Hey there beauty lovers! So I’ve been testing out this COVERGIRL Clean Makeup Foundation in Classic Tan 160 for a while now, and I just HAD to share my thoughts with you all. If you’re looking for the quick verdict: it’s a solid drugstore foundation that punches WAY above its price point – but it’s definitely got some quirks you should know about!
WHY PEOPLE KEEP COMING BACK FOR DECADES
First thing that really jumps out about this foundation? The LOYALTY it inspires! I kept seeing reviews from people who’ve been using this exact same foundation for 25-30 YEARS. That’s not just brand loyalty – that’s practically a marriage! And I totally get it. When you find a foundation that works for you, why mess with success?
“I have used cover girl since I was a teen and it works for me even at the age of 70. Always new makeup on the market but if it’s not broken why fix it”
There’s something really comforting about a product that’s been around forever and still delivers exactly what it promises. No fancy marketing gimmicks, no unrealistic claims – just reliable coverage that’s been working for generations of makeup wearers.
LET’S TALK TEXTURE & APPLICATION
The texture of this foundation is where it really shines! It’s surprisingly lightweight and creamy for such an affordable product. It spreads easily and blends into skin without much effort – I just use my fingertips and it works perfectly fine, though a beauty sponge gives an even more seamless finish.
What I LOVE is how it feels like you’re barely wearing anything. There’s none of that heavy, mask-like sensation you get with some foundations. As one reviewer put it:
“I can honestly say probably the best foundation I’ve used. It feels so nice. & it doesn’t look like you got it on your face! You don’t look cake faced haha.”
The consistency strikes that perfect balance – thin enough to feel light, but not so watery that it disappears on contact. It has a smooth, almost satiny feel as you apply it.
COVERAGE THAT WORKS FOR EVERYDAY
Let’s be real – this isn’t going to cover tattoos or major discoloration. But for everyday coverage? It’s PERFECT! The foundation provides a solid medium coverage that evens out your skin tone without looking artificial.
What I appreciate most is how buildable it is. One layer gives you a natural “my skin but better” effect, but you can add a bit more to problem areas without it getting cakey or settling into fine lines.
“So glad I found this makeup on Amazon. I went to the pharmacy where I usually buy it, but they are no longer carrying it. Checked the other pharmacy in town and no luck there either. It gives me the coverage I need without being heavy. Get a natural look.”
I’ve found it works great for:
- Evening out redness
- Minimizing the appearance of minor blemishes
- Providing a uniform base for the rest of your makeup
- Giving a fresh-faced look without appearing “made up”
THE FINISH – NATURAL NOT FLAT
The finish is what I’d call a natural satin – not too dewy but definitely not flat matte either. It mimics the natural texture of skin, which I find super flattering, especially for those of us over 30! It doesn’t emphasize fine lines or settle into pores like some more matte foundations can.
“Covers uneven skin tones, and fine lines very well. Stays on face all day, with great moisturizing. Couldn’t ask for better product/price/value!”
If you tend to get shiny throughout the day, you might want to set it with a light dusting of powder, but it’s not essential. I find it holds up pretty well on its own for 6-8 hours before needing any touch-ups.
STAYING POWER – SURPRISINGLY GOOD!
For a product at this price point, the staying power is really impressive! It doesn’t claim to be long-wearing, but multiple reviewers noted how well it lasts:
“It looks good all day whether at office or working outside & sweating. I feel confident all day.”
I’ve found it stays put through a standard workday without major issues. Does it hold up through an intense workout or swimming? No, but that’s not what it’s designed for. For everyday wear, it’s totally reliable.
THE SCENT – LOVE IT OR HATE IT!
Okay, we need to talk about the elephant in the room – the SMELL! This foundation has a distinctive scent that’s polarizing, to say the least. Some people LOVE it:
“Best part for me is the clean cover girl smell. Smells a lot like Noxema.”
While others absolutely HATE it:
“Very moisturizing, but the smell is horrible!!”
Personally, I find it reminiscent of that classic “makeup” smell with slight medicinal notes – kind of like cold cream or old-school skincare products. The good news is that the scent doesn’t linger once the foundation sets on your face. But if you’re super sensitive to fragrances, definitely consider this before purchasing.
COLOR MATCH – A BIT TRICKY
The shade range is definitely the weakest aspect of this foundation. “Classic Tan 160″ specifically seems to run a bit lighter than many people expect:
“It’s a little paler than shown imo – stays on fine, pretty good product for the price”
“It said tan, and I’ve had others that look like that this one had me looking like a ghost”
I’d recommend going a shade darker than you think you need, especially if you’re ordering online. The undertones lean neutral to slightly pink in my experience, which works great for some skin tones but can look ashy on others.
