My Honest Merit Makeup Review
Here’s my MERIT makeup review based on all of the products I’ve tried!
When it comes to cosmetics, finding a brand that aligns with your values and delivers on quality can be difficult. But if you’re on the hunt for makeup products that are easy to apply, look beautiful and natural, AND prioritize clean ingredients and sustainability… this post is for you!
In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into MERIT, a makeup brand that’s been making waves in the beauty industry and on social media. There’s no way you haven’t seen it pop up on your feed before – so I’m here to break down all of the products I’ve tried. Let’s go!
What is MERIT?
MERIT is a modern cosmetics brand that emphasizes clean beauty, simplicity, and sustainability. It was founded by Katherine Power – who also cofounded Who What Wear, Avaline Wine and Versed!
She created MERIT to fill a space in the luxury beauty industry. While there are a lot of luxury beauty brands, not all of them are clean, well-edited and made to bring out someone’s natural beauty.
Does MERIT ever have sales?
Unfortunately MERIT doesn’t do sales – at least not very often. I vaguely remember a discount some time last year but I haven’t seen one since.
That being said, their sets are the best way to save if you are looking at getting multiple products. You can also hold out for the Sephora sale too – just be aware that a lot of it sells out quickly that week!
Key Product Categories
Complexion:
One of MERIT’s signature products is their Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick. This is meant to be replace both your foundation and concealer in one little stick. They also now have a serum called Great Skin that you can apply before your makeup.
Cheeks:
The Flush Balm cream blush is a fan favorite, providing a natural flush of color to your cheeks. They also have a Bronze Balm, as well as Day Glow highlighter.
Eyes:
Merit offers a Brow 1980 Volumizing Pomade and a Clean Lash Lengthening Mascara, as well as a brand new Solo Shadow eyeshadow.
Lips:
The Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oils are a standout product, but don’t sleep on their lipstick either!
Brushes:
MERIT offers 2 brushes – Brush No. 1 is a blending brush for face products like the Minimalist Stick, Blush Balm, etc. Brush No. 2 was designed for their new eyeshadow.
Sets:
Want to try a bunch of products? Check out their sets! It’s the best way to get a discount if you are stocking up.
My MERIT Makeup Review
Now, let’s dive into the MERIT makeup products that I’ve tried!
Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick
The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick was made to replace both your foundation and concealer. While it’s not my favorite in either category, I do still think it’s a great addition to my makeup bag and here’s why.
This product offers really buildable coverage that still feels really natural. I personally like it best for spot coverage – especially since I can easily throw it in my purse for touchups throughout the day. I also like to use it with Halo Glow to add a little bit more glow and moisture to my skin.
The only thing I don’t like it for is under eye concealer. I personally just need a little bit more hydrating coverage under my eyes because… hereditary dark circles are real!
Bronze Balm
This product is a great cream bronzer for beginners. They claim it’s the easiest bronzer ever and I totally agree. It’s really sheer, so instead of a harsh contour, it’s more of a buildable way to add warmth to your face.
Flush Balm
Truth time – I ordered the flush balm a long time ago in Cheeky and I didn’t love it. I’d often put it on my lips (which is a nice perk!) but skip it on my face. Then I saw that the color Stockholm was back in stock – and that color is a WHOLE DIFFERENT STORY. It’s a stunning baby pink color that works perfectly with my skin tone. Blends super easily too!
MERIT Eyeshadow
Solo Shadow is MERIT makeup’s newest product. It’s a buildable cream-to-powder eyeshadow that comes in 8 different shades. Four of those are neutrals and the other four are more fun statements.
I got Social and Vachetta and both of them are super wearable colors. I also found them very easy to apply AND they stayed on all day without creasing or smudging at all. I’m a big fan!
Clean Lash Lengthening Mascara
I don’t usually get excited about mascara because my lashes don’t curl and I hate when mascara smudges on my face – but I have to give some props to this mascara. It’s lengthening, it doesn’t clump, and it doesn’t smudge. Like AT ALL. Even on the bottom lashes! It’s also easy to take off at the end of the day. Big win.
Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil
The Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oils are a must-try for those who want a pop of color on their lips without compromising on hydration. They’re easy to apply and give you a glossy finish that somehow isn’t sticky at all. They’re amazing.
Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick
I don’t think I’ve ever loved a lipstick like I love this one. It’s so lightweight and hydrating, it feels like you have nothing on. I have the shade Millennial and it’s such a great natural pink with a soft satin finish. Out of all of the MERIT makeup products I’ve tried, this one is my favorite. It’s so good!
Final thoughts on MERIT Makeup
Overall, I think MERIT is absolutely worth a shot if you’re in the need for new makeup products. Their commitment to clean ingredients, sustainability, and simplicity really set them apart from so many other options out there.
And whether you’re a makeup aficionado or a beginner, MERIT’s products are easy to use and really enhance your natural beauty in a way that will make you reach for them day after day, instead of just on special occasions.
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PS. You might also like more beauty favorites + my post of top Sephora picks!
