Hey beauty lovers! Today I’m diving into a complete breakdown of the CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation, Matte Finish, Hyaluronic & Vitamin C Formula, Nude Beige. After collecting TONS of real customer experiences and testing it myself, I’m sharing the unfiltered truth about this drugstore foundation that claims to be a game-changer for mature skin.
Quick Take
Price: $15-17 (great value compared to high-end options!)
Shade Range: Limited but workable for most skin tones
Best For: Mature skin, dry skin, those wanting lightweight coverage
Not Great For: Very oily skin, those who hate fragrance, people needing full coverage
The Claims vs. Reality
CoverGirl markets this as a 3-in-1 foundation with anti-aging benefits thanks to the Olay formula with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. It promises to:
- Provide coverage without settling into fine lines
- Moisturize aging skin
- Create a natural, youthful finish
Does it deliver? MOSTLY YES! But with some important caveats you should know about.
The Good Stuff 💯
1. Feels Lightweight But Effective
The NUMBER ONE thing customers love is how this foundation feels on the skin. If you hate that heavy, mask-like feeling (who doesn’t?), this might be your holy grail. Multiple reviewers mentioned they forgot they were wearing makeup, which is HUGE for anyone who usually can’t stand foundation.
One 40-something reviewer who hadn’t worn foundation since her 20s was “literally blown out the water!!!” by how natural it felt while still covering what needed covering.
2. Great for Mature Skin
This foundation ACTUALLY seems to work well for aging skin. Unlike many foundations that settle into fine lines and make wrinkles more noticeable, many users in their 60s and 70s reported this formula smooths over fine lines instead of enhancing them.
A 71-year-old customer who had “tried many named brand foundations” found that “none worked like this product.” Another 81-year-old user proudly stated: “I’ll never look really OLD!”
3. Moisturizing Formula
The Olay influence is evident in how hydrating this foundation is. For those with dry or combination skin, this provides a welcome moisture boost. Many users specifically mentioned how it didn’t accentuate dry patches—a common problem with other foundations.
One customer who switched from mineral makeup noted that as she aged, her previous foundation would settle into fine lines, but this liquid formula gave her skin a smooth, hydrated appearance.
4. Natural-Looking Coverage
If you’re after that “my skin but better” look, this foundation delivers. It provides enough coverage to even out skin tone and hide minor imperfections without looking cakey or artificial.
Multiple reviewers used the word “natural” to describe the finish. One particularly enthusiastic user immediately recommended it to her entire family after seeing how well it concealed blemishes while looking like skin.
5. Easy Application
The foundation blends effortlessly with either fingers or a makeup sponge. Many users appreciated how forgiving the application was—you don’t need professional skills to make it look good.
A self-described “low-maintenance 63-year-old woman” mentioned she could simply pat it on with fingertips, give it a once-over with a damp sponge, and achieve a flawless finish.
The Not-So-Great Stuff 😬
1. The Fragrance Issue
This is probably the BIGGEST complaint. Many users described the scent as “strong,” “awful,” or “moldy.” Some even reported holding their breath while applying it near their mouth and nose!
The good news? Most people said the smell dissipates after application. But if you’re sensitive to fragrances or have reactive skin, this could be a dealbreaker.
2. Color Selection Challenges
Finding the right shade can be TRICKY. Many customers reported having to try multiple shades before finding their match. The consensus seems to be that the colors run slightly dark or orange-toned.
One user tried four different shades (Warm Beige, Creamy Beige, Classic Tan, and Soft Honey) before giving up and mixing two shades to create her perfect match. Another mentioned that “the color guide is way off.”
Common advice: Go one shade lighter than you think you need.
3. Packaging and Delivery Issues
A significant number of customers reported receiving bottles with missing caps, broken seals, or even signs of previous use. This appears to be primarily a shipping/handling issue rather than a problem with the product itself.
Many bottles arrived with leaking product or without protective packaging. If you’re ordering online, be prepared to carefully inspect your product upon arrival.
4. Limited Coverage for Major Skin Concerns
While this foundation provides decent coverage for minor imperfections, it may not be enough for those with significant hyperpigmentation, severe acne scars, or very uneven skin tone.
One reviewer noted it “does not cover sun-spots, hyperpigmentation, or other imperfections,” while another suggested using it as a primer with mineral makeup on top for better coverage.
5. No SPF Protection
Despite being marketed as an anti-aging product, this foundation doesn’t contain sun protection. Several users expressed disappointment about this missing feature, noting that sun damage is a primary cause of premature aging.
The Verdict: Who Should Buy This?
This Foundation Is PERFECT For You If:
- You’re over 40 and struggle with foundations settling into fine lines
- You have dry or normal skin that needs hydration
- You prefer a natural, lightweight finish over full coverage
- You’re looking for an affordable alternative to high-end anti-aging foundations
- You want something quick and easy for everyday wear
Skip This If:
- You have very oily skin (the moisturizing formula might not work for you)
- You’re sensitive to fragrances (the scent is STRONG)
- You need full coverage for significant hyperpigmentation
- You want a foundation with built-in sun protection
- You’re prone to breakouts (some users reported acne flare-ups)
Application Tips From Real Users
- Prep is key: Many successful users mentioned applying good moisturizer before this foundation, even though it’s hydrating on its own.
- Try the primer: Several reviewers had great results using the matching CoverGirl Simply Ageless primer underneath. One 71-year-old customer specifically recommended mixing the primer and foundation together.
- Less is more: A little goes a long way! Start with a small amount and build up as needed.
- Set strategically: For longer wear, several users recommended setting just certain areas (around the eyes, nose, and mouth) with a light dusting of powder.
- Enhance with setting spray: Multiple reviewers mentioned using a setting spray to lock in the look and add extra dewiness.
Bottom Line
At around $15, the CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation delivers impressive results for mature skin. Despite some drawbacks (particularly the fragrance and shade selection challenges), this foundation outperforms many high-end alternatives for users with aging skin concerns.
It won’t magically erase deep wrinkles (nothing does!), but it won’t settle into them either—which is what REALLY matters. For everyday wear that leaves your skin looking naturally better and feeling comfortable, this drugstore gem is worth trying.
Just remember: If ordering online, check your package carefully upon arrival, and don’t be afraid to try a shade lighter than you think you need!
Have you tried this foundation? What was YOUR experience? Drop a comment below and let me know if this review helped you decide whether to give it a shot!
Buy on Amazon: Here
