CoverGirl and Olay Simply Ageless Foundation: Opening Instructions and Usage Tips.

I don't think I have ever received as many e-mails as I have before now, than with the questions I have been receiving about Simply Ageless, the new foundation from CoverGirl and Olay. I told you about this foundation innovation just before the Holidays and it seems as though many of you have purchased and have questions. The number one question I get is, "How do I open this?". So I went to CoverGirl and have the information for you right here. 

I have discovered not only how to open the compact itself, but found some great tips on how to use this as well.

First, to open the product. There are two parts to the compact. The top part, which contains the actual foundation, and the bottom part that contains the sponge. The bottom simply flips open to obtain the sponge, and lets you keep it there when not in use. To open the top part, you need to twist the large clear lid off of the jar. It only takes one turn and it will open. The lid might be on tight, but it will definitely open with not too much effort. Remember, righty-tighty, lefty-loosey: Turn it to the left to open, to the right to close.

To apply the foundation, simply smooth the sponge across the compact to blend the products together and apply. The white color will never ever change the color of the foundation. It is just the special process by which the products were made to work in conjunction with each other. If you want to see it in action, check out this video with CoverGirl Makeup Artist Molly Stern, as she uses a wedge sponge to apply it to a model. To get a softer more sheer finish, dampen the sponge with water before applying.

Comments

[mary]

I agree. The design of this product really sucks...It could be a really great product, but, if the consumer can't get to the product, then there is no way to know this....
Cover Girl needs to send this one back to the design department for a major reconstruction.....
Been trying to open it for several hours (off and on)....nothing works...I have banged on it...pushed down while twisting, etc. Terrible!

[Roxanne]

Finally!!!! 6 days later I got it open!! my husband and friends could not get it open and they are big guys!!!

[Totally Disgusted]

After numerous trys and almost straining my wrists, I had no success. Why would anyone create such a contraption??!! It is truly simply ageless. Meaning, for us simple folk it will be ages before we can open the product and use it. I didn't realize that I need a BA in Engineering to open something that was under $20. I finally had to get my husband with his massive hands, to open it. Luckily, he is part Tim Allen and part Bob Vila. Thanks to CG my husband has not out lived his usefulness.

[Lori]

For those of you who didn't chuck your product....QUESTION. I am usually pretty fair. In MAC I wear NW15-20. Does anyone know what an equivalent shade would be? I got 210 and wow, I'm surprised at how white it made me. I am thinking of going to 220 or 225, but if someone knows, I would so appreciate it!!!

Wow, it stinks that so many people have had trouble opening this! I didn't, but then again, my dad always told me I was 'mechanically inclined'. I took a CD player apart when I was a teenager and put it back together. If that's what it takes to use this, there won't be many takers.

[C. McPherson]

Are you kidding me? I have been working for nearly 30 minutes to try to open this thing...to NO avail.

[Carolyn]

Bought this product also, can't get it open either. I think I'll mail it to cover girl and get the Man who designed this container to open it for me. I'll never know if this stuff is any good.

[Kelli]

It took me 2 days, 5 co-workers and directions online to get this thing open!! What a horrible design, I did actually get it open after banging it on the table a few times. I do like the product, just horrible packaging. Best of luck to everyone trying to open this!

[C. McPherson]

FINALLY GOT IT OPENED! Put it in the freezer for 20 minutes. Temperature makes it contract. Worked like a charm!

[Anne]

I cannot believe it. #1 I googled 'how to open cover girl olay' and #2 up popped this forum and #3 it's such a struggle!!!!
Thanks to the forum for making me feel less like a useless dork! :-) At least I'm not alone!

[Mary]

Twisted, turned, pushed down, got those large thin exercise bands. All of this and my husband trying. Finaly he banged it down on the table and opened it.He thinks the plastic top was stuck.
CG you need to fix this!

[Phyllis]

I have tried it all and still can't open this stupid thing....I will take the mess back and buy something else!!!!!!!!!

