Merit’s newest beauty product, the Signature Lip Liner, may have just hit virtual shelves, but it’s already made appearances on red carpets this awards season. That, plus the minimalist beauty brand’s cult following, has generated all sorts of buzz for the new arrival — to the tune of a 6,000-person waitlist.

All the fuss for Merit’s Signature Lip Liner is warranted, as the product joins in on the “lip balm-ification” of lip liners, where products like the Rhode Peptide Lip Shape favor easy-to-blend creaminess over lasting power. With Merit’s new lip liner, this manifests itself in a retractable fine-point pencil with a gel formula that’s enriched with nourishing jojoba complex.

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As seen on stars like Ayo Edebiri this year, the buttery texture of the Signature Lip Liner is apropos for acing the blurred lip trend, where liner takes on a diffused effect rather than a drawn-on one. By blending the pigments from the perimeter of the lips towards the center and topping it off with a coat of sheer gloss, the result is natural-looking definition and fullness.

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Perhaps that’s exactly what Merit had in mind when launching the Signature Lip Liner in eight shades, as it debuted in tandem with a new collection of the brand’s popular lip oil, the Shade Slick Sheens. Available for purchase separately or in a duo with the lip liner, the new Shade Slick Sheens include four shimmery shades that work effortlessly with the liners for a juicy lip look.

Our WWD Shop editors have been testing the new Signature Lip Liner — read on for our honest review.

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Merit Lip Liner Review — Editor Testing Notes

Merit’s new Signature Lip Liner is a major departure from standard pencils in the product category. Unlike most liners that create a fixed, almost stiff outline for your lips, the Signature Lip Liner has a hydrating, silky texture with sheer color payoff. It’s not transfer-proof by any means (and it doesn’t claim to be), but importantly, it fades evenly. This is a product you can trace onto your lips, tap to blend with your ring finger, then forget about while it continues to soften and subtly shape your lips throughout the day.

A benefit to the creamy consistency of the lip liner is that it makes the product great for beginners: The formula glides on like butter, even if your lips are dry, and if you accidentally trace outside of your lips, you can use a fingertip to quickly erase any excess. The sheer color payoff is a novice-friendly feature, too; it’s ideal for those who want an understated definition (though it’s not the best option for those who like to overline their lips).

Merit Signature Lip Liner WWD/Adam Mansuroglu

As per usual with Merit, the shade range is exceptional: There are flattering cool pinks, figgy mauves, and rich chocolate browns. One of the most genius moves Merit made with the lip liner is teaming the launch with expanded shades of its lip oil — and offering a menu of suggested color combinations to help you create a dimensional lip look. I like Beverly Hills liner with Pointelle Shade Slick for a light pink look, or Brownstone liner and Tabby Shade Slick as a modern take on the ’90s lip.

This lip liner is a dream for those who want a soft, fresh look without the need for constant touch-ups. It’s all about easy, wearable beauty — and Merit has nailed that concept once again.