In the ever-evolving world of beauty products, finding a lip color that truly stays put throughout your busy day remains the holy grail for many makeup enthusiasts. COVERGIRL’s Outlast All-Day Lip Color has built quite a reputation over its two decades on the market, promising transfer-proof wear that lasts “all day” without constant reapplication. Today, I’m putting the Cherry Cordial shade under the microscope to determine whether this longstanding favorite lives up to its claims or falls short of expectations.
Product Overview
The COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Lip Color with Topcoat comes in a two-step system:
- Step 1: A liquid lip color that dries down to create the base color
- Step 2: A clear moisturizing topcoat that adds shine and comfort throughout wear
Cherry Cordial is marketed as a rich, deep red shade with warm undertones, perfect for those seeking a classic, sophisticated lip look. The product claims to deliver up to 24 hours of color that won’t transfer, fade, or feather—even through meals and drinks.
First Impressions and Packaging
The packaging of this product receives mixed reviews. Several users noted that the product doesn’t come in standard Maybelline packaging but rather in what some described as “flimsy” packaging that might not be suitable for gifting. A few customers reported receiving items that appeared to have been previously opened or damaged, with crushed boxes and broken sealer caps on the moisturizer.
When new and properly sealed, the product should arrive with both the color base and the clear topcoat in a unified package. However, the presentation seems to be a weak point according to multiple reviewers.
Application Experience
The application process for the Outlast All-Day Lip Color requires some patience and precision. According to the instructions (and confirmed by user experiences), you need to:
- Apply the liquid color to clean, dry lips
- Keep your lips apart without pursing or moving them for a full 60 seconds to allow the color to set
- Apply the clear topcoat to add moisture and shine
Several users commented on this process being somewhat tedious. One reviewer noted: “It is extremely sticky when you apply it, you have to keep your mouth open for an entire minute so it doesn’t rub off which is insane.” Another mentioned having to try multiple times to learn how to apply it without streaking, suggesting there’s definitely a learning curve to mastering this product.
The unique 60-second dry time seems to be a point of frustration for many, especially when compared to competing lip stains that dry almost immediately after application. This extended setting period could be problematic for those who are always on the go or prefer a quick makeup routine.
Color Accuracy and Appearance
This is where the Cherry Cordial shade receives some of its most polarizing feedback. While product photographs may suggest a rich, deep cherry red, many users reported significant disparities between the expected and actual color:
- Multiple reviewers described the shade as having an unexpected “shimmer” or “frosted” quality that wasn’t apparent in product images
- One particularly frustrated customer described it as “totally silver iridescent in reality even though [it] doesn’t look like that on [the] ad page”
- Several mentioned poor pigmentation, with one noting the shade is “so weak it doesn’t fully cover my natural lip color”
- Another reviewer described it as “more of a lip gloss than a lipstick” with “nothing matte about this product”
This discrepancy between expected and delivered color appears to be a significant source of disappointment, especially for those specifically seeking a matte, shimmer-free finish. The unexpected frost or shimmer effect seems particularly problematic for mature users, with one noting it might have “looked ok 40 years ago” but doesn’t work well for their current aesthetic preferences.
Longevity and Wear
The “All-Day” claim in the product name sets high expectations for wear time, and customer experiences vary dramatically on this front:
The Believers
Some users were genuinely impressed with the product’s staying power:
- “No joke, it still looked perfect the next morning,” claimed one reviewer who wore it for their wedding
- “It lasts a long time and looks amazing!!” enthused another
- “I’ve been using this brand for years, lasts all day,” confirmed a longtime user
- “You can eat without losing the coloring,” noted one practical reviewer
The Skeptics
Others found the longevity claims to be significantly overstated:
- “It lasts far from ‘all day’… it wears off as fast as pretty much any dollar-store lipstick”
- “Didn’t last past an hour”
- “Fails the eating and longevity test”
- “Only lasts about 4-5 hours and then I need to reapply”
This disparity in experiences suggests that individual factors such as lip chemistry, eating habits, talking frequency, and activity level may significantly impact how well the product performs. It’s also worth noting that proper application technique (including the full 60-second setting time) likely plays a crucial role in maximizing longevity.
Comfort and Feel
The comfort level of this two-step lip system received mixed feedback, with opinions generally falling into two categories:
Comfort Advocates
Some users found the system comfortable for all-day wear:
- “Felt lightweight and wasn’t sticky but it wasn’t rough either so felt good to wear all day”
- “I love that you can reapply the setting lip balm all day like chapstick”
- “I like the feel of the clear gloss”
Discomfort Critics
Others found the formula uncomfortably drying or problematic:
- “Loved the application, but WOW DRIES YOUR LIPS OUT SO MUCH THAT I CAN’T USE IT!”
- “Made my lips feel gross”
- “It has a chalky quality that will define and magnify every crack and crevice in your lips”
- “As soon as I smile, the color cracks most unbecomingly”
The topcoat balm seems to be a critical component for maintaining comfort throughout wear. Those who diligently reapplied the balm throughout the day generally reported better comfort than those who didn’t. However, some found that even with the balm, the base color was simply too drying for their liking.
