As a beauty enthusiast who has tested countless lip products over the years, I’m always on the lookout for formulas that deliver on their promises of long-lasting wear without sacrificing comfort. Today, I’m sharing my in-depth experience with COVERGIRL’s Outlast Lipstain in shade 35 Canyon, a product that has generated quite a mix of opinions among makeup lovers. This pen-like lip stain promises smooth application, transfer-proof wear, and a satin stained finish—but does it truly deliver? Let’s dive into everything you need to know before adding this affordable lip stain to your makeup collection.
- Name: COVERGIRL Outlast Lipstain
- Shade: 35 Canyon
- Format: Pen-like lip stain with precise tip
- Finish: Satin stained
- Claims: Smooth application, transfer-proof, long-lasting
- Formula: Vegan
- Size: 0.06oz
- Price Range: Affordable drugstore pricing
First Impressions
Upon first receiving the COVERGIRL Outlast Lipstain in Canyon, I was immediately drawn to its sleek, pen-like packaging. The slim design makes it easily portable—perfect for tossing into even the smallest clutch for on-the-go touch-ups. The cap clicks securely into place, which helps protect the felt tip from drying out prematurely (though, as we’ll discuss later, this seems to be a common issue regardless).
The shade Canyon is described as a versatile nude with warm undertones, and I found this to be accurate when swatched on my hand. It’s a beautiful everyday color that should complement a wide range of skin tones, especially those with warm or neutral undertones. The color appears more like a soft terracotta nude—not too brown and not too orange—making it exceptionally wearable for daily use.
Application Experience
The application process is where opinions on this product begin to diverge significantly. The product features a precise, pen-like felt tip that promises smooth and controlled application. In theory, this design should allow for easy lip lining and filling, giving you the precision of a liner with the coverage of a stain.
During my first application, I found the tip to work relatively well for outlining my lips. The pointed end allowed me to create a defined line around my lip border—something that can be challenging with traditional lip stains that have broader applicators. However, when it came to filling in my entire lip area, I encountered the same issue many reviewers mentioned: the fine tip makes full-lip application somewhat time-consuming.
I also noticed that going over areas more than once resulted in the color darkening considerably in those spots, which led to a slightly patchy appearance. The key to success with this product seems to be applying it in a single, even layer rather than building up coverage. This technique requires some practice and patience.
The stain sets quite quickly, giving you limited time to blend or correct mistakes. I would recommend having a cotton swab and some micellar water on hand during application to quickly clean up any errors before the stain fully sets.
Color Payoff & Finish
The color payoff of the Canyon shade is impressive. It delivers a beautiful wash of color that enhances the natural tone of the lips without looking heavy or artificial. The finish is what COVERGIRL describes as a “satin stained” finish—not fully matte but not glossy either. I found this to be an accurate description, as the product leaves behind a natural-looking stain that doesn’t appear flat or lifeless like some matte stains can.
What I particularly appreciate about this shade is its versatility. Canyon works beautifully on its own for a more subtle look, but it also functions well as a base under clear gloss for added dimension or under another lipstick to enhance longevity. The color is bold enough to make a statement but muted enough to pair with more dramatic eye makeup without competing for attention.
For those concerned about the exact color, several reviewers mentioned that Canyon pulls slightly darker on the lips than it appears in product images. I would describe it as a medium-depth rosy terracotta that leans slightly brownish—perfect for the current trend toward natural, earthy tones.
Longevity & Transfer Resistance
COVERGIRL claims this lipstain offers long-lasting, transfer-proof wear—one of its main selling points. In my testing, I found the performance in this area to be somewhat mixed and highly dependent on proper application technique.
When applied to clean, dry lips (with no balm underneath), the stain did indeed last impressively long—approximately 4-6 hours, including through light eating and drinking. The color faded gradually and relatively evenly, without the dreaded “ring around the lips” effect that some long-wearing lip products can leave behind.
