In the modern beauty world, the concept of clean beauty is becoming increasingly popular. This is why I was so excited to try MERIT’s minimalist makeup. In this MERIT beauty review, I will be giving my honest opinion on their clean makeup products and how they can help you achieve effortless and chic beauty.
When it comes to my beauty routine my main goal is quick and easy. As a former makeup artist, quality in pigment, wear, and feel are what I look for. I’ve used almost all of MERIT’s products and have been impressed. I wanted to share my honest review, of my top picks for an easy, everyday makeup look.
About MERIT
MERIT is a brand that is redefining the beauty industry with its clean makeup products. Based in LA, by founder Katherine Power. MERIT also partnered with Hollywood aesthetician Biba de Sousa, famous for her no-list. They have focused on the formulas for their complexion products to ensure they don’t cause inflammation or potentially acne triggering, like coconut oil.
Their minimalist aesthetic and focus on effortless beauty make them stand out in the market. Their range of vegan and clean products is suitable for all skin types, ensuring that everyone can achieve a soft and natural makeup look. With MERIT, you can achieve a flawless face in just 5 minutes, making it perfect for your busy mornings.
The MERIT Line-Up: Product Breakdown
Great Skin: INSTANT GLOW SERUM
MERIT’s Great Skin Instant Glow Serum helps to brighten and hydrate the skin while leaving a healthy glow. It gave my skin a beautiful sheen when I wore it alone. It wears nicely under moisturizer and pairs well with the Complexion stick. It definitely made my skin feel soft, however, I did not notice it plump my skin. I did notice the most gorgeous glow.
Great Skin has both hyaluronic acid to help soften and niacinamide to help brighten. Those two powerhouse ingredients really left my skin looking glazed. My only issue with this product is the way it is dispensed. Initially, it is very watery-like and I wasn’t ready for it and it spilled down my hand. If it were in a dropper I think it would make more sense. I highly recommend this product, especially if you have dry, dull skin. You will love the sheen and feel.
The Minimalist PERFECTING COMPLEXION STICK
MERIT described their Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick as “It’s not a foundation or a concealer”. I would say that’s an accurate description. Excellent for seamlessly covering my melasma and looking undetectable! I use this stick underneath my eyes, underneath my nose, and on my chin. It blends easily with my fingers or with a brush.
If you like no “makeup-makeup”, the complexion stick is a great option. I tend to use the minimalist complexion stick as more of a concealer since I usually wear a tinted moisturizer/sunscreen as my everyday makeup. Also, the packaging is perfect to take on the go. MERIT has a blender brush to use alongside the complexion products. I did not buy this as I already had a brush to use. I did feel it in the store and it felt densely packed. This type of bristle makes blending easy. I would also like to mention they are vegan!
Flush Balm
MERIT’s Flush Balm is a beautiful, buildable creamy cheek tint that melts right into your skin. I have never had a cream blush last so long! This by far is one of my favorite cream blush products EVER. It leaves the skin dewy with a pop of color. I live in Colorado where the climate is very dry and sometimes creamy makeup can get absorbed into dry skin, but not this one. Recently< we took a trip to Michigan where it was 90 degrees with 90% humidity. With makeup, the opposite can happen, it literally melts off the face…this flush balm held up well and didn’t leave me looking like an oily mess either.
There are 9 colors in total. My favorites that I personally own are Stockholm (pink) was my first purchase, Beverly Hills (soft peach), and Terracotta (warm tan). I’m looking at Persimmon (orange-red) and Apres (berry)or fall cheek colors.
Shade slick is a tinted lip oil giving you a wash of color helping keep your lips healthy. There are two formulas:
The classics which are lightweight, buildable, saturated color with a high shine finish. I have the color taupe, which is a warm brown. I love the feel and that it has jojoba oil to help lock in moisture.
The other Shade Slick lip oil finish are The Gelées. These are sheerer for that bare-lip look. I have the color in Jete (sheer with a pink tint). Fun fact, this is formulated with blooming pigments that work with your lips’ natural pH and color to create a subtle stain. So the color will look a little different for everyone!
The Signature Lip is a lightweight lipstick that is smooth and has so much pigment! I am very sensitive to smells and this lipstick doesn’t smell like anything! The formula is almost balm-like, wears off evenly without patches, or rolling into the corners of the mouth.
Clean Lash: LENGTHENING MASCARA
I have to admit I had very low expectations for this mascara. I have never tried a clean mascara and I thought it would fall into the barely-there category leaving me looking sleepy. Well, I am happy to report, I was wrong. MERIT’S clean lash is a tubing mascara, which if you aren’t familiar, a tubing mascara wraps around each individual lash, creating a lengthening effect. The results are typically long-lasting, flexible, and won’t smudge or flake. I have tried many mascaras that make my lashes fall after they’ve been curled, but no MERIT’S clean lash. It was very easy to wash off and didn’t flake throughout the day. I highly recommend it.
The only products I do not have or have not tried are the Blending Brush No.1, Bronze balm, or the Brow 1980 Volumizing Pomade. As I run out of my current products I will add these into my makeup routine.
MERIT BEAUTY SETS
Merit Beauty recently launched new beauty sets. It’s a great way to try products and get a discount!
The 5-Minute Morning: This one is perfect for you if you’re looking for a five Minute Morning. Shop the seven piece The Five Minute Morning collection here.
The Core Collection: Everything you need and dare I say you may even get ready in less time. Includes: The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick, Flush balm cheek color, Shade Slick Lip Oil, Brush No.1 (blending brush), Day Glow, Clean Lash, and Brow 1980 (volumizing brow gel). Shop The Full Collection here.
The Prep Set: The base of your everyday routine. If you’re looking to have clear, glowing skin this is your bundle! You get the Instant glow serum, the Perfecting Complexion Stick, and the Blending brush. You can add your own favorite color to your perfect canvas. Shop the Prep Set here.
The Color Set: Perfect for trying some colors without completely committing. Great time to try as fall approaches and you want to switch up your make-up for the season. Shop the color set here.
The Importance of Choosing Clean Beauty Products
Clean beauty products are not only beneficial for your skin but also for the environment. By opting for clean makeup, you are avoiding harsh chemicals and toxins that can potentially harm your skin. With MERIT’s minimalist aesthetic and commitment to clean ingredients, you can feel confident knowing that their products are safe and gentle on your skin.
Final Verdict: Is MERIT Worth the Hype?
Absolutely! I can confidently say that it is worth the hype. Their 5-minute makeup routine, minimal aesthetics, and commitment to creating clean, beautiful makeup products are what sets them apart. Not only do their products feel light on the skin, but they also deliver stunning and long-lasting results. With quiet luxury on the rise in the fashion world, make-up is going to match the aesthetic; MERIT is a perfect compliment. If you’re someone who values clean beauty and wants to simplify your routine, MERIT is definitely worth a try.
Head to MERIT’s webpage to shop all MERIT products. If you shop through their website you will get a complimentary makeup bag. Or shop the pictures below from Sephora.
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