Hey beauty lovers! Today I’m diving DEEP into one of the most iconic drugstore foundations that’s been around for AGES – the COVERGIRL Clean Makeup Foundation in Creamy Natural 120. This little blue-capped bottle has been a staple in makeup bags across America for DECADES, and I’m breaking down exactly why so many people keep coming back to it year after year.
The Staying Power (And I Don’t Just Mean On Your Face!)
Let me tell you something WILD – some people have been using this foundation for 30, 40, even 50 YEARS! That’s not just brand loyalty, that’s practically a marriage! One reviewer mentioned they’ve been using it since they were a teenager and they’re now 83 years old. Another said their dermatologist asked what they were doing for their skin, and when they mentioned this foundation, the doctor told them to keep it up!
When a product stays on the market this long and maintains a dedicated following, there’s clearly something special about it. It’s outlasted countless makeup trends, survived the rise of beauty influencers, and continues to find new fans even as luxury brands dominate social media.
Let’s Talk Application and Texture
The word “smooth” comes up CONSTANTLY in reviews, and for good reason! This foundation has a consistency that’s just right – not too thick, not too runny. It glides on effortlessly whether you’re using your fingers, a brush, or a beauty blender.
Unlike some foundations that feel like you’re plastering your face, this one feels LIGHTWEIGHT. You know that gross, heavy mask feeling some foundations give you? Yeah, you won’t get that here! It’s buildable too – you can go for sheer coverage for casual days or layer it a bit more when you need extra coverage.
The finish is natural and skin-like, which is probably why it works for so many different age groups. Younger users appreciate the lightweight feel, while more mature users love that it doesn’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles. As one 60+ reviewer put it: “It’s great for my age group as it doesn’t look artificial and doesn’t ‘sit’ in the wrinkles.”
Coverage: Keeping It Real
Let’s be honest – this isn’t a full-coverage foundation that’s going to completely hide major skin concerns. And that’s OKAY! It does exactly what it claims to do – provides a clean, natural-looking finish that evens out your skin tone without looking cakey.
The coverage is best described as light to medium, focusing on creating a more unified complexion rather than masking everything. It’s perfect for everyday wear when you want to look polished but not overly made-up. One reviewer who used to buy expensive foundation mentioned they initially bought this as a weekend backup but ended up preferring it over pricier options because it doesn’t create “dots” on their forehead like other foundations did.
If you’re looking for something to cover significant discoloration or blemishes, you’ll probably need to pair this with a good concealer. But for evening out minor redness and creating a smooth base for the rest of your makeup? It does the job BEAUTIFULLY.
The Scent Situation – Let’s Talk About It!
Okay, we need to address the elephant in the room – the smell! This foundation has a distinct scent that people either love or hate. Many describe it as reminiscent of Noxzema (and apparently, it actually used to contain Noxzema in the formula years ago).
Some reviewers are nostalgic about the smell, saying it reminds them of makeup from decades past. Others find it medicinal and off-putting. The good news is that the scent typically fades after application, but if you’re sensitive to fragrances, this is definitely something to consider.
A few reviews mentioned that the smell was so strong they couldn’t use the product at all. If you have a sensitive nose, you might want to try getting a sample before committing to a full bottle.
Longevity: How Does It Hold Up?
Most users report that this foundation lasts through a standard workday without major issues. It’s not marketed as a long-wear foundation, so expecting it to survive a 12-hour day plus a gym session might be asking too much!
Several reviewers mentioned needing to blot throughout the day, particularly if they have oily skin. The foundation tends to become a bit more dewy as the day progresses, which some people love for the natural glow it gives, while others prefer to touch up with powder.
One reviewer noted that the foundation typically lasts about 6-8 hours on average, with 8 hours usually only achievable with a setting spray. They also mentioned that the product tends to wear off first around the hairline and scalp areas, especially if you sweat or have hair that frames your face.
Skin Type Compatibility
This foundation seems to work best for normal to slightly dry skin. Many reviews from people with dry skin praise its moisturizing qualities and smooth application without clinging to dry patches.