A noteworthy comment from a long-term user suggested: “On its own, it is drying,” confirming that the topcoat is essentially mandatory rather than optional for comfortable wear.
Performance in Special Situations
A few reviewers specifically mentioned using this product for special occasions or in particular circumstances:
For Special Events
- One customer purchased it specifically for their wedding and was thrilled with how it performed, lasting overnight
- Another bought it for a wedding and was disappointed, finding it “doesn’t hold up well”
For Mask Wearing
- A French-language reviewer noted that the best advantage is that “it doesn’t erase if I wear a mask” (translated)
For Sun Protection
- An outdoor enthusiast mentioned: “I am outside a lot and our sun is very intense [so it] keeps my lips from burning”
For Layering
- One creative user applies it “over top of my Cover Girl darker colors to tone them down, then follow up with Cover Girl moisturizer stick”
These varied scenarios highlight the versatility of the product, though with inconsistent results depending on individual needs and conditions.
Value Assessment
At its typical price point (under $10), most users seem to find the product reasonably priced when it meets their expectations. However, those who were disappointed by the color, finish, or longevity often described it as a “waste of money,” suggesting that value perception is strongly tied to whether the product delivers on its core promises for each individual.
The non-returnability of some purchases added to the disappointment for those who disliked the color, with one user specifically noting: “This color is so pale it’s almost non-existent. And they don’t accept returns.”
Comparative Analysis
A few reviewers specifically compared this product to alternatives:
- One user who was disappointed with Cherry Cordial recommended Revlon Colorstay instead: “The best long-lasting lip color I’ve found is Revlon Colorstay, and I’ll stick to that from now on”
- Another mentioned having “other lip stains that dry as soon as you finish applying it which is timed perfectly” in contrast to COVERGIRL’s 60-second dry time
This suggests that while COVERGIRL’s Outlast formula has its dedicated fans, there are competitive products on the market that may offer similar benefits with potentially fewer drawbacks for some users.
The Cherry Cordial Shade Specifically
While feedback on the Outlast formula in general was mixed, reviews for the Cherry Cordial shade specifically tended to skew more negative than positive:
- “The Cherry Cordial was as I said flakey and chunky. Just didn’t feel good.”
- “I bought this in the Cherry Cordial shade and I was very disappointed.”
- “I’ve used this kind of lipstick before with good results. But this Cherry Cordial totally sucks.”
These comments suggest that even those who like the Outlast formula in other shades may find the Cherry Cordial variant problematic. The presence of unexpected shimmer/frost, combined with potential formula inconsistencies, appears to make this particular shade less successful than others in the line.
Long-Term User Perspective
Notably, several reviewers mentioned being long-term users of this product:
- “Have been using this for 22 years”
- “I have used this product for years”
- “I always use this brand lipstick”
- “It’s been several years that I’ve been using it” (translated from French)
This loyalty suggests that when the product works for someone, it works extremely well, becoming a staple in their beauty routine. The difficulty some reported in finding certain shades (including Cherry Cordial) also indicates a dedicated following willing to seek out their preferred colors.
Quality Control Concerns
A handful of reviews raised potential quality control issues:
- One user received what appeared to be a used product: “Product looked like it had been used and returned… Lipstick was dirty and clearly looked like it was used.”
- Another received a damaged item: “Box was crushed and the moisturizer sealer was mashed and broken in half.”
- One questioned whether they received the correct shade: “I have used 575 before and know that this lipstick is much too light to be 575.”
While these may be isolated incidents, they do suggest some inconsistency in the purchasing experience, particularly for online orders.
Final Assessment
Pros:
- Truly transfer-proof when properly applied
- Works exceptionally well for some users, with impressive longevity
- Included topcoat helps maintain moisture and can be reapplied throughout the day
- Budget-friendly price point
- Doesn’t transfer onto masks
- Has built a loyal following over decades
Cons:
- Significant color discrepancy between expected and actual shade (specifically for Cherry Cordial)
- Unexpected shimmer/frost effect not clearly disclosed in product images
- Tedious application process with 60-second dry time
- Can be drying for some users despite the topcoat
- Inconsistent longevity experiences
- Potential for cracking or flaking throughout wear
- Some packaging and quality control issues
Recommendation
COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Lip Color in Cherry Cordial appears to be a highly personal experience—working wonderfully for some and failing dramatically for others. Your satisfaction will likely depend on several factors:
- Color expectation: If you’re seeking a true, shimmer-free deep red, this may not be your best option
- Lip condition: Those with already dry or textured lips may find this formula emphasizes rather than disguises those issues
- Application patience: The 60-second dry time requires more discipline than many competing products
- Maintenance willingness: Regular reapplication of the topcoat seems essential for both comfort and appearance
For those willing to work with these considerations, the product can deliver on its transfer-proof, long-wearing promises. However, first-time buyers might be better served trying a different shade in the Outlast line, as Cherry Cordial specifically seems to have formula and color representation issues that other shades may not share.
Alternatively, if you’ve had success with this formula before and are specifically looking for a shimmer-free deep red, you might want to explore other brands’ long-wear options instead of this particular shade.
The true strength of this product lies in its staying power when properly applied, but this comes with trade-offs in comfort and ease of use that not everyone will find worthwhile.
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