Hey beauty lovers! Today I’m diving into one of the most talked-about drugstore foundations – the CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C. After reading through TONS of real customer reviews and analyzing their experiences, I’m giving you the unfiltered truth about this affordable option that promises to be a miracle worker for mature skin.
Quick Take
This foundation is a SERIOUS contender for those with aging skin looking for moisture without heaviness. At around $13-17, it’s giving some $40+ department store foundations a run for their money! But it’s not perfect – that fragrance is STRONG, and some shipping issues have left customers with opened products (yikes!). Let’s break down everything you need to know.
What It Claims
The CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Foundation promises:
- Hydrating formula with hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C
- Doesn’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles
- Medium, buildable coverage
- Matte finish that isn’t drying
- Anti-aging benefits
Texture and Application
The texture is where this foundation REALLY shines! Multiple reviewers described it as “creamy,” “silky,” and having a “whipped” consistency. It’s definitely on the creamier side compared to many foundations, which makes it especially good for dry or mature skin.
One 70-year-old reviewer mentioned: “I apply it with an angled brush followed by patting with a makeup sponge. It is medium weight and maybe a bit more than medium Coverage.”
Another fan in her 40s shared: “It’s a whipped foundation, so it feels soft and easy to apply.”
A common theme was how little product you need – “One tap on top of the easy to hold bottle/cartridge then evenly apply to face” and “You only need a drop to cover.”
Most users find it blends easily with fingers, brushes, or sponges. The pump dispenser gets high marks for convenience, though some mentioned receiving bottles without caps (more on shipping issues later).
Coverage and Finish
Don’t expect full coverage here – this is solidly in the medium coverage category, though several users mentioned it’s buildable if you need more.
“It is not a dewy finish though. It’s OILY,” warned one reviewer with combination skin.
Another said: “It gives my skin a slight glow in that area,” specifically mentioning using it under the eyes.
Many users liked that it doesn’t look cakey or heavy: “It doesn’t feel heavy at all and works well with contouring, bronzing and blushes, powder and liquid.”
The consensus seems to be a natural, slightly luminous finish that isn’t fully matte but isn’t super dewy either – more of a skin-like finish that leans toward the moisturizing side.
How It Performs on Mature Skin
THIS is where the foundation really stands out! So many 50+ reviewers LOVE how this performs on aging skin:
A 78-year-old user raved: “I’m 78, and when I wear this makeup, I know that I look good, and I feel fabulous.”
Another 70-year-old exclaimed: “I am 70 and was so amazed at how nice my complexion looks and how well it lasts through the day.”
A 63-year-old who was skeptical shared: “I didn’t really believe it to be honest, that it would not settle in lines. I’m 63 years old and have my fair share of them… But guess what? Cover girl has it together. The shade is right, it goes on well, does not settle. A+++++”
And this testimonial from a 54-year-old really sums up what many experienced: “I literally put this on in the rear view mirror, at a stoplight. In daylight!! Lol I couldn’t believe it!! It was beautiful! I was beautiful! My skin looked moist and radiant and… young!!”
However, not everyone had this experience. A few reviewers specifically mentioned it settling into lines: “I figured that since there is so much humidity where I live (Texas) that I didn’t need to moisturize” – suggesting that proper skin prep is crucial!
One critical reviewer was direct: “Coverage is minimal and it settles in your wrinkles.”
Longevity
Results were mixed on how long this foundation lasts. Many users reported it lasting “all day”:
“Full coverage, texture and effectiveness. Colour match perfectly. Not sticky and dries quickly.”
“This is a great foundation that last thought out the day and evening. Very durable!”
However, some needed to reapply: “I do have to reapply during the day, but it’s a good affordable foundation.”
The consensus seems to be good but not exceptional wear time. Many users mentioned it performs better with setting powder or spray.
Shade Range and Matching
Finding the right shade seems relatively easy for most users, with several mentioning being surprised at how accurately they matched their skin tone, even when ordering online.
“I am surprised I was able to find my shade so well through the shade finder system online. The color I matched with and ended up buying is perfect for me. Creamy natural.”
“It (creamy natural) matches my skin color perfectly & does not look cakey or streaky.”
Many reviewers specifically praised the “Creamy Natural” shade for fair to light skin tones: “This finally matches my fair skin and looks great.”
