Maybelline Superstay Vinyl Ink Liquid Lipstick: The Glossy Lip that Lasts

Glossy lips are in, but there’s no denying that they typically don’t hold a candle to a matte liquid lipstick in terms of longevity. However, Maybelline singlehandedly filled the long lasting glossy lipstick void with the best performing product to attempt the feat yet: the Superstay Vinyl Liquid Lipstick.

The Maybelline Superstay Vinyl Ink Liquid Lipstick are about $10, and available in 15 shades– five of those Target exclusives. They feature a shake-to-activate application process, which helps them become smudge-proof for up to 16 hours. They retain a vinyl shiny finish that won’t smear, even through eating.

I love the long and thinner applicator, which makes it easy to get precise lip line edges while swiping the color over the lip. The formula is very thin and lightweight, but packs a ton of pigment. You get completely opaque color without the need to build up layers.

Another way the Superstay Vinyl Inks defy your typical long lasting formula: they’re incredibly comfortable to wear. The aloe in the ingredients helps moisturize and soothe the lips, and the lipstick never feels dry or tight. I wore this on a day where my lips were particularly chapped and cracked, and I forgot I was even wearing it. The dimethicone in the formula also helps smooth over lip lines or texture.

They are fragranced, similarly to the Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipsticks, with a buttercream scent that’s pretty strong. Not my favorite thing to apply directly under my nose, but not a deal breaker.

Now here’s the thing: the first time I tried these, I didn’t find them to be transfer-proof at all. There was a noticeable amount of pigment transfer to cups or straws when drinking, and a bit smudged onto my chin after eating. Even still, the look wasn’t disturbed on the lips.

However, after a bit more testing, I realized that straight out of the tube, the applicator actually has too much product. Wiping off the excess and applying a very thin, single layer of color still gives you completely opaque coverage, but also allows the product to set completely. With this technique, the product lives up to its claim.

Above is before and after twelve hours of wearing the Maybelline Superstay Vinyl Ink Liquid Lipstick in Lippy. This is after two meals and a lot of drinking through straws. You can see that the color is still even, and my lips are still fully covered in color.

The only place it faded from was the wet part of my inner lip, which is a given. I do feel like after the second meal, while I didn’t experience any more lower lip transfer, the shine dulled a bit more to leave me with a satin finish rather than shiny.

I want to quickly acknowledge that these are, in fact, dupes of the Urban Decay Vice Lip Bonds. Actually, considering both brands are owned by L’Oreal, and the ingredient list is so similar, I genuinely think they’re almost the same product. You can watch my comparison and wear test of each product in the video below:

I can confidently say that— even with the slight transfer— the Maybelline Superstay Vinyl Ink Liquid Lipsticks are probably the most long lasting and low maintenance lip product I’ve tried. I actually think they outperform their matte counterparts from the brand, which always sort of crumbled on me after eating and required a touch-up. While they do require a quick mirror check after lunch, I would even be confident enough to leave the house without bringing it with me for reapplication.

Get the Maybelline Superstay Vinyl Ink Liquid Lipsticks at Ulta Beauty, or Target for 5 exclusive shades.