Merit's New Lipstick Launch Is Both Matte and Moisturizing

(Image credit: Merit)

published 23 February 2024

The best way to boost your mood this winter? Swiping a bright color across your lips. Merit knows the power of a bright lip, and in that vein, officially launched its Signature Lip Matte Lipsticks this week.

The range, which feature a new formula to coincide with its already beloved satin lipstick range (one of the best everyday lipsticks, according to Marie Claire editors), has a velvet-like texture, with hyaluronic acid and sesame seed extract offering impressive hydrating and smoothing capabilities.

"Gone are the days of the dry, panic-inducing matte lips of the 2010s," writes Merit in a press release. "[The new matte lipsticks] promise a plush, velvet texture that gives a soft, blurred look in wearable colors for the everyday."

MERIT Signature Lip Lightweight Matte Lipstick

Like its satin predecessors, the new formula is available in eight shades: the mauve "Maison," warm brown "Equestrian," soft peach "Antibes," neutral "Classic," pink "Sunday," warm brick "Court," warm red "Vermillion," and cool red "Power."

Taking the product from day to red carpet, the ever stylish Greta Lee recently wore "Antibes" for the Critics' Choice Awards. Her makeup artist, Naoko Scintu, chose the shade to curate a "masculine chic" look with "naturally toned, subtly buffed finish" for the Past Lives star.

Greta Lee at the Critics Choice Awards 2024. — Greta Lee wore the shade "Antibes" to the Critics' Choice Awards in January 2024.

Marie Claire's beauty director Deena Campbell is also a huge fan of the new launch.

"Let me be clear: I'm a matte lipstick girl. The only thing a gloss can do for me is show me where the matte lipsticks are," Campbell says. "However, not all matte lipsticks work for me. Most are super drying; they always settle in the cracks and crevices of my lips, and I must exfoliate before application to get a super smooth finish."

She reports that's not the case with Merit. "Not only does the brand nail the moisture component, but its 'Equestrian' lippie, a coffee-colored shade, looks great on all skin tones."

Sold yet? Bid farewell to dry, wintery lips and shop the new launch above.

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Sophia Vilensky is a Freelance Beauty Writer at Marie Claire with a beauty, wellness, and entertainment journalism portfolio that includes contributions to Byrdie, Bravo, Teen Vogue, and Us Weekly. Growing up in a family of beauticians—and through her own personal studies—she developed an in-depth understanding of aesthetics, cosmetic product formulation, and beauty treatment development and has also held roles as a senior copywriter, content strategist, and proofreader for top beauty and wellness brands. Even so, you'd be hard pressed to find her with her hair and makeup actually done. Sophia is based in Minneapolis and is a 2019 graduate of the University of Minnesota, where she majored in English and minored in cinema studies. During her time at the university, she was the Arts & Entertainment Editor for the Minnesota Daily, earning the 2019 Editor of the Year award for her work. She connected deeply with the Twin Cities arts scene, collaborating with leading beauty professionals, designers, and artists. Graduating Summa Cum Laude, her thesis—a close-reading of Vanderpump Rules—was featured on NPR. When not immersed in writing or testing new products, Sophia enjoys watching reality TV, reading, and exploring the newest woo-woo wellness trends. Keep up with her on Instagram @sophiavilensky.