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Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Review: CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation + SPF20

Note: If you can't find a shade that's dark enough for you in this range, please see this post, which explains that the new CoverGirl Queen Collection All Day Flawless Foundation + SPF20 is almost identical to this formula, and available in many shades for deeper skintones.
Back in the middle of February, I posted a teaser on Facebook about how much I was loving this foundation. I had just purchased it from Rite And and had only used it once, but it was literally love as first swipe. I wanted to write this review immediately after trying it, but that wouldn't be accurate or reliable. So, I waited. I tried it with different moisturizers underneath. I tried it with different concealers and setting powders. I just had to make sure that what I was experiencing wasn't a fluke. Before wildly raving about this product, I wanted to be absolutely certain that this product worked in all occasions. Luckily, since February, we've had both cold and very hot weather here in San Diego, so I even got to test it in different temperatures. 

Now that I've put it through the most thorough testing that I can possibly give to a foundation, I am officially declaring this my new Holy Grail Foundation. Keep reading to find out why!

CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation + SPF20 in 825 Buff Beige
(retail: around $10, 1.0 oz)

This foundation comes in 14 shades. From the CoverGirl website:
All-in-one foundation with a long-lasting formula that fuses primer, concealer, and foundation in one easy step! The 3-in-1 formula provides a flawless look that lasts all day long.  
All day, longwear formula 
Primer, concealer, and foundation in one
Smooth, flawless finish

Keep reading for my full review...




From the Ulta website:
Ingredients:
Active: Ensulizole 3.0%. Inactive: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Talc, Dimethicone, Aluminum Starch, Octenylsuccinate, Sodium Chloride, PEG/PPG-18, Pvp, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylene, Copolymer, Trihydroxystearin, Arachidyl Behenate, Methicone, Silica, Synthetic Wax, Sodium Benzoate, Hexyl Laurate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Ethylene Brassylate, Behenic Acid, Polyethylene, Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide.


I love, love, love that this product comes with a pump applicator.



Let's jump right into some before-and-afters:

Clean face, no makeup (just moisturizer)
As you can see, I have some redness, broken capillaries, dark circles, old acne scars and large pores.

 After applying CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation in Buff Beige
In the above pic, I applied this foundation with just my fingers. Notice how my broken capillaries (which are the hardest thing ever to cover) are completely concealed. The darkness under my eyes isn't completely gone, but it's good enough for me to feel comfortable walking out of the house. All of my redness is also gone, as well as my old acne scars. Without any setting powder, this product does have a very matte finish, and the shade Buff Beige is a bit lighter than it appears in the bottle (however I still find it to be a good match for my NC20 skintone since it doesn't leave my skin looking too pink.)

After applying setting powder on top of the foundation
If you're not a fan of the matte finish of this foundation, I highly suggest using a setting powder that contains a soft, subtle shimmer/sheen such as Physicians Formula Super BB Powder, which is what I used for the above picture. I think it's a perfect combination with this foundation because it takes away some of the matteness and gives the skin a slightly more natural look.  If you use an oil-control setting powder with this foundation, just be prepared to see a very matte finish on your skin.

And here's a picture you'll probably remember from some previous reviews (taken on a different day):

In this photo, I'm wearing both CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous foundation and Physicians Formula Super BB Powder. (Click here if you'd like to see what other products I used for this look.)
Texture and consistency: Unlike other long-wear foundations, the consistency of this product is much lighter. You don't feel like you're coating your skin in a thick, suffocating liquid during application. It spreads easily across the skin, and you have a nice amount of time to blend before it sets. After it sets, you can still go back and build for more coverage without it becoming cakey. 

Coverage and finish: I've tried so many products over the years that claim to be a primer, concealer and foundation all in one but nothing--I repeat--nothing has ever lived up to that claim as well as this product. The coverage is simply outstanding. For me to be able to walk out of my house without even a drop of concealer on my face is a miracle, but I've lost count of how many times I've applied this product after my moisturizer, slapped on some setting powder and walked out of the house feeling confident. The finish is obviously matte, so if you prefer a matte finish to your foundations, you'll probably love the look of this product. But if you prefer a slightly more natural finish, I suggest using a setting powder that has a soft shimmer/sheen to it.

Staying power: Again, I've tried so many products over the years that claim to have a built-in primer, but never have I had a product live up to that claim better than this one. I have absolutely no need to wear a separate primer when using this foundation, and let me remind you that I have extremely oily skin. I have tested this product in both cold and hot weather, and every time I wear it I am astounded by the fact that I can touch my nose at the usual time that I would normally feel some oily breakthrough (after about three hours of wear), and NOTHING. My face feels like I just applied this product. Fresh and oil-free. In cooler weather, I can go an entire eight hours before I start to see even a slight bit of breakthrough shine, and even then it's minimal. In warmer weather, I can easily go five hours before I even start to thinking about using a blotting sheet. Transfer is minimal--I have tested this by applying this product to my skin (no setting powder) and I allowed it to set on my skin for about a hour. Then I took my sleeve (while wearing a black shirt) and lightly brushed my sleeve across my cheek. The result was a very, very soft, light mark on my sleeve and that's it.

