Recently, there have been a bunch of innovations in foundation. One of the most recent is pigment/color droplets that you can add to other products to customize the color:
- to create a foundation-like skin cover from your skincare products
- to add to a foundation or other makeup products to make the color a better fit with your skin.
CoverFX, I think, was the first to introduce this concept with their CoverFX Custom Cover Drops. I read a number of reviews on the new product, and I was very curious to try it. When I visited my local Sephora in early April, they didn’t have CoverFX Drops in stock yet, but fortunately, they came in for the Sephora VIB Sale event in mid-April.
I purchased a shade that seemed like a good match for my fair/light, cool/pink-toned skin: P20.
You can’t use CoverFX Drops on their own. They must be mixed with something else such as moisturizer, serum (the creamy kind, not the oily or liquid kind), concealer, or another foundation.
The rule of thumb is:
- fewer drops, i.e. 1-2, gives a sheerer tint
- more drops, i.e. 3-4, gives more color and fuller coverage.
When I originally bought the Drops, I had in mind mixing the CoverFX Drops with facial sunscreen. Unfortunately, I have since learned that mixing other ingredients with sunscreen can dilute sunscreen’s effectiveness. I guess the skincare industry figured out how to get around that when they created moisturizer with SPF, but since I’m not a chemist, so much for my plan!
So far, I have tried CoverFX Drops two ways:
- mixed with daytime moisturizer
- mixed with DiorSkin BB Creme that’s a shade too light for me.
I put some Rodan + Fields Redefine AM Moisturizer in an empty small jar. I started by adding in 2 drops of CoverFX Drops via the dropper that comes with the bottle of Drops. It was too sheer, so I added another drop or two to create a more color saturated mixture.
I applied it in various ways: with my fingers, Beauty Blender and with a kabuki brush. The drops mixed with moisturizer created a tinted moisturizer. For me, it was fairly sheer coverage like what I typically get with a tinted moisturizer, but I think it’s a good idea for summer or if I’m just running out to do errands.
One thing I noticed is that it doesn’t wear nearly as long as a regular foundation or BB/CC cream. After about 6 hours, it sort of “broke”. I have small, mostly unnoticeable pores, but after several hours, the color appeared to be sitting on top of my face and all my pores showed. I really didn’t like that. I am going to try mixing it with a moisturizer without SPF to see if that makes a difference in longevity, and if that doesn’t help, I’ll use it as a tinted moisturizer for those times when I plan to wash my face and start over again after a few hours.
Several months ago, my friend Sybille gave me an almost brand new and completely full tube of DiorSkin Nude BB Creme in shade, Fair. It’s a little bit too light for me, so I decided to add some Drops to it to darken the shade just a bit. Since I couldn’t find an empty container this time, I mixed up just a little bit on the back of my hand. The Drops are liquidy and runny so using an empty container is definitely better. The Drops did darken the BB Creme, and I may have added one drop too many. But in general, the Drops gave me a better match. I’ll call it a success!
One thing that disturbs me about the CoverFX Drops is how messy it is. The liquid inside the glass bottle sort of clumps up and adheres to the glass dropper. The clumpy and liquidy consistency makes it a bit of a challenge to drop just a few drops into whatever I’m mixing. Also, the rim of the bottle gets a bit messy after a few uses. I would prefer it to be in some kind of squeeze bottle that didn’t have to be opened in order to dispense the drops.
I plan to continue to play around with it, mixing it with different bases. When I tried it at Sephora, the MUA mixed the Drops with Bobbie Brown Vitamin Enriched Moisturizing Base and also with Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer, and both worked amazingly well. I love the idea that my concealer will match my foundation. Next, I’m going to see if the Drops can lighten up the Make Up For Ever Velvet Mat Foundation that I bought in the summer when my skin was a bit darker. I’m also going to add some drops to the Amazing Concealer that is way too light for me. I’ll keep you posted. By and large, I’m glad I bought the drops!
CoverFX Custom Cover Drops is available in 24 shades split into three categories: pink, neutral and golden shades. It comes in a glass container and contains 0.5 oz/15 ml. It’s available at Sephora and at the CoverFX website. It’s priced at $44. And it’s cruelty-free.
Have you tried CoverFX Custom Cover Drops yet? If so, what did you mix them with, and what do you think?
