Merit Signature Lip Dupe -

Have I ever found myself standing in the middle of a drugstore, holding a lipstick and convincing myself it was an act of patriotism to choose the cheaper version?

Merit Signature Lip Dupe

I admit, the phrase “dupe” used to make me imagine an art heist: slick fingers, a velvet-lined case, a lipstick switched for its cheaper cousin while nobody was looking. Now it means something less cinematic but equally emotionally charged: finding a product that gives me the same look and feel as a pricier item without the bank-account remorse. In this article I will walk you through what the Merit Signature Lip is, why people search for dupes, the methods I used to find matches, and my honest, slightly neurotic opinions on the best dupes I discovered.

What is the Merit Signature Lip?

The Merit Signature Lip is a cult-favorite from a brand that sells a clean, minimalist vibe in lipstick form. I first noticed it because the packaging looks smugly unbothered—simple gold accents, a tube that feels like it has salaried employees, and a finish that promises satin-sheen comfort. The formula is usually described as hydrating with a creamy texture that sits on the lips, providing color without the glossy sticker-shine.

I will be blunt: I was intrigued because it promised an elegant, grown-up lip without the chalkiness some matte options force on me. It also has a loyal following who praise the color payoff and wearable shades, which is how I found myself compelled to test dupes.

Key features of the Merit Signature Lip

I like lists. Here’s the compact version of what makes Merit Signature Lip distinctive:

Finish: Satin/creamy with a subtle sheen.
Formula: Hydrating, medium pigment that layers well.
Packaging: Minimalist, luxurious feel.
Shades: Muted, sophisticated neutrals and mauves.
Price point: Mid-to-high range (this is partly why dupes are interesting).

I remember thinking, as one does while swatching swatches in the awkward lighting of a Sephora, that Merit manages to make nude shades look neither dead nor overly shiny. That’s a narrow lane they’ve carved out.

Why people look for a dupe

I will confess that my budget for lipstick is a complicated relationship. Sometimes I treat expensive lipstick like a proof-of-life; other times I measure my thriftiness in exact lipstick dollars and cents. Beyond money, people look for dupes for other reasons: availability, cruelty-free claims, ingredients, or simply because the original shade is sold out and that particular shade is needed immediately for a social obligation (weddings, funerals, or that suspiciously important brunch).

I also appreciate that a dupe can sometimes offer a minor improvement: slightly longer wear, fewer microplastics, or a scent that doesn’t remind me of my grandmother’s purse. The search for a dupe is usually an attempt to reconcile aesthetic desire with practical reality.

What I mean by “dupe”

When I say “dupe,” I don’t mean carbon copy. Makeup rarely behaves like photocopies. I classify dupes into tiers:

Exact visual dupe: Shade, finish, and texture are nearly indistinguishable in regular light.
Functional dupe: Similar wear, finish, and application, but with minor differences in pigment or hydration.
Inspired match: Same family of color and vibe, but different enough that you’d notice on close inspection.

I found that treating dupes as “close siblings” rather than identical twins saved a lot of disappointment and unnecessary transactions.

How I tested potential dupes

I tested products with the seriousness of someone trying to complete a particularly difficult jigsaw puzzle. My methodology tried to be systematic so that my personal bias (and there was a lot of it) was at least moderated by reproducible steps.

Lighting: Natural daylight whenever possible, and a cool LED light for consistency. I avoided the unforgivable yellow-bathroom-light swatch.
Skin tone and undertone: I noted my skin tone and undertone so others could map results to themselves. I have a neutral-leaning-warm undertone and fair-to-medium skin—this matters.
Application: Two coats, as I felt that matched Merit’s typical coverage. No lip liners unless the product recommended it.
Wear test: I tracked wear at 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours, including eating a sandwich (cheese involvement was a deliberate sacrifice on my part).
Texture and comfort: Noted transfer, hydration, feathering, and comfort.
Removal: How the product behaved during removal—staining vs. easy wipe.

Top dupes I found

Below I present the dupes that, by my judgment, come closest to Merit’s Signature Lip in various respects. Each entry includes a short review and who I think should try it.

1. ColourPop Lippie Stix (Best budget similar satin)

ColourPop Lippie Stix has matte and satin formulas, but their satin options are soft and pigmented. I find certain shades—especially the muted mauves—very reminiscent of Merit’s range. The texture isn’t as luxurious, but the payoff and shade families match well.

Price: Budget-friendly.
Finish: Satin/creamy.
Wear: 3–5 hours with minor transfer.
Pros: Affordable, widely available, good shade range.
Cons: Packaging less luxe, slightly dryer on me than Merit.

I would recommend this if you want to test the style without a heavy investment.

2. Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche (Best clean beauty dupe)

Bite Beauty’s Amuse Bouche line is known for clean formulations and creamy finishes. A few muted shades have that same grown-up nonchalant look I love from Merit.

Price: Mid-range.
Finish: Creamy satin.
Wear: 4–6 hours, good reapplication.
Pros: Clean ingredients, great texture.
Cons: Slightly thicker, can feel heavy if layered.

I reached for this when I wanted something that reads as “made with care” and didn’t trigger my lips’ occasional drama.