As for the transfer-proof claims, the product largely delivers on this promise once it has fully set (about 1-2 minutes after application). I conducted the classic “kiss test” on the back of my hand and found minimal transfer. Similarly, the stain didn’t leave marks on my coffee cup or water bottle throughout the day, which is a significant advantage for many busy professionals.
However, it’s worth noting that if you apply a gloss or balm over the stain (which many users do to combat the potential drying effect), you will lose some of that transfer resistance. This is to be expected and is true of virtually all stain products when topped with emollient formulas.
Comfort & Feel
Comfort is an area where lip stains typically struggle, and the COVERGIRL Outlast Lipstain is no exception. The formula itself isn’t actively drying, but like most stains, it doesn’t provide any hydration either.
After wearing the product for several hours, I did notice my lips feeling somewhat dry, which is consistent with what many reviewers reported. This isn’t unusual for a stain formula, but it’s something to be aware of, especially if you already have naturally dry lips.
To combat this dryness, I found that applying a thin layer of lip balm or gloss over the stain once it had fully set (waiting at least 2-3 minutes after application) helped significantly with comfort without drastically reducing the stain’s longevity. Many reviewers mentioned using Vaseline, Aquaphor, or a clear gloss over the stain with good results, and I can confirm this works well.
Another consideration regarding comfort is that the formula is unscented and tasteless, which is a significant advantage for those sensitive to fragrances or artificial flavors in lip products. Several reviewers specifically highlighted this as a positive attribute of the product.
Product Longevity (Shelf Life)
Perhaps the most significant issue raised across multiple reviews is the tendency of the felt-tip applicator to dry out prematurely. This appears to be a common problem with the packaging design rather than an isolated defect.
Based on my experience and the patterns in consumer feedback, the product seems to begin drying out after approximately 2-3 weeks of regular use, even when the cap is securely fastened between applications. This results in increasingly patchy application and diminished color payoff over time.
Some reviews even mentioned receiving products that appeared dried out upon first use, suggesting potential quality control issues or problems with storage conditions during distribution. This is particularly concerning given that a dried-out applicator essentially renders the product unusable, even if there’s still stain formula inside the pen.
To maximize the lifespan of the product, I recommend storing it horizontally (rather than vertically) and ensuring the cap is tightly secured after each use. Some users have reported success with adding a tiny drop of water to the tip to temporarily revive it, though this is not an official recommendation and may dilute the formula.
Value Proposition
Given that this is a drugstore-priced product, expectations regarding value should be adjusted accordingly. When the product functions as intended, it offers excellent value, providing many of the benefits of higher-end lip stains at a fraction of the price.
However, the apparent packaging issues that lead to premature drying significantly undermine this value proposition. If you have to replace the product every few weeks due to the tip drying out, the seemingly budget-friendly price becomes less economical in the long run.
That said, even with its flaws, many reviewers mentioned repurchasing the product multiple times because they loved the color and performance enough to overlook the packaging problems. This suggests that for some, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
Comparisons to Similar Products
Several reviewers compared this product to the original COVERGIRL Outlast lip stains from years ago, with mixed opinions about how the current formula compares to its predecessor. Some felt the new version was a significant improvement, particularly in terms of scent (the old version reportedly had a “Crayola marker” smell) and color range. Others preferred the original formula for its longevity.
In comparison to other drugstore lip stains currently on the market, the COVERGIRL Outlast Lipstain offers competitive color payoff and longevity when it’s functioning properly. However, brands like NYX and Maybelline offer similar products with more reliable packaging designs that may present better value in the long term.
When compared to high-end lip stains from brands like Benefit or YSL, the COVERGIRL option naturally falls short in terms of packaging quality and formula sophistication. However, the color payoff and wear time can be surprisingly comparable when the product is fresh and properly applied.
Who Is This Product Best For?
