Hey beauty friends! Today I want to chat about a drugstore foundation that’s been around FOREVER but doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. I’ve been testing the Covergirl Outlast All-Day Ultimate Finish Foundation in Buff Beige for a while now, and I’ve got THOUGHTS. Let’s dive in!
First Impressions & Packaging
Let’s get real about the packaging – it’s not winning any beauty awards. The compact is pretty basic and several reviewers mentioned it feels flimsy. One person even said “the design of the compact itself has gone down in quality as it will snap apart easily.” So yeah, handle with care!
Another small complaint – the sponge applicator seems to have shrunk recently (one reviewer called this out as “ripping off the consumer to increase profits”). And if you have mobility issues, be aware that the compact can be difficult to open with one hand.
But honestly? For the price point, I’m not expecting luxury packaging. I’m here for what’s INSIDE.
Formula & Texture
This is where things get interesting! This isn’t your typical powder foundation – it’s actually a cream-to-powder formula that has a really unique consistency.
One reviewer described it perfectly as a “liquid/semi-solid foundation” with a “velvety feel.” Another said it “goes on like frosting” which is a pretty accurate description! It feels creamy and smooth to the touch, not dry or chalky like some powder foundations.
The texture makes it super easy to apply – you can just swipe it on, no brushes or beauty blenders needed. As one user put it: “I can be ready for a dash to the store in seconds” and “Quickly blurs dark circles and other flaws.”
Application & Coverage
For those of us who want makeup to be QUICK and EASY, this foundation is a dream. No liquid to drip everywhere, no brush needed – just swipe and go!
The coverage level seems to vary based on how you apply it. Some reviewers call it “light coverage” while others say it “covers my face completely and smoothly and makes my complexion look flawless.” I’ve found you can build it up from light to medium coverage pretty easily.
One 60+ reviewer mentioned: “I use a makeup brush and this lasts all day with a primer.” So application technique definitely matters!
Shade Match (Buff Beige)
Okay, here’s something IMPORTANT about the Buff Beige shade – it might appear darker in the compact than it actually applies on skin! One reviewer warned: “the makeup appears at LEAST 2 shades darker than the example given.” Another suggested to “Order a shade lighter” than you think you need.
That said, many users love the Buff Beige shade, with one saying “Buff beige is the perfect color for my skin tone” and another mentioning “I’ve used buff beige before and know it’s my color.”
Wear Time & Longevity
Does it really “outlast” as the name suggests? For most people, YES!
Several reviewers confirmed it “lasts all day” and one even shared: “I have even worn it to the pool and it hasn’t washed off (unless I go full face in and wipe off with a towel).” Another person confirmed it “lasts throughout the day, even out in the heat.”
However, not everyone had the same experience. One reviewer complained “Coverage doesn’t last” and another mentioned it “has to be reapplied a lot throughout the day.” So your mileage may vary depending on your skin type.
Performance on Different Skin Types
For MATURE SKIN, the reviews are mixed but mostly positive!
Many 60+ users LOVE this foundation: “It goes on smooth and is lightweight but covers my age spots, etc. without looking cakey or thick” and “It also hides wrinkles rather than settling into them.”
Another senior shared: “I am a senior woman and need something that doesn’t accent slight wrinkles with too much caking, and this is perfect for that.”
But it’s not perfect for everyone with mature skin. One reviewer admitted: “as my age progressed, with dry skin and deep wrinkles… It absolutely settled into every single wrinkle I have and just stared at me.”
For OILY SKIN, several reviewers mentioned it worked well: “I have oily skin and it covers me perfect.” The cream-to-powder formula seems to help control shine for many users.
Value for Money
This is where this foundation REALLY shines! So many reviewers compared it to high-end products:
“For the money this one worked every bit as Well [as an expensive brand]”
“I have many expensive foundations and make-ups which do not compare to the quickness of coverage and long lasting wear which this product has.”
“This makeup is just what I ordered. It’s very good quality and creamy.”
“This lasted a decent amount of time until I washed it off. I have department store makeup and they are no better than this economical price.”
Long-Term Use & Loyalty
Something that really stood out in the reviews was how MANY people have been using this product for YEARS or even DECADES:
“I have been using this product for many years and am delighted that it still on the market.”
“I’ve been using this for over a decade”
“I’ve been a loyal user for over 20 years!”
“I have been using Covergirl products for almost 40 years and I’m still pleased with what they have to offer.”
This kind of loyalty speaks volumes about the consistency and reliability of the product.
Potential Downsides
Let’s be real – no product is perfect. Here are some complaints that came up:
- One reviewer experienced “acne breakouts” after using it
- Another said it was “too sheer” for their preference
- Some found it “drier than other foundations”
- One person mentioned color matching issues, saying “all the sudden I come back to it and my shade doesn’t quite fit me anymore”
- A few people had issues with transfer to clothing
Who Should Try This Foundation?
Based on all the reviews, this foundation seems PERFECT for:
- People who want quick, fuss-free makeup application
- Those on a budget looking for quality that rivals high-end brands
- Many (though not all) people with mature skin
- Anyone who prefers cream formulas over liquid
- People who want buildable, natural-looking coverage
- Those who need their makeup to last all day
Final Thoughts
After looking at TONS of reviews, it’s clear that the Covergirl Outlast All-Day Ultimate Finish Foundation in Buff Beige is a reliable, affordable option that delivers quality results for most users.
Is it the most luxurious foundation on the market? No. But it WORKS, and sometimes that’s all that matters!
For the price point (especially when you can catch it on sale), it’s definitely worth trying if you’re in the market for a new foundation. Just remember to possibly go a shade lighter than you think, and be gentle with that flimsy compact! 😉
As one long-time user summed it up: “I wondered why I had tried anything else to begin with? Covergirl has been around forever, and there’s a reason for that. Try it, I think you’ll like it!”
Have you tried this foundation? Drop a comment and let me know your experience!
Buy on Amazon: Here
