Hey there, beauty lovers! Today I’m sharing my thoughts on a drugstore classic that’s been around forever – the COVERGIRL Simply Powder Foundation. I’ve been testing the Creamy Natural 520 shade that comes in a pack of two, and let me tell you, I have THOUGHTS!
Quick Summary
For those who don’t want to read my whole ramble (I get it, we’re all busy!):
Pros:
- Budget-friendly pricing (especially compared to in-store)
- Lightweight feel that doesn’t cake
- Great for those who hate liquid foundation
- Works well for mature skin without settling in fine lines
- Buildable coverage that feels like “nothing on your skin”
Cons:
- Some packaging issues (powder not secured well)
- Shade inconsistency problems
- Some reported receiving incorrect count (paid for 2, got 1)
- No instructions on how to adjust the case
The Price Point: A True Bargain!
Let’s start with what many of us care about first – the price! Multiple reviewers mentioned that the pricing was good, with one specifically noting that “buying on Amazon has been half the cost of the drugstores and target.” As someone who’s always looking for a good deal (aren’t we all?), this is a HUGE plus. Why pay more in-store when you can get the same product for less online?
The “pack of 2” option makes it an even better value, letting you stock up without making another order soon. Just make sure you actually receive both compacts, as one reviewer mentioned only receiving one when they paid for two.
The Formula: Old Reliable
This powder foundation has earned its loyal following for good reason. Many reviewers mentioned using it for YEARS – with one saying they’ve used it for over 40 years without disappointment! That kind of loyalty doesn’t happen with mediocre products.
What makes it stand out? It’s the perfect middle ground of coverage. As one user described it: “Sheer, no heavy caking powder.” Another mentioned it provides “medium coverage” that’s “lightweight” and “holds color most of the day.”
For those who hate the feeling of liquid foundation (I feel you!), this might be your perfect match. A reviewer over 50 years old specifically mentioned loving that it “gives good coverage and feels like nothing on my skin” while not settling into fine lines like liquid foundations tend to do.
Application & Wear
The Simply Powder Foundation seems to be ideal for various application styles. Some use it as their main foundation, while others might use it to set concealer or for touch-ups throughout the day.
Several reviewers mentioned its staying power, saying it “holds color most of the day.” This is impressive for a powder foundation, as they typically need more touch-ups than their liquid counterparts.
One tip from a loyal user: “I toss my powder pads each week for new ones” – which is good hygiene practice for any powder product!
The Shade Range: Some Concerns
This is where things get a bit tricky. There seems to be some inconsistency with the Creamy Natural 520 shade specifically.
One reviewer had a particularly disappointing experience: “I ordered Creamy Natural, but this is way too dark. It cannot be creamy natural, although the compact is labeled correctly. This is a very dark shade and even my husband remarked quite a few times how bad it looked on my face.”
Another mentioned receiving shade 520 when they expected 510 based on the product image: “Just opened this to use and it was 520 color…too dark for me…the picture shows 510 and the item is actually a 520…Very disappointed…”
If you’re new to this foundation, be aware that there might be some shade discrepancies. If you’ve used COVERGIRL powders before, it might be safest to stick with the shade you know works for you.
Packaging Issues: The Biggest Drawback
Several reviewers mentioned problems with the packaging, which seems to be the main complaint about this otherwise beloved product:
- “The only issue is you need to adjust the case by carefully removing it and reattaching it to work correctly. It doesn’t come with directions on how to do it.”
- “The actual powder is fine but the palate it sits in isn’t glued down very well. I have to be careful when using it; otherwise it will go flying out and break.”
- “One of my 2 makeup compacts did not have the makeup in it.”
- “El paquete venía muy golpeado y destrozado” (The package came very beaten up and destroyed)
These issues suggest some quality control problems that COVERGIRL should address. The lack of instructions for adjusting the case is particularly frustrating – nobody wants to play guessing games with their makeup packaging!
For Different Skin Types
Based on the reviews, this powder seems to work well for mature and sensitive skin:
- “Over 50 and hate liquid foundation as it settles in creases. This does not!”
- “Great for sensitive skin.”
There wasn’t specific mention of how it performs on very dry or very oily skin, though the fact that it “doesn’t dry out my skin” suggests it might be good for normal to slightly dry skin types.
The Compliments Factor
We all love when our makeup gets noticed (for the right reasons!), and a couple of reviewers mentioned receiving compliments while wearing this foundation:
- “I love it and have had comments on how much others like the look.”
This suggests the finish is natural enough to look good in person, not just in your bathroom mirror.
My Personal Experience
After trying the COVERGIRL Simply Powder Foundation in Creamy Natural 520 for several weeks, I can see why it has such loyal fans. The powder applies smoothly and doesn’t look cakey, even when I build it up for more coverage on days when my skin needs a little extra help.
The compact is convenient for on-the-go touch-ups, though I did have that issue others mentioned with the powder pan not being secured properly. I learned to open it carefully after nearly dropping the entire pan on my bathroom floor!
As for the shade – Creamy Natural 520 works for my skin tone, but I can see how it might be too dark for some. It has a slightly warm undertone that could be problematic if you have very cool or neutral undertones.
I found it lasted about 5-6 hours before needing a touch-up, which is pretty standard for powder foundations. It didn’t oxidize or turn orange throughout the day, which is a common issue with many foundations.
Who Should Buy This?
You’ll probably LOVE this powder if:
- You hate the feel of liquid foundation
- You’re looking for a budget-friendly option
- You want something lightweight for everyday wear
- You have mature skin and worry about makeup settling into fine lines
- You prefer a natural, not-too-matte finish
You might want to SKIP this if:
- You need very full coverage
- You’re not sure about the shade (try to test in-store first)
- You want a product with perfect packaging
- You need something that lasts 10+ hours without touch-ups
Tips for Using COVERGIRL Simply Powder Foundation
- If you receive the compact and the powder seems loose, carefully remove and reattach it to secure it better
- Change your powder puffs regularly for hygiene
- For a more flawless finish, apply with a buffing brush instead of the included puff
- Set with a setting spray if you need extended wear time
- Order the shade you know works for you rather than relying on product images
Final Thoughts
Despite some packaging flaws and shade inconsistencies, the COVERGIRL Simply Powder Foundation remains a solid drugstore option that has stood the test of time. The fact that people have been loyal to it for DECADES speaks volumes about its quality and performance.
Is it perfect? No. But at this price point, it delivers impressive results for everyday wear. The lightweight feel, natural finish, and convenience make it a staple in many makeup collections – and now mine too!
Would I repurchase? Absolutely! Having a two-pack means I won’t need to for a while, but when I do run out, I’ll definitely be adding this to my cart again. Just remember to double-check that you receive the correct quantity and shade when your order arrives!
What’s your experience been with this COVERGIRL classic? Have you been using it for years or are you thinking of trying it for the first time? Either way, I hope this review helps you decide if it’s right for your makeup routine!
Buy on Amazon: Here
