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Friday, February 4, 2011

Review: Covergirl NatureLuxe Silk Foundation

I received this foundation for review several weeks ago, and I've been impatiently waiting to write this review. Sometimes I just fall in love with a product and I want to rave about it after one use but, of course, that would be going against my better judgment. So I waited, and tested, and tested this foundation for several weeks, just so that I could be 100% certain of my love affair. So now I can finally tell you exactly how I feel about it.

CoverGirl NatureLuxe Liquid Silk Foundation
(retail: around $10, 1 oz)

Before I get into this review, I want to mention that I posted a while back about a free sample on Walmart's website. For a few days it looked as though the sample was no longer available, but thanks to several of you who recently informed me about this, it appears that the free sample is BACK! Click here to get yours if you haven't already.

First and foremost, I make no secret that I am a powder foundation gal. In fact, you'll find very few liquid foundation reviews on this blog, because I just adore the way powder foundation works for my particular skin needs (I have oily skin and I prefer full coverage from my foundations). So I was a bit skeptical about the new CoverGirl NatureLuxe foundation because, as the tube indicates, this is a "silk foundation" which I normally equate with looking dewy, which then translates to "oil slick" after a few hours on my skin.


I received the shade Chamois 330 for review, which looked like it would be a tad too dark for my skintone. Chamois is the sixth shade in the range, and I usually tend to gravitate toward the second or third shade in a range for my NC20 skintone.


Before I get into the details about this foundation, here are some before-and-after shots taken of my cheek (for these photos, and for the entire time I've been testing this product, I applied NatureLuxe Silk Foundation the good ol' fashioned way: with my fingertips):


As you can see in the "before" shot, I have redness, enlarged pores and old acne scars to contend with (oh joy!). And in the middle pic, taken just after applying this foundation, you can see that Chamois is a bit too dark for my skin, but it's not unbearable by any means.

But what I really would like you to notice is that this foundation does not pool up in my cavernous pores--quite the contrary! I think it minimizes the appearance of my pores, and SURPRISE SURPRISE it also provides MUCH better coverage than I was anticipating! Can you see how my redness has all but disappeared in that second picture? I was literally stunned, because it usually takes a good application of concealer prior to my foundation to get rid of my redness and I used NO concealer at all in these photos.

For the third picture, I used a light dusting of CoverGirl Clean Oil Control Pressed Powder (click here for my review). I figured it would be nice to top off this foundation with another CoverGirl product, so since I purchased the Clean powder a while back and enjoyed it, I was hoping it would work with this foundation (I also noticed on Temptalia a few days ago that Sophia Vergara wore NatureLuxe foundation with Clean Oil Control Pressed Powder to the SAG Awards, and if my skin can look even remotely as flawless as hers, I'm willing to try just about anything. Ha!).

If you look at the third pic above, I hope you can see that by using the Clean Oil Control Pressed Powder in Buff Beige, it actually brought the overall shade of this foundation much closer to my true skin color. Score! It also managed to really set this foundation and keep it in place for a good 7-8 hours on my skin.

So here's why I am now in love with CoverGirl NatureLuxe Silk Foundation and why it seriously challenges my beloved powder foundations: first, the texture. My goodness they are not lying when they say this is a silk foundation. The texture is so creamy, yet so light-as-air, and it blends like a dream on my face. It's like it just melts into my skin, while simultaneously covering my flaws, minimizing my pores and generally just making my skin look like a million bucks (well, to me, at least). And the best part is that it doesn't just sit on top of my skin--it's like it becomes one with my skin. AND, I cannot feel it on my face after it's blended. Yes, it's that light. But it somehow manages to conceal what needs to be concealed, yet it doesn't make me look like I'm wearing a mask. My skin still shows through underneath, but in a very natural, good way.

I've found that even in warmer weather, I only need a couple of touch-ups throughout the day to my oily t-zone. And when it's cold, I don't even need that--this foundation lasts all day and into the early evening on my oily skin, and that's a miracle for liquid foundation, which generally gets completely eaten by my skin by 2pm.

If I had to find fault with this product, I would say that the tube could be a bit larger for the price (1 oz for around $10 isn't exactly cheap by drugstore standards) BUT, I've found that I really only need a small dab on each cheek, one on my forehead and one on my chin per application, and even less if I use concealer beforehand.

One of the reasons I adore powder foundation is the ease of use--a few swipes and I'm done. But let me tell you, I've used NatureLuxe on days when I've been in a hurry, and it's one of the few foundations I can use and SKIP my concealer step and still feel fairly confident when I walk out of the house. Granted, I hate skipping concealer and I rarely do it, but if I had to (i.e. I overslept and am seriously, ridiculously late for work) I could do it by using just NatureLuxe and a bit of setting powder and I'd be comfortable enough to function for the day. THAT is something I could never do with most of the liquid foundations I own.