I like the idea, but it sounds too much of a hassle to use, especially if it only lasts so little. I think I’ll keep using my moisturizer to dilute my foundation when the colour isn’t ìexactly right.
gio recently posted…Product Review: Urban Decay De Slick Oil-Control Makeup Setting Spray
I don’t think it’s a “must have” product, Gio, in my experience so far though I know others absolutely love it. It works best as pure pigment to adjust foundations or concealers whose shades are off.
I heard so many amazing things about these drops! The idea behind it is fantastic, that way we can customize the amount of coverage for every situation 🙂
Sort of, I haven’t been able to make the drops give me full coverage unless they’re mixed with a full coverage foundation. But they are good for color adjustment.
Neat! I like the idea of foundation customizing. I’d love to give this a try, to see if I can make it work for me.
Kiss & Make-up recently posted…Review | e.l.f. High Definition Blush in Superstar
It works well to adjust foundations and concealers whose shades aren’t a good match!
i tried something like this from Ardency Inn a year or a year and a half ago. That’s in a pump container so it was neat. I mixed the drops with serum (same brand) and also moisturizer and found the same as you – broke down quicker. I may need to revisit the ratios I used of concentrate to moisturizer because I think I could make it work with my Embryolisse Lait Creme!!
BeautyJudy recently posted…KBShimmer Summer 2015: The Ultra Chrome and Metallic Flakies
If it works with the Embryolisse, let me know Judy! I’m going to try it with a cream serum that I have and see if that lasts any longer, maybe it was the SPF in the other moisturizer that interfered. Interesting that Ardency Inn had this product so long ago. I thought CoverFX was the innovator. Guess not
Thank you for an honest review, because I have seen YouTubers (who got an entire box of CoverFx freebies) say these are holy grail for all skin types. Now you saying you have unnoticeable pores and it was sitting on your skin. Tells me that with my huge pores,oily skin that these are going to make me look a mess. You have great skin though, you can get away with a light sheer coverage!
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I need to try it with another moisturizer, perhaps without SPF or with a cream serum and see if it does any better. It mixed very well with the Tarte concealer, and I’m hoping I can get it to give me a better shade with my Amazing Concealer. I don’t think it’s an HG product, but it is helpful for adjusting the shade of foundations that are off.
I think the concept is neat and these sound great for people who like to really mix and customise, but for me it just looks like a hassle. 😛
I hear you on the bottle/dropper thing too. My current foundation has a dropper and is ridiculously messy if I’m not careful. On the other hand though, the foundation I was using before that (similar thin texture) came in a bottle with a squeeze tip and would ooze out all over the place the second I took the cap off. Someone needs to invent a better delivery system for these new lightweight serum-foundation formulas!
Good to know, Rach, that the squeeze bottle doesn’t solve the problem. What to do?
Wonderful review!! I love that you point out the fact that it doesn’t last as long as a normal foundation would. Too bad because this is such a great idea! It looks beautiful on you in the pictures though!
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Thank you, Jen. The mixture of the Drops with moisturizer gives a nice, natural look for several hours but not as long as foundation or BB/CC cream.
I have to say, I am curious about this product! I does seem like a bit of work and makes quite a mess though. :/ Great review, I love the second finish on you!
Kristina Vieweg recently posted…Bobbi Brown Art Stick | Hot Orange
Thank you, Kristina! Mixing it with the BB cream definitely has given me the best finish yet. I’m going to try mixing it with MUFE to lighten the shade and see how that looks. Definitely fun to play with!
Haven’t tried these yet, but I think it is an interesting concept.
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Very interesting. Not sure that it’s a must-have, but I find it best for customizing or fixing the shade of a foundation or concealer.
Wow, I don’t think I could use this with how messy it is. Messy products are a huge pet peeve of mine and I will sometimes refuse to use a product if it’s messy no matter how well it works.
Kimberly recently posted…Azure Naturals Ultimate Retinol Anti-Wrinkle serum*
Then, it would not be right for you, Kimberly!
I love the idea behind this, but it does seem a bit messy as you said. It definitely seems that mixing it with a BB cream gives the very best results! I am very intrigued!
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It is intriguing, and there are so many ways to use it. It’s a bit pricey and a little messy but all in all I’m glad I got it!
So glad to read this review! I’ve been thinking about picking these up and I guess now I’ll have too hehe. Glad you’re enjoying the product.
