Hey beauty lovers! Today I’m spilling ALL the tea on a makeup staple that’s been in my rotation for YEARS – the COVERGIRL Clean Simply Powder Foundation in Ivory. This isn’t just any powder foundation – it’s one that has some serious staying power in the beauty market. I’ve dug through tons of customer feedback and combined it with my personal experiences to give you the REAL scoop on this product.
First Impressions & Packaging
The COVERGIRL Clean Simply Powder Foundation comes in a standard compact case that’s durable enough for everyday use. It includes a foam sponge applicator that’s actually washable (a huge plus for hygiene). The compact is lightweight and slim enough to easily slip into your purse or makeup bag.
Some customers reported receiving broken compacts, which is definitely frustrating! But from what I’ve seen, these appear to be isolated shipping issues rather than a widespread problem with the product itself.
Application & Coverage
Let’s talk about what REALLY matters – how this stuff performs! The Simply Powder Foundation offers medium to full coverage that can actually replace liquid foundation entirely. It applies smoothly and evenly, never feeling heavy or cakey on the skin.
Many users (myself included) find this to be a PERFECT option for those who don’t want to deal with liquid foundation but still need decent coverage. The powder has a finer texture than most drugstore powder foundations, which helps it blend seamlessly into the skin rather than sitting on top.
I’ve found that application is best with the included sponge for fuller coverage, but you can also use a brush for a lighter finish. It builds really well without getting patchy – a RARE quality in powder foundations!
Color Match & Shade Range
The Ivory shade is the lightest in the range and runs a bit darker than you might expect. Several very fair-skinned users mentioned this, with one specifically noting they typically use “the 2nd or 3rd lightest warm/yellow-toned foundation in most brands” but need Ivory (the lightest) in this formula.
Something to be aware of: a few users mentioned the Ivory having an orange undertone. While this wasn’t the majority experience, it’s worth noting for those with very cool or neutral undertones. The color seems to work best for those with warm undertones.
Performance & Longevity
THIS is where this powder foundation REALLY stands out! The staying power is exceptional, especially for oily and combination skin types. Users consistently praised how well it controls shine without looking flat or dry.
What blew me away was reading about its resistance to sweat and tears. One user who self-described as having “a sweaty nose and upper lip” said this is “the only makeup I can’t sweat off” – even mentioning that sweat will bead on top but the foundation color won’t budge! Another mentioned crying without the foundation streaking. For a powder product, that’s IMPRESSIVE.
A compact typically lasts about 25-30 days with daily use, making it pretty economical. Some users mentioned the last third tends to harden or cake up, but given the affordable price point, most didn’t consider this a dealbreaker.
Skin Benefits & Feel
The Simply Powder Foundation feels lightweight on the skin – you seriously forget you’re wearing it! It doesn’t feel heavy or suffocating like some full-coverage products can.
For those with oily skin, this powder is a GAME CHANGER. It absorbs oil exceptionally well, making it perfect for hot, humid climates. One user living in a “tropical-ish climate” with oily skin said this works better than anything else they’ve ever tried.
What’s particularly noteworthy is how well it works for mature skin. A user in their 40s mentioned it doesn’t settle into fine lines or look cakey, which can be a common issue with powder products on aging skin.
Versatility & Use Cases
This product shines in its versatility. You can use it as:
- A standalone foundation (many users skip liquid foundation entirely)
- A setting powder over liquid foundation
- A touch-up product throughout the day
- A lighter coverage option for casual days
It works particularly well in hot weather when liquid foundation might melt off. Many users switch to this exclusively during summer months for its breathability and oil control.
Possible Downsides
No product is perfect, so here are the honest downsides:
- The shade range runs dark – Ivory might not work for very fair skin
- Some users reported an orange undertone to the Ivory shade
- A few mentioned the powder hardening after several weeks of use
- It’s becoming harder to find in physical stores (though still readily available online)
Value for Money
The general consensus is that this powder foundation offers EXCEPTIONAL value. Many users who’ve tried high-end brands (including NARS, Estée Lauder, and Clinique) found this performed better at a fraction of the price!
The online price is typically lower than in-store, with some two-packs available that offer even better value. However, there were several reports of ordering two-packs but only receiving one compact, so be sure to check your order upon arrival.
Durability & Packaging Issues
While most users had no issues with the packaging, there were several reports of compacts arriving broken. This seems to be more of a shipping/handling issue than a product design flaw. The good news is that many mentioned the powder staying intact even after dropping the compact, which is impressive!
Who Should Buy This Foundation?
This product is ideal for:
- Oily and combination skin types
- Those looking for a foundation that stands up to sweat and humidity
- People who prefer quick, fuss-free makeup application
- Anyone who finds liquid foundation too heavy
- Those with warm undertones
- Makeup users who value longevity over dewy finish
- People who need good coverage but hate the feeling of heavy makeup
Who Should Skip It?
You might want to look elsewhere if:
- You have very fair skin with cool undertones
- You prefer a dewy, radiant finish
- You have very dry skin that needs added moisture
- You’re looking for sheer, barely-there coverage
The Verdict
After sifting through all the feedback and considering my own experience, I’m giving the COVERGIRL Clean Simply Powder Foundation in Ivory 4.5 out of 5 stars. It loses half a point for the limited shade range and occasional packaging issues, but WINS BIG on performance, longevity, and value.
This powder foundation has achieved cult status for good reason – it delivers professional-level results at a drugstore price point. The fact that so many users have remained loyal to it for YEARS (some for over a decade!) speaks volumes about its quality and performance.
If you’re tired of foundation that melts off by noon, looking like an oil slick by the end of the day, or just want a reliable, no-fuss base that you can apply in seconds, this could become your new holy grail product!
Tips for Best Results
- For maximum coverage, apply with the included sponge using pressing motions rather than swiping
- Apply a light moisturizer before application if you have normal to dry skin
- For oily skin, this works beautifully on its own without primer
- The sponge is washable – clean it regularly with gentle soap for best application and hygiene
- Store the compact upright and closed tightly to prevent the powder from drying out
- If the powder seems to be hardening, gently scraping the top layer with a clean mascara spoolie can help refresh it
Final Thoughts
In a beauty industry constantly pushing “new” and “innovative” products, there’s something to be said for a formula that’s remained essentially unchanged for years because it WORKS. This powder foundation is proof that sometimes the classics stay classic for a reason.
The COVERGIRL Clean Simply Powder Foundation in Ivory has stood the test of time by delivering consistent results at an affordable price point. While it might not be the flashiest product in your makeup bag, it might just be the most reliable. And in my book, that’s worth more than any trendy packaging or marketing hype!
Have you tried this foundation? I’d love to hear your experiences with it! Drop me a comment and let me know if it worked for your skin type and tone.
Buy on Amazon: Here
