Hey beauty lovers! Today I’m diving DEEP into the COVERGIRL Clean Liquid Foundation in Deep Golden 170. As someone who’s tested countless foundations over the years, I was curious to see if this drugstore classic still holds up in 2025. Spoiler alert: there’s a reason this foundation has survived DECADES in the beauty industry!
First Impressions: Packaging & Scent
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – that SCENT! If you’ve ever used this foundation before, you know exactly what I’m talking about. It has that distinctive Noxzema-like smell that’s been part of the CoverGirl brand forever. Based on the reviews I analyzed, this is definitely a love-it-or-hate-it situation. Some users find it “fresh” and “nostalgic,” while others describe it as a “chemical smell” or “hot spice cinnamon” scent that’s too strong.
The classic glass bottle with the blue cap is becoming harder to find in stores, as CoverGirl seems to be transitioning to plastic tubes. Many long-time users are NOT happy about this change! The bottle design itself could use some improvement – several reviewers mentioned it being “insanely difficult” to get the product out without making a mess. One user specifically complained about drops landing on their sink, clothing, and even ruining a nice shirt. A pump dispenser would be a MAJOR upgrade!
Shade Selection & Color Match
The Deep Golden 170 shade is described by one reviewer as “more of a dark chocolate brown shade” rather than a golden tone. This seems to be a common theme with CoverGirl foundations – the shades can run slightly darker or have different undertones than expected. If you’re shopping online, be prepared for possible color discrepancies.
Several users who purchased the lighter shades mentioned they tend to have a pinkish hue. Many loyal users have found their perfect match and have stuck with it for DECADES (seriously, some reviewers have been using this for 30-50 years!), but if you’re new to the brand, you might want to go a shade lighter than you think you need.
Texture & Application
The consistency is overwhelmingly described as “lightweight,” “liquidy,” and even “water-like.” This makes it SUPER easy to blend, especially for those who prefer a natural, sheer look. One clever user mentioned mixing it with a bit of water in their hand to make it even more lightweight, which works because it’s water-based.
However, if you’re looking for heavy coverage, this might not be your best bet. Many reviewers praised it for providing “just enough” coverage without feeling heavy or looking cakey, but a few mentioned needing multiple layers for more coverage (which can start looking unnatural if you apply too much).
The foundation glides on smoothly and dries relatively quickly. It works well with both fingers and makeup tools, though one reviewer suggested applying small dabs around the face and blending rather than using an applicator brush for best results.
Staying Power & Finish
For a lightweight foundation, the staying power is pretty impressive. Most users report it lasting 6-8 hours, with some mentioning it can go longer with a setting spray. One reviewer noted that the foundation along the hairline tends to rub off more quickly than the rest of the face.
The finish is described as “natural” and “fresh” – not too matte and not too dewy. It works especially well for slightly dry to combination skin types. Several users with mature skin (60+ years) specifically mentioned how well it works for them, not settling into fine lines like more expensive brands often do.
For those with oily skin, a powder top coat is recommended, as the foundation can look shiny throughout the day without it.
Skin Sensitivity & Breakouts
This is where experiences really varied. Many long-time users with sensitive skin swear this is the ONLY foundation that doesn’t cause breakouts. One 60-year-old reviewer mentioned having sensitive skin prone to breakouts but never experiencing skin issues with this foundation.
However, there were a few concerning reviews about potential quality control issues. Some users reported receiving bottles that seemed old or contaminated, with “disgusting GUNK around the bottles and in the cap.” A few mentioned skin irritation after use, which they hadn’t experienced with previous bottles of the same product. One reviewer even suspected they received a counterfeit product.
Value & Availability
The price point is consistently praised as excellent for the quality. Many users mentioned trying high-end foundations costing much more but returning to CoverGirl Clean Liquid because it worked better for them.
Availability seems to be becoming an issue. Several reviewers mentioned their local stores no longer carrying this specific product, which is why they turned to online shopping. There was also confusion about product packaging – some orders advertised as “Pack of 2” only contained one bottle.
Who Should Use This Foundation?
Based on the pattern of positive reviews, this foundation seems IDEAL for:
- Those with slightly dry to combination skin
- People who prefer a natural, lightweight finish
- Mature skin (works surprisingly well for 60+ age range!)
- Anyone who wants an affordable, reliable daily foundation
- People who enjoy a nostalgic scent (if you liked Noxzema, you’ll probably like this!)
It might NOT be the best choice for:
- Those seeking full coverage
- People with very oily skin (without setting powder)
- Anyone sensitive to fragrances
- Those who need a foundation that lasts 12+ hours without touch-ups
The Verdict: A Nostalgic Classic That (Mostly) Holds Up
After analyzing hundreds of reviews, it’s clear why this foundation has survived for decades in an industry obsessed with the newest, shiniest products. It provides reliable, natural-looking coverage at an affordable price point.
The most surprising insight? How many users reported trying expensive high-end foundations only to return to this $8 drugstore classic! There’s something to be said for a product that knows what it does well and doesn’t try to be everything to everyone.
That said, CoverGirl needs to address a few issues:
- The bottle design desperately needs an upgrade to prevent mess
- Quality control seems questionable based on some concerning reviews
- The strong scent is divisive and could be toned down
For me, this foundation earns 4 out of 5 stars. It’s not perfect, but it delivers impressive performance for the price point. If you haven’t tried it yet, it might be worth adding to your makeup collection – especially if you prefer lightweight, natural-looking foundation that won’t break the bank!
Quick Pros & Cons
PROS:
- Lightweight, natural finish
- Doesn’t settle into fine lines
- Extremely affordable
- Works well for mature skin
- Long-lasting for a lightweight foundation
- Easy to remove
- Decades of loyal users can’t be wrong!
CONS:
- Strong, distinctive scent
- Messy bottle design
- Inconsistent shade matching
- Limited coverage for those wanting full coverage
- Some quality control issues reported
- Becoming harder to find in stores
Have you tried this foundation? What was YOUR experience? Drop a comment below and let me know if this classic worked for you or if you’ve found something better!
This review is based on analysis of genuine user experiences with the COVERGIRL Clean Liquid Foundation in various shades, with special attention to Deep Golden 170. Product experiences may vary based on skin type, application method, and individual preferences.
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