Cover Girl • Clean Makeup *new formula* • Liquid

Where To Buy?

Mford11 on 4/4/2013 9:36:00 PM more reviews by Mford11

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Tan, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

This is a great medium coverage foundation. I love how it has 3 types to choose from for diff. skin types. They have multiple shades for normal skin, sensitive skin, and for oil control. This is great for everyday wear and is lightweight, and inexpensive. There is great range of shades to choose from. The only con I have with this product is the bottle, you need a brush to dip into the bottle and take some out and then tranfer it to a sponge. Its just a lot of hassle and can get messy. But other than that, its an awesome foundation!

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SarahmmmKaye on 3/31/2013 4:03:00 AM more reviews by SarahmmmKaye

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

PACKAGING: The bottle is nice but kind hard to store since the base is wider than the top. I have dropped it multiple times on hard wood and tile and it holds up. Very nice but can be messy when you use some of it and you have to tilt it to get some product out. As any other the inside of the cap does get product on it.

PRODUCT: It's okay. I got mine in clean but should have gotten it in oily because I do get oily in the middle of the day. It didn't look so bad but I did have to blot. It feels so nice on the skin and has a Noxema tingle to it. Loved that. It is OIL FREE so it shouldn't clog too bad. WATER BASED. You will have to SET IT WITH POWDER

FINISH: Not matte. You will regret not setting it if you don't!! I doesn't feel to heavy and does kind of stick to dry spots so moisturize well beforehand

COVERAGE: Doesn't cover fully redness or pimples. Indefinably a medium coverage that you can only little build up.

Not for a natural look but can be formal or occasional.

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kdubbs14 on 3/7/2013 3:56:00 PM more reviews by kdubbs14

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

I buy the oil control version and absolutely love it! I get it in the shade 110 Classic Ivory. Many other foundations break me out and this luckily isn't one of them. Also many fair shades are only pink undertones, but this one has brown undertones, which is perfect for me. I haven't noticed the smell in the oily skin version, but I recently bought the normal skin version because the store was out of the oily skin version. I do notice a strong odor, almost Noxzema like, with the normal skin version. It has light coverage and also feels light on the skin.

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ItsAnotherUsernameYay on 3/7/2013 1:12:00 AM more reviews by ItsAnotherUsernameYay

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Dry, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

On the normal skin formula, the smell is absolutely unbearable and it oxidizes pretty bad. I wouldn't recommend it! Really disappointed!

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*TOP REVIEWER* DLYNN on 2/25/2013 10:30:00 PM more reviews by DLYNN

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

First impression: The glass bottle is nice, the small cap is functional — but it's tough stuff to get out of the jar!


Second impression: There's a trick to getting this foundation out of the bottle. By removing the cap and using a (clean) finger to cap off the small opening, while shaking the contents, it is possible to dispense just enough foundation to dot on one's face without digging in a pinkie finger or pounding the back of one's hand black-and-blue. (The Oil Control formula, in particular, is tricky because it's thicker and doesn't run out of the jar quite as easily as the Normal Skin version.)


I first bought the new Clean Makeup formula for Oil Control only because I got it on clearance for less than $4, in the shade "Classic Ivory". I thought, "What the heck, I haven't tried this stuff since high school."


Having used the oil-control version of this product for a couple of weeks now, I've found it can look streaky/chalky, exaggerating flaws such as wrinkles or dry patches on combo skin. I had no problem, however, once I began to apply it over Trader Joe's sunscreen and/or Pycnogenol cream, the latter of which acts like a primer and serves to make it blendable, albeit not all that buildable. I then set it with powder followed by a spritz of water, which gives it fairly good staying power for a product at this price point. In Classic Ivory, the tone is fairly neutral, swinging slightly pink but not too much so for my somewhat sallow skin tone. I particularly like that the Oil Control formula does not have much of a scent, if any.


