better.” However, the compact does include a vented space for your sponge to dry – a thoughtful design element!
Formula & Application
This foundation has a unique liquid-to-powder formula that sets down to a semi-matte finish. When you open the compact, you’ll find a creamy foundation that transforms as you apply it.
Application is straightforward according to most reviews. The consistency allows for easy blending, with one user noting it “spread so easily” despite initially looking too dark in the compact. Another mentioned: “It’s easy to apply and blend. It’s a very natural finish and makes my skin look blemish free.”
The formula sits between a liquid and a powder, providing a middle-ground option for those who don’t want the heaviness of a liquid or the dryness of a powder. As one reviewer put it: “It’s between a powder and a liquid and is easy to use on the go!”
However, some users found application challenges, with one stating it “looks thick and clumpy” and is “hard to get smooth.” This suggests the formula may not work uniformly across all skin types or application techniques.
Coverage & Finish
The coverage level is medium and buildable, according to most reviewers. It’s enough to even out skin tone and cover minor imperfections without looking heavy or mask-like.
One user with lupus mentioned this is “the only product that covers the hyperpigmentation on my face,” highlighting its effectiveness for more significant coverage needs. Another praised: “This makeup fixes both [redness and shine] with just one step instead of having to use concealer, foundation and powder.”
The finish is described as natural and smooth by most reviewers: “Makes my face look very smooth” and “never cakes and goes on smooth.” The “powdery finish” is frequently mentioned as a selling point, especially for those with oily skin.
However, not everyone loves the finish. One reviewer claimed it “looks kinda cakey” while another mentioned that “in some dry spots the foundation seemed to give desert-like cracking.” This reinforces that skin preparation and type play significant roles in how this foundation performs.
Shade Match & Range
The Classic Tan shade seems to work well for medium skin tones with warm or olive undertones. Several reviewers with olive complexions mentioned it matched them perfectly: “The shade is perfect though for an olive complexion Caucasian.”
However, shade consistency appears to be an issue. Some users feel the formula or shade may have changed over time: “The color in the case looks like it’s a warm tan, but once applied it looks almost grayish or as if my face is dirty.”
Several reviewers with South Asian skin tones found the shade challenging, with one stating it made them look “slightly violety!” This suggests the undertone might lean more neutral than warm for some skin tones.
Interestingly, many reviewers mentioned using this shade seasonally – lighter in winter and mixing with other shades in summer to match their tan. This versatility makes it a year-round option for many.
Staying Power & Wear
The “Outlast” in the name suggests longevity, and many reviewers confirm this foundation lives up to that promise for normal to oily skin types. One user stated it “lasts all day too,” while another mentioned it “takes away shine from your face and last all day.”
The foundation seems to control oil well throughout the day, maintaining its powdery finish even on oilier skin. This makes it particularly suitable for those with combination to oily skin types who struggle with midday shine.
However, those with drier skin reported issues with longevity and comfort, with one noting, “I found it difficult to blend, very drying and I could feel it on my skin all day. It sat on top of my skin and caused a few breakouts.”
Skin Compatibility & Sensitivities
For most users, this foundation seems to be non-irritating and suitable for sensitive skin. Many reviewers specifically mentioned it doesn’t cause breakouts: “Bonus: it’s super reasonably priced and doesn’t make me break out.”
However, there were some concerning reports of skin reactions. One reviewer experienced significant irritation: “Within 5 mins my face started getting really itchy and I had to take it off… After taking it off my face is still extremely itchy and red.”
Several reviewers noted they’ve used this product for YEARS without issues – some for 10+ years and one even mentioned using it “on and off since I was 13 (I’m 27 now).” This longevity suggests good compatibility for many skin types, though patch testing is always recommended, especially for sensitive skin.
Value for Money
The price point is consistently mentioned as a significant advantage. One reviewer compared it to high-end alternatives: “I have tried many expensive, designer foundations and powders and struggle to find something that doesn’t cake or streak… this make up fixes both with just one step.”
Another user who tried luxury alternatives stated: “I tried out similar kinds from Elizabeth Arden, MAC, Sephora, Iman…. nothing had the consistency, coverage and perfect undertone for my skin shade that this cheap, drug store makeup does.”