Leigh recently posted…Bite Beauty Butter Cream Lipstick Review, Swatches and Photos
It is an interesting concept, Leigh. I like it best for altering a shade of foundation, BB/CC cream or concealer that’s not quite right. If you pick it up, I’d love to read your review and see what you do with it 🙂
I love the idea behind the drops, but my gosh they look messy! I don’t know if I could deal with all that haha.
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They are a bit messy which is why I mentioned it. I wish there was an easier to use type of packaging because I think the product concept is so innovative and I like the idea of customization!
I really like this idea and would probably buy it, but I’m on the fence about it. I also need a quick and easy routine when it comes to makeup – like no muss no fuss hahaha but this also seems like such a great idea lol oi..
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This isn’t quick, no fuss, no muss. It’s all about customization. But it is quite innovative and lots of fun to play around with 🙂
I’ve not tried it yet, but I’ve heard great things!
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They are definitely fun to play with, Destany!
I don’t think I would like dealing with the mess of this, although it is a neat concept.
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Definitely a neat concept. I wish they’d put the Drops in a squeeze bottle or something easier to dispense.
I love the concept of this, because I definitely have foundations laying around that don’t quite match. However, I would get so annoyed with how messy it is. Hopefully they change the bottle in the future! I’ll have to check this out, it’s really neat so I think a lot of other brands might push out similar products.
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I think they already are, Julie. And someone told me that Ardency Inn had a similar product that they launched a year ago! Who knew? I’ll be eager to hear what you think once you get yours!
Happy you got it to play with!
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Yes, I am finding they work best for me in customizing foundation/BB/CC creams or concealers that are slightly off in shade for me. I’m going to try mixing with a different moisturizer and maybe with a cream serum too and see if I can get better coverage and longer lasting coverage. It’s definitely fun!
This is so interesting! Too bad the formula isn’t that great- hopefully they will tweak and improve it. I would definitely use something like this for days when I want a more natural look.
The formula is really fine, Ameerah, it’s the delivery system (i.e. the bottle and dropper) that I don’t love. It really is a fun product to play around with, and the Drops do improve the foundations, BB/CC creams and concealers that are slightly off in shade. 🙂
I know these are going to be messy but I’m looking forward to playing with it and seeing how it works for me. I have a lot of products like moisturizers and foundations that need to be a better match for me so maybe this will be the answer.
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As long as you have a container to mix in, they’re not so bad. I wish that the drops didn’t clump up on the dropper, however. Nevertheless, I think they’re an interesting concept and they do help improve the shade of foundations, BB/CC creams and concealers that are slightly off. I’ll be eager to read about how you use them, Marcia!
I didn’t know that mixing anything in sunscreen can affect is effectiveness. Good to know!
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I learned that last week on a blogpost on Skin Cancer Awareness. I’m assuming it can be true, but then chemists put sunscreen into moisturizer and foundation to create BB/CC creams so there must be a way to do it that doesn’t breakdown the effectiveness of the sunscreen, I just don’t know what it is!
I left a few comments on IG, and was very curious to read what you thought. After I participated in a Twitter chat about the drops, I put it on my list to definitely try. After reading your review, I’m disappointed about the mess, and not having it look as good after 6 hours. Thank you for reviewing this!
I saw some of Phyrra’s video on the Drops, and she mixed them with lots of different products. But I don’t recall her giving any feedback on longevity. The mess isn’t that big a deal as long as you have a container to put the new product you’re creating in, but the bottle usually does involve some cleanup along the opening each time. I’m still glad I got them especially for trying to get a better match with my foundations etc where the color is a bit off. But is it a necessity? Not really.
Bravo for the honest review. I have only read positive ones so reading yours make me think I’m not really missing out after all.
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Kathryne, I was very excited to try this innovative product, and I’m still glad that I did. The ‘messiness’ isn’t that bad, but I wish there was a cleaner way of packaging the product so I could control the number of drops better and so I didn’t have to clean up the bottle neck after every use (it also makes me feel like I’m wasting some product by wiping it off). But it is definitely handy for customizing the color match of my foundations etc. where the shade is slightly off.
I love all the things I’ve tried from Cover FX, but I haven’t had a chance to try these yet. I love a sheer foundation, so I was hoping it would mix well with their Illuminating Primer, for a sheer, lit-from-within look for the summer.
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It probably will, Nidia! I have a feeling the Drops will work best with their own products. Let me know when you try it!
