Maybelline Superstay 10h Tint Gloss #540 Endless Ruby.

because i was too shy to wear it, right after buying the Yves Saint Laurent Glossy Stain #1 Violet Edition i went to the drugstore and got this Maybelline Superstay 10h Tint Gloss in #540 Endless Ruby as a transition colour to get used to the bold lip.
i also thought the two products were similar, so i wanted to try this cheaper alternative and compare them.

the Maybelline gloss comes in a bulgy tube, the packaging is really tasteless. the wide oval applicator is flexible and applies relatively precise, i don't find it as precise as the YSL Glossy Stain, but i also didn't need a lip brush to apply. with 10.5ml i think there is quite a lot content, i don't remember the exact price but it must have been something around 7-8€.

1 layer & 2 layers

Endless Ruby is a rich ruby red. the texture is gel-like, thinner and more watery than i expected, this is more a very pigmented tint and less of a gloss.
it has a strong artificial fruity scent of grapes, think grape candy. it applies evenly, a second layer can be added after the first is dried to intensify the colour and add a tiny bit of shine. the overall finish is not too shiny, maybe only like a creamy lipstick. the lip colour dries slightly sticky but not uncomfortably. my lips don't chap wearing this although there is no balmy phase to it like the Glossy Stains. wearing time is remarkable for a lightweight lip product like this, i had to retouch after about 4 hours to keep the intense colour. it fades down gradually when eating&drinking are involved because there's no glossy layer like in the YSL Vernis à Lèvres to keep the colour from dissolving when it comes in contact with liquids. that's my main complaint with how this stain wears - the colour fades mostly in the center of the lips and since this shade is so dark, i end up with a funny contrasting lip and its upgrade version: the "dark-lipliner-only" pout - if i focus on my beverages and cocktails too much and on my outer appearance too little ;)
all in all a really beautiful bold lip stain from the drugstore. i swatched them all and this might be the best in intensity and colour. it's not so much a dupe for the unique texture of YSL Glossy Stains (very excited to try the new L'Oreal Shine Caresse - these should be the perfect dupes), but one of the acceptable alternatives.
now that i'm uploading i notice that i don't have close up lip swatches. if you want to see them, please let me know so i will do some ;)

tihilw