Hey there! So I’ve been using this COVERGIRL & Olay Simply Ageless foundation for YEARS now, and I thought it was about time to share my complete thoughts on it. This review specifically focuses on shade 255 (Soft Honey), which has been my go-to for quite some time now. Let’s dive right in!
QUICK STATS
- Product: COVERGIRL & Olay Simply Ageless Instant Wrinkle-Defying Foundation
- Shade: 255 Soft Honey
- Price Point: Mid-range drugstore (though prices seem to be increasing like everything else these days)
- SPF: Yes! (Great for sun protection)
- Format: Cream compact with sponge applicator
THE GOOD STUFF
Coverage & Texture
This foundation is hands down one of the BEST options I’ve found for mature skin. The texture is pretty unique – it’s creamy but not heavy. It’s designed to be a cream-to-powder formula that gives a semi-matte finish. What I love is how it doesn’t settle into fine lines the way most foundations do.
The coverage is buildable – you can go light for everyday wear or build it up a bit more for special occasions. It smooths over imperfections really well without looking cakey. Multiple reviewers mentioned getting compliments on their skin (not their makeup!) which is exactly what we want, right?
The Olay Factor
The collaboration with Olay is what sets this product apart. The foundation contains moisturizing ingredients that actually benefit your skin while you’re wearing it. For those of us dealing with drier skin as we age, this is SUCH a bonus. It helps the foundation glide on smoothly and prevents that dreaded dry, tight feeling that can happen with other foundations.
One reviewer in their 60s mentioned that it doesn’t accentuate fine lines and wrinkles like other foundations tend to do. Another person in their 50s said it’s the best foundation they’ve tried for older skin – and I’d have to agree!
Staying Power
For a moisturizing foundation, it has surprisingly good staying power. It lasts about 8 hours before needing a touch-up, which is perfect for a standard workday. It doesn’t crease or get patchy throughout the day like some foundations can.
Sun Protection
This foundation includes SPF, which is a huge plus for everyday wear. Several reviewers (including one who lives in the southwest desert with fair skin) specifically mentioned appreciating the sun protection. It’s always nice when your makeup pulls double-duty!
Application
The compact comes with a sponge applicator which makes it really convenient for on-the-go touch-ups. That said, many reviewers (myself included) have found different application methods that work even better:
- Some prefer using fingertips for more control over coverage
- Adding a tiny bit of water to your fingertips before applying helps it go on thinner and more naturally
- For those with drier skin, applying moisturizer before the foundation creates a perfect base
THE NOT-SO-GOOD STUFF
Packaging Issues
The packaging is honestly this product’s biggest downfall. There are several consistent complaints:
- IT’S SO HARD TO OPEN! Multiple reviewers mentioned struggling to open the compact. One helpful tip: run the closed container under very hot water for about 10 seconds – this makes it much easier to open.
- No mirror in the compact! For a product designed for on-the-go use, this is a major oversight.
- Some people find the two-part packaging (where you twist off one side and use the other half to hold) inconvenient, especially for applying makeup while commuting.
- Several reviewers received products with missing applicator sponges or damaged packaging.
Color Matching Challenges
Finding the right shade can be tricky. The Soft Honey shade works great for medium skin tones with olive undertones, but several reviewers mentioned it being either too light or too dark for them.
A few reviewers with darker skin tones mentioned that the product left a whitish cast, regardless of shade selection. This suggests the formula might not be ideal for deeper skin tones.
Consistency Issues
There seem to be some quality control problems. Multiple reviewers mentioned:
- Products arriving melted or damaged
- The formula becoming chalky toward the bottom half of the container
- Some products arriving expired or appearing to be old stock
- Occasional batches that are drier than usual
Limited Coverage for Specific Concerns
While this foundation does a great job with general coverage and minimizing the appearance of fine lines, it might not be heavy-duty enough for those looking to completely cover significant hyperpigmentation or very deep wrinkles.
WHO THIS FOUNDATION IS PERFECT FOR
This foundation is IDEAL for:
- People in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond looking for a foundation that won’t settle into fine lines
- Those with normal to dry skin who want a foundation with skincare benefits
- Anyone wanting light to medium coverage with a natural finish
- People who prioritize sun protection in their makeup routine
- Those with sensitive skin prone to breakouts (several reviewers mentioned it doesn’t cause breakouts)
WHO SHOULD LOOK ELSEWHERE
You might want to skip this if:
- You have very oily skin (though it works for some combination skin types)
- You need full, heavy coverage
- You have very deep skin tones
- You prioritize convenience in packaging (the opening issues are real!)
- You prefer a dewy finish (this is more of a natural, semi-matte finish)
APPLICATION TIPS FROM REAL USERS
- For Dry Skin: Apply moisturizer first, then use fingertips slightly dampened with water for the smoothest application.
- For Mature Skin: Use fingertips rather than the sponge for better control of product thickness. This helps avoid settling into fine lines.
- For Opening the Stubborn Compact: Run under hot water for 10 seconds first!
- For All-Day Wear: Set lightly with a translucent powder in your T-zone.
- For Color Matching: If between shades, go slightly warmer as this formula tends to blend well.
VALUE FOR MONEY
While not the cheapest drugstore foundation out there, most reviewers (including those who’ve used it for 10+ years) feel it’s worth the price. The fact that it includes beneficial skincare ingredients from Olay adds value. And as one reviewer pointed out, Amazon often has better pricing and more reliable stock of specific shades than local stores.
THE VERDICT: IS IT WORTH IT?
If you’re someone with aging skin looking for a foundation that actually works WITH your skin instead of against it – YES, this is absolutely worth trying. The combination of Olay skincare benefits with COVERGIRL’s foundation expertise creates a product that truly delivers on most of its promises.
The main drawbacks are the packaging issues and somewhat limited shade range. But the formula itself is a winner, especially for those of us who’ve tried countless foundations only to be disappointed by how they accentuate fine lines and wrinkles.
Many reviewers, myself included, have been loyal to this product for years (some for over a decade!) despite trying other options. That kind of loyalty speaks volumes about how good this foundation really is.
For shade 255 Soft Honey specifically – it’s a versatile medium shade that works well for light-medium to medium skin tones, especially those with neutral to warm undertones.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This foundation has earned its spot as a staple in my makeup routine. While no product is perfect, the COVERGIRL & Olay Simply Ageless foundation hits all the right notes where it matters most: comfortable wear, flattering coverage, and actually making your skin look BETTER rather than just covered up.
If you’ve been frustrated by foundations that emphasize lines or leave your skin feeling dry, this might just be the product you’ve been searching for. Just remember to run that compact under hot water before trying to open it! 😉
Buy on Amazon: Here