For reference, in my experience the Classic Tan 160 works best for:
- Medium skin tones with neutral to slightly warm undertones
- Those who are about an NC30-35 in MAC terminology
- People who normally wear “medium beige” or “warm beige” in other brands
SKIN-FRIENDLY FORMULA
What really surprised me is how well this foundation works for sensitive skin! Many long-time users specifically mentioned this:
Has been a wonderful foundation for sensitive skin for more than 25 years.
“Great product that doesn’t break me out ❤️”
I haven’t experienced any irritation, breakouts, or clogged pores while using it. The formula is relatively simple and doesn’t contain a ton of potentially irritating ingredients. It’s not marketed as non-comedogenic, but it seems to work well for many people prone to breakouts.
VALUE FOR MONEY – UNBEATABLE!
Let’s talk about the PRICE – because wow, what a bargain! At around $7-8 for a full ounce, this foundation is literally a fraction of the cost of high-end alternatives. And honestly? It performs better than many foundations I’ve tried at 3-4 times the price.
“I’ve been using this line for 30 years. Can’t go wrong for the price. I refuse to spend big $$$ for overpriced products.”
I’ve used foundations ranging from $5 to $70, and this one sits comfortably in the “best value” category. Is it quite as sophisticated as a $60 foundation? No. But is it 80-90% as good for 1/8 of the price? ABSOLUTELY!
AVAILABILITY ISSUES – THE DOWNSIDE
One consistent complaint I’ve seen is that this foundation is becoming harder to find in physical stores:
“Can’t find this make up in stores anymore. Reasonably priced as well.”
“Couldn’t find in any stores, but Amazon came through!”
This seems to be a genuine concern – several reviewers mentioned hearing rumors about discontinuation. While I haven’t seen any official announcement from COVERGIRL, it definitely seems to have limited availability in some areas. If this is your holy grail foundation, you might want to stock up online while you can!
ONLINE ORDERING CONCERNS
When ordering online, be aware that there have been some reports of potential counterfeit products:
“I was a little skeptical about ordering us and I should have followed my first instinct. This is not real CoverGirl makeup.”
To minimize this risk:
- Purchase from reputable sellers with good ratings
- Check that the packaging matches the official COVERGIRL design
- Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true
- Pay attention to the smell and texture – loyal users will notice if it’s different
WHO THIS FOUNDATION IS PERFECT FOR
Based on my experience and the collective wisdom of hundreds of reviews, this foundation is IDEAL for:
- Makeup beginners looking for something foolproof and easy to apply
- Those with normal to slightly dry skin who want natural-looking coverage
- People who prefer a lightweight, comfortable foundation for everyday wear
- Budget-conscious makeup lovers who don’t want to sacrifice quality
- Those with sensitive skin who struggle to find foundations that don’t cause irritation
- Anyone looking for a reliable, no-frills foundation that just WORKS
WHO SHOULD LOOK ELSEWHERE
This might NOT be your best bet if:
- You need full coverage for significant discoloration or skin concerns
- You have very oily skin (it might not have enough staying power)
- You’re looking for a completely matte finish
- You’re sensitive to fragranced products
- You need an exact color match and have limited shade options in your area
- You’re looking for a “clean beauty” formula with minimal ingredients
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
COVERGIRL Clean Makeup Foundation in Classic Tan 160 is a true drugstore gem that has stood the test of time for good reason. It provides reliable, natural-looking coverage at an unbeatable price point. While it has limitations – particularly in shade range and availability – its performance makes it well worth seeking out.
What impresses me most is the foundation’s staying power in the market. In an industry obsessed with constant innovation and new releases, this product has maintained a loyal following for DECADES simply by delivering on its core promises.
Is it perfect? No. Is it the best value in foundation I’ve encountered? Quite possibly! If you can find a shade that works for you and don’t mind the distinctive scent, this could become your new everyday foundation.
For under $10, what have you got to lose? This foundation might just surprise you like it surprised me!
Quick Pros & Cons
PROS:
- Incredibly affordable
- Lightweight, comfortable feel
- Natural-looking finish
- Good for sensitive skin
- Easy to apply and blend
- Decent staying power
- No need for fancy tools
CONS:
- Limited shade range
- Distinctive scent not for everyone
- Becoming harder to find in stores
- Some reports of counterfeit products online
- Not ideal for very oily skin types
- Medium coverage may not be enough for some
Give it a try and let me know what YOU think! Have you been using this foundation for years or is it new to you? I’d love to hear your experiences!
Buy on Amazon: Here
