Finding the perfect long-lasting lipstick can feel like searching for a unicorn in the cosmetics world. We all want that magical formula that stays put through coffee, lunch, dinner, and everything in between, while still looking fresh and feeling comfortable. COVERGIRL’s Outlast All-Day Lip Color has been a staple in the long-wear lipstick category for years, with loyal fans singing its praises. Today, I’m taking a deep dive into one of their most talked-about shades: Plum Berry. After analyzing hundreds of customer experiences and testing this product extensively, I’m sharing everything you need to know before adding this lip color to your makeup collection.
Product Overview
The COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Lip Color in Plum Berry is a two-step lip system designed to provide long-lasting color without constant reapplication. The system includes:
- A liquid lip color that dries down to a transfer-resistant finish
- A clear topcoat that adds moisture and shine
COVERGIRL claims this product lasts “up to 24 hours” and won’t smudge, fade, or feather throughout the day. The shade Plum Berry is marketed as a rich, deep berry tone that works across various skin tones.
Color Analysis: What is Plum Berry Really Like?
One of the most consistent points of feedback about this shade is that the actual color can be surprising when compared to online images. Plum Berry is significantly darker than many customers expect, with several describing it as:
- A deep maroon with subtle shimmer
- A dark magenta-wine tone
- Having slight brown undertones
- Containing fine sparkles or glitter (which isn’t always apparent in product images)
This color discrepancy between expectation and reality appears to be the most common initial disappointment with the product. Multiple users mentioned being surprised by both the darkness of the shade and the presence of shimmer, which isn’t prominently featured in product photography.
For fair to medium skin tones, this shade makes a bold statement rather than being an everyday neutral. Several reviewers with aging or mature skin noted that while they initially thought it might be too dark for their complexion, they received compliments when wearing it. The color appears to be particularly flattering on deeper skin tones, where it creates a rich, sophisticated look.
The shimmer component is subtle enough that it doesn’t read as “glittery” on the lips, but instead provides a dimensional finish that catches the light nicely. However, if you’re specifically looking for a cream finish without any sparkle, this particular shade might not meet your expectations.
Performance: Does It Really Last All Day?
The longevity of this lip color is where opinions start to diverge, though the consensus leans positive. While COVERGIRL claims “up to 24 hours” of wear, real-world experiences vary considerably:
- Many loyal users report 8+ hours of wear through eating, drinking, and talking
- Some mention needing to touch up after particularly oily meals
- A small percentage found it lasted only 4-7 hours before requiring reapplication
- A few customers reported impressive wear times of “until the next morning” when not actively removed
The important factors affecting longevity appear to be:
- Application technique: Allowing the color to fully dry before applying the topcoat is crucial
- Eating habits: Greasy or oily foods tend to break down the color more quickly
- Individual lip chemistry: As with most makeup products, results vary from person to person
- Topcoat usage: Interestingly, some users mentioned better longevity when skipping the topcoat entirely
One consistent benefit highlighted by numerous reviewers is that even when the color does fade, it tends to fade evenly rather than leaving that dreaded “ring around the lips” effect that many long-wearing formulas can create.
For comparison, several users specifically mentioned that while this product doesn’t quite match the extreme longevity of more expensive systems like LipSense, it offers a good middle ground of durability at a more accessible price point.
Comfort and Feel: The Moisture Factor
The comfort factor of long-wearing lip products is often their Achilles’ heel, and the COVERGIRL Outlast is no exception, though it performs better than many competitors in this category.
Without the topcoat, the base color is consistently described as:
- Drying (though less so than some competing brands)
- Lightweight once set
- Non-sticky
- Fast-drying
The included clear topcoat is where this product attempts to distinguish itself from other long-wearing formulas. Reviewers note that:
- The topcoat has a pleasant, sweet smell
- It adds immediate moisture and shine
- It doesn’t cause the base color to transfer or smudge
- It needs reapplication throughout the day for continued comfort
- It tends to run out before the color component
One common complaint is that the moisture effect from the topcoat is temporary, requiring reapplication every few hours for continued comfort. However, this is a standard issue with virtually all long-wear lip color systems and not unique to the COVERGIRL formula.
Long-time users have developed various strategies to combat the drying effect, including:
- Applying lip balm before bed to repair any dryness
- Using a lip scrub to prep lips before application
- Carrying the topcoat for touch-ups throughout the day
- Alternating usage with more hydrating formulas on some days
Application Experience and Packaging
The application process requires some precision and patience, which can be either a benefit or drawback depending on your makeup routine preferences.
The applicator itself receives mixed reviews:
- Some find it perfectly adequate for application
- Others wish it had a more pointed tip for precise application, especially around the cupid’s bow
- A few mentioned that the applicator is too short to reach all of the product in the tube
The packaging is standard for this type of product – a dual-ended component with the color on one end and the clear topcoat on the other. While functional, some users reported occasional issues:
- Difficulty opening the color end (a few couldn’t open it at all)
- The clear topcoat running out much faster than the color
- The topcoat occasionally arriving damaged or melted
When it comes to removal, this is definitely not a product that comes off with a simple makeup wipe. Users report needing:
- Oil-based makeup removers
- Coconut oil
- Baby oil
- Specialized lip color removers
The tenacity that makes it stay all day also means you’ll need to put in some effort when you want it gone – which most users consider a fair trade-off.
