In the ever-evolving world of beauty products, finding a lipstick that truly lasts all day has been something of a holy grail for many makeup enthusiasts. As someone who has tested hundreds of lip products over the years, I’ve seen countless brands promise long-lasting wear only to disappoint within hours. COVERGIRL’s Outlast All-Day Lip Color with Topcoat in the shade “Ever Red-Dy” has garnered significant attention in the beauty community for its claims of 24-hour wear. But does it actually deliver on these promises? After analyzing hundreds of customer reviews and testing the product extensively, I’m here to provide you with the most comprehensive review of this popular lip color.
Product Overview
COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Lip Color with Topcoat comes as a two-step system:
- A liquid lip color that dries down to a transfer-resistant finish
- A clear moisturizing topcoat to seal in the color and add shine
The shade “Ever Red-Dy” (#507) is described as a classic red that’s suitable for various skin tones. The product is marketed as a long-wearing formula that can last through meals, drinks, and even kisses without transferring or fading significantly.
Packaging and First Impressions
The COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Lip Color with Topcoat comes in a dual-ended package. One end contains the liquid lip color with an applicator wand, while the other end houses the clear topcoat. The packaging is practical and travel-friendly, allowing you to carry both products in one compact tube.
Out of the tube, the “Ever Red-Dy” shade appears as a vibrant, classic red. However, several customers noted that the color might appear slightly different once applied—some describing it as leaning more toward the orange spectrum of red rather than a blue-based red. This is an important consideration for those seeking a specific undertone in their red lipstick.
The applicator wand for the liquid color has received mixed reviews. While some users find it easy to work with, others have complained that it can hold too much product, making application potentially messy and difficult to correct. The topcoat applicator, on the other hand, generally receives positive feedback for its ease of use.
Application Experience
Applying this product correctly seems to be crucial to achieving the advertised long-lasting results. Based on customer feedback and personal testing, here’s the optimal application method:
- Start with clean, dry lips
- Apply a thin layer of the liquid color, focusing on precise application around the edges
- Allow the color to dry completely (about 60 seconds) without rubbing lips together
- Apply the clear topcoat to seal in the color and add moisture
Several reviewers emphasized the importance of not rubbing lips together while the color is drying, as this can cause the product to apply unevenly or crack. Additionally, starting with thin layers and building up if necessary appears to yield better results than applying a thick layer from the start.
The color dries down to a matte finish before the topcoat is applied. The drying time is relatively quick—about 60 seconds—which is convenient for those with busy schedules. However, this quick-drying property also means you need to work relatively quickly to ensure even application.
Wear Experience
Longevity
This is where the COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Lip Color with Topcoat truly shines according to the majority of reviewers. Many long-term users report that the product lives up to its “all-day” claim, with some noting that it can even last through their entire workday (12+ hours) with minimal touch-ups required.
One particularly impressive review came from a veterinary emergency medicine worker who reported that the lip color remained intact after a 12-hour shift, including eating and drinking throughout the day. Another reviewer mentioned that traces of the color were still visible the next morning, even after washing their face before bed.
However, it’s important to note that not all users experienced this exceptional longevity. A minority of reviewers reported that the color only lasted 1-2 hours before beginning to fade or flake off. These negative experiences seem to be in the minority but are worth mentioning for a balanced perspective.
Transfer Resistance
The transfer-resistant property of this lip color is frequently praised in reviews. Many users were impressed by how the product doesn’t transfer onto glasses, cups, or other people’s cheeks during greetings. One reviewer mentioned that their dentist was amazed that the lipstick didn’t budge during dental work, which is a testament to its staying power.
Comfort and Feel
The comfort level of this product receives mixed reviews. Some users report that it feels weightless and comfortable throughout the day, while others describe it as feeling “tacky” or “weird” on the lips. The inclusion of the moisturizing topcoat seems to be essential for comfort, with many reviewers noting that they need to reapply the topcoat throughout the day to maintain comfort, even if the color itself remains intact.
A few users compared the feel to having a “waxy coat” on their lips, which they found uncomfortable. However, long-term users often mention that they got used to the feeling over time and no longer find it bothersome.
Removal
Interestingly, the difficulty of removing this product at the end of the day is often cited as evidence of its impressive staying power. Many reviewers mentioned that they need to use oil-based makeup remover to take it off completely, with regular face wash being insufficient for removal.
This could be seen as either a positive or negative depending on personal preference. Those seeking truly long-lasting wear appreciate the tenacity, while others might find the removal process inconvenient.
Color Payoff and Appearance
The “Ever Red-Dy” shade is described by most reviewers as a vibrant, classic red that makes a statement. It’s frequently mentioned as a shade that garners compliments, with several users noting that they’re often asked about what lipstick they’re wearing.
However, there is some disagreement about the exact undertone of this red. While some describe it as a true red, others perceive it as having orange undertones. A few reviewers specifically mentioned that it’s more on the “orange spectrum of red” rather than a “blue spectrum of red,” which is worth noting for those who have strong preferences regarding their red lipstick undertones.
The finish of the product before applying the topcoat is matte, while the topcoat adds a glossy finish that can be refreshed throughout the day. Some users mention that they prefer to wear just the color without the topcoat for a more matte look, though this might affect the comfort level.
