As a beauty expert with years of experience in the cosmetics industry, I’ve tested countless lip products claiming to deliver exceptional wear and comfort. Today, I’m diving deep into one of the most trusted long-wear lip products on the market: the Covergirl Outlast All-Day Lip Color with Topcoat in the shade Brazen Raisin. This review analyzes both the product’s performance and the collective experience of long-term users to give you the most comprehensive assessment possible.
First Impressions & Packaging
The Covergirl Outlast All-Day Lip Color comes in a sleek dual-ended package, with the color on one end and the clear topcoat on the other. The packaging is practical and functional, making it ideal for on-the-go touch-ups. When purchasing the “2 Count” version, you might expect to receive two complete sets, though customer feedback indicates some confusion around this – some customers report receiving just one complete set (one color plus one topcoat) while others confirm receiving two complete sets as expected. This inconsistency is worth noting before purchasing.
The applicator for the color component is a doe-foot style, which provides reasonable precision but can collect excess product. Many long-term users mention a technique of wiping excess product off the applicator before application to prevent over-application, with some even keeping an old wand specifically for this purpose.
Color & Finish
Brazen Raisin is a sophisticated, rich mauve-brown shade with subtle depth that makes it versatile for various skin tones. The color applies as a liquid and dries to a matte finish within minutes. Based on customer feedback, the shade appears darker in person than in some online images or the “try it on” features that some retailers offer. Several users describe it as:
- “More of a mauve/brown”
- “A lovely color but not as dramatic as the Burgundy shade”
- “Dark but when blotted, the perfect color”
- “Beautiful shade for a cool color palette”
The color has a timeless quality that makes it appropriate for professional settings while still offering enough depth for evening wear. Many long-term users note that they “get compliments” when wearing this shade, indicating its flattering nature.
Application & Technique
The success of this lip color largely depends on proper application technique. Based on collective user experience, here’s the optimal method:
- Start with healthy lips – Multiple users emphasize that dry lips don’t pair well with this formula as it can enhance dryness.
- Apply thin, even layer – Remove excess product from the applicator before applying to prevent a too-thick application.
- Wait for drying – Allow approximately 60 seconds for the color to fully dry and set.
- Apply topcoat – Finish with the clear topcoat to add moisture and dimension.
- Blot if needed – Several users mention blotting the product after application to achieve their desired intensity.
The applicator design receives mixed reviews, with some users noting it “goes on way too thick” and suggesting Covergirl could improve the design by adding “little brush fibers around the opening to reduce the amount on the end.”
Longevity & Wear
The standout feature of this product, consistently praised across virtually all user feedback, is its exceptional longevity. User testimonials consistently highlight:
- “Stays on all day”
- “Lasts through eating, drinking, smoking, sweating, and wiping”
- “Unless you’re eating something high in fat, this stays on ALL DAY”
- “Doesn’t come off on coffee cups”
- “I’ve been using it for over 7 years”
- “Stays on till the following day”
This impressive wear time makes it particularly valuable for busy professionals, special occasions, and anyone who doesn’t have time for frequent touch-ups. Multiple users specifically mention its performance during mask-wearing, noting it “didn’t come off inside the mask,” which has become an increasingly important consideration.
The product demonstrates remarkable transfer resistance as well, with users appreciating that they can “greet someone or kiss your little grandbaby [and] it won’t leave a mark on them.”
One user even notes its performance during content creation, stating it “stayed on for the ENTIRE SHOOT,” making it potentially valuable for performers and on-camera professionals.
Comfort & Feel
The comfort level of this lip color presents a more nuanced picture. Most users acknowledge that the color component itself is quite drying – which contributes to its long-lasting properties. However, the included topcoat transforms the wearing experience. Customer feedback indicates:
- “Goes on a little dry, but then you add the moisturizing part and in a minute it feels so good”
- “The gloss makes my lips pop”
- “I didn’t reapply at all. This is a holy grail product”
- “I never use the petroleum-based topcoat, in favor of plant-based lip balms” (suggesting the formula can work with alternative topcoats)
The product requires a two-step process where the initial dryness is countered by the topcoat’s hydrating properties. Most long-term users find this trade-off between comfort and longevity worthwhile, with many stating they’ve used the product for years and “wouldn’t change.”
Value & Price Point
At its typical price point, this lip color represents excellent value given its performance. Users consistently comment on the reasonable price, especially when purchased as a two-pack. Comments like “great value,” “the price was awesome,” and “best price anywhere” suggest satisfaction with the cost-to-performance ratio.
