Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick City Edition (220 Ambitious) Review, Swatch, Price

Overall Feedback:

Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink 16HR Liquid Lipstick is the ultimate choice for those who want all the good stuff in liquid lipsticks, with as little of the bad stuff. Most of the time, people seek liquid lipsticks because looking for a super matte finish, or they want something truly long-lasting. This is a range that truly delivers in those aspects. Maybelline already has a sizable global fanbase for The Creamy Mattes, so they had to offer something special with Superstay Matte Ink. 

This has a medium thickness liquid consistency, and it dries and sets. It takes a little bit of time to dry completely, as it can feel a little sticky for quite some time. But when it does completely dry, it’s got a generally velvety matte finish. This doesn’t flake around when you rub your lips, although it can feel a little hot and heavy, especially when it’s still drying and setting. However, this is among the more comfortable choices for liquid lipsticks, as this doesn’t feel drying on the lips. I don’t use these often as I have really dry lips, but when I do opt to use liquid lipstick, I wouldn’t think twice about using Superstay Matte Ink as they’re tolerable. 

These liquid lipsticks are opaque and very pigmented. You only need to apply a really thin layer for the product to completely cover over the color of your lips. The color payoff does have some discrepancies, though. It looks different when wet, when dry, and when dry for several hours. A lot of shades, specifically those with nude and brown tones, do oxidize, so I would recommend keeping that in mind when selecting shades. While the colors can cover the lips fully, like any other liquid lipstick, this cannot cover up dry patches. It’s best to use this with lips that have been properly moisturized and exfoliated prior to application.

In terms of lasting power, this is the longest lasting lipstick I have owned in history. Yes, in history. I have a memorable story with these, actually! I applied the product at about 1PM, went to film dance challenges, attended a farewell mass (our priests were leaving), went to the subsequent farewell party for the priests, ate a lot, danced at the party, and went home at 11PM. When I got home, the lipstick was still fully intact! It literally only gets off when you already want it off. These stay put for over 10 hours so well. The only time I remember using these that they got off easily was when I ate a can of tuna in oil, and it was already because the tuna was literally floating in oil. I have actually heard of many funny stories about these not getting off that it makes perfect sense for Maybelline to be selling Superstay Erasers. 

In terms of the 16HR promise, I have never tried to use this for 16 hours straight. I have dry lips, so I can’t use liquid lipsticks for long periods of time in general, and I also usually just keep makeup on for a maximum of 10-12 hours. But I have no doubt that this can easily last up to 16 hours, especially if one is to not have any oily food. Once it has properly set, it stays put and sticks on so well no matter what. 

For this third release, I personally like that they tackled more bricks and amber based shades, as these are usually the shades that most Filipinas are looking for. I also appreciate the medium peachy nude shades. This is a good release that addressed the gaps that both the Original Collection and the Unnudes Collection had. The Original Collection was, of course, a very elemental release, with basic nudes, pinks, reds, and plums. The UnNudes collection was a lot about grey-based nudes as well as beige browns and nudes. The in-between mauves, brick reds, cherry reds, and peach nudes were tackled in this release quite well. 

At Php349 for 5.0mL, it’s among the best choices in terms of value for money. It’s a generous amount for the price. I’ve seen cheaper liquid lipsticks that are cheaper because it’s got less product, and oftentimes, the quality is not as good either. For a liquid lipstick to be this long-lasting, tolerable for people with dry lips, and have 40 shades (overall), this is indeed among the excellent choices in the market. 

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220 Ambitious

Lazada | Shopee | Amazon 

A bright neutral red shade.

Doll Up Mari: Top Beauty and Female Lifestyle Blogger Manila, Philippines