From a brand Cameron Diaz and Sarah Jessica Parker wear.
I hold my coveted lipsticks to a high standard. They need to be pigmented, long-lasting, and moisturizing — there’s nothing worse than a drying lipstick. I have this experiment I do when I acquire new lipsticks and it’s called the date night test. I apply my lipstick and proceed to eat, drink, and even share some kisses to see how the lipstick holds up. Does it transfer? Do my lips feel dry? And by the time I get home, how much is left on my lips without reapplying? Recently, I decided to put Merit’s Matte Signature Lipsticks, the go-to brand for Cameron Diaz and Sarah Jessica Parker coveted products, to the test — and needless to say, it exceeded my expectations.
The lipstick comes in eight shades, including reds, pinks, and browns, and is available in a soft matte, but also has similar satin finish options. It’s lightweight on the lips, offers pigmented all-day coverage that’s buildable, and has a velvety texture that delivers a blurred finish for a polished look. The formulation is infused with hyaluronic acid and sesame seed extract, which allow lips to appear fuller, smoother, and moisturized.
Merit Matte Signature Lipstick
Buy Now $26
I’ve had the opportunity to try out three out of the eight matte lipstick shades: “Power,” a cool-toned red; “Classic,” a neutral mauve; and “Equestrian,” a warm brown. They all glide on like butter, feel so smooth and soft on the lips, and pair beautifully with my golden complexion.
When I ran my experiment, I applied about two layers so I could get the true richness of the shade, and the color was vibrant and despite it being matte, which I'm way more critical of, my lips didn’t look super textured. I shared a kiss with my boyfriend and noticed on my wine glasses that it did transfer onto the glass and his skin, so be mindful of what you wear and do when wearing this product. But with a quick check in my compact mirror, it wasn’t smudged on my lips and the color was still intensely visible.
I went on to have steak, potatoes and strawberry cheesecake. I had a bit of pigment left on my utensils afterwards, but the color was still on my lips. When I got home and had the chance to closely examine it in the mirror, I found that the color wasn’t as vibrant, but still left a nice stain on the lips and felt hydrated and soft. I wore the lipstick for over five hours without reapplying, and I feel like it would’ve lasted even longer if I did.
If you want a matte lipstick that feels like a second skin, doesn’t peel or dry out the lips, and is super pigmented, shop Merit’s Matte Signature Lipstick.
Buy Now $26
Buy Now $26
Buy Now $26
Buy Now $26
Buy Now $26
Buy Now $26