SuperStay Matte Ink Guide: Get 16 Hours From One Application

An educational guide from the Beauty AMZ research team. No hard sell, just what you need to know.
Prepping lips for 16-hour wear
Longwear liquid needs a smooth base to grip. Exfoliate gently with a scrub or damp washcloth. Apply a thin layer of balm, then blot it all off after five minutes. Any oil left on the lips breaks the formula down. Skip lip primer, since most primers add slip. Your lips should feel clean and dry before the first swipe. This prep step adds hours to your wear time.
The one-swipe application method
Shake the tube well before opening. Wipe excess product off the applicator. Outline your lips with the pointed tip. Fill in with the flat side using thin strokes. Do not press your lips together while it dries. Let it set for two full minutes without talking. One thin layer beats two thick layers for both comfort and wear. Keep a steady hand and work in good light for the cleanest edge. Rushing causes the uneven lines that ruin longwear liquid lipstick.
Fixing mistakes without starting over
Keep a cotton swab and micellar water nearby. Clean the edge immediately if you slip outside the line. Once the formula sets, corrections get harder. A small flat brush with concealer sharpens the edge after drying. Avoid layering fresh product over dried product, since it pills. If a section fails, remove that area and reapply thinly. A lip brush dipped in micellar water erases small slips precisely. For bigger errors, remove the whole lip and restart with a thinner layer.
Eating and drinking with longwear lipstick
Drink through a straw when you can to protect the color. Blot your lips gently after meals instead of wiping. Carry the tube for a quick center touch-up after greasy food. The outer edge usually survives meals intact. A thin reapplication on the center blends invisibly. This routine keeps the color fresh from morning to night. Matte Ink handles coffee and water easily once fully set. Straws help, but the formula is forgiving enough for careful direct sipping.
Night removal and lip recovery
Always remove longwear liquid before bed. Soak a pad in cleansing oil and press for 30 seconds. Wipe softly downward, then check for leftover tint. Follow with a thick layer of lip balm or a sleeping mask. Exfoliate the next morning if your lips feel dry. Give your lips one balm-only day per week to recover fully. Follow removal with a thick balm to restore moisture overnight. Your lips will feel smooth and ready for the next morning application.
Recommended Products
These SuperStay Matte Ink picks pair Globetrotter with the best-selling nudes and reds in the same 16-hour formula.

Best for: Long days when you cannot touch up
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in 135 Globetrotter
- Up to 16 hours of wear
- Warm brown beige City Edition shade
- Arrow applicator for precise edges
Pros
- Extreme staying power for the price
- 90s brown nude suits medium to deep skin
Cons
- Feels drier than crayon formulas
- Needs careful thin application

Best for: Everyday soft nude with serious staying power
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in Revolutionary
- Up to 16 hours of wear
- Light mauve pink nude shade
- Arrow applicator for precise edges
Pros
- Soft nude suits fair to light skin
- Same longwear formula as Globetrotter
Cons
- Light shade needs exact application
- Can emphasize dry lips

Best for: Mauve lovers wanting all-day color
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in Savant
- Up to 16 hours of wear
- Savant mauve nude shade
- Arrow applicator for precise edges
Pros
- Versatile mauve works day to night
- Highly pigmented single swipe
Cons
- Matte finish needs lip prep
- Removal takes micellar water

Best for: Bold warm red statements that last
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in Innovator
- Up to 16 hours of wear
- Innovator orange red shade
- Arrow applicator for precise edges
Pros
- Bold orange red for warm undertones
- Survives drinks and talking
Cons
- Bright shade unforgiving of mistakes
- Not ideal for conservative offices

Best for: Deep nude lip looks with 16-hour wear
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in Mover
- Up to 16 hours of wear
- Mover mocha nude shade
- Arrow applicator for precise edges
Pros
- Deep mocha nude for deeper skin
- Creamy application before it sets
Cons
- Dark shade shows uneven prep
- Stains slightly if left overnight
Ready to Choose?
See our top product picks for maybelline superstay matte ink in globetrotter, or jump straight to the head-to-head comparison of the two most popular options.