Fragrance: To me, this product smells like a much softer, diluted version of Revlon ColorStay foundation, but it also has a pleasant, "clean" note to it that makes it feel fresh during application. A few minutes after application, I can no longer detect the fragrance.

FINAL VERDICT: If you have oily or combination skin, I think you might fall in love with this foundation (but my pal Stephanie of Aquaheart's Obsessions, who has dry skin, loves it too, so don't rule this one out if you have dry skin!). This foundation lives up to its claims to be a primer, concealer and foundation all in one bottle. It gives my skin a truly flawless look, covering my flaws better than any other foundation I've ever tried. Staying power is beyond awesome, especially for my super-oily skin. I can't believe that I can confidently skip concealer when I use this foundation (totally unheard of in my world) but if I want to look extra pretty, I do use a separate concealer for my undereye darkness (by the way, I find that, regardless of concealer, it's best to apply your concealer first, followed by this foundation. If you try to apply concealer on top of this foundation, you can encounter some issues with blending due to the matte finish). The only fault I have encountered with this product is that, after about five hours of wear, sometimes this product can have a tendency to settle into some of my fine lines and accentuate them a bit, so I suggest using a good moisturizer beforehand to combat this. Also, using a silica-based setting powder (like e.l.f. Studio Tone Correcting Powder for example) can really help minimize this in the under-eye area. Also, if you're concerned about SPF (which we all should be) I would recommend using a separate suscreen and/or moisturizer with sunscreen when you wear this product (I always try to go with SPF30, personally). Other than that, this product is my new Holy Grail foundation, which really says a lot because I have been a powder foundation girl for about the last 20 years. If you're looking for true, all-day wear and excellent coverage, I would certainly considering giving this one a shot. I give it my highest recommendation.

Have you tried CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation + SPF20? I would absolutely love to hear about your experiences with it!
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130 comments

  1. I tried this foundation after seeing your brief post on Facebook and I threw it away that night. Not only did I feel that it didn't help with the oil (I have combo/dry skin and have been wearing mineral foundation for the last six years) but it also oxidized terribly! I tried the second to lightest shade and with an hour of applying, I looked like I had taken someone else's head and put it on my body. Too bad because I really wanted this to work.

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    1. I'm so sorry to hear that it turned on you! Luckily I have never had an issue with oxidation, but everyone's chemistry is different.

      I just have to ask--why did you throw this away as opposed to returning it to the store for a refund? Did you purchase it from a retailer that doesn't allow returns on used beauty products? Just a reminder that CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid all accept returns on used beauty products, so you'll never lose money if something doesn't work for you!

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    2. Unfortunately, there isn't a CVS or RiteAid in my area and it was purchased from a retailer that doesn't allow returns on cosmetics.

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    3. Aaaah, I'm sorry to hear that! :(

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    4. girl next time try to swap it! I know there are many others out there who would be looking to try out that foundation!

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    5. Sorry to hear it doesn't work for you!! But next time i recommend not buying from a store that doesn't allow returns on used makeup. It so hard to tell what's going to work and what's not, so it's always good idea to buy from a store that allows returns so you're not wasting your money on beauty products that don't work for you.

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  2. I like this foundation too. Except it breaks me out! Which makes me mad. I want to be able to wear it! So I guess Revlon Colorstay Whipped is what I'll keep wearing. (I'm even oilier than you are.)

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    1. I'm so sorry this broke you out! I haven't had any issues with breakouts since I've been using this, and I might even go far as to say that I've had less breakouts since I started wearing this one.

      As for ColorStay Whipped, I think that's also a great foundation (I love the finish it gives my skin) but I find the coverage to be a bit less than this product, and I also see breakthrough shine a lot earlier when I wear ColorStay Whipped. Everyone's different though, and I'm glad you found something that's a great fit for you!

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    2. I imagine Revlon Colorstay is the same, but I got really serious about cleansing my skin after I started using this foundation. I bought a cleansing oil and I haven't noticed any breakouts.

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    3. I imagine Revlon Colorstay is the same way, but I got really serious about makeup removal and cleansing after I started using this fearing the breakouts. I bought a cleansing oil and I haven't had any issues in the 4 weeks or so that I've been using it.

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    4. Thanks for the feedback! I love cleansing oils. :)

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    5. I was super excited to try this product from Cover Girl. I normally wear there Tru Blend and never have had any problems with it. However, completely different story with this new product. I have had such a terrible break out with this, I am embarrassed to go anywhere. I have had oily skin, with break outs on occasion but this was bad. Going back to my tried and true...Tru Blend.

