I feel like, even though the market has been flooded until now with matte liquid lipsticks, there's something really new happening with formulas at the moment. I've tried a few different affordable matte liquid lipsticks recently and there's something really different from what was out even a year or so ago. AND I LOVE IT. Because I wasn't really a fan of the Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lipsticks that came out in early 2016, I was really hoping to see the brand do one of these newer formulas when they announced the new Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick. I only picked up one shade - Lover - because I've learned my lesson on picking up too many shades straight out the gate and this was obviously the one that I was always going to choose.

So, how did it work out? Keep reading for my review + swatches!

Can we just talk about how Maybelline did something completely new with their packaging and it's kind of amazing? With so many brands using the same or very similar components for their packaging, it's nice to see a brand at the drugstore really doing something completely different.

As you can see in the photo below, they also have a pretty unique sponge tip applicator that comes to a pretty narrow point and has a deep well to hold product. I find that I can easily finish my entire look with one dip into the product and still get a really precise application with this brush, which is highly appreciated. I only have one issue, which is that every time I pull out the wand there tends to be a little swoosh of product at the end that can fall off and ruin your brand new bathing suit if you're not being careful. Yes, that happened in the parking lot after a shopping trip when I was wildly pulling purchases out of bags to scope out what I bought. Sad day.

The application, like I said, is really smooth with this product. I find that it applies with a smooth, even coat on one swipe and I don't have to fight too hard with it to get a crisp outer edge. I like to do the inside of my lip first and work outwards so that I can avoid that unfortunate and annoying thick ridge of polish around my outer lips, and I've had a lot of success with that using this product.

This shade is pretty much a dream, I have to say. It sits really perfectly in that rosy mauve tone without pulling too pink, too purple, or too grey but still having just enough balance of each of those tones to make it exactly what I love. It's not quite Your Lips But Better, but instead is sort of your lips (or my lips, anyway) but with really amplified pigmentation. Know what I mean? Love this shade so much, honestly. 

Remember when I talked about the more updated formula of matte liquid lipsticks at the beginning of the post? That's definitely what this has. It sets, but it doesn't get powdery dry. The benefits of this, in my opinion, are threefold. First, while they do set to a matte finish, it isn't flat and it doesn't make your lips look dry and unhealthy. Second, it's a lot more comfortable to wear because it maintains some moisture. It can be a little bit sticky when you mash your lips together, but mostly it just feels really comfortable to me. Finally, it allows it to wear without flaking or patching off, giving an extended wear time for those of us who would rather take off our lip product than wear it when it starts looking rough. I've actually worn this for about 7 hours straight, which is unheard of for me, through coffee, other beverages, and a meal, and it still looked pretty damn good by the time I removed it.


Honestly, I really do only have one issue with this product and that's just how difficult it can be to get it off. The first day I bought it, I actually put it on in the car around 8pm and when I went to take my makeup off a couple of hours later, I literally could not get this off. I ended up sleeping in a layer of it because I didn't want to fight with it anymore and I still had decent coverage on the lips the next morning. It was madness. I've learned that I basically have to go in with a really solid oil and take my time breaking this up if I want to get it completely off. Honestly, though, I'm completely willing to have that issue when I love this formula so much. 

I honestly really couldn't be happier with this formula and I can't wait to pick up a couple more shades. It really is ticking all of the boxes for me when it comes to comfort, wear time, and pigmentation. 

The Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipsticks are available now wherever Maybelline is sold - and I highly recommend them - at least this shade!

Thanks for reading!