Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in Exhilarator Review: The Best Red Lipstick for Busy Moms?
You know that feeling when you swipe on a bold red lip and just hope it won’t betray you halfway through the day? Yeah… me too. Lipstick letdowns are real — smudging on your coffee cup, fading after lunch, or worse, getting on your teeth. As a busy mom, I don’t have time for constant touch-ups or mirror checks. So I finally decided to put the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in the shade 340 Exhilarator to the test to see if it lives up to the internet hype.
Spoiler: This lipstick understood the assignment.
🎯 Why I Wanted to Try This Lipstick
Red lipstick is a classic — powerful, bold, and timeless. But let’s be honest: not all reds are created equal. I’ve tried my share of “long-wear” formulas that either dried my lips out or vanished by lunchtime. As a content creator and mom always on the go, I need a lip color that can: Survive meals and snacks, Look great in photos and videos, and Stay put during errands, meetings, and playtime.
So when I kept seeing Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink go viral on TikTok and YouTube, I knew I had to see what the hype was about.
👄 First Impressions: Formula + Application
Right off the bat — this color is bold. Like, head-turning, confidence-boosting red. Shade 340, “Exhilarator,” is that true statement red that instantly elevates your look. The packaging is sleek, and the precision applicator makes it easy to get sharp edges without needing a separate lip liner.
The formula glides on smooth but does take a few minutes to fully set. Once it dries down? That lipstick is LOCKED in.
💋 How I Applied It for Best Results
If you want that perfect, long-lasting red lip, here’s exactly how I applied it:
Exfoliated my lips with a sugar scrub — always helps with smooth application.
Used a little balm about 10 minutes before, then blotted off excess to avoid interfering with the matte formula.
Applied one coat of the lipstick using the applicator tip to outline, then filled in.
Waited 5 minutes before eating, drinking, or even rubbing my lips together — patience pays off.
💡 Pro tip: For the cleanest finish, use a bit of concealer to tidy up the edges after applying!
🧪 Wear Test: Is It Really Transfer-Proof?
So I did test the staying power, I wore it through: one meal, work, snacks, drinks, kissing my baby on the forehead (important test 😂), and last being outside in Houston heat. I even did the napkin test — just a tiny dot came off. But the lipstick still looked fresh and vibrant on my lips hours later. No smudging, no weird flaking, and surprisingly… no dryness. My lips didn’t feel crusty at all, which is a big deal with most matte lipsticks.
✅ Pros & Cons Breakdown
Here’s my honest take after a full day of wear:
ProsConsLong-wearing (6–10 hours!)Slight stickiness at firstTrue red pigmentNeeds oil-based removerAffordable (under $10)Can feel thick if layeredDoesn’t feather or bleedRequires a little patience to dryGreat for photos + videosNot ideal if you need quick removal
💰 Budget Beauty That Performs Like Luxury
This lipstick gave me luxury-level pigment and staying power for drugstore prices. If you’re ballin’ on a budget but still want something bold and reliable, this is a solid pick. It’s usually under $10, and you can often catch it on sale at: CVS, Walgreens, Amazon, and Ulta Beauty.
And yes — it’s available in over 30 shades if red isn’t your everyday vibe.
🔁 How It Compares to Other Reds I’ve Tried
ProductPigmentLongevityPriceEase of UseMaybelline SuperStay🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💸Beginner-friendlyMAC Ruby Woo🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💸💸💸Needs linerFenty Uncensored🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💸💸💸💸Best with precisionRevlon ColorStay🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💸Slight feathering
👩🏽🍼 Mom-Tested & Approved
As a mom, I can confidently say this lipstick passed the real-life test. Between wiping noses, feeding snacks, taking photos, and bouncing between tasks — I still looked put together without needing to reapply. It’s low-maintenance beauty for high-demand days.
🎥 Want to See It in Action? Watch the full try-on + wear test here:
https://youtu.be/jLPB9bvE6C8?si=hxnu3n1ZaYTAJAhT
📲 Let’s Connect If you love honest beauty reviews, wear tests, and product first impressions.
Follow me for more:
📸 Instagram: @twentyishthirty
🎥 YouTube: @TwentyishThirty
Let’s keep our lipstick poppin’ and our wallets happy
💋 Final Verdict: If you’re looking for a long-lasting, transfer-proof red lip that won’t break the bank — Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in Exhilarator delivers everything it promises and more. Perfect for beauty lovers, busy moms, and anyone who wants to rock a red lip without the constant upkeep. Try it, love it, and thank me later.