Performance in Different Situations
Eating and Drinking
This is where long-lasting lip products are truly put to the test, and the COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Lip Color receives generally positive feedback in this area. Many users report that the color stays intact through meals and doesn’t transfer onto glasses or cups while drinking.
However, there are some exceptions noted in the reviews. Several users mentioned that oily foods can break down the product more quickly, and acidic drinks like soda might wear away the color in the center of the lips. These are common challenges for even the most long-lasting lip products on the market.
Mask Wearing
In the context of mask-wearing situations, which have become more relevant in recent years, several reviewers specifically mentioned that this product performs well under masks, with minimal transfer onto the fabric.
Climate and Weather Conditions
Few reviews specifically mentioned how the product performs in different climate conditions. However, there were no noticeable patterns of complaints about the product’s performance in humid or dry environments, suggesting that it might be relatively versatile across different weather conditions.
Comparison to Other Long-Lasting Lip Products
Several reviewers compared this COVERGIRL product to other long-lasting lip colors on the market. The most frequently mentioned competitor was the Revlon Super Stay 24 liquid lipstick, with mixed opinions on which performs better.
Some reviewers who had tried both products preferred the COVERGIRL Outlast, citing better comfort and equally impressive longevity. Others felt that the Revlon option lasted longer and applied more evenly. A few users also mentioned Maybelline ColorStay as an alternative they were considering.
Price point was also mentioned as a factor in these comparisons, with some users noting that the COVERGIRL option was more affordable than some competitors while still offering comparable performance.
Value Proposition
The COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Lip Color with Topcoat is generally positioned as a mid-range drugstore product in terms of price point. Many reviewers felt that it offered excellent value for the performance, particularly when compared to high-end brands that make similar claims about longevity.
However, a few users expressed concerns about the amount of product in the tube, with some noting that they seemed to run out of the color portion relatively quickly. A particularly interesting complaint was that a significant amount of the color seemed to remain in the tube but was inaccessible with the applicator wand, requiring users to find alternative ways to extract the remaining product.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Exceptional longevity for most users
- Impressive transfer resistance
- Vibrant color payoff
- Doesn’t feather or bleed
- Affordable compared to high-end alternatives
- Convenient two-in-one packaging
Weaknesses:
- Can feel dry or tacky on lips for some users
- Topcoat needs frequent reapplication for comfort
- Some users experience flaking or cracking
- Removal requires oil-based makeup remover
- Applicator wand design could be improved
- Color may appear different than expected once applied
Who Would Benefit Most from This Product
Based on the reviews, this product seems ideally suited for:
- Individuals seeking truly long-lasting lip color that requires minimal touch-ups
- Those with busy schedules who don’t have time for frequent reapplication
- People who are frustrated by lipstick transfer onto glasses, cups, or masks
- Anyone who wants a bold, vibrant red that stays put
- Those who don’t mind the two-step application process
- Individuals who are willing to use oil-based makeup remover for complete removal
It might be less suitable for:
- Those with very dry or chapped lips
- People who prefer a more natural or sheer lip color
- Individuals who dislike the feeling of long-wearing lip products
- Those who prefer a one-step application process
- People who are particular about having a blue-based red (as this seems to lean more orange)
Tips for Best Results
After analyzing numerous reviews, here are some tips for getting the best results with this product:
- Exfoliate lips before application to ensure a smooth canvas
- Apply a thin layer of the color component first, building up if necessary
- Allow the color to dry completely (about 60 seconds) before applying the topcoat
- Avoid rubbing lips together while the color is drying
- Reapply the topcoat throughout the day as needed for comfort
- Use an oil-based makeup remover for complete removal
- Consider using a lip liner for more precise application and to prevent feathering
The Verdict
COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Lip Color with Topcoat in “Ever Red-Dy” largely lives up to its claims of long-lasting wear and transfer resistance for the majority of users. While there are some mixed reviews regarding comfort and the exact shade of red, the overwhelming consensus is that this is a product that delivers impressive longevity at an affordable price point.
The two-step system, while requiring an extra step in application, seems to be effective in creating a lip color that can truly last through meals, drinks, and even 12-hour workdays. The trade-off is that removal requires more effort than traditional lipsticks, but many users find this a worthwhile compromise for the extended wear time.
For those seeking a vibrant red lip color that won’t budge throughout the day, the COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Lip Color with Topcoat in “Ever Red-Dy” is certainly worth considering. However, as with any beauty product, individual experiences may vary, and factors like application technique and personal preferences play significant roles in overall satisfaction.
Final Rating: 4.2/5 Stars
Pros:
- Exceptional longevity
- Impressive transfer resistance
- Vibrant color payoff
- Affordable price point
- Convenient two-in-one packaging
Cons:
- Comfort level varies among users
- Removal requires oil-based products
- Applicator design could be improved
In the landscape of long-lasting lip products, COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Lip Color with Topcoat stands out as a reliable option that delivers on its core promises while remaining accessible to a wide range of consumers. Its loyal customer base—with many reviewers mentioning they’ve used the product for years or even decades—speaks to its consistent performance and value in the competitive world of cosmetics.
Whether you’re attending a special event, working a long shift, or simply want a lip color that won’t require constant touch-ups, this COVERGIRL offering deserves serious consideration. Just be prepared to invest in a good oil-based makeup remover and to reapply the topcoat throughout the day for optimal comfort and appearance.
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