I think liquid lipstick will never go away even when Rihanna launched gorgeous bullet lipsticks. It’s because more brands keep making their liquid lipstick versions with improvement compared to their competitors. Then now, even drugstore brands are entering the game! Like Maybelline which promises that its new liquid lipsticks are non-drying, and will last up to 16 hours. Sounds impressive right, but is it too good to be true or lives up to its claims? Is it better than their pricier and more popular counterparts? Scroll down to read my Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink review and swatches.
WHAT IS IT?
As mentioned above, the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink is a non-drying matte that lasts up to 16 hours and is waterproof, smudge-proof, and transfer-proof. It also promises an intense and vibrant lip color yet affordable.
PERFORMANCE
APPLICATION: Apply liquid lipstick in the center of your upper lip and follow the contour of your mouth. Then glide the liquid lipstick across the entire bottom lip.
SCENT: It has a strong scent that resembles a cake frosting with a hint of lemon. It’s so strong it almost resembles a car air freshener. I’m not a fan of it but at least the scent goes away upon application.
PACKAGING: Unlike most liquid lipsticks on the market, the tube of the SuperStay Matte Ink is rectangular instead of a circle with chrome fonts and a rough texture, easier to open and grip. But my fave is that they are not packaged in a box so less trash. Lastly, their wand has an arrow applicator instead of a common doe foot which makes the application more precise and easy.
FORMULA: Despite having a matte finish, the SuperStay Matte Ink feels smooth and not dry at all on the lips, if you apply it evenly. It does not crack or end up flaky, even if you prep your lips with a lip balm. I prefer Maybelline’s formula instead of ColourPop and Kylie Lip Kit which both feel so dry and flaky on the lips.
RESULT: It does last up to 16 hours, but in my case, it lasted more than that. Not only on my wrist (as pictured above) but also on my lips when I got too lazy to remove it. It’s highly pigmented and depends on how you evenly apply it to your lips and also on the condition of your lips, it does feel smooth and non-drying. The claims that smudge-proof and water-proof are real as well because they lasted throughout my day of eating and drinking without retouching.
I only bought 2 shades which are “Believer” on the left (a perfect dupe of Kylie’s Cosmetics “Spice” shade) and “Lover” on the right (a perfect dupe of ColourPop’s “Clueless” shade).
If you have dry lips, you can still prep it with a lip balm before applying the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink and it will not affect the longevity of the liquid lipstick. Although, I noticed this product can take a while to dry and kinda transfer but it’s okay because it still lasts long which I already mentioned many times in this review. And since Valentine’s Day is coming up, yes, this liquid lipstick is kiss-proof as well.
SWATCH
VERDICT
PROS: It lasts up to 16 hours, it’s waterproof, smudge-proof, and non-drying despite the matte finish. The color is also vibrant, affordable, and easy to get, no waitlist!
CONS: Not so transfer-proof.
WHERE TO BUY?
You can purchase the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in Ulta for $9.49 each.
If you live in the Philippines, you can purchase this in all Watsons and SM Department Stores nationwide for Php343 each. You can also buy this on Shopee and Lazada for the same price.
UPDATE
This June 2018, Maybelline released new shades of the Superstay Matte Ink in the Philippines called “Un-Nude Collection” Below is a swatch of the new shades and their names. I got myself the “Fighter” which is brown with a ginger undertone. I can’t speak for all the Un-Nude Shades, but the one I got still lasts long and does not feel dry and flaky. However, if you eat, expect a retouch because the Foghter shade disappeared on my lips. You can read more about it from The Happy Sloths.
