COVERGIRL Clean Pressed Powder Foundation Review: The REAL Truth About This Drugstore Staple

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Hey beauty lovers! Today I’m diving DEEP into one of the most common drugstore foundations you’ll find on shelves everywhere – Covergirl Clean Pressed Powder Foundation in shade 110 Classic Ivory. I’ve been testing this 2-pack for several weeks now, and wow, do I have thoughts to share!

Quick Facts

  • Product: Covergirl Clean Pressed Powder Foundation
  • Shade: 110 Classic Ivory
  • Package: 1 Count (Pack of 2)
  • Price Point: Budget-friendly ($8-12 range depending on retailer)
  • Claims: Oil-free, fragrance-free, provides fresh look all day

First Impressions: Packaging & Presentation

Let’s be real – this is NOT luxury makeup. The compact is basic blue plastic with clear viewing window. It’s lightweight, portable, and includes a small mirror and applicator sponge. Nothing fancy here, but totally functional for on-the-go touchups!

The powder itself has that classic pressed powder look – smooth, evenly pressed, and that familiar light beige shade that many fair-skinned folks will recognize as their go-to.

Application Experience: How It Actually Feels

Applying this powder is SUPER straightforward – you can use the included sponge applicator (which works fine but isn’t anything special) or your own powder brush (what I prefer). The powder picks up easily and doesn’t kick up too much excess.

It goes on smoothly and blends well into skin without much effort. MAJOR plus – it doesn’t look cakey when applied with a light hand! You can build it up for more coverage, but beware that getting too heavy-handed might start to emphasize texture.

Coverage & Finish: What You’re ACTUALLY Getting

This is definitely a light-to-medium coverage product. If you’re expecting full coverage, you’ll be disappointed! It’s perfect for:

  • Setting liquid foundation
  • Quick touch-ups during the day
  • Light coverage on good skin days
  • Reducing shine in your T-zone

The finish is natural-matte – not flat or chalky, but definitely not dewy either. It effectively reduces shine without making skin look lifeless, which is a good balance for everyday wear.

Staying Power: Does It REALLY Last All Day?

The claim that this “keeps your skin looking fresh all day” is a bit of a stretch, to be honest. In my experience:

  • On normal skin: Decent 4-5 hour wear before needing touch-up
  • On oily skin: Expect to blot and reapply after 2-3 hours
  • On dry skin: Can last longer but might start emphasizing dry patches

It doesn’t oxidize badly (major plus!), but it does gradually fade throughout the day. For the price point, the performance is reasonable – just don’t expect miracle 12-hour wear.

The ELEPHANT in the Room: That Fragrance Issue!

Okay, we NEED to talk about this. The product is advertised as fragrance-free, but multiple reviewers (including feedback I’ve gathered) mention a noticeable scent. And they’re right!

There’s definitely a distinct powder-y scent that’s quite strong when you first open it. Since it’s so close to your nose when applied, this can be bothersome for those sensitive to fragrances. The scent does seem to dissipate somewhat after application, but that initial application experience can be off-putting.

What’s especially frustrating is the disconnect between the “fragrance-free” claim and reality. While it might not contain added perfumes, there’s definitely a scent from the ingredients themselves.

Shade Range: Let’s Be Honest…

The shade range is LIMITED, especially for deeper skin tones. This particular review focuses on 110 Classic Ivory, which works well for fair skin with neutral-to-cool undertones. However, if you have deeper skin or strong undertones (particularly olive or golden), you might struggle to find a good match in this line.

This is definitely an area where Covergirl could improve – many drugstore brands have expanded their shade ranges, and this one feels a bit behind the times.

Value for Money: Is It Worth It?

Getting a 2-pack is actually a great deal! One compact typically lasts 2-3 months with regular use, so a double pack gives you nearly half a year of product. For the price point (usually under $20 for the 2-pack), that’s excellent value.

The product performs consistently with what you’d expect from a budget-friendly pressed powder. It’s not going to replace your high-end favorites, but it gets the job done for everyday use.

Customer Service Experience: Not Great 🙁

Several reviewers mentioned trying to contact Covergirl customer service with issues (particularly regarding the fragrance concern) and finding it to be unhelpful. In today’s beauty market where brand responsiveness matters, this is disappointing.

When customers reach out about discrepancies between product claims and reality, brands should take those concerns seriously. The “joke” of a customer service experience some users report definitely loses Covergirl some points.

Who This Product Is PERFECT For

This powder foundation would work well for:

  • People with normal to slightly oily skin
  • Those who prefer light-medium coverage
  • Makeup beginners who want something foolproof
  • Anyone on a tight beauty budget
  • Those who need a reliable everyday powder for work/school

Who Should SKIP This One

You might want to look elsewhere if:

  • You have very dry or textured skin
  • You’re sensitive to fragrances (despite the “fragrance-free” claim)
  • You need full coverage makeup
  • You have a deeper skin tone (limited shade range)
  • You prioritize clean/natural ingredient lists

The Final Verdict!

Overall, Covergirl Clean Pressed Powder Foundation is exactly what you’d expect from a longstanding drugstore staple – reliable but not revolutionary. It does the job without breaking the bank, which explains why it has remained popular for years.

PROS:

  • Budget-friendly price point
  • Easy to apply
  • Natural-looking finish
  • Doesn’t oxidize significantly
  • Portable packaging
  • Good for quick touch-ups
  • Substantial amount of product in 2-pack

CONS:

  • Noticeable scent despite “fragrance-free” claim
  • Limited shade range
  • Average staying power
  • Basic packaging
  • Questionable customer service

Overall Rating: 7/10

It’s not going to blow your mind, but for the price, it’s a solid performer that many people continue to repurchase year after year. The fragrance issue is definitely the biggest disappointment, especially since it’s specifically marketed as fragrance-free.

Would I recommend it? If you’re not sensitive to scents and looking for an affordable powder foundation for everyday use – yes! If you prioritize truly fragrance-free products or need something with more staying power for long days, you might want to invest in something else.

Have you tried this Covergirl classic? I’d love to hear YOUR experiences with it! Drop a comment below with your thoughts.

Until next time, keep it real in your beauty journey! ✨

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