Hey beauty lovers! Today I’m diving into one of Covergirl’s newer additions to their lip product lineup – the Clean Fresh Yummy Plumper Lip Gloss in the shade “It’s Gold Outside.” I’ve been trying this for about three weeks now, and I’ve got THOUGHTS.
First Impressions
When I first got my hands on this lip gloss, I was immediately impressed by the size of the tube – it’s actually bigger than I expected! Most glosses these days come in tiny packages, but this one gives you a solid 0.33oz of product, which is pretty generous compared to higher-end options. The packaging is simple but cute, with that classic Covergirl clean aesthetic.
The applicator is HUGE and plush, which I personally love. It picks up just the right amount of product and makes application super easy, especially when you’re in a rush. One swipe and you’re good to go!
The Formula
Let’s talk about what makes this gloss special – it’s a PLUMPING formula. Unlike the regular Yummy Glosses, this one has that signature minty tingle that lip plumpers are known for. The second I applied it, I felt that cooling sensation take over. It’s definitely noticeable, but not overwhelming like some other plumpers I’ve tried (looking at you, Too Faced Lip Injection – that thing BURNS).
The minty flavor is refreshing and not too overpowering. It’s actually kind of pleasant, and it doesn’t have that weird artificial taste some lip products have.
As for the “It’s Gold Outside” shade – it’s a beautiful neutral with gold shimmer that catches the light in the most flattering way. The shimmer is fine enough that it doesn’t feel gritty on your lips (you know that feeling when you can actually FEEL the glitter particles? None of that here!).
Texture and Feel
This is where this gloss really shines for me. It has a smooth, cushiony texture that isn’t too thick or too thin. It strikes that perfect balance of being substantial enough to stay put while not feeling like you’ve coated your lips in honey.
One thing I was worried about was stickiness – because let’s be real, nobody wants their hair getting stuck to their lips every time there’s a slight breeze. Thankfully, this gloss is WAY less sticky than I expected! It has a slight tackiness that helps it stay in place, but it’s nowhere near that fly-paper level of stick that some glosses have.
The Plumping Effect
Does it actually plump? YES, but with some caveats.
This isn’t going to give you that dramatic Instagram filter look – it’s more subtle. What I noticed is a slight fullness and definition to my lip lines. The plumping effect comes from the cooling ingredients that cause a slight increase in blood flow to your lips, making them look a bit fuller and more defined.
The effect lasts about 30-45 minutes before the tingling subsides, but the overall enhancement to my lips continued as long as the gloss was on. Speaking of which…
Staying Power
For a gloss, the staying power is actually pretty impressive. I can get about 2-3 hours of wear before needing to reapply, which is good for a gloss (especially one at this price point). If you’re eating or drinking, expect to reapply sooner – that’s just the nature of glosses.
One thing I really appreciate is how it fades evenly without leaving that weird ring around your lips. When it does wear off, it leaves my lips feeling soft and moisturized rather than dry and tight.
The Shine Factor
If you’re looking for GLASS LIPS, this delivers! The shine level is high without looking wet or sloppy. “It’s Gold Outside” gives this beautiful dimensional shine because of the gold reflects, making it perfect for both day and night looks.
It photographs beautifully too – the gold shimmer catches the light in all the right ways without looking too frosty or dated.
How It Compares to Other Glosses
I’ve tried a LOT of lip glosses, from drugstore to high-end, and I’d say this holds its own against much pricier options. Compared to the regular (non-plumping) Yummy Glosses, this has a slightly thinner consistency but more staying power.
If you’re wondering how it stacks up against something like Dior’s Lip Maximizer or Buxom’s plumping glosses – it’s definitely comparable in effect, though the formula is a bit different. The plumping sensation isn’t quite as intense as Buxom, but it’s more comfortable to wear for longer periods.
And for those wondering if this is worth the upgrade from the regular Yummy Glosses – if you enjoy a slight plumping effect and don’t mind the minty tingle, then absolutely yes!
Versatility
One of my favorite things about “It’s Gold Outside” is how versatile it is. The neutral golden shade works with pretty much any makeup look:
- Wear it alone for a natural, enhanced lip look
- Layer it over a nude lip liner for more definition
- Pop it on top of matte lipstick to add dimension
- Use it as a topper on any lipstick to add some golden shimmer
I’ve even worn it on no-makeup days, and it just makes me look more put together with minimal effort.
