Offers up to 16 hours of shiny, flexible color that resists smudging and stays comfortable all day.
Looking for a shiny lip color that actually stays put? Maybelline SuperStay Vinyl Ink promises 16-hour wear with a vinyl finish. I put it through coffee, meetings, and a greasy lunch to see if it lives up to the hype.
Overview
Maybelline SuperStay Vinyl Ink is a highly pigmented liquid lipstick that promises a glossy, vinyl-like finish with up to 16 hours of wear. It is designed to be shaken before use to mix its color and shine components, then applied in a thin, even coat that dries down to a flexible film. Unlike traditional long-wear mattes that can feel tight and dehydrating, Vinyl Ink aims to keep a comfortable sheen while still resisting smudging and touch transfer.
The packaging is a squared tube with a secure cap and a pointed doe-foot applicator that makes it easy to trace the cupid’s bow and edges without a separate lip brush. The formula has a light vanilla sweetness that fades after the first 10 to 15 minutes. The shade range spans easy nudes and pinks to saturated reds and deeper plums, so there is a match for most undertones and occasions. At typical drugstore pricing, it often rings up under 15 dollars, which is part of its appeal.
On paper, the pitch is simple: shiny like a gloss, long-wearing like a liquid lipstick, and more comfortable than a matte. In practice, it comes surprisingly close if you apply it correctly and give it a few minutes to set.
Who it’s for
Choose SuperStay Vinyl Ink if you like the polished look of a shiny lip but want fewer touch-ups during a workday or an evening out. It suits anyone who finds classic liquid mattes too drying yet still wants a budge-resistant option that will last through meetings, errands, or a date night. The pointed applicator is beginner friendly, so you can get a clean shape without a liner if you prefer.
It is less ideal if your lips are actively chapped or peeling. The film-forming technology holds onto texture, so flakes will show and the color can catch along dry patches. It is also not the best pick if you need a completely transfer-proof lip for kisses or white clothing. While transfer is minimal once set, the vinyl finish can leave a faint mark on cups or napkins. If that would stress you out, a true matte stain may be a better fit.
How it feels and performs
Texture and application. The formula feels like a thin gel-cream as it goes on, not watery but not thick either. Pigment spreads evenly without dragging, and the pointed doe-foot helps with crisp lines. The first minute feels glossy and a bit slick. By the two to three minute mark, it sets into a flexible film with a reflective finish. At this point it feels lightly tacky if you press your lips together, but not gloopy like a traditional gloss.
Finish. Expect a bright, mirror-like sheen that smooths the look of lip lines from a normal conversational distance. Up close, paler nude shades can emphasize texture more than deeper shades. If you prefer a softer shine, lightly blot once at the five minute mark to reduce reflectivity without removing too much color.
Comfort. Comfort is where Vinyl Ink stands out. It does not lock down into a dry crust like some long-wear formulas. The film is flexible and moves with your lips. You will feel a small amount of tack if you press lips together hard, which some people notice more than others. During a standard workday with coffee and water, it stayed comfortable, and my lips did not feel parched afterward.
Transfer and mask test. After it fully sets, transfer is low. On a white coffee mug, I saw a faint trace, much less than a regular cream lipstick. Under a cloth mask, there was slight smudging only if I put the mask on before the product set. Wait that full few minutes and you should be fine for light rubbing.
Wear time. The 16-hour claim is optimistic for most people. On me, nudes and mids (think peachy or rose) looked freshly glossy for 4 to 6 hours, then settled into a satiny sheen by hour 8. Deeper shades like brick reds and berries held their edge longer and made it to 8 to 10 hours with shine still visible. After an oily lunch, the color at the inner rim faded first, leaving the outer shape intact. This is normal with film-forming lip colors, since oils break down the bond. A quick touch-up on that inner area fixed it without crumbling.
Layering and touch-ups. One thin coat is best. You can add a second thin coat after the first sets if you want extra coverage, but piling it on thick can turn sticky and emphasize lines. For touch-ups after a meal, blot away any slippage or oil, then apply a light layer only where needed. It adheres well to itself as long as you keep layers thin.
Feathering and bleeding. Feathering is minimal because the film sets along the lip line. On very pronounced lines around the mouth, a clear or matching lip liner can create a clean dam and help keep the edges sharp all day.
Sensitivity and scent. The light vanilla scent dissipates quickly. The formula includes common long-wear solvents, so if your lips are cracked, you might feel a slight tingle on first application. Prep well and avoid using it over balms with oils, which can interfere with adhesion.
Shade behavior. Deeper shades generally look the most even and wear the longest. For fair to light skin, try Cheeky for a peachy nude or Witty for a neutral mauve. On medium tones, Captivated and Keen give a warm, polished look that reads professional but not flat. On deep skin, Royal and Red-Hot stand out and stay bold for hours. Paler beiges can work too, but they require more careful prep and a thinner coat to avoid settling into lines.
