Hey beauty lovers! So I’ve been using this COVERGIRL Clean Liquid Foundation in Sand Beige 153 for WEEKS now, and I’m finally ready to spill ALL the tea on whether this drugstore staple is worth your hard-earned cash!
The Quick Verdict
If you’re looking for an affordable, lightweight foundation that won’t break the bank (or your skin), this might be your match. But it’s definitely not perfect! Let’s break down EVERYTHING you need to know before buying.
Let’s Talk Price & Packaging 💰
First things first – this foundation is BUDGET-FRIENDLY! Coming in at under $10, it’s significantly cheaper than high-end brands while still delivering decent results. The classic blue-cap bottle is nothing fancy but gets the job done. It’s simple, portable, and hasn’t leaked in my makeup bag yet!
The packaging is instantly recognizable – that classic COVERGIRL blue cap brings me back to my teenage years when I first started experimenting with makeup. Nostalgic much? 😊
Formula & Application Experience
Okay, so the consistency is where opinions seem to differ wildly! Some users say it’s “like water” while others find it perfectly blendable. In my experience, it’s definitely on the thinner side compared to premium foundations, but that’s not necessarily bad!
The liquid formula blends easily with either fingers, a beauty blender, or a foundation brush. I prefer using a damp beauty sponge for the most natural finish. A little goes a LONG way – I start with a small amount and build up only where needed.
It has a slight scent that some might find clean and pleasant, while others might prefer fragrance-free products. The scent dissipates quickly after application, so it shouldn’t be a dealbreaker.
Coverage & Finish
This is definitely a LIGHT TO MEDIUM coverage foundation. If you’re looking for something to completely mask blemishes or discoloration, you might need to layer it or use concealer as well. That said, it’s PERFECT for everyday wear when you want your skin to look like skin!
The finish is semi-matte – not completely flat but not dewy either. It controls shine in my T-zone without making my cheeks look parched. After a few hours, it does develop a slightly more natural, skin-like finish as it melds with your natural oils.
Shade Range & Match
Sand Beige 153 is a neutral-leaning warm beige that works well for light-medium skin tones. The shade range overall isn’t the most inclusive on the market, which is something COVERGIRL could definitely improve upon.
Finding your perfect match can be tricky when ordering online. Several reviewers mentioned receiving a darker shade than expected, so you might want to go one shade lighter than you think if ordering without testing first!
Wear Time & Performance
For a budget foundation, the wear time is surprisingly decent! I get about 6-8 hours before noticing significant fading or patchiness. It doesn’t claim to be long-wear, so I don’t expect it to last through an intense workout or a 12-hour work day.
On normal to combination skin, it holds up well through average daily activities. If you have very oily skin, you’ll probably need to blot or powder midday. For very dry skin, make sure to moisturize well beforehand to prevent any clinging to dry patches.
Skin Compatibility
This is where personal experience REALLY varies! The “Clean” in the name suggests it’s suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin, and many long-time users swear it’s the only foundation that doesn’t break them out. I’ve found it to be non-comedogenic in my experience.
However, a minority of users reported skin irritation, particularly with potentially counterfeit products (more on that below). If you have sensitive skin, doing a patch test first is always smart.
The Authenticity Issue ⚠️
An important issue that came up in several reviews: some customers believe they received counterfeit products when ordering online. Signs of potential counterfeits included:
- Different bottle design than authentic COVERGIRL products
- Unusual scent described as “methanol” rather than the typical clean scent
- Skin irritation that doesn’t occur with verified authentic products
- Visible “gunk” around the bottle opening or cap
If you receive a product that seems off in any way, contact the seller immediately! Authentic COVERGIRL products should NEVER cause unusual irritation or come with unclean packaging.
Environmental & Ethical Considerations
COVERGIRL became the largest makeup brand to achieve Leaping Bunny certification for being cruelty-free in 2018, which is a HUGE plus in my book! The brand has been making efforts toward more sustainable practices, though the plastic packaging of this foundation isn’t the most eco-friendly option out there.
Value & Quantity Concerns
Some reviewers mentioned ordering what they thought was a 2-pack but receiving only one bottle. Make sure to read product descriptions carefully before purchasing to avoid disappointment!
Who Should Buy This Foundation?
This foundation is PERFECT for:
- Budget-conscious makeup users
- Those with normal to combination skin
- People who prefer light to medium coverage
- Anyone who wants an everyday, no-fuss foundation
- Those with acne-prone skin (many users report no breakouts)
You might want to look elsewhere if:
- You need full coverage
- You have extremely oily or extremely dry skin
- You prefer a dewy finish
- You need a foundation that lasts 12+ hours
Application Tips From My Experience
- ALWAYS shake the bottle well before use
- Apply to clean, moisturized skin
- Start with a small amount and build as needed
- Use a damp beauty sponge for the most natural finish
- Set with a light dusting of powder in oily areas
- For more coverage, allow the first layer to set before adding more product
The Verdict After Extended Use
After several weeks of regular use, I’ve come to appreciate this foundation for what it is – an affordable, reliable option that delivers decent results without breaking the bank. It’s not going to replace high-end foundations for special occasions, but for everyday wear, it more than gets the job done!
The formula feels lightweight on the skin, allows it to breathe, and doesn’t settle into fine lines as the day goes on. For the price point, that’s IMPRESSIVE!
Common Complaints & Their Validity
Looking at all the reviews, these are the most common complaints and my take on whether they’re valid concerns:
- “It’s too watery” – Somewhat valid. The formula is definitely lighter than many foundations, but that’s by design for a natural finish.
- “The shade was too dark” – Valid. Many users found their usual shade appeared darker than expected, so ordering a shade lighter might be wise.
- “It doesn’t last all day” – Partially valid. It’s not marketed as long-wear, but it does fade faster than premium foundations.
- “The packaging arrived damaged/dirty” – Valid but probably isolated incidents. Several users reported issues with product cleanliness which is concerning.
- “I received a counterfeit product” – Unfortunately valid in some cases. Be cautious about where you purchase.
Long-Term Benefits
Many loyal users have been using this foundation for YEARS (even decades!) and claim it’s gentler on their skin long-term than more expensive brands. Several reviewers mentioned returning to this product after trying higher-end options because it was kinder to their acne-prone skin.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an affordable, everyday foundation that lets your skin breathe while providing decent coverage, COVERGIRL Clean Liquid Foundation in Sand Beige 153 is worth trying. Just be sure to purchase from a reputable seller to ensure you’re getting the authentic product!
At under $10, it’s a low-risk investment to see if it works for your skin type and tone. The lightweight formula, ease of application, and skin-friendly ingredients make it a staple in many makeup collections for good reason.
While it won’t deliver the flawless, photo-ready finish of foundations three times its price, it excels at creating a natural, enhanced version of your own skin – which is what many of us want for daily wear anyway!
PROS:
- Affordable price point
- Lightweight feel on skin
- Doesn’t clog pores for most users
- Easy to blend
- Natural-looking finish
- COVERGIRL is now cruelty-free
- Good for sensitive and acne-prone skin
CONS:
- Limited shade range
- Light-medium coverage only
- Average wear time (6-8 hours)
- Potential authenticity issues when purchased online
- Basic packaging
Have you tried this foundation? I’d LOVE to hear your experience with it too! Drop a comment below and let me know if your experience matched mine or was totally different!
This review is based on personal experience and analysis of user reviews for the COVERGIRL Clean Liquid Foundation in Sand Beige 153. Individual results may vary depending on skin type, application method, and environmental factors.
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