Hey beauty lovers! Today I’m breaking down everything about the COVERGIRL Clean Pressed Powder in the shade Tawny. I’ve been using this daily for several weeks now, and I’m ready to spill ALL the details!
Quick Summary
Price Point: Budget-friendly ($6-10 depending where you shop)
Finish: Natural matte
Best For: Oily to combination skin
Longevity: 4-6 hours before needing touch-ups
Packaging: Simple plastic compact with mirror
First Impressions & Packaging
Let’s talk packaging first – it’s nothing fancy! The classic blue compact is pretty basic plastic with a clear lid so you can see the shade. It comes with a little powder puff (which honestly isn’t great) and has a mirror inside that’s actually decent sized. The compact is super lightweight and travel-friendly, but if you drop it… good luck! The plastic cracks easily – I’ve been there!
Some people mentioned they’ve noticed packaging changes, but the product inside seems to be the same. I did notice the older versions seemed sturdier than the current one.
Application & Texture
The texture is where opinions REALLY split! Some reviewers mentioned it feeling dry, and I can totally see that. If you have dry skin, this powder might emphasize flaky patches. It has a very fine, silky feel when you touch it, but it can definitely feel a bit chalky if your skin isn’t properly moisturized.
I find it applies best with a fluffy powder brush rather than the included puff. The puff tends to apply too much product at once, which can make it look cakey. With a brush, it goes on smooth and blends pretty easily.
For the best application:
- Apply your moisturizer and let it fully absorb
- Use a light hand when dipping your brush
- Tap off excess before applying
- Build up in thin layers rather than one heavy application
Coverage & Finish
This is definitely a LIGHT coverage powder. Don’t expect it to cover blemishes or significant discoloration on its own. What it DOES do well is:
- Control shine
- Set liquid foundation
- Provide a subtle evening of skin tone
- Create a natural matte finish (not flat or powdery looking)
I was surprised at how natural it looks on the skin! Several reviewers mentioned this too – it somehow manages to blend with your natural skin tone while still making a noticeable difference. It doesn’t look like you’re wearing heavy makeup, which I personally love for everyday wear.
Shade Selection & Tawny Specifically
The Tawny shade is a warm medium tone that works well for light-medium to medium skin tones with warm/neutral undertones. It has slight yellow/golden undertones that help brighten the complexion.
One reviewer with deeper skin mentioned it gave her a beautiful finish that enhanced her “natural black beauty” – which I think speaks to how this shade can work across different skin tones when applied correctly.
I do wish the shade range was more extensive. If your skin tone is very deep or very fair, you might struggle to find a perfect match in this line.
Staying Power & Oil Control
For anyone with oily skin – THIS MIGHT BE YOUR JAM! One reviewer mentioned using it for 6+ years specifically for oily skin, and I can see why. It does an impressive job at keeping shine at bay for several hours.
In my experience:
- Controls oil for about 4-6 hours
- Doesn’t oxidize or change color throughout the day
- Builds up nicely for touch-ups without getting cakey
- Works best in normal to slightly humid conditions (not extreme heat)
If you have VERY oily skin, you’ll probably still need to blot and touch up midday, but it definitely extends the time between touch-ups.
Skin Sensitivity & Ingredients
The “Clean” in the name isn’t just marketing – this powder is relatively gentle on sensitive skin. I didn’t experience any breakouts or irritation while testing. It’s fragrance-free (or very minimally scented – I could barely detect anything), which is great for those sensitive to strong fragrances.
That said, if you have VERY dry or sensitive skin, the texture might not be ideal for you. Several reviewers with dry skin found it emphasized dryness.
Value for Money
At around $6-10 depending where you shop, this powder is definitely budget-friendly! The compact isn’t huge, but a little goes a long way. Mine has lasted several weeks of daily use with barely a dent in it.
When you compare it to high-end pressed powders that can run $30-40, the value is pretty incredible considering the performance.
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
What I LOVE:
- Natural-looking finish that doesn’t look powdery
- Great oil control for my combination skin
- No flashback in photos
- No fragrance
- Super affordable
- Convenient packaging for touch-ups
- Doesn’t break me out
What Could Be Better:
- The included powder puff is basically useless
- Packaging feels cheap and cracks easily
- Limited shade range
- Can emphasize dry patches if your skin isn’t well-moisturized
- Might be too drying for some skin types
Who Should Buy This?
You’ll probably LOVE this powder if:
- You have oily or combination skin
- You prefer a natural matte finish (not too flat)
- You’re on a budget
- You want something lightweight for everyday use
- You need a reliable powder for touch-ups throughout the day
You might want to SKIP this if:
- You have very dry skin
- You’re looking for medium-full coverage
- You prefer a dewy finish
- You need a shade for very deep or very fair skin tones
Final Thoughts
After weeks of testing, I understand why this powder has some loyal fans who’ve used it for years! It’s not revolutionary or high-end, but it WORKS for what it promises – a clean, natural finish that controls oil without looking heavy.
The mixed reviews make perfect sense now – it’s definitely a product that works beautifully for certain skin types and conditions, while being completely wrong for others.
For the price point, it’s honestly hard to beat if you match with its strengths. I’ll definitely keep it in my makeup bag for touch-ups and days when I want a more natural look!
Have you tried this powder? I’d love to hear your experiences with it too!
Buy on Amazon: Here