3. Kosas Wet Lip Oil Gloss (Best hydrating alternative)

Kosas Wet Lip is not a lipstick in the traditional sense, but some of the tinting shades give a similar sheen and color as Signature Lip. If Merit’s look is more about the healthy sheen than matte coverage, this is for you.

Price: Mid-high.
Finish: Sheer satin/gloss.
Wear: Needs reapplication frequently.
Pros: Hydrating, glossy finish.
Cons: Less pigmentation, more transfer.

I used this during a vacation when I planned to photograph aggressively and not eat too many messy foods.

4. Glossier Generation G (Best “your-lips-but-better” match)

Glossier’s Generation G (in its original formulation) had a blurrier, sheerer finish that matched a muted, natural Merit shade remarkably well. It’s softer and less polished but gives the same understated charm.

Price: Mid-range.
Finish: Sheer matte/satin.
Wear: 2–4 hours.
Pros: Effortless, low-maintenance.
Cons: Less defined, might require touch-ups.

I like this one for days when I want to appear like I put in effort without actually doing anything.

5. Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte (Best for pigment)

Huda’s bullet has a luxe weight and high pigment; certain shades mirror the depth of Merit’s darker neutrals while staying creamy.

Price: Mid-high.
Finish: Creamy matte (some satin notes).
Wear: 5–7 hours.
Pros: Strong pigment, comfortable.
Cons: Slightly heavier than Merit.

There was a time I wore this to a meeting and kept adjusting my lips because it felt like wearing a tiny velvet sofa.

6. Flower Beauty Lipstick (Best drugstore dupe)

Flower Beauty offers creamy formulas in muted neutral shades that mimic Merit’s aesthetic at a fraction of the cost. Packaging is simpler, but the payoff is honest.

Price: Budget.
Finish: Creamy satin.
Wear: 3–5 hours.
Pros: Affordable, good shade range.
Cons: Slightly more feathering.

I bought this out of curiosity and then vindicated myself by using the extra cash for a coffee.

7. Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé (Best long-wear silky option)

Rare Beauty’s lip offerings have a silky feel and modern packaging. Some colors replicate that quiet, editorial tone Merit goes for, especially in their muted pinks.

Price: Mid-range.
Finish: Silky cream.
Wear: 4–6 hours.
Pros: Modern shades, comfortable wear.
Cons: Slightly tacky for some.

I would recommend this if you prefer a modern formula with a recognizable brand ethos.

8. Nudestix Nudies (Best for subtle nude matches)

Nudestix offers stick formats that glide on and can achieve a similar soft-matte look with less sheen. Some shades are very close to Merit’s lighter neutrals.

Price: Mid-range.
Finish: Soft-matte to satin.
Wear: 3–5 hours.
Pros: Easy to apply, travel-friendly.
Cons: Less dimensional sheen.

Detailed comparison table

Product	Price Range	Finish	Closest Match	Wear (hours)	Notes
Merit Signature Lip	$$$	Satin/creamy	N/A	4–6	Minimalist packaging, balanced hydration
ColourPop Lippie Stix	$	Satin	Yes (some shades)	3–5	Great value, slightly drier
Bite Amuse Bouche	$$	Creamy satin	Yes	4–6	Clean formulation
Kosas Wet Lip	$$–$$$	Sheer satin/gloss	Functional	2–4	Hydrating, frequent reapply
Glossier Generation G	$$	Sheer matte/satin	Functional	2–4	Effortless, low coverage
Huda Power Bullet	$$	Creamy matte	Close	5–7	High pigment, weighty
Flower Beauty Lipstick	$	Creamy satin	Yes	3–5	Drugstore alternative
Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé	$$	Silky cream	Close	4–6	Modern formula
Nudestix Nudies	$$	Soft-matte/satin	Functional	3–5	Stick convenience

I made this table to calm my own anxiety about choices. The act of tabulating lipstick is strangely soothing.

Ingredients and safety

I read ingredient lists like some people read investment reports—looking for red flags, unclear jargon, and the occasional surprise. Merit tends to emphasize clean beauty positioning, though “clean” is a marketing term and not regulated. I paid attention to:

Parabens, phthalates, and other preservatives (often avoided by clean brands).
Emollients like shea butter or jojoba oil, which increase comfort.
Film-formers that increase wear time but sometimes add tackiness.
Fragrance: I personally avoid strong fragrance because my lips are dramatic and will protest.

If you have allergies, always check the specific ingredient list for the shade you’re considering. Shade formulations can differ.

Common problematic ingredients to watch for

I’m not a chemist, but I know what my lips don’t like. Some ingredients that cause issues for some people include:

Fragrance/parfum (can cause irritation).
Certain preservatives (e.g., methylisothiazolinone).
High levels of alcohols (can dry out the lip surface).

I like brands that are transparent. If a brand hides ingredients behind vague terms, I assume they are plotting something mildly suspicious.

