Lipsticks that claim to last for hours on end aren't a new product on the market. But following a few disappointing experiences with various products when the idea was new and over hyped, I have never trusted or invested in a lipstick that promises to past all day long without reapplying. It was purely by chance that Maybelline's 16 hour Superstay Lip Stick got a look in as it was on offer for £1.99 in my local TJ Hughes and was the exact colour I was looking for.

The lipstick is sold boxed as it contains two separate products. Firstly there is the colour itself which comes in a tube with an applicator built into the lid, similar to most lip glosses. Secondly is a long silver lipstick tube that contains a conditioning lip balm to ensure your pout stays silky smooth after applying the lip colour.

Applying the product is easy, though perhaps a little more time consuming than applying a normal lipstick due to the two stage process. Firstly, you need to apply the lip colour which is simple enough to do. One thing I have noticed is that the colour does appear darker and more intense on my lips than in the packaging. I'm not sure if this is a consistent feature of the range but you might want to test the colours before purchasing or buy a shade lighter than the colour you're hoping to achieve. You will then need to wait for the colour to dry which takes about a minute. This may sound like nonsense but the first time you use it, you'll understand.

About a minute after applying, my lips start to feel sticky and tight which I'm sure you'll agree is not pleasant at all. So the next step is to apply a generous slathering of the conditioning balm which is a clear lip balm that's similar to Lypsyl in appearance. This instantly counteracts the sticky tightness that the lip colour leaves on my lips leaving me with a soft kissable pout that's ready to face a day at work, a night on the tiles or whatever life throws at me.

But of course the question you're all dying to have answered is 'Does it really last 16 hours?' Well, I have to confess to not having timed it but it does last all day or all night depending on when I use it. The balm does wear off but the colour itself lasts for hours and even when the balm has worn off, the initial sticky and tight feeling from applying the colour fortunately doesn't return. Of course you can always reapply the balm but that sort of defeats the point of having a lip stick that lasts 16 hours. Although, having said that, as the balm is clear, a quick top up can be done in seconds without the aid of a mirror.

The other bonus of this lip colour is that the colour doesn't seem to transfer once it has set. I find I don't end up with wine glasses covered in lipstick smears and I can give the new fella a quick kiss without having to have a tissue on me to clean his cheek (or lips!) after. In fact, the only problem I've had with this colour was due to my own stupidity when I applied the lip colour and then decided to wear a different coloured lipstick. I foolishly smeared the colour off using the makeup artists favourite hand swiped over mouth technique. The lipstick then set in a clown like faux smile on my face and left my hand and wrist looking battered and bruised. The colour set within seconds and I was left looking like an extra from Night of the Living Dead just minutes before a night out. Fortunately, makeup remover did work but not makeup removing wipes. I found an oil based makeup remover took the colour off quickly and easily and I have since learnt a very valuable lesson!

But besides that, I haven't had any problems with the colour bleeding or smearing. So it would seem that I've become a convert and will no doubt be investing in some more colours soon.