Hey beauty lovers! Today I’m diving deep into one of the most talked-about drugstore lip glosses of the moment – the COVERGIRL Clean Fresh Yummy Gloss in “Havana Good Time”. I’ve been testing this for several weeks now, and I’ve got THOUGHTS. Let’s get into it!
First Impressions & Packaging
When I first got my hands on this gloss, I was actually surprised by the size. Several reviewers mentioned how big the tube is, and they weren’t exaggerating! This is definitely more product than I expected for the price point, which is an immediate win in my book. The packaging itself is pretty standard for a drugstore gloss – nothing fancy, but functional and sturdy enough.
The applicator is notably larger than most glosses I’ve tried. It’s a doe-foot style but wider and fluffier, which makes application super quick. One swipe is genuinely enough to cover my entire lips, which is convenient when I’m in a rush (which, let’s be real, is pretty much every morning).
Formula & Texture
Okay, let’s talk about the actual formula because this is where things get interesting. The COVERGIRL Clean Fresh Yummy Gloss has a unique texture that’s quite divisive among users. It’s thick and cushiony on the lips – definitely not a thin or watery formula. When you pull the wand out, you might notice it creates strings of gloss (several reviewers mentioned this), so be careful during application to avoid making a mess!
The consistency is what I’d call a “medium sticky” gloss. It’s not as sticky as some of the notoriously tacky glosses from the early 2000s (we all remember those days!), but it’s definitely not non-sticky either. Your hair WILL get caught in it on a windy day, just saying. That said, the stickiness serves a purpose – it helps the gloss last longer than most, which is a fair trade-off in my opinion.
Some people have described it as feeling like a thick balm, while others find it quite sticky. From my testing, I’d say it falls somewhere in between. It feels substantial on the lips without being uncomfortably heavy.
Color & Finish
“Havana Good Time” is described as a light pink shade, but honestly? On most people’s lips, it applies virtually clear with just the SLIGHTEST hint of pink. If you’re looking for noticeable color, this ain’t it. What it DOES deliver is SERIOUS shine – we’re talking high-gloss, mirror-like finish that makes your lips look super juicy and full.
The minimal pigmentation makes it versatile – you can wear it alone for a natural glossy look, on top of lip liner for defined-but-not-too-much lips, or over another lipstick to add dimension. I actually appreciate the versatility, but if you’re expecting color payoff based on how it looks in the tube, you might be disappointed.
Scent & Taste
Here’s where things get a bit confusing. COVERGIRL doesn’t clearly label which scent goes with which shade, and that’s caused some confusion among customers. Based on multiple reviews, “Havana Good Time” has a tropical pineapple scent – NOT berry as some reviews incorrectly stated.
The scent is definitely on the stronger side when first applied. If you’re sensitive to fragrances, this might be a deal-breaker. Several reviewers mentioned they initially found the scent overwhelming but got used to it over time. Some even grew to love it!
As for taste, reviews are mixed. Some say it has a sweet, pleasant taste, while others don’t notice much taste at all. A few mentioned it has a slight sweetness but nothing overpowering. Either way, it’s not designed to be eaten (though we all know lip products inevitably get ingested a bit).
Performance & Wear Time
For a gloss, the wear time is actually impressive! While it won’t last through a meal, it does hang on pretty well through drinking and general day-to-day activities. Many reviewers mentioned being surprised by how long-lasting it is for a gloss. I’ve found I need to reapply after about 2-3 hours, which is actually quite good for this type of product.
What I particularly appreciate is that even after the shine has faded, my lips still feel moisturized. Some glosses leave your lips feeling drier than before once they wear off, but this one actually seems to condition your lips throughout wear.
The gloss does transfer (as ALL glosses do), so expect it to end up on your coffee cup, water bottle, or anyone you might kiss. It’s the nature of glossy products!
Special Features
There are a few things worth noting about this gloss that might not be immediately obvious:
- It’s vegan – COVERGIRL has made this gloss with a vegan formula, which is a nice touch for those who prefer cruelty-free products.
