We’ve been covering matte liquid lipsticks on this blog nearly since its beginning. We often found ones we liked, ones we found better than the rest at that time, but now, right at the end of the era of the liquid mattes, I can say I found my favourite liquid lipstick of all time. Ladies and gents, the best liquid lipstick: Maybelline Superstay Ink Matte.
I still like peripera’s, Huda’s, and Lancome’s Matte Shakers, but the one I like the most? I didn’t have to go to Korea or to Sephora for it. Let’s hear it for drugstore brands, because it’s Maybelline’s Superstay Matte Ink.
When I wrote about the formula for the first time, I called it ‘weird and super-sticky’. Which isn’t untrue, I guess, but there’s another side to that.
Claims
All the good stuff: long-wearing (up to 16hrs!), intensive, matte colour, trendy shades, transfer-proof, non-crumbling.
Formula
I haven’t met a liquid matte lipstick which formula wasn’t somehow finicky, and this is no exception. You’ve to faff around with it for a minute or so, the secret being to let the formula dry on your lips without closing your mouth completely so that your lips rub together. So no talking or drinking for a minute! Even then the formula will be slightly sticky.
It’s not completely kiss- or transferproof, but holds up decently well. I also wish they wouldn’t have used this sickly-sweet vanilla scent, but it’s bearable, and doesn’t leave a weird taste in my mouth. (Literally.) The formula includes a healthy dollop of silicones and film-formers, and, true to that, the colour won’t be totally lightweight on your lips. It’s more like a liquid Band-Aid.
Application
The wand comes with a flocked applicator in ‘leaf’-shape with a little reservoir in the middle that’s ok to use. I find I’m able to get a straight outline with it, although I imagine people with smaller lips might find it a bit unwieldy and cumbersome. It’s very inflexible, that’s for sure. Be sure to start with a thin layer and go from there.
Wear-time
Removal attempts: left pic after cleansing with peripera’s lip stain remover and water. Right after going in with Clinique’s Take the day off cleansing balm and water.
Amazing. Truly and utterly amazing. No matter what, this stays on. You can eat a burger, and. It. Will. Not. Budge. It’ll fade a bit around the inner rim of your lips, but that’s it. That’s also the reason that I found the first shade I got, a super dark purple, too much work – it definitely needs a liner, and that fading looks just stupid. Lighter colours are the way to go!
You definitely need a heavy-duty cleansing balm to get wholly rid of it at the end of the day.
If you want to re-apply, you can do it without getting it all removed first, and the formula doesn’t start to do strange things like balling up and cracking. You can go swimming with this one, and it’ll stay on. I’m continuously amazed by it.
Comfort level
I prep my lips with a good lip balm first, apply it and am happy for the first half of my day. I usually gravitate towards more moisturising lipsticks and glosses on a daily basis, so all matte liquids feel a bit uncomfortable to me. But the Superstay Mattes aren’t that bad, mostly (I know this sounds weird), because the formula tricks my brain into thinking that I applied something to my lips. Weird, but works for me. If you’re the type who loves all those liquid mattes that feel like water and don’t leave a trace on your lips, this is not for you.
Colour selection
Nice and a bit out there. In a good way. You’ll find oodles of trendy nudes, classic reds and pinks, and also ‘weird’ colours like greys. There’re some good vampy shades in their line-up, as well. I can see it as pretty inclusive as well – their nudes cover a lot of different shades for a lot of skintones, and their IG often shows the shades on a variety of people. Good! Ruler is a chameleon colour – one me it has definitely some muted, brickish tones. I’d describe it as a muted rosewood shade.
All in all: recommended. Heavily. Especially for around 10 bucks.
Please note that this review is not sponsored in any way. We buy products ourselves, with our own money, and don’t accept exchanging goods, or money, for reviews. We are completely independent, and our reviews reflect that.
Sorry but I think about this product is terrible for my lips . Very very dry. Ouch horrible. Never more
Sorry to hear that, Lucy! Since the start of the liquid lipstick craze (and I tried a lot) – the one thing I’ve learned is this: the comfort level of a liquid lipstick (or any matte lipstick) is a hugely individual thing. What works for me might not work for you, and vice versa. Having said that, what’s your fave liquid lipstick? – Dorit