I’m enjoying my Drops and playing mad scientist and mixing them with various things is a lot of fun. They mix beautifully with Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer. That is one of my faves, so far.
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I have the Hourglass Veil Primer too, Erika. Do you apply your regular foundation as is after you’ve applied the Veil Primer + Drops? What is the effect you’re seeking? It’s an intriguing idea.
I like the idea behind these drops, but I am too lazy to do this kind of mixing in the morning when I’m in a hurry.
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They are definitely not for when you’re in a hurry!
Thanks for your thorough review of the CCD Allison! I have been playing around with them as well. I too am not sure I’ve found my perfect combination yet. I feel like it’s a bit too much when I combine it with foundation. On me, it definitely does NOT work to combine it with my skincare. It’s patchy and uneven. I agree with you that makeup breaks down quicker when using the drops. I tried it with my IT Cosmetics CC cream, and that seemed to be the best combination so far.
I’m glad you feel the same way, Amber! There definitely is a lot of experimentation involved. I plan to use them with my IT CC Cream too though I often just mix my two shades, Fair and Light, together in the summer for a good match. I’m going to try it on my way too light Amazing Concealer and see what happens.
This is on my “to buy” list so I’m happy you did such a great/in depth review. I would love this for summer. Just take a pot of moisturizer and tint it slightly to cover any unevenness I may have. I love that idea.
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Just remember that the coverage may be very sheer, it doesn’t cover my unevenness when mixed with moisturizer plus it breaks down after a few hours!
I like that this makes it easy to customize products and I def want to try it out! I’m worried I’ll end up being lazy tho and not use it after I review lol I hate mess and extra steps. Ugh. First world probs.
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Truly first world problems, Brooke! It does require a bit of work to get the right shade, coverage and then to clean up a bit, but it is not a deal-breaker if you’re motivated to use it!
It’s so hard to find a perfect foundation match with any brand– this is such a great idea!
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This can help with that! In fact, I’d say shade customization is its best use 🙂
I’m not a foundation or concealer wearer typically so I probably wouldn’t purchase this, but it sounds interesting nonetheless!
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Right, you don’t need it, Jamie!
Very thorough review, great read. While I do think its a good idea, i dont think I could be bothered with it. My super oily skin needs a proper foundation I think xxx
WhatLauraLoves recently posted…Montagne Jeunesse / 7th Heaven Strawberry Souffle Review
I hear ya, Laura. But my feeling is the best use of the Drops is to customize a foundation/BB/CC cream or concealer whose color is not quite a good match
I was really itching t try these, but I’ve gt too many foundations on the go and have forced myself to wait. Interesting to learn that they don’t hold up that well.
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They don’t hold up well (meaning more than 5 hours) when mixed with Rodan + Fields Redefine Moisturizer with SPF. I need to try the Drops with another moisturizer perhaps without SPF and see how that goes. The Drops do very well when mixed with foundation, BB/CC cream or concealer in which the original shade is off.
Most reviews I’ve seen have been raving about this stuff, so I appreciate your honest thoughts. I’m now second guessing picking up a bottle for myself.
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Kirstin, it is a fun product to play around with. So far, for me, it does the best job customizing the shade of a product that was meant as a foundation-type product. I’ll try mixing it with a different moisturizer or a cream serum and see if it lasts any long than mixing it with Rodan + Fields Redefine AM Moisturizer on a day when I have no place to go. I wasn’t happy when it broke on my face, but I don’t regret buying it.
I need to try this stuff! I keep meaning to purchase it!
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You’ll have fun with it!
I love these, I bought mine a couple weeks ago in G50 and I love that I can mix it. So far I have only mixed it with my HangoveRX Primer and I am in love with it!
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Thanks for letting me know how you used yours, Asja. I’ve got to try a few new ways of using it and see how it goes!
I’ve seen these before and I’m still not totally sure how I feel about them. I like having as little product as possible on my face, just to feel light and airy and not caked or weighed down, so mixing products just wouldn’t be my cup of tea in an early morning rush to get ready. Maybe if I tried them out though…
CoverFX Custom Cover Drops aren’t for everyone. But it takes maybe 5 seconds to mix them into whatever you want to mix them with, and you can mix them up in advance with your moisturizer and they last in the jar that you mixed them with. If you don’t wear moisturizer, then you wouldn’t want them. But if you do, they don’t add any weight to your moisturizer but they will give you some coverage if you need it.