Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Review: Does It Really Last All Day?
The first thing I noticed about Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink was the pigmentation. I didn’t have to work too hard to get an even, noticeable color, and once it settled, the shade looked like a muted mauve with cool purple rose tones. It’s deeper than my usual nude lip color, but still wearable enough that I don’t feel like the lipstick is wearing me.
What surprised me even more was just how seriously this lipstick takes the “Super Stay” part of its name. I’ve worn it for hours without constantly checking my lips or thinking about reapplying, and the color holds on incredibly well. At some point, I realized my bigger problem wasn’t keeping the lipstick on, but figuring out how to get it off.
Maybelline New York Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink delivers rich color and impressive staying power for hours of wear with fewer touch ups throughout the day.
That’s ultimately what made me want to see whether Maybelline Super Stay really lives up to its long wear claims during an ordinary day of eating, drinking, talking, and going outside. A lipstick can look great when it’s freshly applied, but what matters to me is how well it holds up once I actually start doing things. So, is Super Stay genuinely an all day lipstick, and is that staying power worth the tradeoffs?
What Makes a Long Wearing Lipstick Actually Good?
Longevity alone does not automatically make a lipstick good. A lip color could technically stay on for hours but still be frustrating if it feels uncomfortable, applies unevenly, transfers onto everything, or leaves the lips looking excessively dry.
For me, a good long wearing liquid lipstick needs to balance pigmentation, application, comfort, transfer resistance, appearance, and wear time. It should also fade reasonably rather than leaving an obvious outline around the edges of the lips.
That is what makes Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink interesting. Maybelline currently claims the formula provides up to 16 hours of wear, with waterproof, smudge resistant, and transfer resistant properties. The Canadian product page lists the tube at 0.17 fl oz, with a liquid texture, matte finish, and an arrow shaped applicator designed for more precise application. Maybelline currently lists 30+ shades on its Canadian site.
“The best long wearing lipstick isn’t simply the one that lasts the longest. It’s the one you can put on, go about your day, and mostly forget you’re wearing.”
That last part is where Super Stay has made the strongest impression on me.
Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink: Formula, Pigment, and Application
Maybelline describes Super Stay Matte Ink as a saturated matte liquid lipstick, and saturated is an accurate description of the pigmentation. I did not have to work particularly hard to make the color noticeable or even on my lips.
The applicator also helps. Instead of a basic rounded doe foot, the product has an arrow shaped tip that makes it easier to approach the edges of the lips without immediately reaching for a separate lip brush. Maybelline recommends applying the product to clean, dry lips, starting at the center of the upper lip and working outward before filling in the lower lip. The brand also recommends letting it dry completely without pressing your lips together while it sets.
The shade I tested settles into a muted mauve with cool purple rose tones on me. It is noticeably deeper than the nude lip colors I usually gravitate toward, but it does not feel so bold that I need a full face of makeup to balance it.
I actually like it most with fairly simple makeup. It adds definition to my face on its own and makes the overall look appear more polished without requiring a dramatic eye look.
Does Maybelline Super Stay Really Last All Day?
This is the main reason to consider Super Stay Matte Ink, and it is also the part of the formula that impressed me most.
Maybelline advertises up to 16 hours of wear and says the formula is waterproof and resistant to smudging and transferring. I have not timed my wear to exactly 16 hours, so I cannot personally confirm that maximum claim. What I can say is that I have worn it for hours and found that the color holds on extremely well.
During normal wear, I am not constantly thinking about whether I need to reapply it. That is important because there is a difference between a lipstick technically remaining on your lips and a lipstick remaining intact enough that you can simply get on with your day.
The formula makes the most sense for days when I know I will be out for several hours, talking, drinking, eating, and generally not wanting lipstick maintenance to become another thing I have to think about.
“With Super Stay, my bigger problem wasn’t figuring out how to keep the lipstick on. It was figuring out how to get it off.”
That says more about its staying power than simply calling it “long lasting.”
I would still treat Maybelline’s 16 hour figure as a maximum wear claim rather than a guarantee that every person will get an untouched lip for exactly 16 hours. What you eat, how much product you apply, your lip condition, and your normal habits can all affect how lipstick wears.
What Does It Feel and Look Like After It Sets?
Matte liquid lipsticks have a reputation for making lips look dry and flat, so this was another thing I paid attention to.
On my lips, Super Stay does settle into a definite matte finish, but it does not completely erase the natural dimension of my lips. I can still see my natural lip texture, which I personally prefer to a finish that makes the lips look unnaturally flat.
The formula is also very different from a creamy bullet lipstick or tinted balm. You are trading some of that easy, flexible feeling for serious adhesion and staying power.
Application matters here. Putting on more product than necessary can make any long wearing liquid lipstick feel heavier. Since Super Stay already gives strong pigmentation, I do not see much reason to repeatedly layer it unless you are correcting an uneven area.