To its credit, Cover Girl Clean Makeup does feel more breathable than Revlon ColorStay, L'Oreal Visible Lift, Estee Lauder Double Wear Light, and other foundations I've tried. The downside, of course, is that it doesn't have the staying power of the likes of Revlon ColorStay foundation (Revlon ColorStay is the gold standard of long-wearing drugstore foundation brands, in my experience). I suspect the lightweight and breathable feel of Cover Girl Clean Makeup has to do with the fact that they are water-based formulas, and secondarily that these less expensive, less exotic formulas tend to contain less silicone. Dimethicone is a silicone-based emollient, which in my unfortunate experience causes skin irritation in high concentrations, hence I became particularly interested recently in trying Cover Girl's Clean Makeup for Normal Skin because it is the only liquid foundation I've come across so far that isn't loaded with this semi-occlusive ingredient. (The Normal Skin version would appear to be the only CG Clean Makeup that is silicone-free, however.)


Unfortunately, after cracking open the lid on Cover Girl's Clean Makeup for Normal Skin, the odor of menthol/clove/eucalyptus became overwhelming. This stuff could substitute for Vic's Vapo Rub — it's that strong! Alas, it's difficult to contemplate the return of a foundation based on scent alone, especially when I really need a silicone-free liquid foundation, so I went ahead and applied it anyhow. Although it looked as if "Creamy Natural" would be the best match, I bought the Normal Skin formula in Classic Ivory because that's the shade I have in the Oil Control version. Turns out, the two colors, while identically named, aren't an exact match: Classic Ivory for Normal Skin is a tad more on the orange side. (I would say that if you are fair-skinned, go a shade lighter than you might otherwise and you shouldn't have issues with "carrot face".)


With the hope that the medicinal smell would wear off, I got to work applying it. The bad news? The medicinal smell does not wear off quickly (40 minutes later, I'm still catching a whiff). It would also appear that some combination of the fragrance and essential oils has potential to create skin irritation, due to the fact that my usual spritz of water, to set the look after I powdered my face, triggered a slightly itchy/tingling sensation (it quickly passed, fortunately). [3/5/2013 EDIT: I had to stop using this foundation because the bridge of my nose broke out into small red bumps!]


In comparing the Oil Control and Normal Skin formulas, they both go on very differently. The Oil Control formula is not cakey if applied over any type of moisturizer, even over gels, such as aloe vera. The Normal Skin formula, however, balled up when applied over that same gel, to the point where I had to remove it and start from scratch with nothing else on my face. In short, the Normal Skin formula is tricky to apply because while it builds better than the Oil Control version it is not quite as blendable and therefore easy to over-apply. This Normal Skin formula, in fact, blends best when applied to dampened skin (moistened with alcohol-free Witch Hazel, for instance). Long story short, IF you can get the technique down, this foundation has decent coverage, especially considering it isn't loaded down with silicones. Still, I see this product being best for those who have youthful, smooth skin without many fine lines or wrinkles. (Translation: Using this product after age 40 is pushing it, and I definitely wouldn't recommend this product to the 50+ set!)


Truth be told, if it weren't for the fact that this Normal Skin formula is silicone free, I would return it because it is too hard to work with. But because I want to give my skin some Dimethicone-free days, I'll probably stick with it for occasional use, medicinal smell and all. For those who aren't sensitive to silicones, however, I can't really recommend this product, except on price alone (just under $6 at Target). [EDIT: I am returning the Normal Skin version of this foundation due to skin irritation from the eucalyptus/clove oil. My conclusion? The Oil Control formula is the gentler of the two regardless of skin type.]


Lasting Impression? To make a "clean" convert out of me, Cover Girl needs to bring out a fragrance-free, SLS-free, silicone-free, paraben-free version of this product.

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colourmecurious on 2/14/2013 9:29:00 PM more reviews by colourmecurious

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Other, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

This was an okay foundation for me. It had good coverage, but it felt a little too thick for my taste. I was surprised that it didn't break me out, because thicker formulas usually do, so that was a plus. It has decent staying power, but it does get shiny at the end of the day (for oily/combination skin at least). It had a strange scent that I didn't particularly like, and the bottle packaging could be better. I wish drugstore foundations could just take the hint and make a pump! This was relatively cheap if you can find it on sale; I found mine on sale for $4. It was overall an okay foundation, but I 'll try and look for something better.

