Hey there, beauty lovers! Today I’m diving deep into a true drugstore classic that’s been hiding in plain sight for DECADES – the COVERGIRL Clean Liquid Foundation in Perfect Beige 148. This 2-pack deal has been my secret weapon lately, and I’ve got THOUGHTS!
The Loyalty Factor: Why People Stick With This Foundation
First things first – this foundation has some seriously devoted fans! I’m talking people who’ve been using it for 20, 30, even 40+ years. That’s not just brand loyalty – that’s a lifelong commitment! One reviewer mentioned she’s been using it since high school and she’s now 63! Let that sink in.
Why such devotion? Well, it comes down to consistency. While other brands constantly reformulate or discontinue products, COVERGIRL has mostly kept this foundation the same. It’s that reliable friend who doesn’t change when everything else does.
Texture: Smooth Operator
The texture is where this foundation really shines. It’s lightweight and flows easily – almost like water but with enough substance to provide coverage. It glides on super smooth without catching on dry patches or settling into fine lines.
Fair warning though: some people find it TOO liquidy! The bottle design doesn’t help here – a few reviewers mentioned struggling with spills and drips. I’ve definitely had a few “oops” moments trying to get the right amount out. Pro tip: tap it gently onto the back of your hand first rather than applying directly to your face.
Coverage: The Natural Look Champions
If you’re looking for that heavy, full-coverage Instagram makeup look, this isn’t it. And honestly? THANK GOODNESS! This foundation gives you that “your skin but better” finish that looks like you’re not wearing makeup at all.
The coverage is buildable but stays on the light-to-medium side. It evens out redness and minor imperfections without looking cakey or mask-like. For serious blemishes, you’ll still need concealer, but for everyday “I just want to look put together” vibes, it’s perfect.
What I love most is how it doesn’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles. Many reviewers in their 50s, 60s, and beyond swear by it exactly for this reason! One woman mentioned trying expensive foundations for decades only to return to this one because nothing else worked with her mature skin.
The Infamous Smell: Love It or Hate It
We need to talk about the elephant in the room – THE SMELL. This foundation has a distinct scent that’s often compared to Noxzema (that classic blue jar face cream). Some people LOVE this nostalgic smell and consider it part of the experience. Others… not so much.
Personally, I find the scent fades quickly after application, but if you’re sensitive to fragrances, it’s definitely something to consider. Several reviewers mentioned they wish COVERGIRL would make an unscented version.
Staying Power: Surprisingly Decent
For such a lightweight foundation, this stuff has decent staying power! It won’t last through a sweaty summer day or an intense workout, but for regular day-to-day wear, it holds up well for 6-8 hours. It fades gracefully rather than breaking apart in patches (which is honestly more important than lasting forever).
Some reviewers mentioned it comes off easily with water and soap – no makeup remover needed. That’s a huge plus in my book!
Skin Types: Who Should Use It?
This foundation seems to work best for normal to dry skin. If you have very oily skin, you might find it doesn’t control shine well, though setting it with powder helps.
Several reviewers with sensitive skin mentioned it doesn’t cause breakouts, which is pretty impressive for a foundation that’s been around since before ingredient lists were a thing people cared about!
Where it really shines is on mature skin. The lightweight formula doesn’t settle into fine lines, and it doesn’t create that dreaded cakey look that makes wrinkles more noticeable.
Shade Range: The Good and Bad
Let’s be real – the shade range isn’t impressive by 2025 standards. But for many loyal users, finding their perfect match years ago and being able to stick with it is what matters.
Perfect Beige 148 is a solid medium beige with neutral undertones. It works well for light-to-medium skin tones that aren’t too yellow or too pink. If you’re very fair or have deeper skin, you’ll want to explore other shade options in the line.
The Packaging: Function Over Fashion
The glass bottle is old-school and doesn’t have a pump, which feels downright ancient compared to today’s foundations. You have to tap the product out, which can lead to those dreaded drips and spills I mentioned earlier.
Some users noted that COVERGIRL has been changing the packaging in stores to a squeeze tube, which divided opinions. People with hand mobility issues found the bottle easier to use than the tube.
The Amazon Experience: Shipping and Quantity Issues
A heads-up about ordering this on Amazon: several reviewers mentioned confusion about the “Pack of 2” description. Some received two bottles as expected, while others only got one. Make sure to read the fine print and check the quantity upon arrival.
Also, a handful of reviewers questioned whether they received authentic products, noting differences in packaging or formula compared to store-bought versions. I haven’t experienced this myself, but it’s worth mentioning.
Value: Budget-Friendly Beauty
At around $6-7 per bottle (less when on sale or in the 2-pack), this foundation is a STEAL compared to department store brands at $40+. Many reviewers specifically mentioned loving the price point and finding it comparable or superior to high-end foundations they’ve tried.
One bottle typically lasts 4-5 months with daily use, making it even more economical. For the quality you’re getting, it’s an amazing value!
The Bottom Line: Is It Worth Trying?
ABSOLUTELY! If you’re looking for:
- A lightweight, natural-looking foundation
- Something that won’t settle into fine lines
- An affordable everyday option
- A product with a proven track record
This foundation delivers on all counts. Sure, it’s not trendy or TikTok-famous, but sometimes the classics are classics for a reason.
Will it replace your high-coverage foundation for special occasions? Probably not. But for everyday wear, especially if you prefer a natural look, it’s hard to beat.
My Personal Take
After trying literally HUNDREDS of foundations over the years (occupational hazard of being a beauty expert!), I’m genuinely impressed by how well this humble drugstore product performs. It reminds me that sometimes simpler is better, and newer isn’t always improved.
The fact that so many people have remained loyal to this product for decades speaks volumes. In a world where beauty trends change faster than we can keep up, there’s something refreshing about a product that just works, year after year.
So if you spot this 2-pack of COVERGIRL Clean Liquid Foundation in Perfect Beige 148 while browsing Amazon, throw it in your cart. At worst, you’re out a few bucks. At best? You might just find your new (old) holy grail foundation!
Have you tried this foundation before? I’d love to hear your experiences with it! Drop me a comment and let’s chat about this drugstore classic.
Disclaimer: Results may vary depending on skin type, application technique, and personal preferences. This review is based on personal experience and analysis of customer reviews.
Buy on Amazon: Here