Merit Beauty's Signature Lipstick: The Non-Drying Matte That's Winning Hearts
For beauty enthusiasts, a flawless matte lipstick is often the holy grail of cosmetics. These products are celebrated for their long-lasting wear, requiring minimal touch-ups throughout the day, and they impart a clean, polished, and undeniably fashionable look. However, the traditional downside of matte formulas has always been their tendency to be incredibly drying. Many options on the market can leave lips feeling parched and uncomfortable, with some even applying unevenly, resulting in a blotchy or patchy finish that accentuates lip lines.
A Standout Exception in the Matte World
Every so often, a product emerges that defies these common pitfalls, and Merit Beauty's Signature Lipstick is precisely that exception. Lipstick lovers are awarding it five-star ratings because it combines all the advantages of traditional mattes with none of the drawbacks. Currently, some of the best shades in the lineup are discounted by up to 25%, making it an ideal time to invest in a true everyday matte. The standout deals are on shades like Sunday, Antibes, and Vermillion.
$20.80+ at Merit (regularly $28)
Sale or not, one reviewer has hailed this as the "softest, smoothest non-drying matte lipstick" available, and countless others echo this sentiment, making it hard to ignore. For instance, Sunday, a sophisticated pink, has become a spring and summer favorite. One user shared, "I normally stay away from matte lipsticks because they can be drying on the lips. But this line has such a comfortable formula that it does not feel drying at all."
Diverse Shades for Every Skin Tone
In total, there are seven additional shades to cater to various preferences. The brand thoughtfully showcases how each lipstick appears on a range of skin tones, from fair to deep, and according to photos and reviews, they all deliver vibrant color payoff. Janessa M, a verified buyer, praised Power, the cool-tone matte red, saying, "This is my new favorite bold lip for a night out. I love it!"
Another popular option is Vermillion, a warm red designed to flatter every complexion and undertone. Eva B commented, "I ordered Vermillion, and it's absolutely stunning. I've always been a lipstick girl. Now that I'm older, I have found my perfect creamy long lasting lipstick."
$20.80 at Merit (regularly $28)
The Secret Behind the Formula
The key to this lipstick's true color payoff and flattering application lies in its inclusion of sesame seed extract. This ingredient helps smooth and condition lips, ensuring more comfortable wear. It also contributes to the formula's overall velvety texture, which fills in and blurs lip lines—a benefit appreciated by both younger and more mature users. Unlike many mattes that can highlight natural lip lines, making color appear disjointed and messy, this formula addresses such concerns, especially as aging can lead to thinner, crepey lips due to collagen loss.
Shown above is the shade Antibes, a pretty, soft peach. The formula is lightweight yet highly saturated, so you don't have to compromise on color intensity. For example, you can confidently swipe on Maison, a berry mauve, knowing it will show up beautifully.
Eco-Friendly Packaging and Rave Reviews
Adding to its appeal, the chic and sleek packaging is made with 30% recycled plastic and ships in Merit's signature FSC-certified paper. What's not to love? Whether you're a matte aficionado or have avoided them due to dryness, this upgraded, velvety version is worth trying, especially with the best shades currently 25% off.
Here are more glowing reviews from satisfied customers:
- "One of the most softest, smoothest non-drying matte lipstick in the most perfect pink shade! This is going to be my go to spring & summer color!! OBSESSED" — Jackie L.
- "A comfortable and flattering matte. It glides across the lips easily and applies without drag. I appreciate that this formula doesn’t settle in or emphasize any lip lines you may have. It’s a formula that doesn’t leave my lips feeling extra dry after a few hours despite having lips that run naturally on the drier side of things." — Kim L.
- "I absolutely love this product!!! The formula is like pure velvet and leaves your lips matte but NOT dry. I have the color Sunday and I love how warm the shade is. I can see myself wearing this all summer long! It’s a must have!" — Jessie L.
$20.80+ at Merit (regularly $28)
The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through "fake" hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)