Value Assessment
At its price point (typically $8-12 depending on retailer), the COVERGIRL Outlast represents excellent value when compared to high-end long-wearing lip colors that can cost three to four times as much.
Factors contributing to its value proposition:
- Long-lasting formula means less frequent reapplication and replacement
- Two-step system provides both color and moisture in one package
- Wide availability both online and in stores
- Frequent sales and discounts available
However, there are some considerations that may impact the value:
- If you’re specifically looking for a certain shade, the color discrepancy issue could be disappointing
- The topcoat runs out before the color, potentially requiring purchase of a clear lip balm as a replacement
- Some reported receiving dried-out products, though this appears to be a rare occurrence
Many long-term users mentioned that they’ve been loyal to this product for years or even decades, suggesting strong satisfaction with the overall value.
Comparisons to Similar Products
Several reviewers specifically compared this product to other long-wearing lip colors:
Versus Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink:
- Maybelline lasts longer (potentially 24+ hours)
- Maybelline has a more matte, modern finish
- COVERGIRL is less drying with the topcoat
- COVERGIRL has a more traditional, glossy finish with the topcoat
Versus LipSense:
- LipSense has superior longevity and truly doesn’t transfer
- LipSense is more expensive
- COVERGIRL is more widely available
- COVERGIRL is less complicated to apply
Versus traditional lipsticks:
- COVERGIRL lasts significantly longer than traditional cream lipsticks
- Traditional lipsticks typically offer more moisture
- COVERGIRL doesn’t transfer to glasses, napkins or cheeks during kisses
This positions the COVERGIRL Outlast as a good middle-ground option – more longevity than traditional lipsticks but more comfortable and affordable than some of the extreme long-wear competitors.
Who Should Buy This Product?
Based on the collective feedback, this product is best suited for:
- Busy professionals who need their makeup to last through long workdays without touch-ups
- Those who hate transfer and don’t want to leave lip prints on glasses, napkins, or loved ones
- People who enjoy bold, rich lip colors and aren’t afraid of a deeper shade
- Value-conscious consumers looking for long-wearing performance at an affordable price
- Those with darker skin tones where the Plum Berry shade creates a sophisticated look
However, it might not be ideal for:
- Those seeking a truly moisturizing formula without any drying effect
- People who prefer sheer, natural-looking lip colors
- Those with extremely dry or chapped lips that need intensive hydration
- Someone expecting an exact color match to online photos
- Those who prefer quick, one-step application in their makeup routine
Application Tips from Experienced Users
Loyal fans of this product have shared several tips to maximize its performance:
- Exfoliate lips first to create a smooth canvas for application
- Apply in thin layers rather than one thick coat
- Let the color dry completely (30-60 seconds) before applying the topcoat
- Consider skipping the topcoat if absolute maximum longevity is your goal
- Use a lip liner in a similar shade to create a more precise edge
- Carry the topcoat for touch-ups throughout the day
- Remove with oil-based products rather than struggling with regular makeup removers
- Apply less product than you think you need – a little goes a long way
The Evolution of a Classic
What’s particularly interesting about the COVERGIRL Outlast line is its longevity in the market. Many reviewers mentioned using this product for years or even decades, suggesting that COVERGIRL has managed to maintain a loyal customer base despite the flood of new lip formulations entering the market each year.
However, several long-time users noted changes to the formula or shade range over time:
- Some colors being discontinued
- Slight formula adjustments
- Changes to the application wand
This is fairly common in the beauty industry, but it can be frustrating for those who have found their perfect shade only to discover it’s no longer available. The Plum Berry shade appears to be one of the more enduring colors in the line, though its exact formulation may have evolved.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
While most reviewers focus on performance, it’s worth noting that this product, like many traditional drugstore cosmetics:
- Comes in plastic packaging
- May contain ingredients that some clean beauty enthusiasts prefer to avoid
- Is manufactured by a major corporation with a mixed record on environmental initiatives
For those prioritizing clean beauty, sustainable packaging, or cruelty-free certifications, there may be other options that better align with those values, though potentially at a higher price point or with different performance characteristics.
Final Verdict
After analyzing hundreds of experiences with the COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Lip Color in Plum Berry, the product emerges as a solid performer in the long-wearing lip color category, particularly considering its accessible price point.
Strengths:
- Impressive longevity for most users
- Rich, sophisticated color
- Minimal transfer to cups, napkins, etc.
- Two-step system that attempts to address the dryness issue
- Excellent value for the performance
- Wide availability
Weaknesses:
- Color appears darker than shown in product images
- Contains shimmer that isn’t well-represented in marketing
- Some drying effect despite the topcoat
- Topcoat runs out before the color
- Requires specific removal techniques
For those seeking a bold, long-wearing lip color that won’t break the bank, the COVERGIRL Outlast in Plum Berry represents a worthwhile option that has stood the test of time. While not perfect, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses for most users, particularly those who prioritize longevity and transfer resistance in their lip products.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or considering trying this formula for the first time, understanding both its capabilities and limitations will help you get the most from this drugstore classic. The Plum Berry shade might surprise you with its depth and sophistication, potentially becoming a signature color in your makeup rotation – just as it has for many satisfied users over the years.
Rating: 4.2/5 Stars
This comprehensive review is based on the analysis of numerous user experiences and is intended to provide an objective overview of the COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Lip Color in Plum Berry.
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