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Merit Beauty's Best-Selling Signature Lipstick Now Comes in 8 Stunning Matte Shades

Finally, a matte lipstick that doesn't dry out my lips.

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Published on February 22, 2024 07:00AM EST

Merit Beauty signature lip launch Tout — Photo:
Real Simple / Daisy Rodriguez

My secret to a quick beauty routine these days involves a little concealer and a bold lip to help me feel more put together—and not like I threw on my makeup in just a few minutes, which has been the case lately. Hence, I have a growing collection of lip colors, from brick red to fuschia, with glossy and satin finishes. The problem is these shiny formulas usually come at a price of multiple reapplications throughout the day, and my chronically dry and flaky lips require constant nourishment and care, which is why I've steered clear of most matte formulas.

A long-lasting matte lipstick that feels comfortable for all-day wear? Impossible. Or so I thought until I came across Merit's new Signature Lip Matte collection. It's not every day that we get a new drop from Merit Beauty—in fact, it's not often at all, considering the brand's minimalist philosophy. With a matte finish, the brand has reimagined its iconic Signature Lip while maintaining its buildability. Hydrating hyaluronic acid and conditioning sesame seed oil provide prolonged moisture, making this formula friendly for dry lips like mine.

Merit Beauty Signature Lip Matte

Merit Signature Lip LIGHTWEIGHT LIPSTICK — Merit

Buy Now for $26

The new formula comes in eight shades: golden brown 'Equestrian,' mauve 'Maison,' brick red 'Court,' blue-toned red 'Power,' orange-red 'Vermilion,' soft pink 'Sunday,' neutral pink 'Classic,' and peachy 'Antibes.' The brand sent me six colors to test, and although we'll all have different experiences with the individual shades, most of the colors played well with my light, olive skin tone. However, I was drawn to Power when craving something dramatic, and Maison and Classic as more everyday shades.

The matte lipsticks offer richer pigment than the original Signature Lip, letting me apply the goof-proof formula with just a few swipes. I always end up drawing outside the lines, but when cleaning up my pout, none of the hues left behind an unsightly stain, and they easily wiped off with some tissue without ruining my foundation.

I appreciate the soft, velvety texture that gives a slightly blurred effect to my lips, but most of all, I enjoy how lightweight it feels, even after hours of wear. And while it's not a transfer-proof formula, the lipsticks wore beautifully for five hours, and I only had to reapply after eating. As with all Merit products, you can bet the fancy packaging, made with 30 percent recycled plastic, looks intentionally beautiful when I set it on my desk, vanity, or bathroom counter.

Matte lipsticks have certainly come a long way, and Merit's new Signature Lip Matte collection is a testament to that. Shop more beautiful shades of the line below.