Beauty Care: Maybelline Royal Vinyl Ink Lip Color Review & Swatches

Royal

Maybelline Royal Super Stay Vinyl Ink Liquid Lipcolor ($12.99 for 0.14 oz.) is a deep-dark, rich red with subtle, warmer undertones paired with a shiny, cream finish.

Opaque pigmentation
Fluid, spreadable, creamy
Set to a lightly-to-moderately tacky feel, no lifting
Transfer-resistant
Very long-wearing (14 hours of solid wear, some remained after 16 hours), lightly hydrating

FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).

Top Dupes

View Swatches View All Dupes

Giorgio Armani Attitude (602) (P, $38.00) is lighter (95% similar).
Chanel Rouge Noble (857) (LE, $45.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (95% similar).
Bite Beauty Tannin (DC, $26.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
Tarte Sandals (LE, $21.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
MAC Maison Rouge (P, $23.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
Chanel Unexpected (144) (P, $40.00) is lighter (85% similar).
Bite Beauty Virgo (LE, $26.00) is lighter, cooler (80% similar).
Smashbox Harley Quinn (LE, $24.00) is lighter, cooler (80% similar).
MAC Perfect Score (LE, $19.00) is lighter, cooler (80% similar).

View Swatches

Formula Overview

$12.99/0.14 oz. - $92.79 Per Ounce

The formula is supposed to have "no-budge" color that stays on for "16 hours" without smudging or transferring. It had a lightweight, smooth, and spreadable consistency that was quite fluid but typically not too thin or too runny, so it was easy enough to work with on my lips. Those with less lip real-estate may want to use just one side of the applicator initially, though.

The majority of shades had opaque coverage delivered in one layer. With this formula, you'll want to give it at least 15 seconds to "set," which is when it turns tackier, adheres, and doesn't transfer, but it is better to give it 30 seconds, then gently press lips together. There is a little tackiness that comes off but no visible color. (Before it is set, it is easy to get on teeth, but once it is set, then it doesn't transfer onto teeth!)

I found that the initial "set" phase can feel a little clingy--not uncomfortably so, but I know I'm wearing something--but it gets increasingly flexible and more comfortable after an hour or two of wear. The product was forgiving of lip texture imperfections, and it was quite long-wearing. There were a few shades that had a more jelly-like, slightly translucent finish rather than a more "vinyl" like, creamier sheen.

I had no issues with the color lasting through drinks (water, latte) and one meal, but two meals definitely wore it down more noticeably. It seemed to wear away evenly. I was impressed by the overall longevity but in particular the comfort: really quite comfortable and dare I say, lightly hydrating, over the 10-14 hours the shades wore for. The lighter shades tended to wear away more quickly compared to richer/deeper hues, which is typical of most lip color formulas.

It had a very sweet, caramel-like scent but no discernible taste. I didn't notice the scent much after the initial application.

Browse all of our Maybelline Super Stay Vinyl Ink Liquid Lipcolor swatches.

Ingredients

Isododecane, Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane/Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, C30-45 Alkyldimethylsilyl Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Trimethylsiloxyphenyl Dimethicone, Trimethyl Pentaphenyl Trisiloxane, Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Trihydroxystearin, Phenoxyethanol, Alumina, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Limonene, Isopropyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate, Silica, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Alcohol, Citronellol, Linalool, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Parfum/Fragrance. May Contain (+/-): Ci 77891/Titanium Dioxide, Ci 15850/Red 7, Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499/Iron Oxides, Ci 45410/Red 28 Lake, Ci 45380/Red 22 Lake, Ci 15985/Yellow 6 Lake, Ci 19140/Yellow 5 Lake, Ci 17200/Red 33 Lake, Ci 15850/Red 6, Ci 77742/Manganese Violet, Ci 42090/Blue 1 Lake. Fil T286301/1.

Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.