The Good and Not-So-Good
The GOOD:
- The plumping effect is noticeable but not painful
- The gold shimmer is sophisticated, not chunky or juvenile
- It’s surprisingly moisturizing for a plumping formula
- Not as sticky as most glosses
- The large doe-foot applicator makes application a breeze
- The minty sensation is refreshing
- It’s a VEGAN formula (big plus!)
- Easy to apply – you don’t need a mirror
- Great price point around $6-9 depending where you shop
- The tube is generously sized
The NOT-SO-GOOD:
- If you’re sensitive to tingling sensations, this might not be for you
- Like all glosses, it doesn’t last through meals
- You can feel the shimmer slightly if you press your lips together (though it’s not gritty)
- The plumping effect is subtle, not dramatic
- Some people might find the mint scent/flavor too strong
Who Should Try This?
This gloss is perfect for:
- Anyone looking for a subtle lip plumper without the intense burn
- People who want a versatile gloss that works with any look
- Those who hate super sticky glosses but still want shine
- Anyone looking for a more affordable alternative to high-end plumping glosses
- People with naturally full lips who just want enhancement and shine
Who Should Skip It?
You might want to pass if:
- You hate ANY kind of tingling sensation on your lips
- You’re looking for dramatic, filler-like plumping
- You prefer matte or completely non-sticky lip products
- You’re sensitive to mint or menthol ingredients
Final Thoughts
For around $7-8, the Covergirl Clean Fresh Yummy Plumper Lip Gloss in “It’s Gold Outside” is honestly a STEAL. It delivers on its promises without breaking the bank, and it’s become one of my go-to glosses for everyday wear.
The vegan formula is a nice bonus, and I appreciate that Covergirl is moving toward cleaner ingredients. The plumping effect is subtle but noticeable, the gold shimmer is universally flattering, and the overall formula is comfortable to wear.
If you’re curious about trying a lip plumper but don’t want to commit to a pricier option, or if you’re already a fan of the regular Yummy Glosses and want something with a little extra oomph, I highly recommend giving this a try!
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Have you tried any of the Covergirl Yummy Plumper glosses? Which shade is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
Comparison with Other Shades in the Line
While “It’s Gold Outside” is my current favorite, I’ve also tried a couple other shades in the Yummy Plumper line:
“Love at Frost Sight”
This is a medium nude with a brown undertone – great for medium to fair skin tones. It has a similar formula to “It’s Gold Outside” but with a slightly more neutral finish. Perfect for everyday wear!
“Encourage-Mint”
This is a deeper berry-pink shade that looks amazing on all skin tones. It has more color payoff than “It’s Gold Outside” and gives a beautiful rich pink tone to the lips. If you want something with more color impact, this is your best bet.
Application Tips
For the best results with this gloss:
- Exfoliate your lips first – the shimmer can catch on dry patches
- Apply a thin layer of lip balm and let it absorb (about 5 minutes)
- Optional: Line your lips with a neutral liner for more definition
- Apply the gloss, focusing on the center of your lips for maximum plumping effect
- For extra dimension, add a tiny dot in the very center of your bottom lip
The Science Behind the Plump
The tingling sensation comes from ingredients like menthol or mint extracts that temporarily increase blood circulation to your lips. This causes a slight swelling effect that makes your lips appear fuller. The shine factor also creates an optical illusion of plumpness since light reflects off the glossy surface.
Unlike more aggressive plumpers that use irritants like cinnamon oil or capsaicin (found in hot peppers), this formula uses a gentler approach, which is why the sensation is cooling rather than burning. This makes it much more comfortable for everyday wear!
Value for Money
At 0.33oz for around $7-8, this is an excellent value compared to high-end alternatives:
- Dior Addict Lip Maximizer: 0.2oz for $35
- Too Faced Lip Injection: 0.14oz for $24
- Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Polish: 0.15oz for $23
You’re getting MORE product for a FRACTION of the price, and the quality is comparable. This is one of those rare drugstore finds that performs like a luxury product.
I’ve found myself reaching for this over my higher-end plumping glosses, which says a lot about how good it really is!
Buy on Amazon: Here