[Risa Maier]

After spending a very frustrating hour trying to open this #@%*&^ container, googeling how to open it, then finding this page, I put my makeup on, only to find out the shade I purchased it too light! $13.00 and much frustration later--I will not purchase any more. I was so excited about my new makeup. Talk about a bubble buster. . .

[Patches]

And to think I raised 3 kids, spent six years in the service and have a college degree and I couldn't open the danged compact. I decided to Google thinking nobody else had a "slow brain" moment. Thanks for the help!

p.s. Maybe they should put instructions on the container? I figured the clear part twisted, but it was really difficult so I thought I was wrong. Finally got it, thoug.

[E]

WOW- who knew I had to research to use this foundation. I purchased two of these foundations and I finally had to crack the case to use it because noone could open it. Now it looks completely messy and disgusting and I can't take it on the go. I took one to work hoping someone could open it, and it became a comedy show. Sorry the word is out. They should have cosidered a snap cover similar to the pad storage that way it is attached to the case and easy to open (or even a slide cover). Ladies, if you have no or little patience - don't bother purchasing. If you are looking for makeup to store in your purse - DONT BOTHER PURCHASING THIS ITEM. If you have ailments from fibromyalgia or arthiritis - Don't bother purchasing this item. Instead try Amay or Clinique. They have a better product and you can actually open it!!!!

[michelle and natalie]

So frustrating that you buy a product and are unable to open the package. There are no instructions, and is aggravating! They should make the product easier to open.

[Sarah]

Came to this site in desperation to try to figure out how to open the compact. After banging, running under hot water, prying, and twisting, it finally opened. Only to have the whole foundation stuck to the lid!! This is just awful! Since I knew I couldn't return it at that point, I tried the product. Not that great. Truly disappointed after all the magazine attention. Am going back to Estee Lauder.

[sandy]

The hardest thing i've EVER tried to open, had to beat it on the counter top! will never buy this again!

[Katie]

Never in all my 67 years have I had a product stump me as much as this one did!! I can't believe I had to google it to try and open it - and then to see all the other comments. Well, I can't open it - my husband can't open it, several YOUNG men at work can't open it. It is most definitely going back to the store and I'll never know just how wonderful a product it is!! I really like Cover Girl - they certainly flunked on 'Opening 101' in this case however. I'm just go purchase something that works with ALL hands, not just my 'older' ones. How unfortunate!

[carmenq]

i bought this thing thinking i would like to try it. however it is the most aggravating thing to open. my husband couldn't twist it open either and he is a big and strong. he suggested i google it. lo and behold i am not alone. i have tried twisting with those rubber grips but still to no avail. i will return it. i have never been disappointed with cover girl products until now. not sure if i will exchange it for the same one.

[carmenq]

i did try pushing down then twisting and banging it to release the air vacuum. still to no avail

[CCDS]

Cover Girl - are you kidding? I have used Elizabeth Arden makeup my entire life and decided to try CG Simply Ageless. How sad that I cannot get the product open. How sad that I actually figured other people also a problem and thought of googling it! I'm going to take it to my young neighbor tonight as I have actually made my hands hurt trying to open. If he can't get it open, back it goes. Unbelieveable.

[frustrated]

I had to warm up the container with a hair dryer for several minutes before I could get it open...what a disappointing product packaging idea!

[Michelle]

I was so frustrated trying to open the product. I actually hurt my hands....finally went to the garage for a crescent wrench to open it. After trying that and banging it AGAIN on the floor, I finally got it open. As someone else said, how sad that I thought of googling this problem! It better be good, that's all I have to say! Otherwise, I'll buy something else next time.

[Norma]

This is ridiculous....this product needs to be repackaged. You shouldn't have to bang the compact on the floor to open it.

[cerveza]

SIMPLE SOLUTION (At least for me)

I tried banging it on the floor and had no luck.
I put it in the freezer for a half hour and it opened easily.
This really works, thanks to whoever first suggested this.