Maybelline Super Stay Skin Tint Review

What it is

A drugstore skin tint that aims to be lightweight, brightening, and long wearing with a natural radiant finish. It sits between a tint and a flexible light foundation, so you get quick evenness without a heavy base.

Quick Verdict

Best for: everyday, low effort, light to medium coverage with a healthy glow.
Skip if: you want full coverage, a true matte finish, or extremely long wear in heat and humidity without setting.

Why we picked it

• Fast, forgiving blend: fingers or a sponge give a smooth, even tint with very little effort.
• Flexible coverage: one layer brightens, two layers reach a true medium without caking.
• Friendly finish: radiant without looking greasy, which helps skin look fresher in real life and on front cameras.
• Plays nice with other products: grips to hydrating primers and layers well under spot concealer and blush.

Specs at a glance

• Type: liquid skin tint
• Coverage: light to medium, buildable
• Finish: radiant, skin-like
• Formula notes: water-based with a vitamin C derivative, non-comedogenic, vegan
• Wear claims: up to 24 hours, resists sweat, humidity, and fading
• Shades: 18 flexible shades
• Size: 1 fl oz

(Specs verified from the brand’s US product page.) Maybelline New York

Performance by skin type

Dry or mature

Glides over dry patches better than most drugstore bases. The glow helps blur fine lines. Apply over a hydrating moisturizer or serum and skip heavy powder. A light dusting just on the T-zone is enough.

Normal or combo

On normal skin it wears smoothly all day with minimal touchups. Combo skin should use a satin or mattifying primer on the T-zone and set with a sheer powder there. Blotting paper at lunchtime keeps the finish balanced.

Oily

It can work if you prep. Use a true mattifying primer, thin layers, and set the center of the face with powder. Expect some shine breakthrough after a few hours. If you live in high humidity or want ironclad oil control, consider one of the matte alternatives below.

Shade matching

The 18 “flex” shades are designed to cover multiple tones. If you usually sit between shades, start with the undertone match first, then adjust depth by bronzer or concealer. Testing along the jawline is still the easiest way to confirm.

How to apply for best results

1. Prep light. Moisturizer for dry skin, oil control primer for oily T-zones.
2. Shake well. This helps the pigments disperse evenly. Maybelline New York
3. Dot, then blend. Start with 3 to 5 small dots across the face. Blend with fingers for the most coverage or a damp sponge for the softest edge.
4. Build where needed. Add a thin second layer on redness, around the nose, or over hyperpigmentation.
5. Set strategically. Press a small amount of translucent powder on the sides of the nose, chin, and between the brows. Leave the cheeks alone to keep the glow.

Keep in mind

• It is a tint, not a full coverage foundation. Deep discoloration still needs targeted concealer.
• The radiant finish can read dewy under studio lights. Powder sparingly where cameras pick up shine.
• Long, sweaty days need primer and a setting step to hit the wear claims.

Who it’s for

• Great for: normal to dry, mature, or anyone who wants a quick, healthy finish without fuss.
• Works with caveats: combo or oily skin willing to use primer and set.
• Not ideal for: those who demand matte, transfer-proof, or full coverage.

Key features that matter

• Buildability: stays smooth even with a second pass.
• Texture: thin and weightless, so it’s comfortable for all-day wear.
• Finish control: accepts powder without turning heavy or cakey.
• Ingredient signal: includes a vitamin C derivative that supports brightness over time. Maybelline New York

Comparisons and smart alternatives

• L’Oréal True Match Nude Tinted Serum – silkier slip and slightly more coverage, a touch more glow. Pick this if you want a serum feel.
• e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter – more of a glow booster than a tint. Pick this if you want extra radiance under a separate foundation.
• Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless – traditional matte foundation with better oil control. Pick this if shine control matters more than glow.

Pros

• Easy, fast blend
• Natural radiant finish that flatters texture
• Buildable to a true medium without clinging
• Comfortable weightless feel
• Plays well with concealer and powder

Cons

• Shine breakthrough on oily T-zones without primer and powder
• Limited to 18 flexible shades
• Not for full coverage lovers
• Wear claims depend on prep and setting

Final Thoughts

Maybelline Super Stay Skin Tint is an everyday winner if you value speed, comfort, and a healthy finish more than max coverage. It gives enough polish for school runs and office calls, looks flattering in natural light, and takes well to quick touchups. If your skin is very oily or you want bulletproof longevity, use a gripping or mattifying primer and set the center of the face, or grab a matte foundation instead. For everyone else, this is a reliable, budget friendly base that makes skin look like skin.

See also

Looking for nearby picks and technique help next

• Try our Best Lightweight Foundations for Summer for other breathable options when heat rises.
• Read Best Foundation for Sensitive Skin if fragrance or breakouts are a concern.
• If you prefer skincare first, Best Tinted Moisturizers With SPF covers the easiest one-step daytime bases.
• Keep your stash fresh with Makeup Shelf Life and Storage: What To Toss When.
• For targeted brightness, see Best Concealers for Dry Skin That Don’t Crease for under-eye and spot work.

FAQs

1) Is it non-comedogenic and suitable for sensitive skin
Yes, the brand lists it as non-comedogenic and dermatologist tested. Always patch test if you are reactive.

2) Does it have SPF
No dedicated SPF is advertised in the US listing. Treat it as makeup and wear a separate sunscreen underneath.

3) Will it cover melasma or acne marks
It will blur and soften the look, but medium or full coverage concealer is still needed on darker spots.

4) What primer pairs best
Water based gripping or mattifying primers work well. Dry skin can use hydrating primers on the cheeks and a satin or matte primer on the T-zone.

5) How do I stop it from getting shiny midday
Use thin layers, set the center with a small amount of translucent powder, and keep blotting papers for touchups.

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