Beauty Maybelline Lip Crayon Guide: Application, Shades and Care
An educational guide from the Beauty AMZ research team. No hard sell, just what you need to know.
What Makes It a Crayon, Not a Pencil
The SuperStay Ink Crayon is thicker than a lip pencil and creamier than a liner. Its chubby format holds enough product for full lip coverage, while the tapered tip keeps edges sharp. Unlike twist-up crayons, this one sharpens with the built-in sharpener, which keeps the point precise far longer. The formula is a true long-wear matte, not a tinted balm, so it behaves like a lipstick in crayon clothing. Think of it as the precision instrument of the lip world.
Choosing Your Shade Family
Reds like Lead The Way make a confident statement and suit warm undertones best. Berries like Own Your Empire flatter cool undertones and work beautifully for evening. Nude pinks like Hustle In Heels are the everyday workhorses that pair with any eye look. Terracottas like Chase Dreams feel modern and warm, ideal for autumn wardrobes. Mauves like Trust Your Gut are the universal diplomats that suit nearly everyone. Pick your family first, then fine-tune within it.
Application for Clean, Sharp Edges
Start with smooth, blotted lips. Hold the crayon like a pencil and trace the outer lip line, starting at the cupid bow and working outward. Fill in the lips with back-and-forth strokes, keeping layers thin. Blot with tissue, then apply a second thin layer. Clean any wobbles with a cotton swab dipped in micellar water. For extra sharpness, run a flat brush with concealer just outside the lip line. The whole process takes three minutes with practice.
Extending Wear Through Meals
Layering is the biggest lever: two thin coats outlast one thick coat by hours. The tissue-and-powder trick sets color without visible texture. Straws protect the finish when drinking. After oily meals, blot lips clean and reapply a fresh thin layer rather than piling onto the old one. Keep the crayon in your bag for a single midday touch-up focused on the inner lip. These small habits compound into genuine all-day wear.
Storage and Sharpening Tips
Keep the cap on tightly so the formula stays creamy and the tip stays sharp. Sharpen over a trash bin with gentle pressure, since aggressive sharpening wastes product. Chill the crayon for ten minutes before sharpening in warm weather for a cleaner point. Replace the crayon after about a year, or sooner if the formula drags or smells off. Store away from heat, which softens the tip and dulls precision.
Recommended Products
The best Maybelline lip crayon shades, ranked by wear, comfort, and real buyer love.
Best for: Red lip lovers who want long wear without a liquid formula.
Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon Lipstick, Lead The Way
- Crayon format with up to 8 hours of wear
- Lead The Way is a bold red shade
- Built-in sharpener keeps the tip precise
- Creamy glide with matte finish
Pros
- Applies like a lipstick, wears like a stain
- Red shade suits many skin tones
- No separate sharpener to carry
Cons
- Matte finish can feel dry by afternoon
- Bold red needs a steady hand
- Fades unevenly after oily meals
Best for: Cool undertones hunting a rich berry with staying power.
Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon Lipstick, Own Your Empire
- Up to 8-hour smudge-resistant color
- Own Your Empire is a rich berry red
- Precision tip for clean lip lines
- Creamy texture that sets to matte
Pros
- Berry red flatters cool undertones
- Crayon gives more control than a bullet
- Comfortable for a long-wear formula
Cons
- Berry shades can stain lips after removal
- Tip wears down with daily use
- Needs lip balm underneath in winter
Best for: Everyday nude pink wearers who need color that lasts.
Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon Lipstick, Hustle In Heels
- Long-wear crayon with 8-hour staying power
- Hustle In Heels is a nude pink shade
- Retractable style tip with sharpener base
- Smooth application with intense pigment
Pros
- Nude pink works for office and everyday wear
- Easy to apply without a mirror
- Does not feather into lip lines
Cons
- Nude shade may wash out very deep skin
- Matte finish emphasizes dry patches
- Reapplication needed after lunch
Best for: Warm undertones wanting an on-trend terracotta nude.
Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon Lipstick, 150 Chase Dreams
- Creamy matte crayon with lasting color
- Chase Dreams is a warm terracotta nude
- Ergonomic crayon shape for easy grip
- High pigment in a single swipe
Pros
- Terracotta nude suits warm undertones
- Warm shade brightens the complexion
- Simple twist-up style application
Cons
- Limited shade depth for deep skin tones
- Warm tone may clash with cool outfits
- Tip can break if extended too far
Best for: Shoppers who trust crowd favorites and want a safe mauve.
Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon Lipstick, Trust Your Gut
- Up to 8 hours of matte lip color
- Trust Your Gut is a deep mauve pink
- Precision crayon tip for defined edges
- Nearly 40,000 Amazon ratings back it
Pros
- Mauve pink is universally flattering
- Strong review record proves reliability
- Great value for the wear time
Cons
- Mauve can read brown on some skin tones
- Very popular shade sells out sometimes
- Matte needs exfoliated lips
Ready to Choose?
See our top product picks for maybelline lip crayon, or jump straight to the head-to-head comparison of the two most popular options.