However, several long-time users mentioned price increases: “Never paid more than $10 and now the price has shot up.” Despite this, most still consider it good value compared to higher-end foundations with similar performance.
Availability Issues
A MAJOR recurring theme in reviews is difficulty finding this product in stores, particularly in the Classic Tan shade. Many reviewers expressed frustration about this: “Can’t find in stores” and “it’s harder to find it in tan now.”
This availability issue has driven many loyal users to purchase online or in bulk: “I buy the color Classic Tan and it never is available in the local stores anymore so I ordered thru Amazon where I could buy in bulk.”
Some reviewers even questioned if the product is being discontinued, sharing concerns like: “I’ve used this make up for years and I am disappointed that I can’t find it in stores but I’m grateful that I found it on Amazon.”
Compared to Similar Products
Many users have compared this foundation to other options, both drugstore and high-end. One reviewer mentioned using it as a contouring cream: “I have used this product for years as a contouring cream. It works very well, and is much less expensive than most of the stuff that’s out there.”
Several mentioned trying it after the COVERGIRL Aquasmooth was discontinued, with mixed experiences. One found it to be a good replacement, while another stated: “I found it difficult to blend, very drying and I could feel it on my skin all day.”
A comparison to the “Mabelline stick” noted this COVERGIRL option “doesn’t rub off on your garment,” suggesting better transfer resistance than some competitors.
Best Application Tips
Based on reviewer experiences, here are some application tips to get the most out of this foundation:
- Skip the included sponge – Invest in a larger, high-quality makeup sponge for better application
- Moisturize well if you have dry skin – This helps prevent the “desert-like cracking” some users experienced
- Build coverage gradually – “You can put a light layer on and make it sheer if you wanted to”
- Consider buying multiple shades – Mix them seasonally as your skin tone changes, as several reviewers suggested
- Set with a light powder if you’re very oily – Though it has a powder finish, extremely oily skin might benefit from additional setting
Who Should Buy This Foundation
This foundation is PERFECT for:
- People with normal to oily skin seeking medium coverage
- Those who want a quick, one-step base that controls shine
- Makeup users who prefer a powdery, semi-matte finish
- Budget-conscious shoppers who don’t want to sacrifice quality
- Those with active lifestyles needing convenient, portable makeup
- Individuals with olive or warm medium skin tones
- People who prefer minimal makeup routines (“Less IS more”)
Who Should Skip It
Based on the reviews, this foundation might NOT work well for:
- Very dry or mature skin types (potential for highlighting dry patches)
- Those with significant cool undertones (may look “grayish”)
- People who prefer dewy, luminous finishes
- Anyone with specific allergies to ingredients (given the reported reactions)
- Those seeking very full coverage without layering products
The Bottom Line
COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Ultimate Finish Foundation in Classic Tan is a SOLID drugstore option that performs beyond its price point for many users. Its liquid-to-powder formula offers convenience, medium coverage, and good longevity for most skin types.
The biggest complaints center around availability issues and potential formula changes, rather than the foundation’s performance itself. This suggests COVERGIRL has a loyal customer base who genuinely values this product.
With most reviewers having used this foundation for years – some for over a decade – it’s clearly earned its place as a drugstore staple. Despite some shade matching challenges and potential issues for very dry skin, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive.
For under $15, this foundation delivers competitive performance that even high-end makeup users have found impressive. If you’re looking for an affordable, reliable foundation with a natural finish and good staying power, this COVERGIRL option is definitely worth trying!
Overall Rating: 4.2/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✩
PROS:
- Affordable price point
- Natural, semi-matte finish
- Good oil control
- Convenient compact packaging
- Works well for medium/olive skin tones
- Long-wearing for most users
- No breakouts for most reviewers
- 3-in-1 formula saves time and money
CONS:
- Availability issues in stores
- Can emphasize dry patches
- Included applicator is too small
- Some users report formula changes
- Limited shade options
- Potential for skin reactions in sensitive individuals
Have YOU tried this foundation? What was YOUR experience? Drop a comment below and let me know if this review was helpful!
Buy on Amazon: Here
