Liquid lipsticks never seem to go out of style. Both drugstore and high-end brands are constantly putting out their own version of this classic beauty staple, but many a makeup addict asks for just one thing: a budge-proof formula. When the Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipsticks came into the scene, the beauty community was abuzz about how it was the most affordable long-wearing liquid lipstick ever. It flew off the shelves when it was locally launched last year, and recently released 14 new shades inspired by the vibrant hues of New York City. From pinks and deep reds, to oranges and dark purple - they got it all covered! Many have raved about this formula so I set out to test if it’s really worth all the fuss.
The Super Stay Matte Ink formula promises a 16-hour wear, remaining completely budge-proof and transfer-proof. I found that one swipe was all I needed to get full-on pigmentation. The formula glides on effortlessly, and the tip of the wand made precise application easy. The lippie has a sweet, cupcake-y scent that I really like, but it fades after application. On my lips, it felt very lightweight, comfortable, and even somewhat hydrating during the first 2 to 3 hours.
I wasn’t able to do the whole 16-hour test but I’m happy to report that I was able to get a solid 10 hours of wear through two meals and a greasy pancake snack! It did not budge nor transfer, remaining intact on my lips throughout the day, though the color no longer as full and vibrant as when it was freshly applied. At the 6th hour mark, the lippie started to feel dry and my lip lines became more visible. I think that’s reasonable, as most lipsticks that promise a retouch-free formula do tend to be a little drying after a few hours.
I recommend using an oil cleanser or cleansing balm to completely remove the lippie. Micellar water and cleansing wipes won’t work - it won’t budge at all. In fact, I had to go in thrice with Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Oil because it’s that hardcore!
This would not be my everyday go-to lipstick but I would definitely keep this in my vanity for events and special occasions. My favorite shades from the bunch are Versatile and Self-Starter.
Swatches, from left: Self-Starter, Versatile, Delicate, Inspirer, Artist, Ambitious, Dancer, Globe Trotter, Assertive, Groundbreaker, Seeker, Founder, Testy, Transformer
Have you tried the Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipsticks? What is your favorite shade from this line?
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).
Project Vanity writer Firas Abboud declared in his story, “Makeup knows no gender, so every makeup product is technically universal.” I can’t agree more! I think everyone should not be judged when they wear cosmetics, no matter how they identify, or their age, or how their body is. Everyone is allowed to be more beautiful in all the ways that make them feel so! I think that’s why local brand blk Cosmetics, Anne Curtis and Jacqe Yuengtian-Gutierrez’s brain child, hit a nerve when they launched the first Universal collection last year.
Happy Skin first came out with their Lip Mallow formula last February and reviews confirmed that it stays true to its “velvety air-whipped formula that wraps the lips in a weightless cloud of smooth color with a cushion-soft powder matte finish” promise. Just a couple of months after and we are getting six additional shades in the line. The bonus? These new ones are coffee-inspired and mostly nude tones that are perfect for every day.
Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink is a big favorite in the drugstore liquid lippie category, and earned the first runner-up spot during Project Vanity’s 2019 Beauty Awards! I don’t often use liquid lipsticks but I’ve been curious to know what the hype is about. The arrival of the new Superstay Matte Ink Pink Edition (P299 each) presented the perfect opportunity for me to finally try this cult favorite.
I’ve become a super fan of shiny, plump, and slightly overlined lips. They look fresh and youthful compared to the matte lip look, and the juicy finish just feels more apt for summer! It also used to be a challenge to find a glossy lip product that wasn’t sticky and provided opaque coverage, but that all changed with the new Ellana Satin Stain Shine Liquid Lip and Cheek (P699 from Ellana).
If you’re familiar with Korean airy velvet tints then the concept of the Revlon Cloud Blotted Lip Color (P475) is no stranger to you. This 19-color collection promises a weightless formula that feels like a cushy cloud on the lips, with a true blotted matte finish that looks smooth as you apply it. This isn’t even out yet in the Philippines (it’s coming next month!) so you’ll be the first to see how this product performs.
With velvet lipstick being such a popular option these days, it’s not surprising that Happy Skin has finally thrown their own hat in the ring. The new Happy Skin Lip Mallow (P549 at happyskincosmetics.com) is described as a “plush matte lip mousse…weightless, intensely pigmented, and gives you that cloud-like feel on the lips”. It features eight morena-friendly shades that have brown undertones. This also has SPF15.
Issy & Co. is a new local makeup brand that you’ve probably seen around on Instagram or from their celebrity endorser Alex Gonzaga. Apart from the star power though, I was particularly drawn to their minimalist packaging and thoughtful approach to beauty. Not only are they cruelty-free, gluten-free, paraben-free, their formulas are also vegan!
Confession: During the height of the liquid lipsticks craze, I owned over 50 tubes of liquid lipsticks from more than 15 different brands. I was obsessed with the matte liquid lip, until tints and velvets later came into the picture. These days, I reserve wearing liquid lipsticks for special events. While they are generally more dependable and longer wearing, they also often have the most drying formulas.


It’s been a while since I’ve been literally thrilled by a lipstick collection. You all know how I feel about brown lipstick these days, so to see a line that’s full of luscious jewel tones makes my heart do a little dance each time I pull out a shade to wear. And so, let me present to you the new MAC Love Me Liquid Lipcolour (P1,500 at Lazada), which really should be in your makeup armoire ASAP!