I had been carrying around the same old Clinique Bonus lipstick for years (years, I tell ya) in the makeup bag I keep at work.

When I had to use it one day, it dawned on me that it should probably be called "Frosted Hideous Freak of Nature", so, I flung it into the trashcan. I proved a point for fashion, but, I was lipstick-less, so I ran down the street to the drugstore intending to pick up something quickly.

Maybelline Superstay Lip Color caught my eye since I had heard people talking about long lasting lipsitck, so I thought I'd give it a try.

I'm picky about colors, but, I loved the "Raisin". Once I got it unwrapped, I realized it had two ends: one end is the sponge-tipped applicator, and, the other is a conditioning balm thing.

I immediately applied the color using the sponge tipped applicator, and, it went on well. It is almost paint-like, so, I was a bit surprised when I had a hard time correcting a mistake. I then put the lip balm stuff on, and, it didn't go on smoothly, and, the balm stick thing itself was covered in lipstick.

Though I was sad because I liked the color, I figured this was going to be another addition to my "Things That Were a Good Idea When I Bought Them, but, They Didn't End Up Looking Like I Expected Them To" drawer.

Then I read the directions. And the angels sang.

You have to put the stuff on carefully, and, let it dry first. THEN you put the balm stuff on.

Love this stuff.

It really is long lasting, but, I'm not sure it has gone 16 hours like it says, though. But, that's OK, people who I care about seeing me in lipstick don't look at me for 16 hours.

I have nearly used a whole tube, and, the balm stuff has worn down, but, I read that you can buy refills for it, though I haven't tried to, yet.

It comes in several different colors, and, is available at drugstores.