As a beauty expert with years of experience testing various lip products, I’ve had the opportunity to thoroughly evaluate the COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Lip Color With Topcoat in the shade “My Papaya” (#570). This long-lasting lip color has gained significant popularity among makeup enthusiasts for its claimed staying power and comfortable wear. In this comprehensive review, I’ll delve into every aspect of this product based on extensive consumer feedback and testing, providing you with all the information you need to determine if this lip color deserves a place in your makeup collection.
Product Overview
COVERGIRL’s Outlast All-Day Lip Color comes as a dual-ended product featuring a liquid lip color on one end and a clear moisturizing topcoat on the other. The shade “My Papaya” (#570) is described as a versatile color with a blend of pink and coral tones. The product promises to deliver long-lasting color that stays put throughout the day, even through eating and drinking, without the need for frequent reapplication.
Color Analysis
“My Papaya” presents itself as a beautifully balanced shade that falls somewhere between pink and coral. According to multiple user reviews, this color offers a subtle brightness that enhances one’s appearance without appearing overly bold or flashy. It seems particularly flattering on lighter skin tones, with one reviewer describing it as perfect for “brightening up” pale complexions.
The versatility of this shade is consistently highlighted in reviews, with many users noting that it pairs well with various outfits and occasions. One reviewer who identified as having “medium light” skin tone with “Creamy Natural” pressed powder as their foundation match noted that the color provides a nice “pick me up” without being “overly-clownish bright.” This suggests that “My Papaya” offers that perfect balance of vibrancy without crossing into territory that might be too intense for everyday wear.
Several reviewers specifically mentioned that this shade works well for those with “winter/autumn” color palettes, indicating that it complements warmer undertones beautifully. The color is described as neutral enough to blend seamlessly with various looks while still adding a noticeable enhancement to the face.
It’s worth noting that a few reviewers mentioned that the color might appear slightly different from batch to batch. One customer who had been using the same numbered shade for years noted that their recent purchase seemed to have “a bit more rose color and is more vibrant” than their previous tube. Another mentioned that their new purchase appeared darker than their old one, though they acknowledged this might be due to the age difference between products.
Application Experience
The application process for COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Lip Color follows a two-step system. First, you apply the liquid lip color and allow it to dry completely. Once dry, you follow with the clear topcoat for moisture and shine.
According to user feedback, the liquid color portion applies smoothly and evenly for most users. However, precision is crucial during application as the long-lasting formula means mistakes are difficult to correct once the product sets. As one reviewer cautioned, “if you make a mistake and go outside the lip area it is really hard to get off.”
The drying time between applying the color and the topcoat is approximately 1-2 minutes. Several reviewers emphasized the importance of allowing the color to dry completely before applying the topcoat to maximize longevity. This waiting period is a minor inconvenience but seems essential for achieving the promised all-day wear.
Staying Power
The most frequently praised aspect of this product is undoubtedly its impressive staying power. Numerous reviewers confirmed that the color indeed lasts throughout the day, with many expressing amazement at how well it withstands eating, drinking, and talking.
A high school teacher reported applying the lipstick only three times throughout her workday and being “always amazed that most of my first application is still intact, and also at bedtime when washing my face!” Another reviewer even mentioned falling asleep wearing the product and finding “most of it was still on in the morning.”
For those who consume beverages frequently throughout the day, this product seems particularly valuable. One reviewer who mentioned drinking “a lot of water during the day” found that the color “holds up great” under these conditions. Several users also appreciated that the formula doesn’t transfer to cups, glasses, or teeth—a common complaint with traditional lipsticks.
However, it’s important to note that the longevity experience isn’t universal. A small number of reviewers reported disappointment with the staying power, with one stating the product “didn’t last all day as it claims” and another mentioning it “lasted less than an hour.” Some long-time users also observed that the formula might have changed over time, with comments like “the color doesn’t stay on like it used to” suggesting possible reformulations that affected performance.
The majority consensus, however, strongly supports the claim of extended wear, with most users confirming that the color remains largely intact until removed intentionally, requiring minimal touch-ups throughout the day.
Comfort and Feel
The comfort factor of long-lasting lip products is often their downfall, as many formulas achieve longevity at the cost of comfort. With COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Lip Color, the topcoat plays a crucial role in mitigating the dryness typically associated with long-wearing formulas.
Without the topcoat, the liquid color is described as quite drying by nearly all reviewers who mentioned the texture. Comments like “this lip stain is very drying” and “this can be dry on your lips” appear repeatedly. However, the included clear topcoat significantly improves comfort according to most users.
The two-part system allows users to refresh the moisturizing layer throughout the day without needing to reapply color. Several reviewers mentioned that they often apply the topcoat multiple times daily or supplement with other lip balms and moisturizers for additional comfort. One reviewer noted, “I will often also use other lip moisturizers with it,” suggesting that while the included topcoat helps, some users still desire additional hydration.