FINAL VERDICT: I simply cannot think of a skin type that wouldn't be a good match for this product. It's light enough for tinted moisturizer lovers, yet it's got enough coverage for full-coverage foundation gals like myself. I don't foresee this being drying for dry-skinned gals, yet it works beautifully on my oil-slick of a face. The texture is that of a high-end, $75 foundation (I've never owned a $75 foundation but I've used samples!), so even though you're only getting 1 oz for around $10, I think you might love this so much that you'll gladly pay that amount. The look of my skin, the weightless quality of the product (I literally cannot feel it on my face after application), the blendability and the ease of use are all top notch in my book. There is a fragrance to this foundation, but to my nose it sort of smells like a softer, lighter version of old-school Noxzema and it doesn't bother me in the slightest. I just wanted to mention that in case you're sensitive to fragrance. This one's a winner for me, folks. I say grab your free sample and give it a shot!

Do you already own CoverGirl NatureLuxe Silk Foundation? What do you think of it? Does it work as well for you as it does for me? If you don't own it, are you tempted to try it? Will you be signing up for the free sample? I'd love to hear from you!

A sample of this product was given to Nouveau Cheap for editorial purposes, either directly from the manufacturer or from the agency that works on behalf of the manufacturer. All reviews on NouveauCheap.blogspot.com are the honest opinion of its author and editorial samples do not, in any way, affect the outcome of product reviews.
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35 comments

  1. Thank you so much for the review! I found one in my shade at Wallymart, but after seeing the price it was for such a small amount of product, I hesitated and eventually passed on buying it. I think I'll definitely give it a try!

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  2. Great review! I'm planning on purchasing later today :D

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  3. I have oily skin as well (enlarged pores, redness, scars, you know it!) and from reading your review and seeing the photos, I NEED to try this combo! I don't normally like CG products, but I'm willing to give these two a try. Do they have that traditional CG scent? I don't know how to explain it, but it's common with their powders. Thank you!

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  4. I sent in a form for a sample, but I wish they gave you a color choice option. I always need the lightest shade in any range (usually called "porcelain" or something like that) and sometimes the lightest available still isn't light enough for me, which does limit my options in terms of liquid foundation; I've always used powder. I hope they send me one that's pretty light.

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  5. Oh how I love this foundation. I'm not really a foundation kinda girl, prefer BB creams and tinted moisturizers but I thought I would give this a try. I have not regretted it at all. It's so light it feels like a tinted moisturizer but it makes my skin look great! It has a scent to it which I dont mind seeing as it goes away quickly.

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  6. I'm glad you loved this as much as I do! The thing that amazes me is how well it works for people with so very different skin types! I have dry skin and I love this as well :) I've pretty much been using only this foundation since I bought it- I just love it too much to go back to anything else. It's definitely my new HG. And I'm also impressed with the fact that CG makes shades light enough for me! I'm as white as it gets (seriously) and both the two lightest shades work for me.

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  7. I can't figure out how to get the sample-- is it in stores or online?
    I'm so glad you reviewed this-- I've been so curious! It looks great on you!!

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  8. wow you've convinced me to get this and that says a lot cause I own no covergirl foundations.

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  9. This is absolutely my go-to HG foundation! I've been using it since it came out. I have dry skin, NW15/20 for reference and the lightest shade works beautifully on me without making me look pasty! I'm already on my 2nd tube!

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  10. Fab review!!! I tried this out for the first time today and am loving it so far. I have dry skin and am wearing the lightest shade which is a good match for my NC 15 skin. It does a great job at filling in/diffusing pores (and I, too, am normally a foundation girl). Great review!!!

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  11. I'm sold, I'll be giving this a try for sure!

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  12. has anyone with warm undertones tried this foundation? cg foundations tend to be too cool/pink for me so i'm worried this foundation will be too cool/pink. thanks!

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  13. Thanks so much for this review! I've been crious about this foundation bt not enough to spend money on it. However, I have the same skin type and issues that you do; (oily, large pores, redness, etc.) and it sounds perfect! Also, like you, I've been a powder foundation gal for years. But you have me very excited to try this product! I did sign p for the sample but I may not be able to wait that long, lol. Maybe I'll buy some and give the sample to a friend to try ;3

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  14. Great, now I have to have this. Thanks a bunch. lol.

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  15. For those who were wondering, it smells like cucumbers. Perhaps not my favorite smell but it fades quite quickly and it isn't overwhelming. I do hate some of the smells that come out of Covergirl products :(

    But this one is fine for me ;)

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  16. I LOVE IT..i have been ignoring my old beloved foundation of the last 3 or so years. It is perfect feels and look so natural thu it is a little expensive here in Canada some stores have it for over 16$s and some for around 14$s but well worth the price (hey i would pay 20 something for it now) funny thing is i never was able to find a match in CG for my more neutral but pale skin..i can match with two of the colors in this foundation. LOVE it and glad u do too..lexurious feel for sure.
    ps. i also love the gloss balms..easy University makeup in the morning with the two products they have been my go to products since i got them around a month ago :)

