In today’s fast-paced beauty world, finding a lip color that truly lasts all day can feel like searching for a unicorn. As someone who has spent years testing countless lip products across all price points, I’m always on the lookout for formulas that deliver on their promises. Today, I’m focusing on a drugstore staple that has developed quite a following: the COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Moisturizing Lip Color in the shade “Brazen Raisin.” This two-step lip system (.13 oz/4.2g) claims to offer long-lasting color without sacrificing comfort – but does it truly deliver? Let’s find out.
First Impressions: Packaging and Presentation
The COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Moisturizing Lip Color comes in COVERGIRL’s signature white packaging with clear elements that allow you to see the actual product shade. The dual-ended design houses the liquid lip color on one end and the clear moisturizing topcoat on the other – a practical approach that ensures you’ll always have both components together.
While not the most luxurious packaging on the market, it’s functional and travel-friendly. The applicator for the color component features a doe-foot design that allows for precise application, particularly important for a long-wear formula where mistakes can be difficult to correct once set.
The Shade: Brazen Raisin Uncovered
“Brazen Raisin” is where things get interesting. Based on multiple user experiences, there seems to be some inconsistency between how this shade appears in product images versus reality. Several reviewers mentioned that the actual color is darker than expected, with one specifically noting it’s “too dark for my preference.” Another reviewer described it as having purple undertones, while someone else mentioned it appeared “almost brown” rather than the mauve-like shade they were expecting.
For those with deeper skin tones, one reviewer cautioned that this particular shade might not be flattering, noting that on Black women, some colors “can make our lips look like we’ve smoked cartons of cigarettes.” This suggests that Brazen Raisin may pull more brown than the mauve or raisin color some might expect.
It’s worth noting that the shade seems to lack the “glimmer” or frost that some users prefer, with one reviewer specifically mentioning it has a more matte finish. This is important information for those who prefer lip colors with some dimension or shine.
Application Process: The Two-Step System
The COVERGIRL Outlast system utilizes a two-step application process that’s crucial to its performance:
- Color Base Application: The liquid lip color applies smoothly but requires precision. Several reviewers noted that it feels dry upon initial application. This is normal for long-wearing formulas, which typically contain higher levels of film-forming polymers.
- Setting Time: Critical to the product’s performance is allowing the base color to set completely before moving to step two. The instructions recommend waiting 30 seconds, and multiple reviewers emphasized the importance of this step.
- Clear Topcoat Application: Once the color has set, the clear balm topcoat adds moisture and comfort. This balm can be reapplied throughout the day as needed without disturbing the color layer beneath.
One user provided a helpful tip: “Make sure to wait for applying the stick AFTER the color dried” to ensure optimal performance. This patience during application seems to be key to the product’s longevity.
Performance: Does It Really Last All Day?
The longevity claims of this product generated the most feedback in the reviews, with varying experiences:
The Believers
Many loyal users praised the staying power, with comments like:
- “It truly does last all day”
- “This lipstick is the only one I’ve found that does last all day and night”
- “We never had to reapply, and had to remove it with makeup remover after the shows”
- “Everyone is amazed at how, after eating a meal, I still have lipstick on”
- “Stays on when I’m on a boat, swimming, etc.”
The More Moderate Experiences
Some found the wear time impressive but not quite “all day”:
- “I get about 3-4 [hours], and it will stay on through meals as well”
- “Depending on how stressed I am and how much coffee I’m drinking, typically the lipstick stays on all day”
- “I only need to reapply just after lunch”
- “Lasts until it comes into contact with fatty or oily food”
The Disappointed
A few users had significantly less impressive experiences:
- “It felt moisturizing for about 2 hours, then I had to blow my nose and the color came off on my tissue”
- “It stays on my lips for short period of time, for 1-2 hours maximum”
- “The minute I eat or drink something, it starts to wear off”
One particularly disappointed reviewer described their experience: “NOT LONG-LASTING. The entire coat came off with a few swipes of a tissue, no makeup remover needed. Will NEVER PURCHASE AGAIN.”
The variability in experiences might be due to differences in application technique, individual body chemistry, or perhaps even batch inconsistencies. Several users mentioned that proper application technique—including allowing adequate drying time between steps—is crucial for optimal performance.
Comfort Factor: How Does It Feel On Lips?
Long-wear lip products often sacrifice comfort for longevity, so how does the Outlast formula fare in this regard?
Most reviewers acknowledge some initial dryness during and immediately after application of the color base. Comments like “it feels a little dry when you first put it on” were common. However, many noted that once the clear topcoat is applied, the comfort level improves significantly: “when you put on the clear topcoat is very moisturizing.”
The topcoat seems to be a key differentiator for this product. Users appreciate that it can be reapplied throughout the day without disturbing the base color, allowing them to refresh the moisture whenever needed. One long-time user mentioned, “Some people say it is drying, but I remove it at night with baby oil and I have no trouble.”