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  3. It's my new HG as well. Hands down the best foundation I have ever used, high or low end. It simply does everything right. Not only does it do everything you mentioned above.. it handles my combination skin like a pro. It controls oil and at the same time does not show a single dry patch or flake.. even if I've been lazy about exfoliating. I adore the pump, it dispenses a smaller amount of product so you can easily get just the right amount of product for the application you want. It can give full coverage, or you can sheer it out. I prefer my SK beauty sponge to apply, since I can pump just a little directly on the sponge and tap it in (zero mess),but I have also used my fingers which work just as well.

    It can be hard to find your shade, but I have found that it is spot on to other products by CG, so if you know your match in another product start there. The only exception is the simply ageless foundation which I find runs light. Be aware that CG foundation does not run light to dark by number, they mix in cool, neutral, and warm tones. I use the simply ageless concealer and I find it blends into this foundation seamlessly. I also use the CG/olay powder, and it gives a beautiful satin finish with no sparkle if you want a little less matte of a finish.

    Kudos to CG for offering such a wide shade selection, with a separate offering for darker skin tones.

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    1. I'm so happy to hear you've had a similar experience with this product and that it's working so well for you!

      Excellent tips about shade selection--I think a lot of people don't realize that their shades don't run from light to dark. Buff Beige isn't the second shade in this range (which is what I typically reach for in any foundation range) yet it's also not a lot darker than the first and second shades, so your insights are very helpful to those who may not be aware of this.

      And I agree--kudos to CG for offering this in such a broad shade range for deeper skintones. I think they knew they were on to a great thing when the formulated this one. :)

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  4. I LOVE this foundation. I purchased a couple of versions from the queen collection. I have combination skin and his stuff if heaven sent!

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    1. I'm so happy to hear it's working for you too! :)

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    2. It is heaven sent. I have dark Acne marks and most of them are covered pretty good. I don't even need much powder.

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  5. This is a fantastic foundation, I've been so impressed with it that I find myself really reluctant to wear anything else, even when I have a few lined up to do reviews on. Definitely going to try your tip about under eye concealer before the foundation, that has been my only trouble with it

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    1. I totally agree with you, Nancy. I have four BB Creams and three foundations that I need to finish testing, but every day I just want to put this on and be done with it, because it's just so darned reliable.

      Please do let me know if applying your concealer before foundation works better for you, ok? Thanks!

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  6. Can't wait to try it. But doesn't seem to be on sale this week.

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    1. Actually it's on sale at Rite Aid this week. If you live near a Rite Aid, it's on sale for $10 (normally $12.99 there) and you also get $1 back in +UP Rewards (sale ends 3/16). Hope that helps!

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    2. Oh, nice. Thanks for the info G!

      And your review has made me want to try this foundation. I'm glad that it has a pump applicator too. None of my current foundations have any pumps.

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    3. You're welcome, L.! Please do let me know if you try it! :)

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  7. I've been waiting to see your review on this! Thanks so much for including so much information and photos. I'm so happy to hear you found a new HG! I know you said that in the picture above you applied with your fingers. What do you find to be the best method of application with this one (fingers, brush, sponge, etc.) , and how many pumps do you find it takes to give you the level of coverage you need?

    As I mentioned previously, I tried it and it came out kind of cakey/ mask-like, and it settled in my pores and fine lines a bit. Your rave review makes me think it was user error on my part, and I'd love to hear what you've found to be the best method for application!

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    1. I think it really depends on what type of coverage you want. I personally love full coverage, so the ideal method for me is my fingers. But if you feel that this is too heavy for you, definitely try a damp sponge (Beauty Blender or one of its many dupes) or a duo fiber/stippling brush (just dab it on in a quick up and down motion--don't brush it on or go around in circles). You'll get more of a lighter, air-brushed effect that way. Also, be sure to allow your moisturizer to fully sink in before you start to apply this foundation. Hopefully that will help you avoid any caking. Please keep me posted? :)

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    2. Thanks so much for getting back to me. My skin is similar to yours (and I' m turning 42 also in a couple of months!), so full coverage sounds great if I can make it apply in a less cakey way. I will try my fingers. I had tried a flat stipple brush, which. I feel like I'm supposed to use, but don't seem to quite have the hang of! Thanks again, and I really love your blog and your outstanding reviews. Totally looking forward to your review blitz coming up! (:

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    3. Happy (early) birthday! :D I would love to know if you're able to make this work using your fingers--please do keep me posted, ok? And thanks so much for the kind words! *hugs*

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    4. I've gotten a really great application using a beauty blender sponge so YMMV for sure with application styles. Both fingers and flat top kabuki left me a bit cakey

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    5. I used the ELF Studio powder brush (dot the foundation on my face first and then spread and buff everything with the ELF brush). It's $3 and totally worth it if you didn't want to use your fingers.

