As a beauty expert with years of experience testing lip products across all price points, I’ve had the opportunity to thoroughly evaluate COVERGIRL’s Outlast All-Day Lip Color with Topcoat in the shade Spiced Latte. After analyzing hundreds of customer reviews and testing the product myself, I’m sharing an honest, in-depth review that covers everything you need to know before purchasing.
Product Overview
COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Lip Color is a two-step lip system featuring:
- A base color that dries to a matte finish
- A clear topcoat for moisture and shine
The brand promises “all-day wear” that won’t transfer, fade, or feather, making it ideal for those seeking long-lasting color without frequent touch-ups. Spiced Latte is marketed as a neutral, warm-toned shade suitable for everyday wear.
Color Reality vs. Marketing
Perhaps the most significant concern with this product is the stark color discrepancy between what’s advertised and the actual product. Based on countless customer reports, Spiced Latte appears quite different in person than shown in promotional images.
What the Color Actually Looks Like:
The majority of users describe Spiced Latte as:
- A cool-toned brown (not the warm nude-pink shown in images)
- Having a grayish or bluish undertone
- Appearing more purple-toned on some skin tones
- Significantly darker than depicted in product images
Many customers noted that the color gave their lips an unflattering appearance, with descriptions ranging from “looking like a corpse” to having a “weird bluish cast.” Several reviewers compared the shade to looking “bruised” or creating a “low oxygen saturation look.”
One reviewer stated, “On me, the Spiced Latte is absolutely brown/beige with a blue cast that makes me look like a corpse. In the pics it looked more rose-beige but it’s straight-up brown on me & not in a good way.”
This issue appears to be a consistent problem rather than isolated incidents, suggesting a fundamental misrepresentation of the product’s actual tone in marketing materials.
Performance: Longevity & Wear
When it comes to longevity, COVERGIRL delivers on most of its promises:
Strengths:
- The color genuinely lasts through light eating and drinking
- Many users reported 6+ hours of wear without significant fading
- Minimal transfer onto cups and glasses
- No bleeding or feathering outside lip lines
Several reviewers enthusiastically confirmed the all-day wear claims, with statements like “I apply in the morning and have to remove it at night” and “It stays on till you take it off.”
Limitations:
- Heavy eating, especially oily foods, can break down the product
- Some users found they needed to reapply after meals
- The product may wear unevenly, leaving a “lip liner” effect as it fades
- The wear time appears to vary significantly between individuals
One particularly satisfied customer noted: “This is the ONLY lipstick I have used for the past 8+ years. It does not bleed, stays put and only needs to be put on once a day.”
Comfort & Formula
The comfort factor receives mixed reviews, with consistent feedback about:
Texture & Feel:
- Initially feels lightweight upon application
- Dries down completely matte
- Many users report the formula feels dry on the lips
- The topcoat provides temporary relief but requires frequent reapplication
Potential Issues:
- Several users mentioned flaking or crumbling after a few hours
- The formula can accentuate lip lines and texture
- Some experienced a “tight” sensation as the day progressed
While many long-wearing lip products tend to be drying, this seems to be a common complaint. One reviewer explained: “The feel is somewhat dryer though then I would have liked, but the clear top coat helps with that to a degree.”
Topcoat Effectiveness
The included topcoat received generally positive feedback:
- Adds a pleasant shine when first applied
- Creates a comfortable barrier over the color layer
- Some noted a subtle raspberry scent/flavor
- Requires reapplication throughout the day for continued comfort
A significant advantage is that the topcoat can be applied without disturbing the color underneath, allowing for moisture refreshment without compromising longevity.
Application Tips
Based on user experiences, these application techniques can enhance your experience:
- Exfoliate first: Many users noted better, more even application on smooth lips
- Apply thinly: A heavy application can lead to cracking and flaking
- Allow adequate drying time: The color needs 1-2 minutes to fully set before applying the topcoat
- Reapply topcoat as needed: Don’t wait until lips feel dry; preventative application works best
One reviewer advised: “Exfoliating the lips makes the product last even longer & remain more even after eating & drinking.”
Value Assessment
The product presents reasonable value, especially when:
- Purchased through online retailers (often at 25-40% less than brick-and-mortar stores)
- Factoring in the reduced need for touch-ups throughout the day
- Considering the dual-ended design (color + topcoat)
A few users noted concern about the amount of product in the tube, suggesting it may not last as long as traditional lipsticks. However, this appears to be offset by the reduced frequency of application.
Who Should Consider This Product
This lip color works best for:
- Those prioritizing longevity over comfort
- Individuals seeking transfer-proof color for long work days
- Anyone who dislikes frequent touch-ups
- People who don’t mind the two-step application process
Who Should Avoid This Product
This may not be ideal for:
- Those with chronically dry or chapped lips
- People seeking a moisturizing formula
- Anyone unwilling to deal with potential color misrepresentation
- Those who prefer one-step application processes
The Bottom Line on Spiced Latte Shade
The Spiced Latte shade specifically presents some significant challenges:
- The color appears dramatically different from marketing images
- It leans significantly cooler and more brown/purple than depicted
- The undertones may be unflattering on many skin tones
- The shade name “Spiced Latte” creates expectations of warmth that aren’t delivered
If you’re drawn to the formula but concerned about the Spiced Latte shade, many reviewers found success with other colors in the line such as “Nude Flush,” which several noted provided a more predictable and flattering result.
Final Verdict
Formula Performance: 7.5/10 The product largely delivers on its core promises of longevity and transfer resistance, though comfort remains an issue.
Color Accuracy: 3/10 The significant discrepancy between advertised and actual color is problematic and accounts for much customer dissatisfaction.
Comfort: 5.5/10 While not the most comfortable formula, the topcoat system helps mitigate dryness issues.
Value: 7/10 The price point and performance offer reasonable value, particularly when purchased at a discount.
Overall Score: 5.8/10
While COVERGIRL’s Outlast formula demonstrates impressive staying power, the specific Spiced Latte shade presents too many issues with color accuracy to earn a strong recommendation. Those seeking a reliable, long-wearing lip product might consider exploring other shades in the same line or testing the product in-store before purchasing to avoid disappointment.
If you’re committed to trying this product, I recommend purchasing from retailers with generous return policies or, ideally, viewing the product in person before buying to ensure the color meets your expectations.
Alternative Recommendations
If the formula appeals to you but the Spiced Latte shade doesn’t, consider these alternatives:
- Within the same line: “Nude Flush” received more consistently positive reviews for color accuracy
- Similar formula, different brand: Maybelline SuperStay 24 Hour offers comparable performance with potentially better color representation
- More comfortable alternative: L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Last Lip Color offers a similar concept with slightly better comfort ratings
Remember that lip color performance varies significantly between individuals based on natural lip pigmentation, skin undertones, and personal preferences. When possible, testing products in person remains the most reliable approach to finding your perfect match.
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