It appears that the newest formulation may have improvements in the comfort department, as one reviewer noted: “Stain dries slower than original formula. Easier on the lips than before.”
Value Proposition: Is It Worth The Investment?
At a mid-range drugstore price point, the COVERGIRL Outlast lip color system received mixed feedback regarding value:
Value Champions
- “Great value”
- “It’s a great value”
- “Even with the cost of shipping it’s still excellent value”
Value Concerns
- “Very dry going on and not much lipstick for the price. It seems like you may get 20 to 30 applications and that’s it.”
- “Love it, just wish it lasted longer. Not on the lips, it does fine there but the amount in the container seems to vary from each purchase.”
- “The price has more than doubled over the years”
Several reviewers mentioned difficulty getting the last bit of product out of the tube, with one noting, “using a q tip to get out the last bit, you can easily get another week out of the tube.”
Availability Issues: A Recurring Concern
A theme that emerged across multiple reviews was difficulty finding specific colors, including Brazen Raisin, in local stores:
- “I love this color but can’t find it in stores. I hope it’s not being discontinued.”
- “I have used Covergirl outlast for years but not crazy about the colors available”
- “I was sad to hear this color has been discontinued but happy to find it through Superior Apothecary.”
This suggests that COVERGIRL may be phasing out certain shades or that retail availability varies significantly by location, making online purchasing a necessity for loyal users.
Potential Ordering Issues
Several reviewers reported receiving incorrect colors when ordering online, with comments like:
- “I have ordered this 3 times and I keep getting the same (wrong) color”
- “I ordered Brazen Raisin, I received #521 Eternal Flame. Not even close in color.”
- “Twice now I’ve ordered a different color and received something else.”
One reviewer detailed a specific issue: “When I click the color option below it shows me Eternal Flame in the description, etc. but then up top it is listing Brazen Raisin.” This suggests potential inventory or website catalog issues that consumers should be aware of when ordering this product online.
Creative Uses and User Tips
Beyond standard wear, reviewers shared interesting applications and tips:
- Layering Base: “I will probably use it lightly as a base coat, then layer something lighter over the top.”
- For Performances: “We bought this for my 12 year old daughter to wear for performances…The director asked everyone (even the boys) to buy this exact lip stain color…”
- Preventing Mask Transfer: “Love that it stays on all day and doesn’t soil my face mask!”
- Removal Tip: “I remove it at night with baby oil and I have no trouble.”
- Base for Regular Lipstick: “It is also a great base for your regular lipstick & easy to control for outlining your lips.”
One particularly enthusiastic user shared: “LIP stick is part of my FEM TRICK. Just makes me feel more ‘me’… KISSES will not stain, girl, yet your coffee cup might…without the necessary lubricant ‘fat’ stick.”
The Verdict: Who Should Try Brazen Raisin?
After analyzing numerous user experiences, here’s my assessment of who might love (or should avoid) the COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Moisturizing Lip Color in Brazen Raisin:
This Product Is Perfect For:
- Long-Day Warriors: Those who need their lip color to last through meetings, performances, or long events without constant touch-ups
- Minimal-Maintenance Makeup Users: People who prefer applying lip color once in the morning and forgetting about it
- Mask Wearers: Those looking for transfer-resistant formulas that won’t stain face masks
- Darker Lip Color Enthusiasts: People who appreciate deeper, more dramatic lip colors with purple-brown undertones
- Value Seekers: Those looking for long-wear performance at a drugstore price point
This Product May Disappoint:
- Glossy/Shimmer Lovers: Those who prefer lip products with shine or frost (this leans matte)
- Light Lip Color Fans: People seeking a subtle, barely-there look
- Immediate Moisture Seekers: Those who dislike any dryness, even temporarily during application
- Precise Color Matchers: Given the color discrepancies noted in reviews, those seeking an exact shade match may be frustrated
Final Thoughts
The COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Moisturizing Lip Color in Brazen Raisin has developed a loyal following for good reason. It delivers impressive longevity for many users while offering a solution to the typical dryness associated with long-wear formulas through its innovative two-step system.
However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The color may appear darker or more purple-brown than expected, application requires patience and technique, and some users experience significantly shorter wear times than advertised.
What stands out most is the product’s staying power for many loyal users who have repurchased for years. For those seeking a deep, raisin-toned lip color that resists transfer and fading through meals and activities, Brazen Raisin might just become a staple in your makeup collection – just be prepared for a shade that may be more dramatic than the product images suggest.
Whether this becomes your holy grail lip product or a disappointment likely depends on your application technique, expectations, and individual body chemistry. At its price point, it may be worth experimenting with to see if you join the ranks of devoted fans who swear by its all-day performance.
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