As someone who‘s been obsessed with cosmetics since I first learned how to expertly wield a tube of Maybelline Great Lash, I consider myself a beauty junkie through and through. I‘ve tested thousands of foundations, lipsticks, and mascaras from drugstore favorites to premium prestige brands.
So when vegan makeup brand Cover FX started generating buzz for high-performing products packed with good ingredients, I knew I had to see if it lived up to the growing hype. After months of wearing its popular bases, concealers, primers and highlighters, I‘m breaking it all down in this tell-all review!
An Introduction to Cover FX
Before diving into the products, let‘s start with some background on Cover FX as a brand. They‘ve been around for over 20 years, founded by industry veterans looking to serve consumers with sensitive skin.
Rather than using harsh chemicals found in standard makeup, Cover FX relies on gentle, skin-nourishing ingredients to get pigment to adhere safely.
Today they‘ve maintained that clean approach to cosmetics but with much wider appeal than just those with sensitivities. Cover FX is now 100% vegan, gluten-free and cruelty-free without sacrificing bold color payoff.
Here‘s more on what sets them apart:
- 50 inclusive shades across complexion products, beating out Fenty Beauty
- Free of 1,500+ questionable ingredients like sulfates, parabens
- Sustainable formulas and packaging, partnered with TerraCycle
- Ethically sourced mica to prevent child labor in supply chain
Now let‘s get into the makeup! These are the products I tested most extensively:
Total Cover Cream Foundation
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Custom Blot Drops
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Power Play Concealer
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Custom Enhancer Drops
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Gripping Primer
Beyond complexion basics, I also fell hard for Cover FX‘s Gripping Primer. Applying makeup over this smooth, grippy base means it stays locked in place for an eternity without slipping, fading, or settling into lines.
It gives products something to hold onto for long-lasting wear without feeling sticky or tacky. Just an extra step that takes your look‘s durability to the next level!
I have chronic oiliness and found Gripping Primer kept even my most melted-off liquid lipsticks and cream blushes vibrant for a full 9 hours. Sorcery? Honestly maybe…
Jellies Highlighter
Another underrated hit, Cover FX‘s bouncy Jellies Highlighter imparts the prettiest opalescent glow. The unique formula applies like a gel but has an irresistible cream-to-powder finish…
Application Do‘s and Don‘ts
Now for some hard-won advice after putting Cover FX to the test! Starting with the best practices for getting these pro formulas to really sing:
Do:
- Buff in foundations with dense brushes for flawless blending
- Use a light hand and build coverage gradually
- Mix complexion products together for your perfect custom shade
Don‘t
- Apply heavily without blending properly
- Forget to prep skin first – exfoliate and moisturize!
- Forget to set it! Cover FX‘s powder extends wear time
How Cover FX Stacks Up to Other Makeup Brands
In the world of cosmetics, you have so many options from $5 drugstore mascaras to $95 prestige palettes. And these days, most brands market themselves as clean, vegan, and impossibly perfecting no matter the price point.
So where does Cover FX rank among today‘s cluttered field? In my experience, right at the top along with refinement-obsessed lines like Armani Beauty and Sisley Paris.
You really get what you pay for – there are no fillers like cheap talc and fragrances, only skin-benefiting extracts. And the shades stay vibrant for hours instead of oxidizing or fading unevenly.
Compared to hyped clean brands like Ilia and Kosas, I find Cover FX outperforms noticeably when it comes to smoothness of application and longevity of wear. The products cost more but also deliver better results.
According to 2020 research from Statista, 66% of shoppers now actively avoid makeup with worrying chemicals like parabens and phthalates. Cover FX allows you to feel good about the ingredients interacting with your biggest organ (yes, your skin!).
Cover FX Makeup: Yay or Nay?
If you can‘t already tell by my gushing, Cover FX has won me over with their thoughtful formulas that make skin look amazing. These products instantly up your makeup game.
Here are the pros based on my testing experience:
- Flawless, natural-looking finish
- Colors stay vibrant for 10+ hours
- Clean ingredients improve skin over time
- Never irritates sensitive skin
- Great shade ranges for inclusivity
The only cons to speak of:
- Premium pricing, but worth it for the quality
- Some fragranced products if you avoid all scents
At the end of the day, I whole-heartedly recommend Cover FX makeup to anyone who takes their cosmetics seriously. You can feel the difference in textures that apply and blend like a dream. And have peace of mind knowing skin-strengthening ingredients provide benefits along with beauty.
While $45 for a foundation may cause sticker shock next to the drugstore offerings, remember – you get what you pay for!
Happy shopping and let me know if you have any other Cover FX questions!