The Biggest Downside: Taking It Off
Ironically, the feature that makes me recommend this lipstick is also what can make it annoying.
It is difficult to remove.
Regular wiping does very little for me. If I try to treat it like an ordinary lipstick and rub it off quickly, I end up putting more effort into removal than necessary. A remover designed to break down stubborn, long wearing makeup makes much more sense.
That also means Super Stay is not necessarily the lipstick I would choose on a day when I wanted to switch between several lip colors. Once I put it on, I expect it to stay there.
This is worth considering before buying it. If your priority is a forgiving formula that you can apply, wipe away, and replace whenever you feel like it, there are easier lip products to live with. If your priority is putting on lipstick once and minimizing touch ups, the difficult removal suddenly feels like a much more acceptable tradeoff.
Is Maybelline Super Stay Worth the Price?
For a drugstore liquid lipstick, the price is fairly accessible considering how little product I need per application.
Maybelline Canada currently lists Super Stay Matte Ink at CAD $13.99, while Walmart Canada was listing several 0.17 fl oz shades at around CAD $12.96 to $12.98 when checked in August 2026. Prices and available shades can change by retailer.
At that price, I think the value comes primarily from longevity. Someone who normally reapplies lipstick several times during a long day could get much more practical value from this formula than someone who mainly wears lipstick for short outings.
It also comes in a broad color range. Maybelline Canada currently lists 30+ shades, covering nudes, reds, pinks, and brighter colors. That makes the formula easier to recommend because you are not buying into long wear at the expense of having very few color options.
How I Get the Best Results From Super Stay
I would start with lips that are smooth and completely dry. Heavy balm underneath can work against the kind of adhesion you are buying Super Stay for, so I prefer not to leave a slippery layer underneath immediately before applying it.
A thin, controlled application also makes more sense than piling on product. The pigmentation is already strong enough that you do not need a thick layer to see the color.
The most important part comes afterward: give it time to set. Maybelline specifically advises allowing the formula to dry completely and avoiding pressing the lips together while it sets.
And before wearing it for a long day, make sure you already have a proper makeup remover at home. Trust me, that becomes much more important once you actually want Super Stay to stop staying.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink actually last 16 hours?
Maybelline claims up to 16 hours of wear, rather than guaranteeing that it will look untouched for exactly 16 hours on everyone. I have personally found the staying power impressive over several hours, but I have not conducted a controlled 16 hour wear test. Eating, drinking, application thickness, and individual lip condition can influence the result.
2. Does Maybelline Super Stay transfer when drinking?
The formula is marketed as transfer resistant, and its ability to set firmly is one of its biggest strengths. For the best chance of minimizing transfer, apply it to clean, dry lips and allow it to set completely before drinking or pressing your lips together.
3. Is Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink drying?
It is a matte liquid lipstick designed for longevity, so do not expect the same feel as a balm or creamy lipstick. On my lips, I can still see natural texture and dimension rather than an extremely flat finish. If your lips are already very dry or flaky, prepping them beforehand can help the finished application look smoother.
4. Is Maybelline Super Stay difficult to remove?
Yes, at least for me. This is one of the most noticeable characteristics of the formula. Simple wiping is not enough when I remove it, so I prefer a remover capable of breaking down long wearing makeup. The difficult removal is inconvenient, but it is also closely tied to what I like about the product: it does not disappear easily.
5. Is Maybelline Super Stay worth buying?
I think it is worth trying if long wear and staying power are among your main priorities. It makes particular sense for workdays, events, dinners, or long outings when you do not want to constantly check and reapply your lip color. If easy removal and frequently changing lip colors matter more to you, a less tenacious formula may suit you better.
6. Can I wear Super Stay Matte Ink with minimal makeup?
Absolutely. That is actually one of the things I like about my shade. The muted mauve and cool purple rose color adds enough definition that I do not need heavy eye or complexion makeup around it. Choosing a Super Stay shade that works well with your coloring can make it an easy standalone feature in a simple makeup look.
My Final Take on Maybelline Super Stay
Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink does what I wanted it to do: stay on my lips without making me think about constant reapplication. The strong pigmentation, matte finish, and impressive grip make it particularly good for days when longevity matters more to me than being able to change my lipstick on a whim.
The tradeoff is removal. This is not a swipe it off in two seconds kind of lipstick, and I would definitely keep a proper makeup remover nearby. At around CAD $13 to $14, though, I think that is a reasonable compromise for someone specifically shopping for staying power.
Maybelline New York Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink delivers rich color and impressive staying power for hours of wear with fewer touch ups throughout the day.
Would I recommend it? Yes, especially if you hate constantly reapplying your lipstick. If longevity is your priority, Super Stay earns its place in a makeup bag.
For more firsthand beauty reviews, wear tests, and products worth considering before you spend your money, you can find more from Bluverie at bluverie.com.