Pat McGrath’s New Lip Sculpt + Shade Contour Duo Is Here. We Tested It First.

Pat McGrath is no stranger to a long-lasting lip product. Last year, the brand released its transfer-proof Legendary Longwear Lip Liner that boasted eight hours of wear. But its latest launch, the Lip Sculpt + Contour Duo, gives you everything in one stick that you need to complete your lip combination, blending the precision of a smudge-proof liner with the plush feeling of a velvety lipstick. The hydrating formula is infused with avocado oil and pink purslane extract, a botanical extract coincidentally referred to in the plant community as “Kiss Me Quick”, and is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E to hydrate and soothe the lips. The lip duo comes in 12 shades, including muted and peachy nudes, bold reds, rich brown hues, and dramatic purples and blacks, offering something for everyone to incorporate into their makeup routine. So of course, our editors had to put it to the test. Below, see ELLE’s candid thoughts on the new Pat McGrath Lip Sculpt + Shade Contour Duo.

Katie Berohn, beauty editor

“I admittedly had a hard time finding a neutral shade for this product that looked natural on me—some of the colors are very light and don’t really resemble the images I saw online. Supernatural Nude, which I thought might be a good fit, made me look like I’d covered my lips in concealer. But you can’t go wrong with red, especially Elson, Pat McGrath’s signature color (the oneTaylor Swift wears). It’s a blue-leaning shade that makes your teeth look whiter and immediately makes you look more polished. I like how creamy the formula is, but I did find that the liner feathered out a little at the edges. That said, it stayed on for hours and lasted through a long lunch without smearing or rubbing off. Plus, I got tons of compliments.”

Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor

“People are always shocked when I tell them that I wear lip liner ’round the clock. As such, I’ve built a collection of shades that span from neutral, everyday tones to deep brown ’90s vixen shades. Shockolate Brown from Pat McGrath Labs falls right in the middle—not too cool to be unnoticeable, but not so dark that I can’t wear it without makeup. The creamy formula glides on buttery smooth, so it feels like I have a balm on even when I don’t. I enjoy the precision tip for a sharp but subtle overline, and the thicker pen end for a smudgy, post-makeout finish.”

Laura Tarafa, commerce writer

“I was really impressed by this product. I tend to gravitate toward natural, pink-toned lip shades that are close to my own lip color. Since I have a fair, true-neutral complexion, I opted for Peach Passion, and it’s a very flattering shade—not too pink and not too orange. The liner side applies very smoothly and precisely, making it easy to subtly overline and shade my lips. When I first saw the lipstick, which is noticeably lighter than the liner, I was concerned it might create a harsh contrast. However, the lipstick is just as soft and buttery, and it blends effortlessly to create a seamless ombré effect. I don’t need to reapply throughout the day, and my lips stay hydrated without any flaking. The formula doesn’t budge or settle into fine lines, which I’m really pleased about. My only drawback is that the liner may become difficult to sharpen as it dulls (especially since a precise tip is key for me), and the lipstick’s soft texture makes me suspect it could run out fairly quickly with regular use.”

Emma Aerin Becker, associate beauty commerce writer

“As a self-diagnosed lip liner addict, I’m obsessed with this product. Divine Rose is my perfect shade: the liner is brown enough to create a subtle contour, and the lipstick is pink enough to add some rosy life back into my lips. Having both shades and formulas combined into one convenient, pen-like package is just the cherry on top! I will admit, it is a little drying, but I actually prefer a drier formula that lasts to a glossy one that glides right off. It’s nothing a little clear gloss can’t solve anyway.”

Tasha Nicole Smith, beauty assistant

“If someone were to ask how many brown lip liners are too many, I would simply tell them, ‘The limit does not exist.’ As a brown liner connoisseur, it seems like I’ve tried every stain, pencil, crayon, and formula out there, and I am absolutely obsessed with this one. I usually go for a shade like Shockolate Brown, which is the perfect blend of rich brown shades for deeper tones. But I opted for Nude Dimension this time. The precise liner end of the duo is a cooler deep brown that blends seamlessly with the reddish undertones of the warmer lipstick. I prefer to go in with the skinnier tip to create a precise outline of my lips before using the wider end to buff out the harsh lines, instead of using it in the center of my lips as a lipstick. Then I top with a lip gloss for my go-to lip combination.”