Bethenny Frankel shocks with $12 foundation she calls 'phenomenal'

**Bethenny Frankel Raves About CoverGirl’s $12 Foundation After Burning Man Return**

Bethenny Frankel dropped a new drugstore discovery video this week, turning a simple “Get Ready With Me” shoot into an impromptu product review. The reality star tested CoverGirl Simply Ageless Skin Perfector Essence on camera after a dusty getaway to Burning Man.

She opened with a familiar skepticism, saying, “I did not have high hopes for this,” before changing her tune.

During the clip she revealed that a dime‑sized drop of the foundation covered her entire face, delivering a “thin veil of coverage.” Frankel praised its lightweight feel, describing it as “f—king phenomenal” and noting it felt like “putting hydration on my face.” She ended the segment with an enthusiastic shout‑out: “CoverGirl, wow did you shake me,” adding that she “loves the discoveries.” The video quickly amassed over 300 k views, and her comment section filled with excited fans asking for the product’s link.

A follow‑up TikTok last week saw Frankel compiling her favorite “nothing but something” makeup for a natural look. The star highlighted the same CoverGirl formula among others, emphasizing minimalism and everyday wearability.

Her quick endorsement came after a recent return from a desert adventure, underscoring her willingness to test budget products in real‑world settings. The TikTok clip crossed 120 k likes and prompted dozens of duet responses where followers tried the “dime‑size” trick themselves.

## Background & Context

CoverGirl’s Simply Ageless line has been on the market for over a decade, originally launched as a skin‑care infused foundation aimed at delivering both coverage and nourishment.

The brand’s focus on “skin‑first” ingredients—such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and botanical extracts—has positioned it as a credible contender in the drugstore space.

Frankel’s recent praise for the brand’s TruBlend Sun & Sculpt Bronzing Glow Serum, which she described as “as good as the expensive ones” with “not an iota of sacrifice,” shows her long‑standing affinity for products that balance performance and affordability.

Bethenny’s partnership with CoverGirl isn’t her first. She has championed other drugstore staples like e.l.f.’s Hydrating Lip Balm and NYX’s Soft Matte Lip Cream, always promoting the idea that beauty shouldn’t break the bank.

Her influence extends beyond product reviews; she’s hosted “Beauty on a Budget” segments on her own network shows, cementing her reputation as an advocate for accessible makeup.

## What People Are Saying

Amazon shoppers have mirrored Frankel’s enthusiasm. One reviewer calls the foundation her “daily go‑to” and notes it “doesn’t settle in wrinkles.” The product’s light coverage and hydration claim resonate with users seeking a natural finish without heaviness.

Across social media, followers have shared images of the same dime‑sized application, confirming its broad coverage. In addition to the enthusiastic comments, a handful of skeptics noted that on very oily skin the finish could feel slightly matte—but most agreed the texture was gentle and non‑caked.

In total, the foundation’s online buzz exploded when Frankel’s video hit the feeds: over 1.8 million combined impressions across Instagram Stories, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. Sales data from a leading beauty retailer showed a 27 % spike in purchases within 48 hours of the video’s release—an impressive surge for a $12 item.

## What Happens Next

Frankel has indicated she will continue to test and share drugstore discoveries in future videos. While no official partnership or endorsement was disclosed for this particular product, her influence suggests a potential spike in consumer interest.

The brand has yet to issue a statement, but the buzz may prompt further coverage from both beauty insiders and everyday shoppers.

Industry analysts are noting that this viral moment could shape the next wave of drugstore collaborations.

Brands might increasingly look to reality stars like Bethenny for “in‑the‑moment” product testing, especially when those stars showcase how products perform under extreme conditions—burning‑man dust, desert heat, or even a high‑intensity workout.

The focus on “hydration + coverage” also aligns with the current trend toward multifunctional formulations that double as skincare.

In the world of celebrity‑influenced beauty, Bethenny Frankel’s low‑budget test turns into a high‑profile endorsement—proof that even a “dime‑sized” drop can make a big splash.