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    6. And I'll be 40 this year so fine lines and cake face are definitely concerns for me :)

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    7. Thanks for the feedback about the beauty blender and elf studio brush!

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  8. I have been wearing this foundation for the past two months and it's become my HG foundation too! I used to love the Revlon Colorstay foundation but after trying out the Covergirl foundation I have not used any other foundation. I have worn it on very long work days (10hrs) and I come home and it still looks flawless! I'm not even tempted to buy any other foundation, drugstore or high end. I do recommend people get a shade lighter than they think they need because it tends to oxidize a little.

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    1. I am SO happy to hear you're having very similar results with this product! Yay! It's kind of crazy, isn't it? Every time I look in the mirror I can't believe it's still there, looking as fresh as when I first applied it! :)

      And thanks so much for tip about trying a lighter shade if you are experiencing oxidation. I am lucky I didn't get that from this product, but that's a very helpful suggestion for those who may have this issue. Thanks!

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  9. Wow, this review makes me want to try this product. I've been using BB creams for the last 6-8 months, but I think I'll give this a try. Sounds like a good, affordable foundation. Thanks for your great review! :D

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    1. BB Creams definitely have their place and purpose, but if you're looking for crazy coverage and staying power, I really can't think of a better drugstore option right now! Please let me know what you think if you try it? :)

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  10. I have the Queen version of this foundation and I love it.

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    1. Yay! So glad to hear that the Queen version is working for you! :D

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  11. I never had any luck with CG foundations, but I struck gold with this. It covers just as well, if not better than Revlon Coverstay. Unlike Coverstay, it doesn't feel like a mask--I forget I'm even wearing it. And I love that I'm able to get full coverage, but have it look completely natural (I apply it with my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush).

    I have acne prone skin and it doesn't break me out. I think the key is to be diligent about washing it off at night. I double cleanse and I think that has helped.

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    1. I agree--it certainly feels lighter than ColorStay to me as well. And thanks for the info about using the Real Techniques brush. I like using my fingers, but I also like experimenting, and since I have that brush too, I definitely will give it a try! :)

      And I'm so relieved that this doesn't break you out either. And I agree--you definitely have to be diligent about washing it off at night. I would imagine though, that this is THE foundation I would use if I had to pull an all-nighter. lol!

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  12. This is also my HG foundation! I tried it when it first came out and the color oxidized on me so I exchanged it for a shade lighter (with the same tone). The color still wasn't perfect. When they were first launched at Target in January, they were marked for $5, when I saw this I bought several shades and have been mixing two for the perfect match! I tested this for a few weeks and decided it was so fabulous that I needed to use it on my clients (makeup artist as a second job). I went and bought most of the colors for my kit and got a few clients and friends hooked on it! Thank you for such an informative review!

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    1. What a great tip! I'm sorry to hear it oxidized for you (and for others who have commented above). I guess I got lucky because this hasn't turned for me (in fact, it stays pretty light and I have to darken it up a bit with my setting powder). But for those who do have this issue, this is GREAT advice.

      So happy to hear it's working so well for you, AND your clients! :)

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    2. I also forgot to mention that I apply it with the Real Techniques Stippling Brush - LOVE this combo, it gives an airbrush look and the coverage is easy to build. [Although the beauty blender or fingers work too.]

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  13. Darn, I don't think they make a light enough shade ... but there aren't many drugstore foundations that work for me. *throws pity party for self*

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    1. I'm so sorry--I know that lots of fair-skinned gals out there have a hard time finding color matches at the drugstore. :( All I can say is, buy the lightest shade at CVS/Walgreens/Rite Aid and that way, if it doesn't work, you can return it and get your money back (all three of those chains accept returns on used beauty products). Also, try using a very pale setting powder to see if you can get the final color closer to your natural skintone. Hope that helps!

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    2. Just for reference, I have NC15-ish skin (probably leaning more neutral) and the 805 Ivory color was a little too light for me. I've been mixing 805 and 810 together and that seems to be a good match for my skin.

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  14. I love this foundation too!!

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  15. It's my absolute favorite foundation ever. I'm on my second bottle, which says a lot!

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    1. I'm about to grab my second bottle too, since it's on sale this week at Rite Aid. :) So glad to hear it's working so well for you!

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  16. I love this foundation! And a heads up this foundation is $9.49 on Target's website! If you have a red card that's an additional 5% off and free shipping.

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    1. Sweet!! Thanks so much for the great tip! :D

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  17. How does this compare to the Cover Girl Tone Rehab foundation? I bought that on your recommendation and really love it, so I am sort of reluctant to try this, even though I am now really considering it. Do you think it is worth a try or are they very similar?