How to pick your best dupe

Choosing the right dupe is part science, part mood. Here are practical tips I follow:

Know your undertone. Warm undertones usually look better in peachy or warm-nude shades; cool undertones pop in rosy or mauve tones. I fluctuate between neutral and warm, which complicates things.
Swatch on your lips when possible. Wrist swatches lie. Your lips have a different texture and undertone.
Consider opacity preference. Do you want a sheer wash of color or full coverage? A dupe can match one aspect but not both.
Think about comfort. If your lips get dry, prioritize hydrating formulas over long-wear bullets.
Sample sizes. If available, try mini sizes to test how the product ages and wears on you.

I tend to buy the sample or travel size for two weeks before committing—this is the lipstick version of a probationary period.

Application tips for making a dupe act like Merit Signature Lip

I have a small ritual that helps a dupe look closer to the original Merit style:

Exfoliate gently: I use a sugar scrub or soft toothbrush. This removes the flakey bits that make satin finishes look patchy.
Hydrate: A light balm, absorbed for a minute. Don’t apply too much or the lipstick will slip.
Use a liner: Match the lip liner to the shade but keep the line soft. I avoid sharp outlines unless I am trying to replicate a 1920s silent film star.
Apply lipstick with a brush for precision, then press lips together and blot with tissue.
Reapply a thin second layer for depth, but not so much that the shine becomes obvious.
Set lightly by pressing a thin tissue against the lips and dusting a microscopic bit of translucent powder between the tissue and lips. This helps reduce transfer without killing the satin finish.

These steps make a less expensive product behave like the slightly elevated finish I expect from Merit.

Where to buy and price comparison

I prefer buying in person when I can so I can test in daylight and avoid impulse purchases driven by influencer enthusiasm. That said, online shopping offers variety and often discount codes.

In-store: Sephora, Ulta, brand boutiques. Good for immediate swatching.
Online: Brand websites, Sephora.com, Ulta.com, Amazon (be careful of authenticity).
Drugstore chains: Target, Walmart for drugstore dupes like Flower Beauty or ColourPop.

Price comparison tip: set a price threshold for yourself. If the Merit’s price causes an audible twitch, look at mid-range substitutes first. Sometimes the price difference is minor enough that the convenience of buying Merit is justifiable.

Pros and cons of using dupes

I have used dupes like little experiments in living frugally and with dignity. There are pros:

Cost savings.
Similar aesthetics without brand markup.
Opportunity to discover lesser-known brands.

And cons:

Packaging and usability might be inferior.
Slight differences in formula can lead to increased touch-ups.
Emotional disappointment when a near match falls short in certain lights (especially bathroom fluorescence).

I learned that accepting a dupe requires flexible expectations. If you want exactness, be prepared to pay for it.

My verdict

If my lipstick collection were a small town, Merit would be the understated town hall: it looks expensive but is just quietly competent. Many dupes capture elements of Merit—color families, satin finish, and general wearability. I found that ColourPop, Bite, and Flower Beauty offered the best cost-to-value ratio, while Kosas and Rare Beauty presented more modern, cleaner formulations that matched the Merit vibe closely.

I would recommend trying a mid-range clean brand dupe first if you care about ingredients, and a ColourPop or Flower Beauty option if you want a budget-friendly test. If packaging and brand prestige matter to you (and I will not judge), buying Merit directly is a perfectly fine indulgence.

I should also confess that sometimes the act of buying a lipstick matters to me more than the lipstick itself. There’s an almost ceremonial aspect to it—unwrapping a tube, the tactile click, the first swipe. A dupe may not have the same theater, but it can provide the same final result with less financial aftershock.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are dupes legal?

Yes. A dupe is simply a similar product. Brands can make similar color products without legal issues unless they copy exact packaging or trademarked elements.

I once imagined a furious courtroom where two lipsticks stared at each other across the aisle. In reality, the courts are more interested in patent filings and clear cases of trademark infringement.

Will a dupe last as long as the Merit Signature Lip?

Wear time depends on formula, not brand name. Some dupes even outlasted Merit in my testing, and others required touch-ups more frequently. Check ingredient lists for film-forming agents if longevity is your priority.

Do dupes have the same ingredients?

Not necessarily. A dupe may mimic color and finish but use different emollients, waxes, or preservatives. If you have sensitivities, always compare ingredient lists.

How can I tell if a shade will work on me?

Swatch it in natural light and let it settle for a few minutes. Consider your undertone, and don’t trust a wrist swatch alone. If you can test in-store, that’s ideal.

Is it ethical to buy dupes?

This is a complicated moral salad. Some people feel dupes democratize beauty; others say it undercuts creativity. I mostly buy dupes and original versions depending on my mood and whether I can justify the price. I try to support brands whose ethics I respect, but I will occasionally let my wallet be the arbiter.

Final tips and personal confessions

Keep a small sample stash. I have a drawer that looks like a lipstick witness protection program.
Don’t be ashamed of testing two or three dupes. Color is subjective and so is my mood, which changes hourly.
Trust your everyday mirror more than a streaky phone photo.

On a final note, I bought one Merit lipstick to understand the original. I purchased three dupes to confirm my findings. I might have also purchased a lipstick that I can only describe as “an optimistic mauve” without knowing why I needed it. My lips are well-stocked, and my purse is heavier. In a small way, that feels like success.