Hey everyone! I’ve been in the beauty industry for years and I’m always looking for foundations that deliver results without breaking the bank. Today I’m diving DEEP into the COVERGIRL+Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation in Classic Ivory. After analyzing hundreds of real customer reviews, here’s everything you need to know about this drugstore foundation that’s gained quite a following, especially among those of us with mature skin!
The Basics
This foundation combines COVERGIRL’s makeup expertise with Olay’s skincare technology, promising coverage with anti-aging benefits. Key ingredients include:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
It comes in a pump bottle (when it arrives with the cap intact… more on that later 🙄), and Classic Ivory is one of their lightest shades, ideal for fair skin tones.
Let’s Talk Coverage & Texture
The Simply Ageless foundation offers medium coverage that most users find buildable. It’s NOT a full-coverage mask, which is actually a GOOD THING for mature skin! What impressed me most is how it manages to cover imperfections while still looking like actual skin.
The texture is creamy and lightweight—many reviewers compared it to wearing a moisturizer rather than foundation. It has a smooth consistency that:
- Blends easily (fingers, sponge, or brush all work well)
- Doesn’t feel heavy or cakey
- Provides a natural-looking finish
One 60+ reviewer summed it up perfectly: “It only takes a small amount, and the finished product still looks like skin, only more even. It feels like I’m not wearing anything on my face.”
Performance on Mature Skin
This is where the Simply Ageless foundation REALLY SHINES! The formula is specifically designed for aging skin, and the reviews confirm it works as advertised:
- Doesn’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles: This was the most consistent positive feedback from older users
- Hydrating without being greasy: The Olay influence is noticeable here
- Doesn’t cake or flake: Even on drier skin types
- Improves skin appearance over time: Some reviewers noticed their skin looking better after continued use
One 67-year-old reviewer who’s been using it for years stated: “No one believes my age,” while a 40-year-old wrote: “I look f*Â 20, can’t even see my wrinkles or pores!!”
Shade Match & Undertones
Classic Ivory is described as very light with slightly pink undertones. This can be perfect for fair skin, but several reviewers mentioned it initially appeared a bit TOO white. However, many found that after wearing it for about an hour, it oxidized slightly and blended better with their natural skin tone.
For those with neutral or warm undertones, you might want to try a different shade or mix Classic Ivory with another color. Some reviewers purchased two shades to create their perfect match.
Longevity
The foundation wears well throughout the day without significant fading or patchiness. Many reviewers were pleased with how it looked after 6+ hours of wear without touching up. It doesn’t claim to be long-wearing, but it performs admirably for everyday use.
One reviewer who’d worn it for about six hours posted a photo showing it still looked fresh and natural.
Fragrance
This is a MAJOR drawback for many users. The foundation has a noticeable perfume-like scent that some described as “flowery musty old perfume.” While many weren’t bothered by it, those with fragrance sensitivities or asthma found it overwhelming and unwearable.
Several reviewers mentioned they couldn’t get past the strong scent, with one saying: “I cannot use this. I tried it thinking the fragrance would wear off, it doesn’t.”
Skin Sensitivities & Breakouts
Mixed experiences here. Many with sensitive skin reported no issues, with one reviewer writing: “I’ve had no problems with skin irritation or break-outs.” Some even noticed their skin looking better after using the foundation.
However, a smaller number experienced irritation, with one reviewer claiming: “It BURNS my skin when I applied.” If you have very sensitive skin, proceed with caution.
Value & Size
The bottle size disappointed some purchasers, who felt it was smaller than expected for the price. However, when compared to high-end foundations, most considered it a good value since it performs as well or better than products costing 5-6 times more.
A little goes a long way—many mentioned that just “one dime size pump does my entire face.”
Packaging Issues
Here’s where things get FRUSTRATING! The most common complaint wasn’t about the product itself but how it arrived. Numerous reviewers reported receiving the foundation:
- Without a cap/lid
- Unsealed
- With makeup residue on the bottle
- Appearing used or previously opened
- Leaking
- Damaged
This happened frequently enough that it seems to be a persistent issue with ordering this product online, rather than just isolated incidents.
How It Compares to Higher-End Foundations
Many reviewers shared that they had used high-end brands (Estée Lauder, department store brands, etc.) before trying Simply Ageless. The consensus? This drugstore foundation OUTPERFORMED many luxury options, especially for mature skin.
One senior reviewer who had “worn foundations for 5 decades” and tried many high-end brands called this the “be all, end all foundation.”
Another who had used “$65/bottle makeup” from specialty stores said this product worked better and actually matched her skin tone, unlike the expensive one that “looked orange” on her face.
Application Tips from Reviewers
- For extra hydration: Some users mix a small amount of face lotion with the foundation on the back of their hand before applying.
- For the most natural look: Apply with fingertips, then blend with a damp makeup sponge.
- For longer wear: Set with a light dusting of loose powder.
- For drier skin: Make sure to moisturize well before application.
- For the best color match: Consider purchasing in-store first to find your perfect shade, then order online for the better price.
The Bottom Line
Pros:
- Excellent for mature skin
- Doesn’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles
- Natural, skin-like finish
- Good medium coverage
- Hydrating formula with skincare benefits
- Blends easily
- Comparable to much more expensive foundations
- Contains beneficial ingredients (hyaluronic acid, vitamins)
- Convenient pump bottle (when it arrives intact)
Cons:
- Strong fragrance that may bother sensitive users
- Shade range is more limited than some brands
- Packaging/shipping issues when ordering online
- May not provide enough coverage for those wanting to completely hide blemishes or discoloration
- Pink undertone may not work for everyone
- Doesn’t contain SPF (though many users consider this a plus, as they prefer to use a separate sunscreen)
Who Should Buy This Foundation?
The COVERGIRL+Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation is PERFECT for:
- Women 40+ looking for a foundation that flatters mature skin
- Anyone with dry or normal skin seeking hydration and coverage
- Those who prefer a natural, skin-like finish over heavy makeup
- Budget-conscious shoppers who want quality comparable to high-end brands
- Fair-skinned individuals (for the Classic Ivory shade specifically)
It might NOT be the best choice for:
- Those sensitive to fragrance
- People seeking full coverage
- Oily skin types (though some with combination skin had success)
- Those who need a foundation with SPF included
Final Thoughts
For the price point, the COVERGIRL+Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation delivers impressive results, especially for mature skin. If you can get past the fragrance and the potential shipping issues, it’s a standout drugstore option that rivals much more expensive brands.
I’d recommend purchasing it in-store if possible to avoid the packaging problems many online shoppers experienced. But if you do order online, check the product immediately upon arrival for any signs of tampering or damage.
Have you tried this foundation? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!
Note: This review focuses specifically on the Classic Ivory shade, but experiences with texture, coverage, and wear will be similar across the shade range.
Buy on Amazon: Here
