A Product Review & HOW-TO by Here We Are

Is it possible to put on lipstick once in the morning and have it still look freshly applied that night? Almost! Maybelline's SuperStay 24 Color lip-stain does a very good job of staying in place throughout your busy day with just a bit of upkeep along the way.

Here are 10 lip-smacking ways to get the best performance out of this popular product...

1. Be sure to apply the lip-stain to clean, product-free lips (don't put on balm or moisturizer before application). NOTE: If you have dry, cracked lips, this is not the product for you.

2. Apply only while seated or standing in a steady place (it's probably a bad idea to be driving or on a subway car when using this product). Why? When the lip-stain goes on, it's ON! TIP: The sponge applicator works a bit like a lip brush, in that, with a steady handed application you can shape your lips with this color and then fill in the lip area.

3. Do NOT gob it on. An even layer is all you need.

4. Be patient and wait the suggested 2 minute drying time. Don't speak or smack your lips. You will feel it drying. TIP: Keep your lips in a half-smile - lips apart - until it's dry.

5. Immediately apply the "conditioning balm." Maybelline supplies you with plenty of this clear balm which is hidden in the white end of the tube. NOTE: The key to making this product last is this balm.

6. Reapply the Maybelline balm throughout the day. The company calls this a two-step product (and it is, at first), but you will have to reapply the balm as you see or feel the color getting dry. I tried to go all day without reapplying the balm, but if you eat, drink, or kiss, the balm does wear off and the coverage begins to diminish. I even tested it by brushing my teeth and surprisingly, the coverage stayed strong and the color didn't smear; but more balm application was required.

7. To ensure a great looking finish, select the best shade of the 30 available colors for your skin - and age! Be warned, the frosts are very frosty on the lip and the color is true (the lip-stain pigmentation you see in the clear end of the tube is the color you get). NOTE: This product delivers a lot of punch for your kisser, so think less is more when selecting... BEWARE, the red shade called "Keep It Red" has so much pigment that it's VERY strong. I felt it was a bit too much red for me. The color in the picture above is #150, Timeless Toffee; I also tested #105, Blush On and both were really flattering colors.

8. Don't expect 24 hr coverage, but do expect great coverage with long-lasting color. When "balmed up," the color did not transfer to utensils, glassware, or napkins, AND your hair won't stick to the product (lip gloss wearers will appreciate this bonus).

9. Stick with the Maybelline balm; using other balms will break down the coverage. I tested it with beeswax and aloe vera based balms; both attempts resulted in diminished color and texture. While it may sound like there is a lot of balm re-application, it's fast, easy, and doesn't take the time and care it would to re-do lipstick (of any kind or brand).

10. Be sure to check your teeth after the color has dried (see step 4). While there shouldn't be any transfer, if you were heavy handed on the application, you might get a surprise smudge.

The one disappointment with this product is the lack of an SPF. The ingredient list for the color and the balm both read, "may contain Titanium Dioxide," but there is no definitive declaration from the company stating that it contains sufficient sunscreen. If you are going to be outside all day, opt for another product with sunscreen protection. 2016 update regarding SPF: Check out my product review on E.L.F. Lip Balm with SPF15 to Pucker Up For Protected Kissable Lips!

The SuperStay 24 Color is here to stay on your lips and in your purse. For about, $7.50 (USD), it is worth a try. Follow the 10 lip-smacking tips and you're sure to boost the performance of this lip color throughout your busy day. Put it on and smile!

{Product Review Disclaimer: This is NOT a paid review. No consideration of any kind was offered to or received by LUCIMAC Productions [the parent company of Here We Are] in connection with this product or review.}