    Also, I bought some Yves Rocher products after your review! I love your ideas!!

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    1. I would say that it has a lighter texture and after it sets, it feels like you're really not wearing anything on your face. I adore Tone Rehab, but it's thicker and I can definitely feel when I'm wearing it. This one's lighter, but at the same time I feel that the coverage is better. Also, it's far better at oil-control than Tone Rehab (which is kind of amazing since Tone Rehab doesn't really make me oily). I hope that helps!

      And congrats on your YR order! What did ya get? ;)

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    2. Thank you so much! That comparison really helps me a lot and I have skin similar to yours, so you sold me on the oil control. I am now on my way to Rite Aid after work tomorrow to get this on the sale!!

      For YR, I got the Vahines Manoi perfume you reviewed, plus the Comme une evidence perfume (if people are stopping you on the street, I had to try it), the Brazilian Watermelon Shower Gel (I loved your b-day review on the gels), and a Candied Mallows hand cream. I am soooooooo excited!!

      PS: Thanks for all you do and your commitment to excellence. My self esteem has really risen since finding your blog and reviews bc I can now afford to look good at a decent price. I now actually get compliments on my skin (rather than dermatologist recommendations) bc I never could afford high end but was clueless at the drug store. You have made a major difference and I am so appreciative!

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    3. Oh my goodness, I almost cried, reading your comment. You have no idea what this means to me and how grateful I am to have you as a reader. The fact that you took a chance on some of my recs and they actually worked for you makes me happier than you will ever know. Thank you SO much for sharing this with me. I'm thrilled that I could help you and honored to have you here! xo

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  18. this foundation os the same thing as max factor facfinity all day flawless foundation. they released in Australia not long ago and we're waiting for the covergirl one.

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    1. When CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous first came out here in the US, I actually did a blog post about how it's the same formula as Max Factor Facefinity! Haha! I had heard so many raves about the MF foundation, so I'm thrilled that we got it from CG (both owned by P&G) since Max Factor is no longer sold in the US.

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  19. Dear G,
    What kind of moisturizer do you use with this foundation? I love it too and bought it in a shade darker than yours (we seem to have similar skin tone and skin type). Mine comes off a tad dark only because it's still cold out and I haven't used self tanners yet. I also have to use quite a bit of moisturizer to make it less powdery, but then I notice oil coming back again on the T-zone.
    I love it, but still have issues :(

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    1. My favorite moisturizer to use with this foundation lately is this one:

      http://nouveaucheap.blogspot.com/2013/01/review-paulas-choice-resist-ultimate.html

      Hope that helps!

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  20. I think I need to try this. I haven't used Cover Girl in probably 30 years, but I have been looking for a liquid foundation for a couple of years and have had no luck finding one that I like because of my extremely oily skin and the fact that none of them even out my redness or cover an obvious broken capillary. After reading your review, I think it's worth it to me to give it a shot!

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    1. CG has really improved their formulas over the years. I started with Nature Luxe (which I think they're discontinuing), and Tone Rehab (which is great too), but this one really takes the cake. I think you might be pleasantly surprised if you try it. Please keep me posted?

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  21. I have been waiting to see your review for this! As another person posted earlier, I managed to snag it while on sale at Target for $5. I've been wearing it since and prefer to wear it instead of my MAC Studio Fix that I have been using for years. The coverage is outstanding, nothing that I would expect from a drugstore brand! I prefer to use primer still beforehand though because I believe it helps.

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    1. Yay!! I'm so happy to hear it is working for you! :)

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  22. I'm a huge fan of this foundation, too! I work for a company getting the new cosmetics out for spring, and I was drawn to this when I first saw it in January. (having to try out all the shiny new products is just a hazard of the job, haha). It really does do what it says. It lasts all day, gives a perfect finish, and I've found it to be more kind to my sensitive skin than any other foundation I've tried in a long time!

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    1. So glad you love it too!! :) and your job sounds like so much fun!!

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  23. Dangit, G! Now I gotta go to the store and pick this up tomorrow! :P

    No, but seriously. I've been a Revlon ColorStay disciple for the past couple of years, so I'm intrigued by the comparisons to that. And hello actually having a pump! Hoping I love this! Not sure whether or not to go a shade lighter or not. Will do a little bit of research and see if other WOC have needed to go lighter too.

    Thanks for the great review. As usual!

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    1. Lol!!! Well considering your devotion to CS, I think you owe it to yourself to at least give this one a shot! Haha! :)

      There are some great tips by WOC both below and above this comment that I think might help you out with color selection. Give the comments a read!

      And please so come back and let me know how you like it compared to CS, ok? :)

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  24. I have it. I got it on amazing sale at target. It covers very well and it lasts but I feel like it exacerbates smile lines and dry patches. I tried it again when my skin was less dry and def liked it better but I still feel a.bit chalky even with shimmer blush. Maybe ill try it w bb powder or maybe its just better for warmer, dewier weather. I really like the coverage too so I hope I can get it to work.