An advantage frequently mentioned is the lack of heavy flavor or scent that many traditional lipsticks have. One reviewer who stated “I hate lipstick, but I love this” specifically cited the absence of a heavy flavor as a positive attribute.
The texture after application with the topcoat is generally described positively, though one reviewer mentioned that “it becomes cakey after a few hours of use.” This seems to be a minority experience, as most users find the finish acceptable when the topcoat is properly maintained.
Value and Packaging
The product comes packaged as a dual-ended component with the liquid color on one end and the clear topcoat on the other. This design allows for convenient application and touch-ups throughout the day.
A common observation among regular users relates to the differing depletion rates of the color and topcoat. Since the topcoat is typically applied more frequently throughout the day, it tends to run out before the color portion. As one reviewer noted, “That means you run out of gloss before you run out of the lip color.” This imbalance may affect the perceived value of the product for some users.
The identification system for COVERGIRL’s colors was mentioned as somewhat confusing by at least one reviewer, who noted that the company “use[s] numbers only on the tube but no table on website to match the number with the full name in the sales description.” This could potentially create challenges when attempting to repurchase a favorite shade.
Comparison to Other Long-lasting Lip Products
Several reviewers who mentioned trying other long-lasting lip colors indicated that the COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Lip Color outperformed competitors. Comments like “This lipstick lasts better than any other!” and questions like “can’t understand why anyone uses anything else” suggest strong brand loyalty among satisfied users.
One reviewer specifically mentioned having “tried all manner of techniques and products that were suppose to stay on AND did not creep up lines to my nose and down to my chin,” identifying this as “THE only one that works great on both counts.” This indicates that the formula may have superior properties regarding feathering and bleeding, common issues with many lip products.
The two-step system, while requiring an extra application step compared to traditional lipsticks, seems to offer benefits that many users find worth the additional effort, particularly in terms of longevity combined with the ability to refresh moisture.
Potential Concerns
While the majority of feedback is positive, there are several recurring concerns worth noting:
- Formula changes: Multiple long-time users suspect that the formula may have changed over time, with some noting decreased longevity in recent purchases.
- Color consistency: Some variations in color between batches have been reported, with the same numbered shade appearing slightly different in new purchases compared to previous ones.
- Allergic reactions: At least one reviewer mentioned an allergic reaction to an ingredient in the product, specifically noting that the ingredient list provided didn’t include information about the topcoat components.
- Dryness: Despite the topcoat, some users still find the formula somewhat drying and require additional moisturizing products.
- Difficulty removing mistakes: The strong staying power that makes the product desirable also means application errors are difficult to correct.
Who Would Benefit Most From This Product
Based on the compiled feedback, COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Lip Color in “My Papaya” seems particularly well-suited for:
- Busy professionals who need long-lasting color without frequent touch-ups
- Those who consume beverages frequently and are tired of lipstick transferring to cups
- People seeking a versatile, moderately bright shade that works with various outfits
- Individuals with lighter to medium skin tones looking for a flattering coral-pink shade
- Those who dislike the heavy flavor or scent of traditional lipsticks
- Anyone who prioritizes longevity over the most hydrating formula
It might be less ideal for those with very dry lips who find even moisturizing topcoats insufficient, or for those seeking a bold, dramatic lip color, as “My Papaya” is frequently described as subtle and versatile rather than striking.
Final Verdict
COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Lip Color With Topcoat in “My Papaya” largely delivers on its promise of long-lasting wear while offering a universally flattering shade that bridges the gap between pink and coral. The innovative two-part system successfully addresses the comfort issues typical of long-wearing formulas, though not perfectly.
For those who prioritize longevity and minimal transfer, this product represents an excellent option in the drugstore price range. The shade “My Papaya” offers particular appeal as an everyday color that adds brightness without overwhelming one’s look.
While not without its drawbacks—primarily related to the drying nature of the base color and the faster depletion of the topcoat—the overall performance earns this product its loyal following. The enthusiastic testimonials from long-term users who have repurchased multiple times speak volumes about the product’s consistent delivery of its core promises.
For anyone seeking a reliable lip color that truly lasts throughout the day while providing a flattering wash of color, COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Lip Color in “My Papaya” certainly warrants consideration. Just remember to apply with precision, allow sufficient drying time before applying the topcoat, and perhaps keep an extra lip balm handy for additional moisture throughout the day.
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Pros:
- Exceptional staying power
- Flattering, versatile shade
- Minimal transfer to cups, glasses, and teeth
- Included topcoat helps address dryness
- No heavy flavor or scent
Cons:
- Base color can be drying without topcoat
- Topcoat depletes faster than color
- Difficult to correct application mistakes
- Possible inconsistency between batches
- Two-step application requires more time than traditional lipsticks
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