I purchased Maybelline Superstay 24hr Color in Burgundy (#585), which is a deep, dark, red-wine burgundy colour packaged in a dual ended tube. The lipstick colour twists off one end of the tube and has a colts-foot applicator. At the other end of the tube is a slide out, retractable lip balm.
This lipstick was very disappointing and didn't live up to expectations, especially since Maybelline's website stated "No crumbling, caking, fading, feathering or transferring." I found that this colour "split" if I smiled and remained stripy for the rest of the day, so much for the "micro-flex formula"! This may not be as noticable with lighter colours but after trying this darker one and being horribly disappointed, I'm not prepared to purchase another Maybelline Superstay 24hr lipstick.
I found that I had to reapply the moisturising lip balm every hour, as it doesn't last very long and the colour underneath still feels very dry. This could probably be fixed by applying a small amount of lip balm before applying any make-up and then removing the excess lip balm before applying the lipstick, although this may compromise the staying power of the lipstick even more.
When reapplying the Superstay lip balm, the lipstick colour did start to flake off a little and ended up on the lip balm. The amount of lip balm provided in the tube is definitely not enough to last as long as the colour and if you apply any regular lip balm (any brand) once you've run out of Maybelline Superstay balm, the lipstick colour goes patchy and immediately starts coming off. Apparently Maybelline Superstay Balm is sold individually with no colour attached, but I haven't seen it anywhere and I don't see why they can't provide something that lasts as long as the colour does, seeing as the two need to be used together.
Compared to Maybelline Superstay Gloss 12hr, which comes with a clear lip gloss instead of a lip balm (the gloss tends to run out when there's still half a tube of colour), the formula of the 14hr seems to be a little better. Even though it does pill and look patchy after about 3 hours. I found it lasted longer and felt better on my lips than the 24hr colour does.
Personally, I'm very disappointed in this product and would not recommend it to anyone. If you're looking for a decent Maybelline lipstick rather avoid these dual ended colour and gloss/balm tubes and try Maybelline 14hr Lipstick in the traditional lipstick bullet packaging.
I'm seriously shocked at the negative reviews and I'm so sorry they haven't had the awesome experience I have. I bought Very Cranberry and loved it soooo much I went out the next day and also bought Coral and Toffee too!! As per the other reviews, the lipstick colour twists off one end of the tube and has a colts-foot applicator. At the other end of the tube is a slide out, retractable lip balm... it really does last much much longer than any other lipstick/lip gloss I've ever tried. I ate and drunk and ate and drunk some more and did a yoga class and sweated and it was STILL on and looking fresh - not dry or flaky at all. I've had it last 8 hours which is a miracle.
Tips: I think the tricks and tricks to this magic stay proof lippy are:
Make sure that you don't have any other lipstick on first, it doesn't mix well - a moisturiser or balm first is good though.
You can't re-apply this lipstick, otherwise it does go flaky and dry. If it's been 8 hours and you might need to re-apply, completely remove it before putting it on.
After a few hours it can feel a little dry, but only if you lick your lips etc. Either way it will still look GORG. If you want to, add some more of the clear balm, or use any other lip balm/moisturiser that you have.