We Reviewed The New Sheer Merit Beauty Lip Liner (2025)

Whether it’s perfecting a cupid’s bow, overlining lips, or creating a budge-proof base for lipstick, there’s almost nothing a lip liner can’t do. It’s one of the reasons they’re the most reached for products in our beauty arsenals, or, at least mine.

So, when I heard Merit Beauty, a brand known for effortless makeup looks, was launching into the lip liner category, along with a collection of lip oils, I was delighted. While the range will officially launch on the 18th of March, ELLE readers will have 48-hours early access. If you want to get the TL;DRon the product first, I took it for a spin.

As mentioned, Merit Beauty are something of a cult brand for people who love easy breezy beauty. Its The Minimalist, Perfecting Complexion Stick is on constant rotation in the ELLE office, and the Great Skin, Instant Glow Serum ($61) gives such an ethereally glossy sheen it was a go to on the set of The White Lotus season 3. If you want more fan girling from the ELLE team about our favourite products for a five-minute face you can read all about it. But more on the liner.

The Merit Lip Liner Reviewed

What do the Merit lip liner promise? The Signature Lip Sheer Liner ($38.00) is a hydrating gel formula designed for soft definition and sheer, all-over coverage. It’s an intriguing concept. Traditionally, lip liners are matte and opaque, perfect for perfecting an uneven lip or overlining Kylie Jenner-style, less ideal for quick application or layering over dry lips.

I often use lip liners solo. They provide fast, efficient definition without the heavy feeling of lipstick. But as someone with perpetually dry lips, I’ve struggled I’ve found they can cling to cracks and crevices, leaving me constantly topping up with lip gloss.

So, I was intrigued by the concept of a hydrating formula.

Merit notes on the product copy that “if you’re looking for a sharp, ultra-defined liner, this isn’t it.” After trying, I personally think this undersells the product. While the liner isn’t opaque, and I wouldn’t try overdrawing my lips with it, I provides immediate, natural definition and glides evenly across the lips.

There are eight shades that range from rosy pink, to biscuity nudes and deep browns, designed to provide a perfect “your lips but better” 90s nude for any skin tone. Essentially? Exactly what you’d expect from a brand focused on “could do it with your eyes closed” beauty products. The brand has launched four lip oils to accompany the liners

I found Coupé, a pink-rose, to be my “your lips but better” shade. Incidentally, it’s also the shade used by my new favourite person The White Lotus’s Aimee Lou Wood in this video, so felt like a no-brainer.

How The Signature Lip Sheer Liner Performed

The liner delivers a soft, satin finish while still feeling satisfyingly “grippy” (just what a good liner should feel like). I’ve been lining my lips and slightly blurring the edges inward for a softly defined look. Merit really cuts out the effort here, and I’m particularly grateful for the twist-up pencil with a sharpener hidden in the cap — because, honestly, I can never find one to save my life.

I’ve been pairing Coupé with the Shade Slick Sheen lip oil in Biarritz, a caramel rose, for a long-lasting, glossy 90s lip look. If you’re looking for a one-and-done product, this has become a staple in my everyday handbag.

As mentioned, ELLE Australia readers have early access to the launch so if you want to skip the inevitable waitlist when the liners sell out, we recommend heading to the site now. Below, find some other ELLE-favourites to shop while you’re there.

ELLE Favourites From Merit Beauty

01

Merit Beauty, The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick

$61 at Merit Beauty

Best for: zero effort flawless skin

A complexion stick is so easy to use it basically applies itself for you. The formula glides onto skin giving instant medium coverage that can be sheered out, or built up and gives a smooth buttery finish that’s radiant but never greasy.

Key Features:

• 30 shades
• Buildable lightweight coverage
• Packed with hydrating ingredients like daffodil extract and fatty acids
• Can double as a contour
• Vegan and cruelty free

Shop Now

02

Merit Beauty, Great Skin Glow Serum

$61 at Merit Beauty

Best for: a radiant base

This bi-phase serum leaves your skin looking and feeling “fresh”, not weighed down or greasy. It’s perfect for prepping skin before makeup — or dabbing on cheeks for a glitter free highlight.

Key Features

• Contains four kinds of hyaluronic acid
• Cacao seed extract, rich in caffeine gives an instant plumping effect
• Contains soothing niacinamide
• Non-comedogenic formula
• Shake well before use

Shop Now

03

Merit Beauty, Flush Balm Cheek Colour

$48 at Merit Beauty

Best for: apply-everywhere pop of colour

This blush melts into skin so seamlessly it’s almost impossible to over apply. The 13 shade range includes bright pops of colour, classic rosy pinks and a range of balmy neutrals we love to swipe across our lids as well as our cheeks. Plus, the packaging that fits perfectly into the palm of your hand makes executing a “scribble on, dab and go” makeup application easy.

Key Features:

• Satin finish
• Ultra-blendable
• Multi-use

Shop Now