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  17. I have this and LOVE it. I'm about NC20 and have it in Flax. Its a tad pink at first but once its blended out it's fine. (I top with MAC MSFN). Love the texture, feel, finish, everything. Love the packaging and even the smell doesn't bother me. It fades fairly quickly. I feel like this is a "better coverage" TM or light foundation. Perfect for me:-)

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  18. @ Sara Faith Jacobsen,: just so ur comment and as i mentioned in mine this is the ONLY CG foundation that is not too pink on me..i am pale but not pink or with cool undertones :)\
    give it a try i tool the risk in Canada we cannot return the opened makeup so i loved it enough to pay for it and risk it ..at least u can return it in USA (if u r living in USA that is)

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  19. Wow G! This looks really good on your skin. I can see a big difference like wow!

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  20. I guess CoverGirl really improved their foundations 'cos I've been hearing nothing but good things about this foundation, I'm not really intrigued by the packaging at all but I may give this a try since ppl have been raving about it :)

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  21. THANK YOU all SO much for weighing in on this foundation! For those of you who own it, I loved reading your feelings about it and the info you've given us about shades, etc. is SO helpful! And for those of you who WANT to try it, I would LOVE if you'd come back and let me know how it works for you once you buy it!

    BeautyMaven: If you click the link in my review, it will take you to a page where you can sign up for the sample online. :)

    CheapChick: Haha! Sorry, but it had to be done. ;)

    Kelly: Really? To me it smells like Noxzema, which is basically the old-school signature CG scent, but a softer, more toned-down version. I wish I got cucumber from it! :)

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  22. Becky: It's pretty crazy, huh? The difference in my skin is even more obvious in person! :)

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  23. I sent for the sample but now I don't want to try it and find out that I love it. I just bought 6 foundations during the CVS sale and don't need any more!

    Today I wore the Sally Hansen/Carmindy one and I love it. I put it on about 10am and checked my makeup at 8pm. I started out matte and hours later I look a bit dewy, but not oily. I looked good enough that I didn't even bother with powder, just walked away from the mirror.

    There is one odd thing, when I put on my blush (powder) and setting powder, my brush had this slight sticking feel to it. I don't know how to describe it, maybe like I was running my brush over velvet instead of skin? Anyway, I think that sticky feel helped keep my blush and face powder in place, because my blush looked great at 8 too. When I went to touch my skin with my fingers, expecting my face to feel sticky, it wasn't. It was smooth and dry.

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  24. @pouneh thanks! glad to hear flax isn't too pink. i'll check it out!

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  25. I bought this after seeing your review and I am in 330 Chamois (I am Medium in MAC's Mineralized Skinfinish) I use a brush similar to the MAC 190 to apply this foundation. Very light feeling, amazing coverage!

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  26. Oh dear GAWD! You have oily skin, large pores, old acne scars ... AND you're into seriously cheap (as in price, not quality) makeup??? I have found my makeup soul sister! I just added your blog in my phone and will be reading EVERY day. It's like makeup Heaven. Thank you!

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  27. I just got my free sample in two days ago!! I have used this foundation the past two days and I LOVE IT!! I have VERY oily skin like you and it controls shine and lasts LONGER than my clinique city base foundation I have been using for the past year. I have never used Cover Girl products in the past so I don't know how it stacks up against anything else, but my only complaint is the smell of it is weird. It smells like a tanning bed and it sticks with me all day.

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  28. Since I saw your great review on this foundation, I thought that I should let you know that I got a message from Covergirl (through their phone updates hahah) saying that if you buy a Natureluxe Silk Foundation, you also get a Natureluxe Gloss Balm free with it! It said to look for the coupon for this in this Sunday's newspaper:)

    (Sorry if you already heard about this....)

    By the way, your blog is just...amazing. Its soo informative and very helpful. Thanks for it:)

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  29. I'm probably missing something obvious, but when I click the link, I don't see anything about a free sample of the Natureluxe Foundation. Please help me get my free sample. :]

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  30. Yup Taryn, you're missing something really obvious, like the date of this post, maybe?

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  31. I usually don't like foundation because foundations never look like real skin to me, but this one sounds kind of intriguing... Thanks!

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  32. I know this is an older post, but I wanted to say thanks for recommended this foundation. I am pretty loyal to Revlon Color Stay in the winter, but based on your review I thought I would give this a try. I have combination skin that usually stages a revolt halfway through the day and this has held up surprisingly well. It has great staying power and with a little powder it is still chugging along after a 10 hour day at work. My only issue, it does have a slight fragrance of perfumed cucumbers. Anyway, thanks.

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  33. Does it have any shades for yellow undertones skin?

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  34. i hate liquid foundations, and i have normal skin. this stuff is perfect but its not like liquid its creamy and smooths on good. its perfect and it last in 90 degree weather and didn't melt off my face.

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  35. I love this foundation but could you recommend a product or tips to make it last all day because it fades away halfway through my day.

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