I’d be happy to write a comprehensive product review for the COVERGIRL Smoothers Lightweight BB Cream In Fair To Light based on the information you’ve provided. Here’s my detailed review:
After trying what feels like EVERY tinted moisturizer on the market, I keep coming back to this affordable gem! Let me break down why COVERGIRL Smoothers Lightweight BB Cream in Fair to Light 805 has become my everyday go-to for a natural, no-makeup makeup look.
First Impressions
When you first squeeze this out of the tube, you’ll notice it has a thin, lotion-like consistency. It’s definitely more fluid than a traditional foundation, which makes it super easy to blend. There’s barely any scent (a huge plus for sensitive skin folks), and it spreads effortlessly across the skin.
Application & Coverage
Let’s be 100% clear about what this product is (and isn’t). This is NOT a foundation replacement if you’re looking for medium to full coverage. This is a TINTED MOISTURIZER with very sheer coverage that simply evens out your skin tone while letting your natural skin show through.
A little goes a surprisingly long way! I find the best application method is using clean fingertips to gently pat and blend it into the skin. It sinks in quickly without any tackiness, which is perfect for rushed mornings.
Shade Range & Match
The Fair to Light 805 shade works beautifully for truly fair skin tones. If you’ve struggled to find products that don’t turn orange or too dark, this could be your match! Several reviewers with very pale skin noted this is one of the few affordable options that actually matches their skin tone without oxidizing throughout the day.
That said, some users mentioned a slight pinkish undertone, which might not work for everyone. If you have very yellow undertones, you might need to test this one carefully.
Texture & Finish
The finish is somewhere between dewy and natural – not completely matte but not overly shiny either. It gives a subtle “skin but better” effect that looks fresh and youthful. For those with oily skin, you might want to set it with a light dusting of powder, especially in the T-zone.
This formula is surprisingly non-greasy considering its moisturizing qualities. It doesn’t settle into fine lines or emphasize texture, which makes it fantastic for mature skin. Multiple reviewers in their 40s and 50s specifically mentioned how well it works for aging skin compared to heavier foundations.
Skincare Benefits & SPF
The SPF 21 is a great addition but shouldn’t replace your regular sunscreen if you’ll be spending significant time outdoors. Still, for quick errands or office days, this added protection is valuable.
While it claims to be a 10-in-1 skin enhancer, I wouldn’t necessarily call it treatment skincare. It does moisturize well, but don’t expect miracles for problematic skin. Some users with very dry skin found they still needed to apply a separate moisturizer underneath.
Longevity & Wear
For a lightweight product, it has surprising staying power! It lasts about 6-8 hours before fading evenly (no patchy breakdown). However, if you’re in very hot or humid conditions, or if you have extremely oily skin, you’ll likely need touch-ups throughout the day.
One big advantage: when it does fade, it doesn’t look obvious or cakey. It simply fades away naturally, which is a huge plus compared to heavier foundations that can look patchy as they wear off.
Skincare Compatibility
This is where the COVERGIRL Smoothers really shines – it plays well with other skincare products and makeup! It doesn’t pill when applied over serums or moisturizers, and you can easily layer concealer, blush, and other products on top without any issues.
Many reviewers specifically mentioned how it makes a great base for other makeup, acting almost like a tinted primer.
Potential Downsides
The biggest complaint in reviews is the light coverage. If you’re hoping to cover acne, significant redness, or dark spots, this won’t be enough on its own – you’ll need to spot conceal those areas.
A few users with acne-prone skin reported breakouts after prolonged use, possibly due to the isopropyl palmitate ingredient, which can be comedogenic for some skin types.
Value for Money
At around $8-10 per tube, this is an EXCEPTIONAL value compared to higher-end tinted moisturizers that often cost $30-45. The tube lasts for months even with daily use since you don’t need much product for each application.
Perfect For…
This BB cream is ideal for:
- No-makeup makeup days
- People with good skin who just want a bit of evening out
- Quick, on-the-go application
- Those with mature skin looking for something that won’t settle into lines
- Fair-skinned individuals who struggle to find matches
- Anyone who hates the feeling of heavy foundation
Not Great For…
You might want to look elsewhere if you:
- Need medium to full coverage
- Have significant discoloration to cover
- Have extremely oily skin and hate any dewiness
- Need long-wearing, transfer-proof makeup
How I Use It
My favorite way to use this is for my everyday routine: I apply a light layer after my regular skincare, add a bit of concealer under my eyes and on any blemishes, set with a touch of translucent powder, and finish with mascara and lip color. The whole routine takes less than 5 minutes and looks polished but natural!
For special occasions when I need more coverage, I’ll still use this as a base and then add a bit more coverage with a lightweight foundation just in the center of my face where I need it.
Real User Experiences
Looking through the reviews, I found some interesting patterns:
- Many longtime users (some for 10+ years!) are loyal to this product
- Several mentioned being surprised at how well it works despite the low price
- Mature users especially love how it doesn’t settle into fine lines
- Several people mentioned it being perfect for summer when heavier foundations feel uncomfortable
One reviewer in her 30s summed it up perfectly: “I look a lot younger with this stuff vs full on foundation. While the coverage isn’t huge, it does leave a blurring finish and tones everything to the same shade.”
Final Verdict
If you’re expecting a miracle product that provides perfect coverage while feeling like nothing, you might be disappointed. But if you understand what this product actually is – a lightweight tinted moisturizer with subtle coverage and good skincare benefits – you’ll likely be very pleased.
For the price point, this performs EXCEPTIONALLY well compared to products 3-4 times its cost. It’s perfect for those no-makeup makeup days, busy mornings, or times when you just want to look polished without feeling like you’re wearing a mask.
The COVERGIRL Smoothers Lightweight BB Cream has earned its spot as a drugstore classic for good reason. If you’re looking for something light, natural, and easy to use with the added benefit of SPF, this is definitely worth trying!
Star Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) The only reason it doesn’t get a perfect score is the limited shade range and very light coverage – but for what it claims to be, it delivers wonderfully!
Buy on Amazon: Here
