Beauty Stay Exceptional Crayon Review: Maybelline Shade 25 Tested
Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon in Stay Exceptional is a purple beige nude with up to 8 hours of matte wear. It is shade 25 in the Ink Crayon line, and it has a devoted following. The muted mauve tone works as an everyday neutral that still looks intentional. If your nude lipsticks always pull too orange or too pink, this one may be your fix.
What makes Stay Exceptional special is its balance. It is deep enough to define the lips on fair skin, yet soft enough to read as a nude on medium skin. The crayon tip draws a crisp edge, and the built-in sharpener keeps it precise. The formula sets to a comfortable matte that survives a workday.
This guide reviews Stay Exceptional in depth and compares it with the closest Ink Crayon shades on Amazon. You will also learn how to style a purple beige nude for any occasion.
Key Takeaways
- Our top pick balances performance, gentleness, and value for most people.
- Match the formula to your specific needs using the buying criteria below.
- Read real verified reviews before buying, since marketing claims often overpromise.
Quick Answer: Top 3 Picks
- Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon in 25 Stay Exceptional Up to 8 hours of matte wear.
- Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon in 65 Settle For More Up to 8 hours of matte wear.
- Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon in Reach High Up to 8 hours of matte wear.
Full reviews and comparisons below.
On This Page
Our Top Picks
Best for: Your go-anywhere polished nude
#1 Best OverallMaybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon in 25 Stay Exceptional
- Up to 8 hours of matte wear
- Purple beige nude shade 25
- Built-in sharpener precision tip
Pros
- Balanced mauve suits many undertones
- Polished nude for work and events
Cons
- Muted tone can look flat in photos
- High demand causes stock-outs
Best for: Night-out berry to pair with the nude
Runner-UpMaybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon in 65 Settle For More
- Up to 8 hours of matte wear
- Deep berry wine shade
- Built-in sharpener precision tip
Pros
- Pairs as the evening partner shade
- Rich pigment in one swipe
Cons
- Much deeper than Stay Exceptional
- Needs liner for crisp edges
Best for: A rosier take on the nude crayon
Best ValueMaybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon in Reach High
- Up to 8 hours of matte wear
- Rosy pink nude shade
- Built-in sharpener precision tip
Pros
- Rosier alternative to Stay Exceptional
- Softer look for fair skin
Cons
- Lighter coverage than deeper shades
- Fades faster on the inner lip
Best for: 90s brown nude lip trends
Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon in Achieve It All
- Up to 8 hours of matte wear
- Brown nude 90s-inspired shade
- Built-in sharpener precision tip
Pros
- Trendy brown nude tone
- Great with bronze eye looks
Cons
- Brown can wash out cool undertones
- Needs blush to balance
Best for: Brighter mauve days when nude feels dull
Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon in On The Grind
- Up to 8 hours of matte wear
- Purple mauve pink shade
- Built-in sharpener precision tip
Pros
- Brighter mauve for more color
- Fun weekend alternative
Cons
- Bolder than Stay Exceptional
- Pink-purple not for everyone
Breaking down the purple beige shade
Stay Exceptional blends purple, beige and a whisper of mauve. It is muted, not bright, which makes it wearable daily. On fair skin it looks like a defined mauve nude. On medium skin it reads as a true MLBB shade, my lips but better. On deep skin it works as a soft neutral under a bold eye. The purple note stops it from pulling orange, which is the common nude pitfall. If most nudes wash you out, the mauve depth here keeps your face alive.
Who should buy this shade
This shade suits office wear, weddings and any event where you want polish without drama. Cool and neutral undertones will find it especially flattering. Warm undertones can wear it too, but test it in daylight first. It pairs beautifully with smoky eyes, since the muted lip lets eyes lead. It also works for minimal makeup days when you want one polished feature. Keep it in your bag as your safe, go-anywhere shade.
Closest alternatives in the Ink Crayon line
Reach High is rosier and slightly lighter, good if Stay Exceptional feels too deep. Lead The Way is a pinker beige for warmer looks. Settle For More goes much deeper into berry wine territory for evenings. On The Grind adds purple mauve pink with more brightness. Achieve It All is a brown nude for 90s-inspired looks. Swatch these side by side on your hand in daylight before deciding.
Making a nude crayon last all day
Exfoliate and blot away balm before applying. Outline first, then fill with the crayon tip. Blot once with tissue, then apply a second thin layer. This sandwich method doubles wear time. Avoid oily foods directly on the lips when you can. A quick center touch-up after lunch keeps it fresh. The built-in sharpener keeps your edge crisp for reapplication. A matching lip liner underneath adds serious grip for long days. Fill the entire lip with liner, then layer the crayon over it.
Styling a purple beige lip
Pair it with taupe and bronze eyeshadow for a soft neutral face. Add winged liner and this nude for classic polish. It works with both gold and silver jewelry. For outfits, it suits everything from blazers to evening dresses. Keep blush in the mauve family to harmonize. Avoid orange blush, which clashes with the purple note. This shade is a team player in any makeup look.
How to Choose Within Your Budget
Budget options work well for everyday needs. Mid-range products often deliver better ingredients and performance. Premium options suit those wanting the best formulas. Price does not always equal quality: several of our top picks are affordable. Set your budget first, then choose the best performer within it.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right maybelline superstay ink crayon in stay exceptional product comes down to matching formulas to your specific needs and routine, not chasing viral trends. Start with our top pick for the safest bet, or use the buying criteria above to narrow down based on your needs and budget. Consistency matters more than perfection: even the best product needs regular use for great results.
How We Test and Rank Products
We start with search data to find the products real shoppers actually buy. Then we analyze thousands of verified Amazon reviews, looking for patterns in praise and complaints. We check ingredient lists against expert guidance and compare specifications side by side. Products earn their ranking through consistent real-world performance, not marketing budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral to cool, with purple and beige in balance. Cool undertones will find it very flattering. Warm undertones should test it in daylight.
No, it has enough mauve depth to define fair lips. It reads as a polished nude, not a concealer lip. Pair with blush so your face stays lively.
Stay Exceptional is deeper and more purple beige. Reach High is lighter and rosier. Choose Stay Exceptional for more definition, Reach High for softness.
No, the precision tip acts as its own liner. You can add liner for extra longevity. Match the liner to the crayon shade for a seamless edge.
Yes, shade 25 is Stay Exceptional globally, though names translate. Check the number on the packaging when buying abroad. The formula is the same worldwide.