Okay, let’s talk about this Covergirl Outlast situation. I’ve been testing this “Plum Berry” shade for a while now, and I’ve got THOUGHTS. If you’re wondering whether to add this to your makeup collection, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about this two-step lip color system.
The Basics
The Covergirl Outlast All-day Moisturizing Lip Color comes as a 2-pack with:
- Two lip color wands in Plum Berry shade
- Two clear topcoat moisturizers
It’s marketed as a long-wearing lip color that won’t budge for hours. The system works in two steps: first, you apply the color, let it dry, then top it with the clear moisturizing topcoat throughout the day.
Let’s Talk About Staying Power
This is where this product SHINES! I’m not exaggerating when I say this stuff STAYS PUT.
One reviewer mentioned: “Stays put for 18+ hours. Only lipstick I wear!! I’m a nurse and never have to reapply during my shift.”
I completely agree! I applied this at 7AM before heading to work, and by the time I got home at 6PM, the color was still there. I did reapply the topcoat twice during the day, but the color itself didn’t budge. I’ve literally gone swimming with this on, and my lips still looked fantastic afterward!
The staying power is particularly impressive when eating and drinking. Most regular lipsticks leave marks on your coffee cup or disappear after lunch, but this one holds strong. Just avoid super oily foods, which can break down the formula.
The Plum Berry Shade
The Plum Berry shade is a rich, deep purple-red that looks sophisticated without being too bold. It has a slight shimmer that catches the light beautifully. As one reviewer mentioned: “This is my favorite color as it has a bit of sparkle but I can still wear it in my 40’s and not look like I’m trying too hard.”
However, I should mention that several reviewers noted the color appears darker in person than in product photos online. One specifically said: “The color in the advertised picture is brighter and more vibrant than the darker product I received.” If you’re expecting a bright berry shade, this might lean more toward the plum side of “plum berry.”
The color is buildable too: “It’s buildable so can put one coat for work and add a coat for happy hour! Lasts thru a meal for sure.”
Application Tips (Because There’s Definitely a Learning Curve)
Getting the most out of this product requires some technique:
- Start with CLEAN, DRY lips. Any oil or balm will prevent proper adhesion.
- Exfoliate your lips first if they’re flaky.
- Apply a THIN layer to your bottom lip, then gently press lips together.
- Wait until it’s COMPLETELY dry before applying the topcoat (about 60 seconds).
- Apply topcoat generously throughout the day as needed.
One reviewer shared: “Make sure your lips are clean and free of any oils. Exfoliate if you need to. Then apply a thin coat to lower lip and carefully rub lips together to spread evenly. Reapply if desired. Wait until it’s dry, then apply topcoat.”
The Not-So-Great Stuff
Let’s be real – this product isn’t perfect. Here are the downsides I experienced and what other reviewers mentioned:
1. It Can Be Drying
Despite the “moisturizing” in the name, many users (including me) find it can dry out your lips. One reviewer noted: “I love the way it lasts all day but it is drying to your lips.”
The topcoat helps, but you’ll need to reapply it frequently. I found myself reaching for it every couple of hours. If you don’t reapply the topcoat regularly, the color layer can start to feel tight and uncomfortable.
2. Package Design Issues
Several reviewers complained about not being able to get all the product out of the tube. One said: “The wand is designed not to reach all of the too-little product provided” and another mentioned “There’s a lot of waste which is a drawback.”
I totally noticed this! There’s definitely product left at the bottom that the applicator can’t reach. One user even complained: “60% of this bottle design is the cap! Waste of space and deceitful.”
3. Mixed Experiences with Longevity
While many users (including myself) find the staying power impressive, some had the opposite experience. One reviewer claimed: “You have to keep applying for color to ‘last’ lol and the moisturizing stick gets color all over it when you use it.”
Another said they “must have reapplied 3 times in a 2 hour period and used the moisturizer probably 5 times in the same time period because it dries and cracks so quick.”
This suggests application technique might significantly impact performance.
4. Packaging/Product Confusion
There seems to be some confusion about what exactly comes in the package. Some reviewers thought they were getting two full sets (two colors and two topcoats) while others only received one of each. One user directly stated: “I only received one.”
The listing says “1 Count (Pack of 2)” which is confusing – does it mean two complete sets or one set with two components? Based on my experience and most reviews, it should include two complete sets.
Value for Money
At around $10-12 per set (prices vary), this isn’t the cheapest drugstore lip product. However, considering how long it lasts both on your lips and in the tube, I think it’s a good value.
One reviewer put it perfectly: “Lip color is one of the most expensive products, per ounce… and this particular one is pretty ridiculous” because of the packaging issues, but many still repurchase because of the performance.
I’d say if long-wearing color is your priority, the value is there despite the packaging flaws.
Who Should Buy This?
This product is PERFECT for you if:
- You need lip color that truly lasts all day
- You hate constantly reapplying lipstick
- You don’t mind the two-step process
- You’re willing to reapply the topcoat throughout the day
One reviewer summed it up well: “This is the only product that stays on my lips. It won’t last all day, but I can easily get through lunch without reapplying. This is the only lipstick I buy.”
Who Should Skip It?
Skip this if:
- Your lips are already dry or chapped
- You want a one-and-done lip product
- You prefer lip products that fade evenly
- You’re not willing to apply with precision
The Verdict
After weeks of testing and analyzing other reviews, I’d give the Covergirl Outlast All-day Moisturizing Lip Color in Plum Berry a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
The staying power is INCREDIBLE, but the drying formula and packaging issues prevent it from being perfect. It’s a holy grail product for many (some reviewers have been using it for 25 years!), while others find it impractical.
For me personally, this has become my go-to for days when I need my lip color to LAST. I’ve tried numerous other long-wearing formulas, and this one consistently outperforms most of them, especially at this price point.
One devoted user put it perfectly: “Hope they NEVER discontinue this product!!!!!!”
If you decide to try it, remember that application technique is EVERYTHING with this product. Follow the tips above, and you’ll likely have much better results!
Final Thoughts
The Covergirl Outlast All-day Moisturizing Lip Color in Plum Berry delivers on its primary promise of long-lasting color. Despite some flaws, it remains a standout product in the drugstore long-wear lip category. The rich, sophisticated Plum Berry shade is versatile enough for both everyday wear and special occasions.
Just remember to keep that topcoat handy, and you’ll be good to go from morning till night!
Have you tried this product? I’d love to hear your experiences too!
Buy on Amazon: Here
