OK, let me just start by saying I’ve tried A LOT of lip glosses over the years, and this COVERGIRL Clean Fresh Yummy Gloss in My Strawbooty has genuinely surprised me! As someone who stays up-to-date with beauty trends and tests countless products, I was curious to see if this budget-friendly option could compete with higher-end glosses. Spoiler alert: it absolutely can!
First Impressions
When I first got this gloss, I was struck by how LARGE it is compared to most lip products on the market today. The tube is surprisingly generous at 10ml—you’re definitely getting your money’s worth. The packaging itself is pretty straightforward, though some reviewers mentioned it looks a bit generic for a COVERGIRL product.
Let’s talk about that name—”My Strawbooty.” I mean, it’s goofy and clearly targeting a younger audience, but don’t let that fool you! This gloss works beautifully for all ages, from teens to those of us who remember the original lip gloss craze of the 90s. 😉
Let’s Talk Smell & Taste
The SCENT! OMG, it’s like being transported back to middle school in the best possible way. This gloss has a delicious strawberry candy smell that’s sweet without being overwhelming. Several reviewers mentioned their kids and partners asking what they’re eating whenever they apply it! The scent is definitely nostalgic—think Strawberry Shortcake dolls or those fruity lip balms we all had as kids.
And yes, it has a slightly sweet taste too (because let’s be honest, lip products always end up in your mouth eventually). The flavor is subtle, not overwhelming, and doesn’t interfere with drinks or food.
Application & Texture
The applicator is HUGE! It’s this plush, doe-foot applicator about the size of a pinky finger that makes application super easy. One swipe gives full coverage, and the larger size actually makes it easier to get even coverage.
Now, the texture is where opinions varied a bit. Most reviewers (myself included) find it:
- Smooth and glides on easily
- Thicker and more viscous than many glosses
- NOT annoyingly sticky like traditional glosses
- Reminiscent of a lip oil in terms of comfort
- Moisturizing and hydrating
Some reviewers did find it slightly sticky, especially as it wears off, but the consensus is that it’s WAY less sticky than old-school glosses. The texture sits somewhere between a traditional gloss and a lip oil.
Color & Finish
Despite looking intimidatingly neon pink in the tube, My Strawbooty applies quite sheer with just a hint of pretty pink color. It’s not heavily pigmented, which makes it perfect for everyday wear and those no-makeup makeup days.
The SHINE factor, however, is intense! It gives that gorgeous high-gloss finish that makes your lips look plump and juicy. Several reviewers with two-toned lips mentioned that it evens out their lip color nicely while still looking natural.
Staying Power
For a gloss, the staying power is impressive! Multiple reviewers reported it lasting 3-4 hours without reapplication, and one person mentioned it survived 2 hours of talking and drinking through a straw. That’s pretty remarkable for a gloss!
When it does wear off, it doesn’t leave that weird ring around your lips, and your lips still feel moisturized afterward.
Comfort & Hydration
One of the biggest selling points for this gloss is how comfortable and hydrating it is. Several reviewers compared it favorably to Aquaphor in terms of moisturization—high praise indeed! The formula contains:
- Hyaluronic acid for hydration
- Sunflower seed oil
- Castor seed oil
- Various fruit extracts
It’s a great option for dry lips, especially in winter. One reviewer did mention a slight tingling/minty sensation upon application, but most people don’t experience this.
Clean & Vegan Formula
I appreciate that COVERGIRL made this a clean, vegan, and cruelty-free formula. The ingredients list (which annoyingly isn’t readily available on the packaging or listings) contains mostly plant-based oils and extracts.
A note of caution: A few reviewers experienced allergic reactions, particularly to the castor oil/castor seed oil in the formula. One person specifically mentioned hyaluronic acid causing irritation. If you have sensitive lips or known allergies, you might want to patch test first.
Value for Money
At around $7-10 depending on where you buy it, this gloss is an ABSOLUTE STEAL! The quality and performance rival glosses that cost 2-3 times as much, and the large 10ml size means it’ll last forever. Several reviewers mentioned finding it cheaper on Amazon than in stores.
The Not-So-Great Stuff
To be fair, I should mention the few complaints that came up repeatedly:
- Some users found it too sticky (though most didn’t)
- A few mentioned leakage issues when closing the tube
- Some wanted more pigmentation/color payoff
- A handful of people received used/damaged products (though this seems to be an Amazon issue, not a product issue)
- A small number experienced allergic reactions or burning sensations
Who Would Love This
This gloss is perfect for:
- Anyone who wants a moisturizing, comfortable gloss without stickiness
- Those seeking a natural-looking shine with just a hint of color
- People who enjoy scented lip products with a nostalgic vibe
- Both teens just starting with makeup AND adults who want a more natural look
- Anyone with dry lips looking for hydration AND shine
Who Might Want to Skip It
This might not be for you if:
- You want high color payoff (it’s quite sheer)
- You hate scented products
- You have sensitive lips or known allergies to ingredients like castor oil
- You prefer matte finishes
Final Thoughts
I’m honestly SHOCKED by how good this affordable gloss is! The COVERGIRL Clean Fresh Yummy Gloss in My Strawbooty combines the fun, nostalgic vibes of 90s glosses with modern, comfortable formulations. It gives beautiful shine without the dreaded hair-sticking-to-lips issue that plagued us back in the day.
For less than $10, you get a generously sized, hydrating, comfortable gloss that performs like a high-end product. It’s the perfect everyday gloss that you can throw in any bag without worrying about the price.
As one 59-year-old reviewer perfectly put it: “What’s not to love? With this Yummy lipgloss and its delicious fruity taste and scent, you will literally flashback to middle school!” I couldn’t agree more!
Would I buy it again? ABSOLUTELY. And judging by the number of reviewers who mentioned buying multiple shades or replacing their stolen tubes (apparently daughters are the primary culprits!), I’m not alone in my enthusiasm.
If you’re in the market for a comfortable, hydrating gloss with great shine and a fun nostalgic vibe, grab this before COVERGIRL discontinues it—because as one wise reviewer noted, the best products never seem to stick around forever!
Rating: 4.5/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Minus half a star only for the slight stickiness some people experience and the leaking issue mentioned by a few reviewers.
Buy on Amazon: Here
