If there’s one brand we consistently come back to at PureWow, it’s Merit. Ever since its 2021 debut, the brand has mastered the art of minimalism, creating makeup for people who want to look put together without spending 45 minutes in front of a mirror. Everything can be paired with whatever you already have in your arsenal, which is exactly why the brand has developed such a loyal following. Its Merit Signature Lip Liner already has a permanent spot in my makeup routine, so news of a shade expansion immediately caught my attention. The brand just added six new shades to the roster: three richer, tone-enhancing hues and three softer shades that offer a subtle rosy pop. Naturally, as someone who takes lip liner very seriously (perhaps too seriously), I had to swatch them all. Here’s my honest take on each.
I Tried All 6 New Shades of Merit’s Signature Lip Liner—Here’s How They Look IRL
Six liners, one opinionated beauty editor
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Rose (dusty rose)
Merit
I’m a sucker for a good rosy lip, but finding your-lips-but-better shade is tricky on my darker skin. This one is soft, pretty and plays nicely with deeper lip colors because it’s so light. It’s barely noticeable, which is a plus when I only want a faint hint of rose. That said, it wasn’t my favorite of the bunch—I tend to gravitate toward shades with a bit more depth and contrast.
Cassis (rich rose)
Merit
From the first swipe, I knew Cassis and I were going to get along. The rich rose tone made my lips look warmer and fuller, but in a very natural way. It gives just enough color to make a difference without feeling too done. I’d definitely pair this with a red or pink lipstick for extra depth, or honestly wear it on its own.
Unfortunately, June didn’t quite work for me. While it has warmth on paper, on my lips it was practically invisible—so subtle that it barely registered. I applied it and genuinely had a brief wait…did anything happen? moment. For my brown skin tone, it didn’t add much definition or contrast, though I can see it being a beautiful everyday nude for lighter skin tones.
If I had to pick a sleeper hit from the bunch, it might be Subconscious. It has enough plum to feel interesting but enough mauve to still read wearable for every day. This is the kind of shade I’d reach for when I want a little edge without fully committing to a bold lip.
On me, Bauhaus gave that moody, bitten-lip effect that made my whole face look cooler and a little more sculpted. This is definitely not my everyday shade, but I love it for a night out because it adds a tad of drama without feeling too heavy. If I’m going out to dinner, drinks or anywhere with dim lighting, this is the shade I’d reach for.
As a brown-girl lip lover, I already knew Cowboy was for me. First of all, the name alone deserves points. Cowboy? I don’t know who came up with that, but I immediately pictured boots, fringe and a very expensive suede jacket. A rich warm brown liner is basically a staple in my makeup bag. Cowboy adds soft definition and pairs beautifully with gloss. If I had to pick a favorite from the lineup, this would be riding near the top.
