Weddingbee boards

I figured I'd start out the Product Reviews with my new favorite product: Outlast Lip Stain from Cover Girl.  I tried this for the first time this summer, after seeing how fabulous Drew Barrymore looked in the ads.  I was intrigued by a new lip stain, as I'm always looking for something with lasting color.  I'm often too busy throughout the day to reapply, so I look for something that will last and look great, even after 6 hours of teaching preschool kiddos. Anyway, the product comes in a long tube with a marker-like applicator.  It reminded me of a paint pen, which is very different than the brush applicator of the similar Benetint product.

Here's my Pro/Con List:

Pros:

Staying Power: Cover Girl isn't kidding around when they say that Outlast will last for hours.  I've tried it out in a variety of situations (my wedding rehearsal and RD, a 4th of July picnic, a 5 hour long staff meeting), with varying climates (rainy, humid, 80 degree heat, etc).  The color lasted and I wasn't worried about reapplying.  It also didn't wear off as I ate and drank, or come off when I kissed The Hubs.

Color: Outlast Lip Stain comes in 10 different shades varying from bright pink to a warm bronze.  No matter what your skin tone, I think you can find a flattering shade. Personally, I have Everbloom Kiss (which is what Miss Drew is wearing in the ads) and Berry Smooch.  One of my coworkers swears by Cinnamon Smile.  Some of the colors are a little bright, so this is probably not the product you're looking for if you want something neutral.  It's also a matte color, so if you want a little shine, you can just add a little clear gloss, which I've tried and works just fine.

Price: This product ran me $7.49 at Target, as compared to the similar Benetint from Benefit ($28 at Sephora).  In today's economic crunch, this gal on a budget is always looking to save a few bucks, but doesn't want to compromise on style.  This product accomplished that for me.

Cons:

Drying: As with all lipstains, this product can dry your lips out over time.  If you have dry lips, you may want to apply a balm or gloss over the top just to keep your lips moist.  If your lips are extremely dry (or sunburned, as mine were on vacation), you might want to try a lip gloss, balm or lipstick instead.

Application: This can be a little tricky if you're used to gloss or lipstick.  Make sure your lips are absolutely dry before applying.  If you tend to be dry, you'll want to exfloiate or rub your lips off, too.  Any dry skin will catch the color and look uneven.  Before applying for the first time, you'll have to kind of shake the pen, then push on it to get the color started.  I did this on a tissue.  Because the product packaging makes it look like a pen/marker, you have to kind of push down on the tip to get the color to apply.  You'll want to push down and sort of drag the color out along your lip.  I started in the middle and worked my way outward, so that I didn't go too outside my lip line.  I'd say "less is more"--go lighter at first, as you can always layer the color as you go.  Also, because of the staying power, if you happen to get color outside your lip line, it's harder to get off.  I recommend trying out the application a little first, and keep a little powder handy in case you go outside the lines.  Finally, I found that the color kind of had to set after I applied it.  I'd recommend applying and then waiting a minute or two before you mess with it at all.  This seemed to set the color in. Drying out: I've read a few other reviews where people mention that the pen seems to dry out after a few uses.  I haven't had that problem, but I do notice that you have to shake it out and even push on it (like on a tissue or something) before you can apply if you haven't worn it lately.

Impact for Brides: I think this is a great product for brides.  It has lasting color--something we're all looking for on our wedding days.  You won't have to reapply the color every time you smile for a photo AND you won't have to worry about your lip color coming off all over Aunt Sally in the receiving line.  The only thing you might have to think about is if your lips might dry out during the wedding day.  Just keep a little lip balm or clear gloss handy and layer it over the top after you apply.

Total Rating:

4 out of 5 stars

Have you tried this product?  Do you have a review?  Post it in the comments!!

@ Sweetkate, it does have a scent, but I don't think it's specifically scented (like some of those glosses that are supposed to taste like raspberry, or whatever).  I'd say it's a little fruity smelling, but not overpowering.  The Hubs didn't notice anything when I asked him about it.