Mask-proof and pretty: Swatches of Maybelline's newest Super Stay Matte Ink shades
Product photography by Perkin Gotohio
Prior to the pandemic, I was admittedly not all that concerned about how long-wearing my lipsticks were. I didn’t mind repeatedly re-applying, and I even found the process fun. But with the need to constantly keep the mask on when outside, except for stopping to eat or drink, the search for a mask-proof lippie gets high on the priority list. So let’s turn to a line with an impressive reputation, the Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipsticks (P299).
I am no stranger to this line, having previously tried their Pink Edition release earlier this year. This time around, I’ve gotten to play with two new collections that feature rich shades perfect for this time of year. The Coffee Collection is aptly reminiscent of autumn with its range of brown shades. Then there’s the more vibrant and diverse Marvel Edition.
So first, let’s dish on the coffee-themed set! There are five shades in total, and I found the distinct coffee scents to be the most notable feature apart from the colors themselves. Yes, each one has a different aroma that transports you right to your favorite cafe!
Chai Genius is a nude neutral beige with a mildly spicy vanilla scent.
Hazelnut Hypnotizer is a dusty peach with the delectable smell of amaretto or hazelnut syrup.
Caramel Collector is a warm orangey brown with a whiff of sugary-sweet maple syrup.
Cocoa Connoisseur is a milk chocolate brown that smells like a freshly baked chocolate cake.
Mocha Inventor is a dark mahogany with a sweet cafe mocha scent. This shade tends to apply on the streaky and patchy side, so I end up having to use more to even things out.
For the 5-piece Marvel-themed collection, all five shades aren’t new releases. In fact, both Groundbreaker and Versatile were previously reviewed by Angeli. But the packaging is limited edition and features several memorable character logos from the franchise.
Versatile (Iron Man) is a warm peachy nude.
Lover (Black Widow) is a medium pink-mauve.
Ruler (Captain Marvel) is a dark plum-tinged rose.
Pioneer (Spiderman) is a lively magenta-red that leaves behind a bright pink stain and has a somewhat patchy application.
Groundbreaker (Black Panther) is a warm brick red.
Are they mask-proof? Yes, especially when the formula has completely dried after the initial application. I only started to notice some transferring after having a full (though not particularly greasy) meal. Some of the food oils did cause some mild smudging of the colors against the mask, but most of the pigment still remained on the pout. After 3 full meals with morning-to-night wear, I notice that the pigment has lifted from the inner to middle part of my lips. This becomes more obvious with the darker shades. (BTW, I found that removal with a cotton pad soaked in bi-phase makeup remover does the trick nicely. I used Nivea Double Effect Eye Makeup Remover, and it worked great!)
Chai Genius, Hazelnut Hypnotizer, Caramel Collector, Cocoa Conoisseur, Mocha Inventor, Versatile, Lover, Ruler, Pioneer, and Groundbreaker
The Marvel edition also features the superhero icons on Maybelline’s ever popular Instant Age Rewind Concealer line (P399). Unfortunately, I didn’t get to try the one that was sent as I’m one shade lighter. But I did previously own the Age Rewind concealer in the right shade. The light to medium coverage and the liquidy consistency make it easy to blend it under eye while avoiding a thick, cakey look.
Let us know which collection is calling out to you!
