As a beauty expert with years of experience reviewing cosmetics, I’m excited to share my in-depth analysis of the Covergirl Outlast Fangtastic Lipstain from their Halloween Limited Edition collection. This transfer-proof, non-drying, lightweight, and buildable lip product has generated quite the buzz in the beauty community, so let’s dive into what makes this 0.05oz lip stain worth considering—or not.
First Impressions and Packaging
The Covergirl Outlast Lipstain in “Fangtastic” comes in a sleek, pencil-like design that’s compact and travel-friendly. While the slim packaging makes it easy to slip into even the smallest makeup bag or purse, the pencil format has both advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, it allows for precise application around the lip line; on the other, it takes longer to cover the entire lip area compared to traditional lipstick or wand applicators.
Some customers have reported receiving products with broken perforations and peeled seal stickers, suggesting potential quality control issues or possible returns being resold. This is something to be aware of when purchasing, especially from third-party sellers.
Color Payoff
The “Fangtastic” shade from the Halloween collection has created quite a stir among users, with wildly varying experiences of the actual color. While the marketing suggests a deep, vampy red (perfect for Halloween-themed looks), several reviewers noted significant discrepancies between the advertised color and what appeared on their lips.
One reviewer described it as “so far from the advertised color” and “totally insane,” while another praised it as a “nice deep vampy red.” This inconsistency suggests potential quality control issues or variations between batches.
When the color does perform as expected, it delivers a rich, dramatic hue that works beautifully as a statement lip or can be used strategically as a lip liner paired with other shades like “Iconic Ruby” for a customized look.
Application and Texture
The application experience with this lipstain is generally smooth, with most users describing it as easy to apply with a lightweight feel. The fine tip applicator provides precision but requires additional time and care to fully color the lips without patchiness.
A crucial application tip from experienced users: this product tends to cling to dry patches on the lips (a common issue with marker-style stains), so proper lip preparation is essential. For best results:
- Exfoliate your lips thoroughly before application
- Apply lip moisturizer but allow it to fully absorb
- Avoid over-moisturizing immediately before application as this can reduce longevity
- Consider applying lip balm AFTER the stain has set for comfort without compromising wear
The formula builds upon itself, meaning going over the same area multiple times will intensify the color—which can be either a benefit for customization or a challenge for achieving even coverage.
Wear Time and Transfer Resistance
The longevity of this product represents one of the most divisive aspects among reviewers. Experiences range dramatically from “literally will last for hours” to “doesn’t last more than a few hours.”
Several factors appear to influence wear time:
- Darker shades generally last longer than lighter ones
- Proper application technique (layering and allowing drying time) significantly impacts longevity
- Eating greasy foods will break down the stain faster, though some color typically remains
- Multiple layers with drying time between applications extend wear time
For competitive cheerleaders and others needing smudge-proof makeup, one parent reported exceptional results when properly applied and allowed to dry completely before any face contact. This suggests that user technique plays a substantial role in performance satisfaction.
The transfer-proof claims hold up for many users when the product is applied correctly and given adequate drying time. However, the newer formula appears to be less transfer-resistant than previous versions of Covergirl’s Outlast Lipstains, with some longtime fans expressing disappointment in this reformulation.
Comfort and Sensory Experience
The comfort factor receives generally positive feedback. The formula is described as:
- Non-drying (though not actively hydrating)
- Lightweight on the lips
- Having no taste and only a faint smell
- Not sticky
This makes it comfortable for all-day wear, especially when topped with a light balm after the stain has set. The sensory experience is minimal, which many users appreciate in a long-wearing lip product.
Value and Affordability
At its price point, this lipstain represents an affordable option in the market. Multiple reviewers specifically mentioned the low cost as a positive factor, though some connected the affordability to its limited longevity—suggesting you get what you pay for.
For the budget-conscious beauty enthusiast, this product offers a reasonable compromise between price and performance. While it may not deliver all-day wear without touch-ups, the low cost makes it accessible for experimentation or occasional use.
Comparison to Previous Formulations
Long-time fans of Covergirl’s Outlast Lipstains expressed significant disappointment with this reformulation. Several reviewers mentioned loving the former version that was discontinued years ago and having “super high hopes” for this revival, only to find the new formula lacking in both color fidelity and longevity.
One particularly disappointed customer purchased four different colors (Fangtastic, Crimson Glory, Iconic Ruby, and All-Star) and ended up returning all of them despite finding the colors flattering—a rare occurrence for them. This suggests that loyal customers familiar with the original formula may be the most disappointed group.
Best Uses and Techniques
Based on aggregated feedback, this lipstain performs best when:
- Used as a lip liner under other products
- Applied in layers with drying time between applications
- Paired with a lip balm applied AFTER the stain has set
- Used for occasions requiring a few hours of wear rather than all-day events
- Applied to well-exfoliated, properly prepped lips
Creative users have found success using this product as a base layer or liner, with other products layered on top for added dimension and comfort.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Lightweight, comfortable formula
- No taste and minimal scent
- Can be transfer-proof when properly applied and set
- Precision tip allows for detailed application
- Works well as a lip liner or base
- Buildable color intensity
- Compact, travel-friendly packaging
Cons:
- Color discrepancy issues between advertisement and actual product
- Shorter wear time than previous formulations
- Requires precise application technique for best results
- May apply unevenly if layered incorrectly
- Fine tip makes full-lip application time-consuming
- Clings to dry patches if lips aren’t properly prepped
- Some quality control concerns with packaging
- Less transfer-resistant than claimed by some users
Final Verdict
The Covergirl Outlast Fangtastic Lipstain Halloween Limited Edition presents a mixed bag of user experiences that largely depend on expectations, application technique, and comparison to previous formulations.
For new users seeking an affordable, lightweight lip stain with the possibility of good wear time when properly applied, this product may be worth trying. The deep, vampy “Fangtastic” shade can deliver dramatic results for Halloween looks or bold everyday wear when you want to make a statement.
However, loyal fans of the original Outlast Lipstain formula should approach with tempered expectations, as the reformulation appears to deliver different results in terms of longevity and transfer resistance.
Overall, this product earns 3.5 out of 5 stars—offering good value for money with some performance limitations that can be partially overcome with proper technique. While not perfect, its affordability makes it a low-risk addition to your makeup collection, especially if you’re interested in exploring the lip stain category without significant investment.
For best results, remember to properly prep your lips, allow adequate drying time, and consider using complementary products to enhance wear comfort and overall appearance. With the right approach, this affordable stain can deliver impressive performance despite its limitations.
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