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whereismymind on 2/7/2013 1:11:00 PM more reviews by whereismymind

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

This foundation was okay - good coverage and they have a fragrance-free formula. The thing I hated about it was that it is so pink-toned, and I need a good yellow-toned foundation. No matter how light or beige I went, I always looked slightly sunburned, and under bronzer or blush it's just atrocious-looking.

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thesarahmichellee on 1/7/2013 1:51:00 PM more reviews by thesarahmichellee

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

This product really isn't that bad despite the other reviews. I only use it when I'm going out for a fancy or formal dinner or date, and it's perfect for that!

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MsHarleyQuinn on 12/26/2012 10:54:00 PM more reviews by MsHarleyQuinn

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Oily, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Grey    

This is one of the worse I've used of Clean ever! I got this by mistake but I don't have the money to just go and by new foundation all the time. I wash my face and normally put foundation on right away, and my face is shinny even with powder it's still shinny!
And that is not even mentioning the horrid smell! Eww
I will never by this type again! I should probably start look for new foundation brand.

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struby09 on 12/16/2012 12:16:00 PM more reviews by struby09

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Red, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I used this product for a while (before I knew just about everything in the make- up world) and thought it was ok. Once I tried other foundations I stopped using it. I recently tried it again, now having much more experience with makeup. OMG!!!! I HATED it! Seriously one of the worst foundations I have ever used! It creates breakouts and does NOT cover evenly what so ever! Also the packaging is horrible because it takes like 10 min. just to get some out! please... Please... PLEASE don't even waste your $6 on this product. I love CG but NOT this!!!!

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fchieng on 10/18/2012 2:06:00 AM more reviews by fchieng

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Cheap product. Good consistency. Good coverage. However, it's scented like...the gardening section of Home Depot or something. And this product broke me out in a rash along my jawline and a zit is in progress on my forehead.

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stormm on 10/16/2012 10:26:00 PM more reviews by stormm

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I hate this foundation!

I got the one for oily skin and thought it would keep shine away but the product itself is oily and heavy. It made me break out so much that I had to throw it away after third use. The bottle is a joke, you have to shake it hard to get the foundation out and believe me it's messy process. I'm never getting a foundation from this brand again.

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CabooseHatesBabies on 10/11/2012 9:26:00 PM more reviews by CabooseHatesBabies

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

After using this product, I've concluded that I will never buy any Cover Girl products again. This crappy makeup was a total waste of almost $8.00. First of all, it smells awful. It's unlike anything I've ever smelled before and I'm glad because if I smell it again I may get sick. Secondly, the thinnest layer of this makeup will become cakey on your skin and smudge if anything touches your face, even hours after application. Thirdly, it gave my skin a very unnatural color, almost orange, even though I was using the lightest shade available. I'm extremely disappointed in this product, as well as other Cover Girl products.

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*TOP REVIEWER* mzjade22 on 10/7/2012 8:52:00 PM more reviews by mzjade22

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Medium Brown, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Hate the new formula. I had been a long time Clean Makeup user, but then they discontinued my color and changed the formula. I got the next color down to use as a mixing medium for hard to work with foundations, I just cant stand the fragrance! Im normally not sensitive to fragrance, but the one in this foundation does not fade. Its not very good either, slides off your face really quickly, gets slick really fast. blech. Id rather go bare faced than wear cover girl ever again.

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skeeter04 on 10/5/2012 5:54:00 PM more reviews by skeeter04

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

Ok firstly I now have fairly clear skin. I do have dark under eye circles, and a little redness around my nose, but my skintone is also fairly even. I am also light-skinned/fair going between summer/winter. I needed a foundation asap since I was out of my Avon foundation and everything I seen was rediculously priced. I refused to pay $8-$9 for a bottle of makeup. I seen this type which was cheaper than the rest, $5 and some change, and seeing as I liked CG's concealer I decided to give it a try. I am pleased with this foundation. It is a light-medium coverage so if you have skin that needs a particularly heavy coverage then this wouldnt work. It is enough to even my skintone and give me some coverage but I still need to use a concealer on any blemishes and definately my dark circles. I would buy this again if I had to but I wanna try another foundation first.

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goldenrosegold on 8/21/2012 8:12:00 AM more reviews by goldenrosegold

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Tan   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I have three of these foundations (creamy beige 150, soft honey 155, and classic tan 160) soft honey is my exact skin color but the other two work really well. This has enough coverage that I don't need a concealer if I am going for a more natural look. It tones down sun spots and takes away discoloration.

