Hey beauty lovers! Today I’m diving into the Covergirl Clean Fresh Yummy Plumper Lip Gloss in shade 860 Encourage-Mint. This has been getting some buzz lately, and I’ve been testing it thoroughly to give you ALL the details you need before buying!
First Impressions & Packaging
When I first got my hands on this gloss, I was surprised to find very few reviews online. Seems like this is a newer addition to Covergirl’s popular Yummy Gloss line. The packaging is simple and functional – nothing fancy, but it gets the job done. At just $6-ish, it’s definitely budget-friendly which is ALWAYS a plus in my book!
One thing to note right away: CHECK YOUR SEALS when you buy this! Several reviewers (myself included) have received products with broken seals, which is a big no-no for lip products. Mine came intact, but it’s definitely something to watch out for.
Color & Appearance
Let’s talk about this shade! Encourage-Mint is described as a medium berry-pink with purple undertones, but here’s the truth: what you see online might NOT be what you get. On my monitor, it looked like a cool-toned mauve, but in person, it’s actually a deeper, bright neutral pink with quite a bit of orange shimmer that gives it a warm tone.
The gloss has noticeable shimmer/glitter particles – you can actually feel them if you press your lips together. This might be a deal-breaker if you hate that sensation, but I personally don’t mind it.
Unlike the regular Yummy Glosses, this one isn’t super sheer – it delivers a decent amount of color payoff. I’d say it’s more pigmented than expected, which can be good or bad depending on what you’re looking for.
Formula & Application
The formula is on the thinner side compared to other lip plumpers I’ve tried, which I actually prefer! It’s not overly sticky (thank goodness) and spreads easily across the lips. The applicator is standard – nothing special but gets the job done without making a mess.
What I LOVE about this formula is that it seems to blur lip lines a bit, which is amazing for those of us who are starting to see fine lines around our mouths. It creates a smoother appearance overall.
The Plumping Effect
Let’s be real – this is what we’re all here for, right? The plumping effect is… moderate. You definitely feel a tingling sensation when applied, but it’s much milder than some other plumpers on the market (looking at you, Too Faced Lip Injection!).
For me, this is actually perfect – I HATE when plumpers burn so badly that I want to wipe them off immediately. This gives a pleasant cooling, minty tingle that isn’t uncomfortable. That said, if you’re looking for that intense plumping sensation, you might find this too subtle.
The actual plumping result is subtle but noticeable – don’t expect miracle lip injections, but there is a nice fullness that comes from both the slight plumping and the glossy finish.
Scent & Taste
The scent is minty (as expected for a plumper) but with that signature “Yummy” sweetness that Covergirl is known for. It’s pleasant and not overwhelming.
Now for the controversial part – the taste. Reviews are SUPER mixed on this! Some people say it tastes amazing, while others find it horribly bitter. In my experience, it has that typical minty-sweet flavor with a slightly bitter aftertaste if you accidentally get it in your mouth. I try not to lick my lips when wearing it, and that solves most of the problem.
Wear Time & Comfort
For a gloss, the wear time is actually pretty impressive! I get about 2-3 hours before needing to reapply, which is good for a product at this price point. It fades evenly without leaving a weird ring around your lips (we’ve all been there, right?).
Comfort-wise, it feels nice and hydrating throughout wear. My lips don’t feel dry after it wears off, which is a huge plus in my book!
Who Should Buy This?
This shade would work well on many skin tones, though it seems to be particularly flattering on medium to dark complexions. If you’re very fair, you might find it a bit too bright or warm-toned because of that orange shimmer.
If you want a milder plumping effect with decent color payoff, good wear time, and don’t mind a bit of glitter, this is a great affordable option!
If you hate the feeling of glitter particles, want an intense plumping effect, or are looking for a truly cool-toned pink, you might want to skip this one.
The Verdict
Pros:
- Affordable at around $6
- Pleasant minty-sweet scent
- Mild plumping effect that doesn’t burn
- Decent wear time for a gloss
- Blurs lip lines nicely
- Not too sticky
- Vegan formula is a plus for conscious consumers
Cons:
- Glitter particles are noticeable on the lips
- Color online doesn’t match real life (more warm-toned than it appears)
- Some quality control issues with seals
- Taste can be bitter for some
- Plumping effect might be too subtle for those wanting dramatic results
Final Thoughts
For around $6, this is definitely worth trying if you’re in the market for an affordable plumping gloss! The formula is comfortable, the color is pretty (though not what you might expect from online pictures), and the plumping effect, while subtle, is there.
I’ve already purchased another shade in the line (Love at Frost Sight, which is a great neutral nude), and I’m keeping an eye out for restocks of the other colors.
Overall, I’d give this a solid 7.5/10 – not perfect, but a really good option at this price point!
Have you tried any of the Covergirl Plumping glosses? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! 💄👄
Buy on Amazon: Here