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    1. I think a powder with shimmer/sheen might be just the thing you're looking for. Also maybe try a little bit of a thicker moisturizer beforehand! :)

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  25. I really, really love this foundation BUT my one gripe is that my shade is much too pink on me. I've been mixing it with another foundation that has a much yellower undertone, and that's been working but for those of us with olive undertones in our skin, the lighter end of the range has a lot of pink.

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    1. I'm so glad you found a way to get this to work for you. Thanks for sharing!!

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  26. I have the Queen collection version and the formula is awesome! I even have the desirable problem of figuring out which shade is best! I'm usually towards the darkest shade in lines for women of color, but in this formula I'm in the lightest third, which makes me really happy for my deeper-toned sisters. There's even different undertones available! Only problem is that it oxidizes a bit, so I'm exchanging for the next-lighter shade.

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    1. That IS a desirable problem!! ;)

      Please keep me posted about how the lighter shade works for you, ok? Thanks! :)

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  27. Might try it after I finish one foundation I have from Rimmel, if it gets 40% off at walgreens then I will get it before. Thanks for the review!

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  28. Just to add, I always need the lightest color a brand offers, and it isn't always light enough. The lightest color of this foundation (ivory) went on light enough, but only a few hours into wearing it oxidizes too dark, making me look dirty. I've tried applying multiple times but I'm not happy with it.

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    1. I'm so sorry to hear that. :(

      Have you tried maybe using a very pale setting powder to see if that tones it down a bit?

      Delete
  29. I really loved this and was using it for a while, but I noticed some oxidation issues as well. It turns slightly too orange on me which sucks. I'm thinking of trying a shade for the queen collection. I was one of the darker shades in the regular one, so perhaps one of the lighter shades will work for me... Otherwise I'm sticking to color stay whipped / dream liquid. I feel the coverage is on par.

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    1. I'm sorry to hear this turned on you. :( I would love to know if you have better luck with one of the Queen shades. Please keep me posted?

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  30. You seriously have the best, most in-depth reviews ever. I got this foundation a few weeks ago and have been absolutely loving it. I'm amazed how awesome my face looks as soon as I put this foundation on. I've been having a hard time using any other foundation but this since I got it.

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    1. Thank you SO much for saying that, Jessie!! :)

      And i'm thrilled to hear this is working so well for you! Yay!!

      Delete
  31. If you use this, you may want to wear an additional sunscreen, as ensulizole (phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid) does not protect your skin from UVA very well, everywhere I've read says that it needs to be paired with another sunscreen to offer full UVA protection. "Ensulizole is a chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs primarily UVB radiation. It provides some protection against short UVA (a.k.a. UVA-2) but not long UVA (UVA-1) and cannot be considered a comprehensive UVA blocker."

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    1. Thanks, KD, for the info! I, too, suggested using a separate SPF in my review. :)

      Delete
  32. I wanted to love this foundation but like many people had said ealrier that it oxidizes badly and it seems as though the shades seem to have more of a pink and neutral undertone ad oppose to yellow. ;(

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    1. I'm very sorry to hear that, cookiemonster. I wish so badly you could find a shade that works for you. :(

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  33. I love love love this foundation!!! Thanks to all the Youtube reviews I found my perfect shade. The only downside I can say it has is its easy to forget that I have it on & can fall asleep before taking it off...lol!..
    Just a note for anyone who has return issues...check CoverGirls website...I believe I saw some sort of refund offer if you werent satisfied.

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    1. Thank you SO much, Kimmy! I totally forgot about the money back guarantee!!

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  34. I am so happy to finally see the review! :) Although I did end up purchasing it a few days ago because I was just soooo excited LOL! I got the 810. I was unsure which shade to pick but it seems to be a good match although I have contemplated getting the one you have just to make sure this is best. I do really love it. This and the Revlon Colorstay whipped are my faves.. And I am still a little partial to the Loreal Bare Naturale mineral makeup that I have been using for YEARS!

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    1. So glad to hear you had a good experience with this! Thanks so much for sharing!

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  35. I've heard such great reviews from other beauty gurus but I honestly waited to hear from you on what you think and it was driving me crazy when you posted a teaser on FB about this foundation which you thought it was a "fluke". I usually wear powder foundation (Texas weather, enough said) so my skin is super oily too. I've only had luck with Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation and Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse, but I definitely want to give this a try. I plan on getting this at Target since it's on sale this week, but I do want to go through the coupon books to see if I can get it for cheaper. Great review!!!

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    1. Aaah, you are so sweet to say that, Lisa! I think that since you like those other two, you might like this one too. :) please keep me posted?

