Hi friends!
We’re talking drugstore lippies today, specifically two Maybelline products from their SuperStay range – the Ink Crayon and the Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick. The Matte Ink formula has been out for a while now, and it’s one of my favorite liquid lips at the drugstore since it launched (will explain why in a bit). So when they brought out the Ink Crayons this summer, and I saw the display in CVS, I knew I wanted to write this post!
Let’s talk today a little bit about each formula, and then I’ll give you some (hopefully) helpful advice as to which product to buy based on what your preference is. So let’s get into it!
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MAYBELLINE SUPERSTAY INK CRAYON
SuperStay Ink Crayon is a longwear lipstick crayon available in a range of 12 vibrant matte shades that last up to 8 hours. Our first lipstick crayon with Lasting Ink technology glides a rich layer of matte color across the lips with effortless control that lasts for up to eight hours of wear. Keep the tip ultra-precise with the built-in sharpener, so you can easily apply your lipstick no matter where your day takes you.
I picked this up in the shade Lead The Way, which is a total MLBB (my-lips-but-better) kinda shade for me. This formula is much closer to the texture of a traditional bullet lipstick, so the natural texture of your lips will come through. The tip is quite small and pointed at the start, which makes application extremely easy (like with a lip liner). Obviously over time the tip will dull, so I think the built-in sharpener is a really nice touch.
The formula feels quite creamy and comfortable when you first apply it. It’s got a shine to it initially, but there is a bit of dry-down that happens within the first hour of wear. But don’t let that deter you, this is a very lightweight, comfortable lipstick that won’t dry out your lips.
In terms of lasting power, you’re not going to get 8 hours of solid wear in my opinion. You will have to reapply, especially in the center of the lips, after a big meal or lots of drinking. But this is standard really with almost any lipstick formula so that doesn’t bother me. Overall I still find this formula to be longer lasting than my traditional creamy lipsticks or even any of my creamy, matte lipsticks.
Read this: Maybelline Snapscara Review
You can shop the Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon from Ulta.*
MAYBELLINE SUPERSTAY MATTE INK LIQUID LIPSTICK
SuperStay Matte Ink™ Liquid Lipstick gives you a flawless matte finish in a range of super saturated shades. Ink your lips in up to 16 HR saturated liquid matte. SuperStay Matte Ink™ features a unique arrow applicator for precise application and is available in a range of super saturated shades.
This has long been one of my favorite liquid lipstick formulas at the drugstore. Why, you ask? Three things: color, texture and longevity.
I have the shade Lover, which is deep mauve-pink. The color is really bold so there’s no need to keep swiping back and forth to cover patchiness. Plus, it dries down in a really pleasing way that doesn’t suck all the life from your lips. The applicator here is quite bendy and has this indent in the middle that holds onto product quite well; you shouldn’t have to dip too many times back into the tube to pick up product. And this is quite long-lasting stuff. Yes, you will have that bit of breakdown in the center of your lips after a meal, but not nearly as much as with some other liquid lipstick formulas.
One caveat: this formula can be a bit sticky for awhile right after you apply it. Like for the better part of a half-hour or so. I’ve heard some people complain about that online, but honestly it just doesn’t bother me much.
It’s available in a range of colors that they recently expanded to include a lot more awesome neutrals and brown tones.
Read this: Review: L’Oreal Color Riche Shine Lipstick

You can shop the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipsticks from Ulta.*
WHICH FORMULA SHOULD YOU BUY?
I think this really depends on what kind of texture you’re looking for, and what kind of wear you’re looking for. The price is negligible between these two products because it’s either identical (both are listed for $9.49 at Ulta) or fairly similar, depending on what retailer you shop at.
- If you want something more bold that’s really going to lock into place, and is available in a larger range of colors, I’d go with the Matte Ink formula.
- If you want something a bit softer, more like a traditional lipstick, and easier to reapply, I’d go with the Ink Crayon formula.
Take a look at the swatches below, and you’ll probably be able to make your decision.

Top swatch: Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon in Lead The Way. Bottom swatch: Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in Lover.
Have you tried either the SuperStay Ink Crayon or the Matte Ink formulas? What are your thoughts? I’d love to know!
xo, Erica

Both of these shades are nice – Taylor Swift should wear Lover for her new album campaign haha. I don’t get particularly dry lips but I do like more of a traditional lipstick formula 🙂
I actually do too! I used to be so in love with liquid lipsticks but now I only wear a few from the drugstore. I go for creamier lipsticks more often now cause I want that comfort.
I have both, and I really like both. I think they’re both amazing formulas for the drugstore!
They are! If I had to choose one, I’d probably go with the Ink Crayon though because I like the texture a bit more. But they’re both lovely!
I love the color of the liquid lipstick! I tried one of the crayons years ago and hated so I’ve never tried another one. Now that there’s different types I think I should try it again. 🙂
This one is really easy to use, lightweight and comfy, so you may like it!
Both are beautiful colors on you 💄❤️I am personally a long, long lasting lippie kind of woman ! 😉💄
Thank you! ❤️ I prefer long-wearing formulas as well but I just don’t want anything too drying.
Your lips are looking so pretty and this is such a great color Erica! I have to say that again, even in cheaper makeup you know the gold to discover. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Bushra! I love both colors for different reasons 😉
I personally like the superstay ink crayon for myself and the color look great on you! You have amazing lips!
Oh thank you Diane! I think I prefer the crayon too 😉.
Once again a wonderful post. I would definitely be tempted to try the Matte Ink. Love the colour!!
It’s a great formula! Check it out when you can, it comes in loads of colors.
I love that liquid shade on you!!
Thanks girl, it’s a good one 😉.