The product’s exceptional longevity both in wear time and in how long each tube lasts before replacement adds to its value proposition. Many users report using the product for years, suggesting strong customer loyalty and satisfaction.
Comparisons to Other Products
What makes this product particularly noteworthy is how many users claim to have tried alternatives only to return to the Covergirl Outlast. Comments such as:
- “I’ve tried other similar long-wearing lip colors but they do not wear like this”
- “I am not wasting any more money trying to find a cheaper better product”
- “The only brand that stays on”
- “It is the only lipstick I use – have many different shades”
This suggests the product has created a loyal following that sees it as superior to both higher-end and comparable drugstore alternatives. The consistent performance appears to outweigh any minor drawbacks.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional longevity and wear time
- Minimal transfer
- Reasonable price point
- Versatile, flattering shade
- Includes moisturizing topcoat
- Mask-proof performance
- Available in two-packs for added value
Cons:
- Initial application can be tricky with excess product
- Color may appear darker than shown in online images
- Can be drying without the topcoat
- Some packaging/count confusion (regarding the “2 count” description)
- Shorter wear time with greasy foods
- Not as moisturizing as some lip products
Who Should Consider This Product?
The Covergirl Outlast All-Day Lip Color in Brazen Raisin is ideal for:
- Busy professionals who need all-day wear without constant touch-ups
- Special occasion wearers seeking worry-free lip color for events
- Makeup minimalists who prefer applying lip color once daily
- Mask wearers looking for transfer-resistant options
- Those with mature skin who struggle with lipstick feathering (multiple users note no feathering with this formula)
- Value-conscious consumers who want professional results at drugstore prices
Best Practices & Pro Tips
From analyzing numerous user experiences, here are some expert tips for maximizing your experience with this product:
- Exfoliate before application to ensure smooth coverage and prevent the product from highlighting dry areas
- Consider keeping an old wand to help apply the right amount of product, as suggested by one long-term user
- Layer strategically – thinner layers perform better than thick application
- Try blotting after application if you prefer a more subtle look
- Reapply topcoat as needed throughout the day for added comfort and shine
- Consider plant-based alternatives to the included topcoat if preferred
- Apply lip balm before bed to counteract any drying effects
The Testing Environment
For this review, I’ve analyzed feedback from diverse users across various scenarios, including:
- Daily professional wear
- Special occasions
- Eating and drinking situations
- Mask-wearing conditions
- High-humidity environments
- Multiple seasons of use
- Years of continued usage
This provides a comprehensive understanding of how the product performs across virtually all potential conditions a user might encounter.
Color Accuracy & Selection
One recurring note in customer feedback involves color accuracy. Multiple users mention the Brazen Raisin appears darker in person than in online images. When selecting this shade, expect:
- A deeper mauve-brown than shown in most digital representations
- A sophisticated neutral that leans cool rather than warm
- A color that can be slightly muted by blotting if desired
For those seeking alternatives within the Covergirl Outlast line, users frequently mention shade #544 Burgundy as offering more dramatic color payoff.
Long-Term Performance & Loyalty
Perhaps the most compelling endorsement for this product comes from the remarkable loyalty it inspires. Numerous reviews include phrases like:
- “Been using this product for years”
- “I’ve been using it for over 10 years”
- “I will hate the day they do not make this product anymore”
- “Used this for a long time. Great product”
This level of customer loyalty is rare in the beauty industry where trends and formulations constantly evolve. The consistent performance over years of use suggests a reliable formula that delivers on its core promise of long-lasting wear.
Final Assessment
The Covergirl Outlast All-Day Lip Color with Topcoat in Brazen Raisin earns its reputation as a reliable, long-wearing lip color that delivers exceptional value. While not without minor flaws – primarily in application design and initial comfort – the product’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses for those seeking truly long-lasting color.
With proper application technique and the included topcoat, this product achieves what many luxury brands fail to deliver: reliable, comfortable, transfer-resistant wear that truly lasts all day. For the price point, it remains one of the most impressive long-wear lip products on the market, justifying its loyal following and enduring popularity.
Whether you’re new to long-wear formulas or a seasoned makeup enthusiast, this product deserves consideration as a staple in your lip color collection. Just remember to start with healthy, exfoliated lips and apply with a light hand for best results.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars – An exceptional performer with minor application challenges that’s well worth mastering for its unmatched longevity.
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