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skywriter24 on 8/18/2012 8:06:00 PM more reviews by skywriter24

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I got this product in shade 120 creamy natural. This product provides medium coverage. This product felt very heavy on my skin. However, the coverage was good and it brightened my face.

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treidel on 5/19/2012 10:37:00 PM more reviews by treidel

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Other   Eyes: Hazel    

I found this to be a little cakey and found that it took a while to dry. It had a nice smell, didn't have a lot of coverage.

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*TOP REVIEWER* candystripelegs on 1/20/2012 9:46:00 AM more reviews by candystripelegs

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Red, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

*THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE SENSITIVE SKIN VERSION*
EDIT 1/26/12: I gave this a 4, but I'm knocking it down to a 3 simply because I get too oily in the t-zone area when I'm running around at work and this stuff melts right off my nose an forehead. I still think it's great and does not oxidize on me or cause breakouts. Will re-purchase it and save it for weekends or when I only need to wear makeup for a few hours, not an 8 hour shift.

ORIGINAL REVIEW: Very pleasantly surprised!!!! I can't believe I'm actually writing this review since I have avoided these foundations like the plaque since I first tried them in high school..That horrid smell still haunts me *shudders*

Oil-free, fragrance-free (ingredients listed at end of review). Hasn't caused me to break out.
This stuff is great, especially if you have sensitive skin that is combo/slightly oily. the finish is soft-matte, no added moisture, shimmer particles,etc. Did no oxidize and turn orange on me (I use the Buff Beige shade, perfect match for my skin). For some reason companies assume that if you have sensitive skin, you must be dry and that's why a lot of those types of products end up breaking me out...way too moisturizing :(



Anyway, I have tried several different ways to put this on and I think the best application method is apply in a downward motion, using either fingers or a sponge/beauty blender. Any sort of stippling or swirling motion with a foundation brush made this look streaky and horrible. I've found that foundation brushes work best with runnier liquids and finger/sponge work best with thicker types.



Texture is creamy liquid but does not feel greasy on the skin. Unlike Colorstay, it does not have that sticky/tacky feeling while it dries. One layer evens out the redness in my cheeks, blur freckles and just makes my skin look healthy, much more coverage than a tinted moisturizer. Two layers covers gives medium coverage, a concealer for undereye/acne will be needed.


Surprisingly, this doesn't transfer as much as I thought it would and it doesn't transfer as much as the CG Aquasmooth Compact makeup I that I recently tried and reviewed. I think the lasting power is decent, although I have not found any foundation (HE or DG) that still looks perfect after 8-10 hours. A layer of this with my MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation in N4 gives me awesome coverage and I don't feel like I'm wearing a lot of makeup.


The bottle is annoying because it takes forever to get the creamy liquid to come out. This stuff is so cheap that I will probably just buy 2 at once and buy a nice pump bottle to put it in. I've been on a drugstore foundation kick lately...too many high end liquid foundation have fragrance that makes my skin itch. I keep finding good foundations at the drugstore and for less than $6, this is definitely an awesome deal if it works for your skin type!


Ingredients for the Sensitive Skin formula:
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Talc, Glycerin, PEG/PPG 18/18 Dimethicone, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Cyclomethicone, Magnesium Sulfate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Laureth 7, Arachidyl Behenate, Silica, Trihydroxystearin, Propylparaben, Methicone, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Methylparaben, Synthetic Wax, Trisodium EDTA, Ethylene Brassylate, Stearic Acid
May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Mica

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ylimerocks on 1/8/2012 2:12:00 PM more reviews by ylimerocks

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Wavy   Eyes: Green    

I love this foudation. It is really lightweight. The coverage is light, so I would reccomend it for people who have pretty good skin who just want a light foudation to even out their skintone. I have it in the sensitive skin formula, not because my skin is sensitive, but because it was the lightest shade I could find, and I have to say, it is the best match of any liquid foudation ever found! The only thing I don't like is the bottle. It sucks and it's really hard to get the product to come out. I should really come with a pump.

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