Listen up, lipstick lovers! After years of trying COUNTLESS lip products that promise to stay put but end up all over my coffee cup (and teeth… and shirt…), I’ve finally found my holy grail. I’m talking about Covergirl Outlast All-Day Lip Color in Wine to Five #538, and I need to share ALL the details with you guys!
Quick Stats
- Product: Covergirl Outlast All-Day Lip Color with Topcoat
- Shade: Wine to Five #538 (a versatile burgundy-wine shade)
- Price Range: $8-12 depending where you shop
- Format: Two-step system (color + moisturizing topcoat)
- Claims: 24-hour wear, transfer-proof, food-proof
The Backstory
I actually discovered this lipstick over 15 YEARS ago and have been wearing it ever since! That says A LOT about a product, right? I’ve tried dozens of other brands (including some fancy high-end ones), but I keep coming back to this one. Wine to Five has been my signature color through countless life events – work meetings, dates, weddings, you name it!
The Color: Wine to Five
This shade is PERFECT. It’s a beautiful wine/burgundy that somehow works for both casual and dressy occasions. It’s deep enough to make a statement but not so dark that it looks gothic. The color complements most skin tones – it works amazingly on my medium complexion, but I’ve seen it look gorgeous on fair skin with blonde hair and deeper complexions too.
What I love is that it’s a true neutral – not too warm, not too cool. It goes with literally everything in my wardrobe. The color is vibrant when first applied but settles into a more natural-looking stain after about an hour.
Application Experience
The Good:
- The applicator wand makes it easy to apply precisely
- You don’t need much product – a thin layer works best
- It dries down completely in about 60 seconds
- The clear topcoat adds shine and moisture whenever you need it
The Not-So-Good:
- You HAVE to have a steady hand when applying. This is not something you can slap on without a mirror!
- If you make a mistake, correct it IMMEDIATELY – once it sets, it’s not budging
- The first minute after application feels tacky until it fully dries
- You need to apply it in thin layers or it can look cakey
The STAYING POWER (This is where it shines!!!)
I put this on at 7am before work, and guess what? It’s STILL THERE when I get home at 6pm! I’ve had days where I forgot to take it off before bed (oops) and woke up the next morning with perfect lipstick. Seriously.
Through coffee, water, lunch, snacks – it stays put. The ONLY things that break it down are:
- Super oily foods (like salad dressing or greasy burgers)
- Repeatedly wiping your mouth with napkins
- Oil-based makeup removers
I’ve worn this to restaurants, through 12-hour workdays, to outdoor summer events where I’m sweating, and even to the dentist (they were impressed!). It doesn’t transfer onto glasses, straws, your significant other’s face, or your clothes. GAME CHANGER.
Comfort Factor
Let’s be honest – long-wearing lip products have a reputation for being drying. This one isn’t perfect, but it’s better than most:
- The color itself is somewhat drying if worn alone
- BUT the clear topcoat changes everything! It instantly adds moisture
- You’ll need to reapply the topcoat throughout the day (I do it maybe 3-4 times)
- If your lips are already chapped or flaky, this will accentuate that (exfoliate first!)
I find that using the topcoat regularly keeps my lips comfortable all day. Some reviewers mentioned that their lips got dry and cracked with regular use, but I haven’t had that issue as long as I use the topcoat and remove the product each night.
Application Tips I’ve Learned Over the Years
After using this for so long, I’ve figured out some tricks:
- Exfoliate and moisturize lips BEFORE application, then blot off any excess balm
- Apply in thin layers – one swipe, then let it dry before considering a second coat
- DON’T press lips together while it’s drying (creates patchiness)
- Wait at least 60 seconds before applying the topcoat
- For more precise application, some people use a Q-tip to outline lips first
- When reapplying, remove ALL traces of the old application first for best results
- If it starts looking patchy after eating, don’t try to patch just those areas – it never looks right
Removal
This stuff DOES NOT come off with just water and soap. You’ll need:
- Oil-based makeup remover
- Micellar water (but it takes more effort)
- Ponds Cold Cream works amazingly (as mentioned by several reviewers)
- Petroleum jelly left on for a few minutes then wiped off
DON’T go to bed with it still on regularly – while it won’t kill you to do it once in a while, it can dry out your lips over time.
How It Compares to Trendy Alternatives
I’ve tried LipSense, Stila, and other long-wearing lip products. Honestly, Wine to Five holds up just as well (sometimes better!) at a FRACTION of the price. Multiple reviewers mentioned the same thing – it performs like a high-end product at drugstore prices.
The Value Factor
Each tube lasts me about 6 weeks with daily use, which is pretty impressive! The only issue mentioned by some reviewers was receiving dried-out product. I’ve had this happen once or twice when purchasing online, but most of the time the product arrives fresh and ready to use.
Where To Find It
This is getting harder to find in stores! Several reviewers mentioned that Wine to Five specifically seems to be disappearing from local drugstores. Amazon seems to be the most reliable source now, though sometimes there’s confusion about the “2 count” option (which some people thought meant two complete sets, but actually just refers to the color plus topcoat as a single set).
Who This Is Perfect For
- People who HATE reapplying lipstick throughout the day
- Anyone who’s tired of lipstick marks on coffee cups and wine glasses
- People who wear masks regularly (several reviewers mentioned it doesn’t transfer!)
- Those looking for a universally flattering shade that works for both office and evening
- Anyone who wants high-end performance at drugstore prices
Who Should Skip It
- If you prefer super creamy, moisturizing lipsticks
- If you have extremely dry or chapped lips
- If you’re not willing to use a two-step process
- If you make frequent touch-ups or color changes throughout the day
The Bottom Line
After testing COUNTLESS lip products over the years, Covergirl Outlast All-Day Lip Color in Wine to Five remains my go-to everyday lip color. The 24-hour wear claim isn’t just marketing hype – this stuff REALLY STAYS PUT! The color is gorgeous, versatile, and flattering on most skin tones.
Yes, it’s slightly more drying than traditional lipsticks, but the included topcoat solves that issue. The application requires a bit more precision than throwing on a regular lipstick, but the payoff of all-day color with zero touch-ups makes that extra 30 seconds of careful application totally worth it.
For under $10, you’re getting performance that rivals products three times the price. If you’re tired of constantly checking your lipstick and leaving marks on everything your lips touch, this is the product for you.
Wine to Five has been my signature shade for years, and I’m stockpiling it now that it’s becoming harder to find in stores. Don’t wait until this gets discontinued – grab it while you can!
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
(Half star off for the slight learning curve with application and the fact that it can be drying if you don’t use the topcoat regularly)
Buy on Amazon: Here