How to use for best results
Maybelline prints “Shake for at least 5 seconds” on the cap for a reason. The formula separates in the tube, and shaking helps the pigment and shine components bond so you get even color and wear. Here is a quick routine that delivers the longest, smoothest result.
- Prep lips. Use a damp washcloth to gently buff off flakes, or swipe on a mild lip scrub. Rinse or wipe clean. If you need moisture, apply a thin layer of balm, wait two minutes, then blot off completely. You want lips to feel comfortable but not slick.
- Shake well. Cap closed, shake the tube for a full 5 to 10 seconds. This step matters for even payoff.
- Outline, then fill. Use the pointed tip to trace the cupid’s bow and outer corners, then lay the flat side of the applicator to fill the center. Keep the layer thin and even. Avoid pressing your lips together while it is wet.
- Let it set. Wait 3 minutes without rubbing your lips. If you love a mirror gloss look, stop here. If you prefer a softer shine, gently blot once with a tissue at the 5 minute mark.
- Optional second coat. For extra coverage or depth, add a very light second coat and repeat the set time. Thin layers create the best feel and wear.
- Edge clean-up. For a crisp professional edge, take a cotton swab with a tiny bit of micellar water or concealer and run it along the outer lip line after the product sets.
- Touch-up strategy. After a greasy meal, blot the inner rim clean and reapply a thin layer there only. Avoid adding heavy coats to the whole lip, which can increase tack and reduce comfort.
- Removal. Use an oil-based remover, cleansing balm, or even a bit of olive oil on a cotton pad. Hold for 10 seconds, then wipe. This breaks down the film without excessive rubbing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Long-wearing shiny finish that looks fresh for hours
- More comfortable and flexible than most long-wear mattes
- Low transfer once fully set
- Precise doe-foot applicator makes clean edges easy
- Wide shade range with flattering nudes, reds, and berries
- Accessible drugstore price
Cons
- Requires a few minutes of set time to lock in
- Slight tack remains when pressing lips together
- Breaks down on the inner rim with oily foods
- Pale beige shades can emphasize texture if applied too thick
- Light vanilla scent may not appeal to everyone
Final verdict
Maybelline SuperStay Vinyl Ink delivers on its core promise: glossy color that really lasts. The finish looks polished and expensive, comfort is strong for a long-wear formula, and transfer is low once it sets. If you want a lip color that can survive a busy day of coffee, calls, and a quick lunch with only a targeted touch-up, this is a smart choice.
It is not flawless. Oils will break through on the inner lip, and you need to give it a couple of minutes to set before you live your life. A little tack remains, especially if you layer heavily. But for the price and performance, it hits a sweet spot that many glossy liquids miss. If you are nervous about shade selection, start with a mid-tone rose or terracotta like Captivated or Keen, which tend to be the most forgiving. For statement lips, Red-Hot and Royal are reliable crowd-pleasers. Prep well, apply thin, let it set, and you will get the best of both worlds: shine with stamina.
See also
If you are pairing a bold vinyl lip with a long-wear base, consider the modern, sweat-resistant complexion of the Urban Decay Face Bond Waterproof Foundation Review. To brighten under eyes without creasing, the drugstore classic in our Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer Review: Fast Brightening For Dark Circles works especially well with shiny lips. To lock everything in place on long days, see our take on the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray.
If you prefer a cream bullet texture over liquids, the moisturizing option in our jane iredale ColorLuxe Hydrating Cream Lipstick Review offers a softer alternative to Vinyl Ink. For shine control and a blurred T-zone that lets your glossy lip be the star, read our bareMinerals Mineral Veil Translucent Loose Setting Powder Review.
FAQ
Does Maybelline SuperStay Vinyl Ink transfer?
Once it sets, transfer is low but not zero. Expect a faint mark on a coffee cup or napkin, far less than a traditional cream lipstick and better than most glosses. Give it 3 minutes to set before eating or masking to minimize smudging.
How long does it really last, and how can I extend wear?
Most people see 6 to 10 hours of good color with shine that softens over time. To extend wear, apply in a thin layer to clean, dry lips, wait the full set time, and avoid heavy balms underneath. After oily foods, blot the inner rim clean and retouch only where needed.
Is it sticky or heavy on the lips?
It feels lightweight with a flexible film. A light tack remains if you press your lips together firmly, especially if you applied a thick coat. Keeping layers thin and letting it set fully reduces that sensation.
Which shades are the most forgiving for everyday wear?
Mid-tone nudes and roses are easiest to work with. Cheeky offers a peachy nude that does not wash out fair to light skin, Captivated and Keen flatter many medium tones, and Witty is a versatile mauve for a wide range of undertones. For deeper complexions or a statement look, Royal or Red-Hot stay bold and even.
What is the best way to remove Vinyl Ink without drying my lips?
Use an oil-based remover or cleansing balm. Press a soaked cotton pad onto lips for 10 to 15 seconds to dissolve the film, then wipe. Follow with a hydrating balm. Micellar water alone can struggle and may require more rubbing.
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