Based on my testing and review analysis, the COVERGIRL Outlast Lipstain in Canyon would be best suited for:
- Those seeking an affordable entry point into the world of lip stains
- People who prioritize transfer-proof wear and don’t mind reapplying a balm throughout the day
- Makeup minimalists looking for a natural-looking lip color that enhances rather than masks
- Individuals who don’t mind potentially replacing the product more frequently due to packaging issues
- Anyone who prefers unscented lip products
This product might be less suitable for:
- Those with very dry lips who find stain formulas uncomfortable
- People who prefer one-and-done lip products that provide both color and moisture
- Individuals looking for a product with reliable packaging that will last several months
- Those seeking a high-shine or glossy finish without additional products
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Beautiful, versatile color in shade Canyon
- Impressive longevity when properly applied (4-6 hours)
- Minimal transfer once set
- Precise tip allows for detailed lip lining
- Unscented and tasteless formula
- Vegan formulation
- Affordable price point
- Portable, slim packaging
- Natural-looking satin finish
Cons:
- Felt tip tends to dry out prematurely
- Can be somewhat drying on the lips
- Difficult to achieve even application across full lips
- Going over areas multiple times creates patchiness
- Some users reported receiving already dried-out products
- Limited working time before the stain sets
Tips for Best Results
To get the most out of the COVERGIRL Outlast Lipstain in Canyon, consider these application tips:
- Start with clean, dry lips. Avoid applying lip balm immediately before the stain.
- Begin by outlining your lips with the tip, then quickly fill in before the outline sets.
- Apply in a single, even layer rather than building up coverage in multiple passes.
- Wait 2-3 minutes for the stain to fully set before applying any balm or gloss on top.
- For the longest wear, apply to bare lips before foundation or other face products.
- Have a cotton swab and micellar water ready for quick clean-up of any mistakes.
- Store the product horizontally with the cap securely fastened to maximize its lifespan.
- Consider using it primarily as a lip liner under other products if you experience issues with full-lip application.
Final Verdict
The COVERGIRL Outlast Lipstain in shade 35 Canyon is a product with both notable strengths and significant weaknesses. When it works as intended, it delivers beautiful color, impressive longevity, and minimal transfer at an affordable price point. The Canyon shade, in particular, offers versatile wearability that works for numerous occasions and makeup styles.
However, the persistent packaging issues that lead to premature drying of the felt tip severely undermine the overall user experience and value proposition. What could be an outstanding budget beauty staple is instead a somewhat frustrating product that requires replacement far more frequently than it should.
For those willing to overlook these flaws for the sake of the beautiful color and stain performance, this product may still earn a place in your makeup collection. For others, the inconsistent quality may be too significant a drawback to justify the purchase, even at its affordable price point.
Given these considerations, I would rate the COVERGIRL Outlast Lipstain in Canyon 3.5 out of 5 stars—acknowledging its excellent performance when it works properly while recognizing the substantial room for improvement in packaging design and product consistency.
If COVERGIRL were to address the packaging issues while maintaining the current formula quality, this could easily become a 4.5 or 5-star drugstore gem. Until then, it remains a product with excellent potential but inconsistent execution.
Would I Recommend It?
I would recommend this product with caveats. If you’re specifically looking for an affordable lip stain in a beautiful, versatile shade like Canyon, and you don’t mind potentially replacing it more frequently than other lip products, then yes—give it a try. The color payoff and wear time when the product is fresh are impressive for the price point.
However, if you’re seeking a reliable, long-term addition to your makeup collection that will maintain consistent performance for months, you might want to consider other options or wait to see if COVERGIRL addresses the packaging issues in future releases.
Ultimately, the COVERGIRL Outlast Lipstain in Canyon represents both the best and worst of drugstore beauty—excellent formula potential at an accessible price point, hindered by packaging that doesn’t quite live up to its responsibilities. Whether that trade-off is worth it is a personal decision that depends on your unique preferences and priorities in a lip product.
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