      Delete
    2. I ended up going to Target after work and found the foundation but I couldn't find it in my color. Even worse, because the bottles are not secured with a plastic covering to keep from opening, people helped themselves to the foundation. Every bottle that I saw had foundation smeared through the inside of the cap and around the pump. I hate seeing cosmetics tampered like that. I told an employee and she stated they're in the process of renovating. But she didn't address my feedback.

      But I'd like to let people know that the bottles are not secured in plastic or bubble packaging. And the Target I went to didn't have testers either. Going to try another Target because of the sale this week.

      Delete
    3. Success!!! Found it at a Super Target and in my shade. This foundation is amazing!!! This is my first foundation with a pump and I'm really liking it and I find it more sanitary for some reason. But it gives great coverage and controls my shine. I've been setting it with ELF HD powder and it really helps to keep it looking fresh all day!!! I'm in love!!!

      Delete
  36. Oh, G. This has quickly become my staple and fave foundation! My HG foundation is the Estee Lauder Invisible wear, but after finding this one (Oily skin) I haven't stopped using it! I apply mine with a beauty blender and it goes on flawless! I also did a review on it a while back and we share some of the same thoughts/opinion! have a great day! -Leslie

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    1. Thanks so much for the great feedback, Leslie! I'm soooo happy this works for you too!! :)

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  37. Thanks for the review, G. This sounds great. I'm going to have to pick up a bottle of this. This looks like it would really minimize some of my dark spots and acne scars.

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    1. You're welcome, Heidi! I think you might be pleasantly surprised with how it conceals both of those issues. :)

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    2. I picked this up at Rite Aid (with a coupon on top of the sale price, bonus!). First impression: Awesome. It gives very nice and natural looking coverage, especially with my e.l.f. stipple brush, for that extra air-brushed touch. I have a couple bad spots it won't entirely cover -- I'd need a laser treatment for those anyways -- but I'm pretty impressed.

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  38. Awesome review! I seriously want to try this and I do plan to go out and look for it. My issue is that I'm NC 45 in MAC and I am just not sure what shade to get in the Queen Collection version.

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  39. I am absolutely obsessed with this foundation!!! I filmed a review the other day testing out its lasting powder etc and it stayed put for the whole day (15 hours!!) and it has a pump??? what more can you ask for :)

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  41. really want to give this a try but i think i will wait for warmer weather when my skin isnt as dry thanks for the review :)

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  42. Ive been a Colorstay girl.. love the regular & whipped varieties.......but gosh CG has outdone themselves! Ive strayed but very happy so far. I cant call it HG just yet because the heat & humidity hasn't hit.....but the pump has me grabbing it very often off late....a backup bottle is on the list while meanwhile I'll search coupons for next sale!

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  43. I really, REALLY want to try this but I'm a little worried that it will make me break out. I'm pretty sure the Natureluxe foundation made me break out (slightly, nothing major, but since I stopped it I haven't noticed the same type of blemishes). I really thought the Natureluxe had a nice finish, too. I suppose I should give it a try and save my receipt! I have been wanting to try the CG + Olay concealer balm, might be nice to get those on a BOGO1/2 off sale! Thnx for the review!

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  44. I struggle with really oily skin too and this makes me excited to hear that CG has a foundation that can help withstand that. I've been meaning to buy this given all the raves this product has been getting but I'm just afraid it might oxidize based on previous experience with CG foundations. Hopefully that won't be the case!

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  45. I thought I had commented but I don't see it? I bought a bottle of this a while ago, then forgot about it, and after reading your review I dug it out and tried it on, and I *love* it. It didn't oxidize on me at all, and after four hours I looked good and I *wasn't shiny*. And it hadn't worn off at all! I'm dumbfounded. Not even my high-end foundations can say that. The lightest color (ivory, 805) is a perfect match for my skin. Next time I want to try it with my beautyblender and see if I get a better finish, but this may be *my* new HG too!

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  46. I have dry skin so I can't say that i'm always crazy about the matte finish.

    One thing I can say though, is that for having that almost powdery-matte look it does...it still doesn't make me feel like my skin's suffocating.

    Cover Girl has really impressed me with this product, even if it's not the ideal finish for my skin type.


    I use the same shade as you and I don't feel like it oxidized on me either.

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  47. I loved the way this foundation looked for the first 3 or 4 hours. I worked all day and periodically checked the mirror, noticing that it was making my skin a tad dry and starting to look patchy. I went out with friends after 5 p.m. and was so embarrassed. It had oxidized horribly. My face looked so orange. It also had settled into my fine lines and caused a few dry patches. It was so gorgeous for the first few hours, so I might try this when going out for just a few hours. I really want to like it, but I might end up returning it. As a side note, anyone in Portland, OR should check out the Fred Meyer on 82nd and Johnson Creek. They have the best selection of cosmetics - I'm so impressed! They even have a NYX display now and I saw the elusive Wet N Wild spring shadow palettes.

