Hey beauty lovers! I’ve spent the last few weeks putting COVERGIRL’s Outlast All-Day Moisturizing Lip Color in Tickled Pink 554 through its paces, and I’ve got THOUGHTS. If you’re looking for a long-wearing lip color that won’t break the bank, you’ll want to read this!
First Impressions
Let’s start with what you get: a dual-ended product with a liquid color on one end and a clear moisturizing balm on the other. The packaging is pretty basic – nothing fancy here, which is exactly what you’d expect at this price point. Some users mentioned the packaging feels cheap, and yeah, I can see that. But honestly? I’m more concerned with performance than fancy containers.
The color “Tickled Pink 554” is a light, soft pink with a hint of shimmer. It’s definitely on the lighter side of the spectrum, which might disappoint if you’re looking for bold pigmentation. Several reviewers mentioned this shade looks more sheer than expected, and I found the same thing. It’s more of a “my lips but better” kind of look rather than a statement lip.
Application: The Good, The Bad, and The Tricky
Applying this stuff takes a bit of technique! The first step is the liquid color coat, and here’s where you need to pay attention:
- MAKE SURE your lips are completely clean and dry before applying. Any residue will cause the product to pill up later (gross).
- Apply a thin, even layer. Going too thick will lead to that dreaded flaking many reviewers mentioned.
- DO NOT move your lips, talk, smile, or do ANYTHING for a full 60 seconds while it dries. Seriously! As one reviewer wisely put it: “Think of those 60 seconds as a zen moment and meditate on how great your lips look in the new color.” 🧘♀️
- Wait about 5 minutes before applying the clear balm. This timing seems crucial based on user experiences.
If you follow these steps carefully, you’ll avoid most of the issues people complained about. But yeah, it’s definitely more high-maintenance than your standard lipstick application.
Staying Power: The REAL Deal
Let’s talk about what makes this product stand out – its staying power is NO JOKE. Multiple users report 12-16 hours of wear, and I found the same. One person even said it “stays on 24 hours if you use the lip gloss”!
The most impressive part? This stuff survives:
- Drinking hot beverages
- Eating meals
- Wiping your mouth
- EVEN DENTAL APPOINTMENTS! (One reviewer specifically mentioned it doesn’t smear at the dentist, which is wild)
I’ve tried lipsticks at 3-4 times this price point that don’t last half as long. If longevity is your priority, this product delivers in spades.
The Moisture Factor
Here’s where things get mixed: the dryness factor. Almost everyone agrees that:
- Without the provided gloss balm, your lips WILL feel dry. One reviewer puts it plainly: “This is true of EVERY truly long-wear lipstick I’ve ever tried.”
- The included balm is ESSENTIAL. Multiple reviewers emphasized you should ONLY use the provided gloss stick – apparently other balms or glosses cause the product to pill and flake off.
The pattern I noticed is that people who followed the application rules and used the balm regularly had good experiences, while those who didn’t ended up with “dry, cracking and flaky” results. The balm softens the feel and adds a nice gleam that many reviewers appreciated.
Color Range & Availability
Several long-time users expressed frustration that their favorite colors are becoming harder to find. COVERGIRL seems to be changing their color line, which is disappointing when you find your perfect shade.
For Tickled Pink specifically, opinions varied. Some LOVE it, calling it “the perfect light pink color.” Others found it “too light” or “too frosted.” A couple of users mentioned it enhances vertical lines on the lips, which is something to consider if you have more mature lips.
One person cleverly uses this as part of a two-color technique: “I line just below and above my lips and also fill in the corner crease areas with a darker color, then I use a lighter similar color (usually with some shimmer in it) to highlight the centers of both my bottom and upper lips. It gives the illusion of fullness to my thinning, almost-50 year old lips.” Genius hack!
Value Factor
At this price point, the value is pretty great if the product works for you. Multiple reviewers have been using this line for YEARS – one person for 18 years, and another 82-year-old reviewer called it “the best lipstick I’ve used in 82 years.” That’s some serious loyalty!
The only complaint about value is that some felt the product runs out quickly. But given the price compared to high-end long-wear options, most found it worth it.
The Not-So-Great Stuff
In the interest of full transparency, here are the most common complaints:
- Flaking/peeling if not applied correctly or if using other balms
- Some received colors different from what they ordered
- A few mentioned a strange smell (though not terrible)
- Some reported the product enhances lip lines rather than smoothing them
- A couple of users suspected they received old or used products
- One person reported a lip rash (likely an allergic reaction)
Tips from Long-Time Users
These tips came up repeatedly from people who LOVE this product:
- Apply THIN layers of the color coat
- Let it dry COMPLETELY (60 seconds minimum) before doing anything
- Wait 5 minutes before applying the clear balm
- ONLY use the included balm – other products cause it to break down
- For removal, coconut oil was recommended by one user
- Try layering different shades for custom colors and fuller-looking lips
Bottom Line
If long-wearing, budget-friendly lip color is what you’re after, COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Moisturizing Lip Color is worth trying. It has a loyal following for good reason, but it does require following specific application steps for best results.
For the Tickled Pink 554 shade specifically, it seems best suited for those who prefer subtle, lighter colors. If you want bold pigmentation, you might want to look at other shades in the line.
At this price point, it’s honestly hard to beat the staying power. Just be prepared for a bit of a learning curve with application, and make sure to keep that balm handy!
Would I recommend it? YES – especially if you’re tired of constantly reapplying lipstick throughout the day. This stuff STAYS PUT like nothing else in its price range. Just know what you’re getting into with the application process, and you’ll likely be impressed with the results!
Have you tried this lip color? What shade works best for you? Let me know in the comments! 💋
Buy on Amazon: Here
