COVERGIRL Smoothers Pressed Powder
✅ PROS
- Infused with allantoin and vitamin E—actually soothing for dry, sensitive skin, not just marketing claims
- Buildable coverage that sets foundation without caking or looking powdery, even in flash photography
- The included sponge and mirror make midday touch-ups genuinely practical, not an afterthought
❌ CONS
- Shade range skews light-to-medium; deeper complexions will struggle to find a match
- The compact itself feels lightweight and can crack if dropped—travel with care
The Verdict
The $10 Powder That Feels Like a Splurge
Let’s be blunt: most drugstore pressed powders are either invisible or chalky. The COVERGIRL Smoothers line has quietly built a reputation as the exception, and this pressed powder—the one with the green-accented compact—earns its 4.6-star rating the hard way: by working on real skin.
What You’re Actually Getting
The compact holds 0.38 oz of powder, which is standard for the category, but the formula is where things get interesting. COVERGIRL loaded this with allantoin and vitamin E, two ingredients you’d normally expect in a $40 serum, not a $10 powder. The result is a finely-milled powder that doesn’t just sit on top of your skin—it melds with it.
The included sponge applicator is genuinely usable, which is rare. It’s dense enough to press the powder into pores without dragging, and the mirror is full-sized, not the useless sliver you usually get.
Performance: The Real-World Test
I wore this for a full workday, then a sweaty commute, then a dinner out. The powder set my liquid foundation without changing its finish—no flashback in photos, no oxidation into that dreaded orange tone by hour six. By the end of the day, my T-zone had a soft sheen, not a grease slick.
The texture is where this powder wins. It’s silky in a way that makes you double-check the price tag. A light dusting blurs pores without looking like you’re wearing a mask. Build it up in the oily zones and it handles the job without caking—something many high-end powders fail at.
What Buyers Keep Saying
The 229 Amazon ratings tell a consistent story. One reviewer noted, “I have dry skin and most powders make it worse. This one actually makes my skin feel smoother, not tighter.” Another praised the coverage: “I use it over my foundation and it sets everything without making me look powdery. I’ve repurchased three times.”
The most common praise centers on the skincare-infused formula—women in their 40s and 50s particularly appreciate that a powder can actually improve skin texture rather than emphasize it.
Where It Falls Short
The shade range is the elephant in the room. With options that skew light-to-medium, deeper skin tones will struggle to find a true match. COVERGIRL has improved its inclusivity company-wide, but this particular product lags behind the competition.
The compact is also lightweight plastic. It’s pocket-friendly but not drop-proof—one reviewer reported their powder shattered after falling from a bathroom counter. Handle with care.
Who Should Buy This
- The 40+ woman with dry or mature skin who’s tired of powders that settle into fine lines. The allantoin and vitamin E genuinely help here.
- The minimal-makeup person who wants one product that can set foundation, touch up midday, and even work alone on no-makeup days.
- The budget-conscious shopper who refuses to believe quality requires a department store price tag.
Skip it if you have very deep skin, prefer a matte finish (this gives a natural satin, not flat matte), or need heavy oil control for tropical climates.
Three Questions Buyers Ask
Is this powder good for dry skin? Yes—the vitamin E and allantoin make it one of the few powders that doesn’t emphasize flakiness. Set with a light hand and it will smooth, not settle.
Will it flashback in photos? No. The formula is finely milled with no heavy silica or SPF, so you won’t get that ghostly white cast in flash photography.
How does it compare to the classic COVERGIRL pressed powder? The Smoothers formula is finer and more moisturizing. The classic version is better for oily skin; this one wins for normal-to-dry.
The Bottom Line
This is a 4.6-star powder for a reason. It does what it promises—sets makeup, smooths skin, and survives a full day—at a price that feels like a steal. The limited shade range keeps it from perfection, but if you find your match, you’ll likely repurchase.
Buy it if you want a natural-finish powder that treats your skin well. Skip it if you need deep shades or heavy-duty oil control.
Rating: 4.6/5 — A legitimate drugstore gem that outperforms powders at triple the price.
Where to Buy
We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — this helps fund more honest reviews.
Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.