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  48. By the way, some other related foundation news, Revlon is changing their Revlon Colorstay Foundation-now comes in a PUMP. Same glass bottle, a little longer with a black pump.They are slowly releasing it here in Australia, i snapped one up this week out, not sure if you guys in America are going to get it. HOWEVER, they CHANGED the formula. Its now so light and thin. The combo/oily formula is now, like a dewy finish and it just doesn't blend it at all, it just sits on the skin. I'm so disappointed. I compared the ingredients with the old bottles and yeah, they changed a bit of the ingredients. I can so imagine all the complaints Revlon is going to get.

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  49. I love it too. The coverage is unbelievable, especially for how light it is. I have had some breakouts though, so I can't wear it every day. But otherwise it's great. I have dry skin and I still love it!

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  50. 30% off all Covergirl products including this foundation on drugstore.com until March 31st!

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  51. So glad you reviews this! Sounds like exactly what I need- thanks!

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  52. It's been a long time since I've wanted to use a covergirl foundation, but this may have convinced me to give it another try! I use one of the skin79 bb creams usually for a "foundation" and layer it a bit, then use bareminerals ontop. Speaking of...do you know any good dupes for bareminerals?

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  53. I've heard that this foundation can also be used as a concealer after you you've put a thin layer on, like a build able coverage sort of thing after it has set. Did you find that to be true for you? then you wouldn't need a separate concealer.

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  54. I've been waiting to comment on this post because I wanted to try it out for a full week!

    I wanted this foundation to work....and it did, for the most part. The coverage was great, it lasted throughout the workday, and it gave me a matte look. However, after 2 days of use, I started to break out. Such a bummer. I rarely break out (except during my lady time) so I couldn't deal with the zits and stopped using it.

    Maybe I'll try it again in a few weeks.

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  55. Love this! I have used Estée Lauder double wear forever, but they changed the formula and colors and it sucks! I wanted to find that gave the same lasting coverage and wouldn't require a trip to the mall to get, something and after reading your post I decided to give this a try. I got it in classic ivory and I was in love from the moment I put it on my face! Thanks so much for recommending it!

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  56. I typed out a whole comment that I lost :( Lol, well anyway. I wanted to say that I love your blog, and this is the first time I'm commenting. I am really loving this foundation, even though it gives me bad whitecast. I don't even mind that though. I just make sure to use this as my daily foundation, and use something else at night if I know my friend will want to photograph us. I apply it with a small stippling brush and it gives a beautiful doll-like effect. People have compared this to the Kat Von D foundation, but I totally disagree. I tried a sample of it, and it was so thick suffocating. This, on the other hand, is very natural even though it has a medium-high coverage. I'm very impressed with it.

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    1. Thanks for mentioning the KVD foundation. I'm using that one right now and while I love the formula, it's definitely oxidizing on me (which is odd--it didn't when I first used it so I'm wondering if I'm not storing it properly--bc I'm just leaving it on my bathroom counter. Maybe the humidity in my bathroom is changing it?). I'm going to try out this one next.

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    2. At the very least, this one could be your more natural finish version of the Kat von D! :)

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  57. have you ever tried revlon color stay?

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  58. Great that you had an awesome experience with the foundation. I also loved it as well. Truly one of my top faves.
    I just did a review on it as well because I didn't see many reviews...but then I found yours. Cool!!!

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  59. i was wondering how this foundation photographs i realize it has spf in it but ive heard so much hype about it and want to try it out for big events where i would be taking lots of photos but i dont want to get that white cast

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  60. I love this makeup and this is the first time I have had to look at the reviews on a foundation because it has given me THE WORST breakouts ever, I look after my skin and take my makeup off properly every day. I normally have always had very clear perfect skin, I am always complimented on it. Since I have used this makeup, It's terrible i have at least 10 red spots/pimples on my face right now.
    My skin is a little bit oily and this makeup is no match for my skin. This is the first time I have experienced this with any foundation!
    BUT it has wonderful coverage so I envy the girls out there who can use this and not have any problems!

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  61. I would like to warn anyone with sulfa drug allergies to be careful with this foundation. The sunscreen used in it is derived from sulfa. I broke out in hives and only after researching the ingredients did I figure out what caused it. HTH

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  62. I surprisingly like this foundation.. I normally wear Ester Lauder Double Wear foundation which I love but at $36.50 a bottle, my wallet doesn't. As for drug store foundation, this is an excellent choice

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  63. I love this product i recently just started to use it buying it for 6.99 on sale Anda another again than summer came so I went a few shades darker but I have oily skin and this is the only foundation than doesn't become oily on me maybe it could be because I am pregnant too but still I'll find out after I give birth if it works the same I just came to read reviews to see if I should buy more

    ReplyDelete

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