Those with VERY dry skin might find it doesn’t provide enough hydration, while those with very oily skin may need to use primer and setting powder to control shine throughout the day.
Several reviewers with sensitive skin mentioned that this foundation doesn’t cause breakouts or irritation, which is a HUGE plus. However, there were a few concerning reviews about potential counterfeit products causing skin reactions, so make sure you’re purchasing from a reputable seller!
The Price Point – VALUE ALERT!
Let’s be real – one of the best things about this foundation is the price! At around $5-8 (depending on where you buy it), it’s a FRACTION of what you’d pay for high-end foundations that sometimes don’t perform any better.
Multiple reviewers mentioned trying expensive department store brands but coming back to this affordable option because it works just as well or better for their skin. One reviewer summed it up perfectly: “Why spend a fortune on expensive makeups from department stores when I found the right product?”
In today’s beauty market where we’re constantly bombarded with $40+ foundations promising miracle results, it’s refreshing to find a product that delivers quality results without breaking the bank.
Shade Range – Room for Improvement
If there’s one area where this foundation falls short, it’s the shade range. While COVERGIRL has expanded their shade offerings over the years, they still don’t have the extensive range that some newer brands offer.
The Creamy Natural 120 shade seems to work well for light to medium skin tones with neutral undertones, but finding your perfect match might be challenging if you have very fair or deeper skin tones, or strong undertones in either direction.
Several reviewers mentioned having to guess at their shade when ordering online, with mixed results. If possible, it’s best to try to match your shade in-store before purchasing.
Packaging Practicality
The glass bottle is classic and looks nice on your vanity, but it lacks the convenience of more modern packaging. There’s no pump, which means you either need to pour a bit onto the back of your hand or use a Q-tip to get product out. This can lead to using more product than needed and potential contamination from dipping fingers into the bottle.
That said, the simplicity of the packaging probably contributes to keeping the price low, so it’s a trade-off many users are willing to accept. And there’s something nostalgic about that little blue cap that’s remained largely unchanged for decades!
Potential Issues: Authenticity Concerns
A concerning theme in some reviews was about potentially counterfeit products. Several reviewers mentioned receiving products that looked different from what they were used to, had unusual textures, or caused skin reactions that the authentic product never did.
If you’re purchasing online, be sure to buy from reputable sellers, and check the packaging carefully when your product arrives. The authentic COVERGIRL Clean Makeup Foundation should have consistent packaging and a smooth, lightly scented formula.
Final Thoughts: A Timeless Classic for Good Reason
After analyzing hundreds of reviews spanning users from their teens to their 80s (!), it’s clear why this foundation has survived for so long in a highly competitive market. It delivers reliable, natural-looking coverage at an accessible price point, working well for a wide range of skin types and age groups.
Is it the most innovative, feature-packed foundation on the market? Nope! But sometimes classic formulations remain popular because they simply WORK. Not every product needs bells and whistles – sometimes you just need something dependable that makes your skin look better without breaking the bank or requiring a professional makeup artist to apply.
For everyday wear, casual makeup days, or as a reliable backup to your pricier foundations, the COVERGIRL Clean Makeup Foundation in Creamy Natural 120 deserves its status as an American beauty icon. Those who’ve been loyal to it for decades aren’t just stubborn or resistant to change – they recognize a genuinely good product when they find one!
Whether you’re a makeup newbie looking for an affordable starter foundation or a beauty veteran wanting to simplify your routine, this humble little blue-capped bottle is worth giving a try. After all, a product doesn’t stay popular for 40+ years without doing something right! 😊
Quick Pros & Cons:
PROS:
- SUPER affordable! (under $10)
- Smooth, easy application
- Natural-looking finish
- Doesn’t settle into fine lines
- Works for various age groups
- Doesn’t cause breakouts for most users
- Buildable light-to-medium coverage
CONS:
- Distinct scent that some find off-putting
- Limited shade range
- No pump dispenser
- Not ideal for very oily skin
- May require touch-ups after 6-8 hours
- Some concerns about counterfeit products online
Have you tried this foundation? What’s YOUR experience been like? Drop me a comment below!
Buy on Amazon: Here