A few users mentioned needing different shades for summer and winter: “Have tried 2 different shades. A light one for the winter and the next shade a bit darker for the summer.”
Fragrance – The BIG Issue
If there’s one consistent criticism, it’s about the fragrance. MANY users commented on the strong scent:
“The first thing I noticed about this foundation was its fragrance. Why so strong??!!”
“First, this item has a super strong odor. It’s not unpleasant but it’s strong, especially for face makeup.”
“The big thing I don’t like about this product is it smells like perfumes. Flowery musty old perfume.”
Most mentioned that while strong, the scent does dissipate after application. But if you’re sensitive to fragrances, this could be a dealbreaker.
Skin Types and Concerns
This foundation seems to work best for normal to dry skin types. Those with combination or oily skin had mixed experiences.
For dry skin, it’s a winner: “For years, I have used the cover girl mat, Which was great when my skin was younger. Now that I have a more mature skin that needs hydrated more than mat no longer suited my purpose. This foundation is so luxurious on my skin, it is hydrating.”
Reviewers with combination skin had varying results: “I have combination skin and it doesn’t seem to be an issue, it didn’t settle in my fine lines and form any cracks.”
But others disagreed: “It has began having combo skin and have never had breakouts much. I’ve had 3 zits since using this and it is likely amazing for super dry skin but oily or combo just don’t seem to work with this.”
Some users with sensitive skin loved it: “I am allergic to just about everything and this make up does not irratate my skin at all.”
But others experienced breakouts: “Very smooth and cool look but unfortunately, it made me break out.”
Comparison to Higher-End Products
Many reviewers directly compared this to more expensive foundations – and it often won!
“It works as well as some of the more expensive higher end department store foundations.”
“I ordered this Covergirl + Olay Simply Ageless 3 in 1 Foundation after watching a comparison video on YouTube… 2 drug store brands versus 2 high end department store brands. I tried this drugstore brand as well as the top rated department store brand of IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better. I by far prefer this brand over the IT.”
One user who switched from Lancôme shared: “I had to find a replacement for the foundation I wore for years because Lancome changed their formula and it didn’t work for me any longer (Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear). So, I went to work reading recommendations from testing firms and professional makeup artists and this particular one stood out. I would have never guessed that Cover Girl would have won the race, but they did by far.”
Quality Control and Shipping Issues
A SIGNIFICANT number of reviewers complained about receiving products without caps, seals broken, or showing signs of use:
“The cap and sanitation tape is missing.”
“Received product with the cap open, it was used or returned product.”
“No cap.Why?”
These issues seem to be related to online ordering specifically, with many mentioning they’ve never had this problem when buying from physical stores.
Value for Money
At around $13-17 (price seems to vary), most users found this foundation to be an excellent value:
“For the price, it’s worth a try if you get the sale price. I got it for about $8.”
“It equals dept store brands.”
A few mentioned the bottle seeming smaller than expected, but most felt the price point was appropriate for the quality.
Final Verdict
The Good:
- AMAZING for mature skin – truly seems to live up to the “ageless” claim
- Creamy, moisturizing formula that doesn’t emphasize dryness
- Gives a natural, skin-like finish
- Blends easily with fingers, brushes, or sponges
- Great color matching, especially for lighter skin tones
- Impressive value compared to high-end foundations
- Convenient pump dispenser
The Bad:
- STRONG fragrance that some users hate
- May not work well for oily/combination skin types
- Some inconsistency in whether it settles into fine lines
- Significant quality control issues with online shipping
- Not ideal if you want full coverage
Who Should Try It:
- Anyone 40+ with normal to dry skin
- Those looking for a medium coverage foundation that doesn’t emphasize texture
- People who want anti-aging ingredients in their makeup
- Budget-conscious shoppers wanting a foundation that performs like higher-end options
Who Should Skip It:
- Those sensitive to fragrance
- People with very oily skin
- Anyone who needs full coverage
- Those who prefer a truly matte finish
Bottom Line
The CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation is a STANDOUT drugstore option, especially for mature skin. Despite the fragrance issue and some shipping concerns, the performance for the price makes this worth trying if you’re in the market for a hydrating, medium-coverage foundation that’s kind to fine lines and wrinkles.
I’d recommend buying it in-store if possible to avoid the shipping/quality control issues that many online purchasers experienced.
Have you tried this foundation? Let me know YOUR experience in the comments below!
Buy on Amazon: Here
