Cover Girl CG Smoothers AquaSmooth

Bottom line

If you like applying a cream foundation but want a powdery finish, CoverGirl CG Smoothers AquaSmooth Compact Foundation is a great option. The formula offers light to moderate coverage that leaves normal to oily skin perfectly matte. It accentuates the appearance of dry skin, however, and doesn't build up well for fuller coverage. There are no dark shades available; CoverGirl's Queen Collection compact foundation offers darker shades, but it's not clear whether performance is comparable.

Performance

Light, natural coverage -- as long as it isn't over-applied. Unlike powder foundations, it's easy to overdo your application with CoverGirl CG Smoothers AquaSmooth Compact Foundation. Users say that the cream-to-powder foundation can easily look unnatural if built up to more moderate or full coverage. On the other hand, most agree that the formula is long-wearing and convenient -- this type of formula doesn't require a separate setting powder.

Paula Begoun praises the range of shades available, saying they match most skin colors well; however, we found that the 12 options were limited to lighter skin tones. This may be due to the availability of medium to dark hues from the CoverGirl Queen Collection, though Begoun doesn't say as much.

Feel and smell

Silky smooth, but can emphasize dry areas. CoverGirl CG Smoothers AquaSmooth Compact Foundation, like other cream-to-powder foundations, has a creamy texture that goes on smoothly but dries to a powdery finish. This formula is well liked by reviewers because it is lightweight and has a silky, smooth texture. The formula works for many skin types, but some with very dry skin say that, like a powder, it emphasizes flaky areas and can make skin feel drier. Paula Begoun cautions that fast blending is crucial because the formula dries to a semi-matte finish rather quickly. She notes that it can be a good option for sensitive skin.