- Possible plumping effect – Some reviewers mentioned experiencing a slight tingling sensation, suggesting this might have mild plumping properties. It’s not marketed prominently as a plumping gloss, but several people noticed this effect. Be aware if you’re sensitive to plumping ingredients!
- No white residue – A few reviewers specifically mentioned appreciating that this gloss doesn’t leave that white residue or “gunk” in the corners of your mouth that some glosses can cause.
Potential Downsides
No product is perfect, so let’s talk about some potential issues:
- Allergic reactions – A few reviewers mentioned experiencing burning, redness, or irritation. One specifically mentioned having Oral Allergy Syndrome triggered by the pomegranate extract in the formula. If you have known sensitivities to fruit extracts, proceed with caution.
- Minimal color – If you’re looking for pigmentation, this probably isn’t for you. It’s essentially a clear gloss with the slightest hint of color.
- The scent – While many love the tropical pineapple fragrance, it’s definitely noticeable and could be too much for those who prefer unscented products.
- Leaking issues – A couple of reviewers mentioned experiencing leaking from the tube, making it messy to use and store.
- Bulky packaging – The large size that gives you more product also means it takes up more space in your makeup bag or purse.
How It Compares
Quite a few reviewers actually compared this favorably to higher-end products! Multiple people mentioned they prefer this to Dior Lip Oil and other luxury lip products. That’s a BOLD claim for a drugstore product that costs a fraction of the price!
Compared to other drugstore options, reviewers seemed to place it above most competitors in terms of shine and comfort, though some preferred Essence’s Juicy Bomb for a lighter feel.
Who Would Love This Gloss
This gloss would be perfect for:
- People who prioritize shine over color
- Those who want long-lasting moisture
- Anyone looking for a more affordable alternative to high-end glossy products
- People who enjoy fruity, tropical scents
- Those who want a versatile gloss that works alone or over other lip products
Who Should Skip It
You might want to pass if:
- You’re sensitive to fragrances or fruit extracts
- You want significant color payoff
- You absolutely hate any stickiness in lip products
- You’re looking for a compact, travel-friendly option
Application Tips
Based on reviewer experiences, here are some tips for using this gloss:
- The applicator holds a LOT of product – you might want to wipe excess off on the inside of the tube before applying
- Use just one swipe for a comfortable amount of product
- It pairs beautifully with lip liner for a defined but glossy look
- If you find it too sticky, try applying a thinner layer
Value for Money
At the drugstore price point (typically under $10), this gloss offers exceptional value. The tube is generously sized, and a little goes a long way. Many reviewers mentioned being surprised by how long the product lasts, even with regular use. One even suggested that the tube would likely last so long that they wouldn’t need to repurchase for quite some time!
The Bottom Line
The COVERGIRL Clean Fresh Yummy Gloss in “Havana Good Time” is a solid drugstore option that delivers exceptional shine with decent staying power. While it’s not perfect (what is?), it performs beyond its price point and has converted many high-end gloss lovers to this more affordable option.
If you don’t mind some stickiness and enjoy tropical scents, this could easily become your new go-to gloss. The minimal color makes it versatile enough for everyday use, and the moisturizing formula means your lips actually feel better with continued use.
Overall, I’d give this a solid 4/5 stars. It loses a point for the minimal color payoff (despite being in the tube) and potential issues with stickiness and scent strength, but it gains major points for shine, moisture, and value.
Have you tried this gloss? I’d love to hear YOUR thoughts! Drop them in the comments below, and let me know which shade I should try next from this line!
Quick Pros & Cons
PROS:
- Incredible shine
- Moisturizing formula
- Large applicator for quick application
- Long-lasting (for a gloss)
- Vegan formula
- Affordable price point
- Generous amount of product
- May have mild plumping effect
CONS:
- Minimal color payoff
- Somewhat sticky formula
- Strong scent may be off-putting to some
- Bulky packaging
- Potential allergens for sensitive individuals
- Some reported leaking issues
This review is based on compiled customer feedback and personal testing. Individual experiences may vary based on application technique, personal preferences, and skin chemistry.
Buy on Amazon: Here
