I have been a die-hard Merit fan since they launched in January 2021. Not to brag, but I was using the brand well before it went viral on Tiktok. I’m so happy to see so many people discovering how truly lovely their products are. In a world fully saturated with excessive products and constant launches, Merit has done so much more by simply doing less. They have created high quality makeup for those of us who aren’t pros and want a true 5-minute face. Today I wanted to share the Merit products I have been using and loving every day!
The Minimalist
Merit says that it’s not a foundation or a concealer, but it’ll replace both in your makeup bag. I am normally not a stick foundation person, as I tend to have dry skin and the formulas aren’t creamy enough, The Minimalist is the exception. It’s creamy, hydrating, and I have repurchased it time and again. I wear the shade Linen.
During the week, I typically use it to conceal blemishes or redness, but it’s easily buildable if if you need more coverage. I usually swipe in on directly where I need it and buff it out with a dense foundation brush. It has a pretty, satin finish that doesn’t stray too far matte or dewy. One tip I have is to make sure and moisturize well before using The Minimalist so it goes on nice and smooth. Skin prep is everything!
Great Skin
Formulated with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this skin prep serum is meant to be used to create the perfect base for your makeup. It absorbs quickly and creates the perfectly prepped surface to apply makeup. It’s important to shake it up well prior to use because the formula is bi-phasic, meaning it settles in the bottle as two layers. Shaking it before use means you’re getting all of that goodness inside the bottle. Because the ingredients are highly skincare-focused, it’s a great serum to wear on no-makeup days for a natural-looking glow too!
Flush Balm
For an easy, hydrating swipe of color, this is my go-to cream blush. It’s buildable and I even use it on my lips for a wash of color when I’m in a pinch. You can blend it with a brush, but I prefer to blend it out with my fingers. I have it in two shades, Cheeky (a cool pink) and Beverly Hills (a soft peach). If I want a more intense blush, I apply the balm directly to my skin. For more of a natural look, I like to get some on a brush and dab it on the apples of my cheeks. It lasts for a long time, so the price is definitely worth it.
Day Glow
I haven’t used another highlighter since I started using Merit’s highlighting balm. It’s the first one I’ve found that provides that lit-from-within glow without any glitter. It’s the perfect little something extra at the end of my routine and I love the extra moisture it provides. I use the shade Cava, and apply it on the highest point of my cheekbones after blending out my blush.
Clean Lash
The Merit mascara is a repeat purchase for me. I love the tubing formula because it adds lots of length to my otherwise very average lashes. It doesn’t flake, it doesn’t clump, and the brush is great at applying the product evenly on each lash. You can really build it up for a more dramatic look or just do one quick coat for something more natural. I also like that it’s easy to remove at the end of the day. It comes right off with warm water (so maybe not a great choice if waterproof is more your thing).
Signature Lip
I’m a bit of a lip product junkie, but I never stray far from Merit’s incredible lipstick. I have it in two shades, Baby (a neutral pink for every day) and Cabo (an orangey red). It’s got a satin finish and lots of moisturizing ingredients so your lips stay hydrated throughout the day. The formula is sheer, but buildable so you can dab on a little or a lot depending on the look you’re going for. It’s so comfortable to wear, and I love that it goes on so silky smooth.
The gorgeous packaging is a fun perk too! I always feel so chic pulling the pretty little capsule out of my purse, and the custom imprint on the lipstick itself gives it such a luxe vibe.
Shade Slick
Last, but certainly not least is their lip oil. It comes in 12 shades and goes great alone or on top of the Signature Lip. I use it regularly to keep my lips moisturized. Grapeseed oil and shea butter are included to hydrate lips without feeling sticky like a traditional gloss, and the jojoba oil works to create a barrier to keep all that moisture locked in. It’s a great one to keep in your purse!
Merit has been a staple in my makeup bag for a while now. I love the simplicity of the line, the luxurious touches, and the genuinely high quality of each product. A few products I haven’t purchased yet include the Bronze Balm and the Brow Pomade, but if you have I’d love to know your thoughts! The packaging for all the products is not only beautiful, but it’s great for travel as well. Merit is great for someone like me who’s not a makeup pro, but wants to look more put together for the day. If you’ve been on the fence about giving Merit a try, I highly recommend it!
