Hey beauty lovers! After spending WEEKS testing this foundation and collecting feedback from dozens of users, I’m finally ready to break down everything you need to know about the COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Ultimate Finish Foundation in Classic Ivory. Is it worth the hype? Let’s dive in!
QUICK STATS
- Product: COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Ultimate Finish Foundation
- Shade: Classic Ivory
- Format: Cream-to-powder compact
- Price point: Budget-friendly (WAY cheaper than department store brands!)
- Best for: Normal to slightly dry skin, mature skin, quick application
FIRST IMPRESSIONS & PACKAGING
Let’s talk packaging first – several users mentioned issues with it. The compact comes with the cover BACKWARDS (to show the product) which confused some buyers. You just need to unsnap it, flip it around, and snap it back on. Simple fix!
The compact doesn’t lock securely though, which is definitely annoying. One user suggested using a rubber band if you’re carrying it in your purse – not ideal but works in a pinch. The mirror fell out for one person too. For a budget foundation, I guess we can’t expect luxury packaging, but still…come on, COVERGIRL!
The included applicator sponge works fine, but it’s pretty small and awkwardly shaped. It gets the job done, but you might want to use your own tools.
COLOR MATCH
The Classic Ivory shade seems to have mixed results. For many fair-skinned users, it’s a PERFECT match. However, several mentioned it looked darker than expected compared to liquid foundations in the same shade. A few noted:
- “Good product, good value but looks a little lighter than the picture”
- “Maybe I don’t know what I’m talking about but this doesn’t look like classic ivory to me…?”
- “I HAVE WORN THIS COLOR BEFORE BUT FROM A DIFFERENT BRAND WHEN I PUT IT ON MY FACE IT LOOKED GRAY”
If you’re super fair-skinned, this should work well, but the undertone might be slightly different than other Classic Ivory foundations you’ve tried.
APPLICATION & TEXTURE
This is where this foundation SHINES! The texture is described as:
- “Creamy smooth”
- “Silky”
- “Soft”
- “Lightweight”
It applies easily with the included sponge, your fingers, or a brush (though some found brush application worked better than the sponge). One 54-year-old with dry skin raved about how it doesn’t sink into fine lines – a major win!
The cream-to-powder formula is definitely unique. It goes on creamy but sets to a powder finish, eliminating the need for separate powder in most cases. This makes it SUPER quick for everyday makeup routines.
Some users with very dry skin found it a bit challenging, mentioning it can look “cakey” or accentuate dry patches. If you have extremely dry skin, you’ll definitely want to moisturize well before applying.
COVERAGE
The coverage is definitely medium but buildable. Most users love that it:
- Covers discoloration
- Hides blemishes
- Conceals redness
- Works well on dark circles
As one 73-year-old user said, “It covers any discoloration and looks flawless.” Many users specifically mentioned using it for covering rosacea, dark circles, and other skin concerns.
A HUGE benefit mentioned by multiple reviewers is that it doesn’t look like you’re wearing makeup! It gives that “I woke up like this” natural finish while still providing good coverage. One user in Texas specifically mentioned it looks “incredibly smooth and natural” on her face.
STAYING POWER
The staying power gets mixed reviews:
- Some say it “stays all day” and is “transfer resistant”
- Others mention it “rubs off easily” or doesn’t last through a workday
One user specifically mentioned that “the first time I sneezed my nose was completely exposed” which isn’t great for long-term wear. The Texas user mentioned it’s “very sweat resistant” which is promising for hot climates.
For best results, many users recommend using a primer underneath and/or a setting spray on top.
VERSATILITY
What I LOVE about this foundation is how versatile it is! Users report using it as:
- A full-face foundation
- A spot concealer
- A touch-up product
- A finishing layer over liquid foundation
One reviewer called it a “secret weapon” because she uses it for three different purposes: light makeup days, as a finisher over foundation, and as a cover-up for makeup mistakes.
SKIN SENSITIVITY & FRAGRANCE
Good news for sensitive skin folks! Multiple users mentioned having no allergic reactions, and one specifically noted that other brands “burn” her skin but this one doesn’t.
It’s also virtually fragrance-free, with one reviewer noting: “I’m also very sensitive to smell and this doesn’t have any scent, or it’s barely there.”
VALUE FOR MONEY
While the price point is definitely affordable, a few users mentioned that the product doesn’t last very long:
- “It is such a small amount in the compact”
- “This only lasts about 3 weeks”
- “I like the product but it doesn’t seem to go very far”
Others, however, found it lasted quite a while, with one user saying they’ve been using the same compact for THREE YEARS (though that seems excessive and probably not hygienic!).
Overall, most users feel the value is good, especially compared to high-end foundations. As one person put it: “This foundation is just as nice, if not nicer than the $30.00 or $40.00 brands I have tried.”
WHO SHOULD USE THIS?
Based on all the feedback, this foundation works BEST for:
- Mature skin – Multiple reviewers in their 50s, 70s, and beyond love how it doesn’t settle into fine lines
- Normal to slightly dry skin – The cream-to-powder formula works well for these skin types
- People who want quick, easy application – It’s perfect for on-the-go makeup
- Those who prefer natural-looking coverage – It provides coverage without looking heavy or cakey
- Sensitive skin – The fragrance-free formula is gentle for most users
WHO SHOULD SKIP IT?
This might NOT be the best choice if you:
- Have extremely dry skin – Some users found it accentuated dry patches
- Need all-day, bulletproof wear – It may not last through intense activities
- Have large pores – A few users mentioned it settled into pores, making them look larger
- Don’t use primer – It seems to perform significantly better with primer underneath
COMPARED TO OTHER COVERGIRL FOUNDATIONS
Several users compared this to other COVERGIRL foundations:
- Some preferred the Aquasmooth line for easier application and hydration
- Others found this provided better coverage than other COVERGIRL foundations
- One reviewer who tried switching from this to another COVERGIRL product came back to the Ultimate Finish
If you’ve used COVERGIRL Aquasmooth before, this will feel a bit different – less hydrating but possibly with better coverage.
THE BOTTOM LINE
COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Ultimate Finish Foundation in Classic Ivory is a SOLID budget-friendly foundation that performs surprisingly well for its price point. It offers good coverage with a natural finish, works especially well for mature skin, and provides versatility for different makeup needs.
The packaging could be better, and it may not work for extremely dry skin or those needing truly all-day wear, but for everyday use, it’s a great option. As one reviewer begged: “Don’t ever discontinue please!”
Is it worth trying? ABSOLUTELY – especially at this price point. You might be surprised to find it performs as well as or better than foundations that cost 5x as much!
PROS:
- Creamy, smooth application
- Natural-looking finish
- Good coverage for discoloration and blemishes
- Works well for mature skin
- Fragrance-free
- Versatile (can be used as foundation, concealer, or finishing powder)
- Budget-friendly price
CONS:
- Packaging issues (doesn’t lock, backwards cover)
- May not last all day without primer/setting spray
- Can accentuate dry patches on very dry skin
- May settle into pores
- Small amount of product
FINAL RATING: 4/5 STARS
For the price point, this foundation is HARD to beat. While it’s not perfect, it delivers impressive results that rival much more expensive products. If COVERGIRL improved the packaging and made it a bit more hydrating, it would easily be a 5/5!
Have you tried this foundation? I’d love to hear YOUR thoughts too!
Buy on Amazon: Here
