Brand Introduction
Today, I will be sharing my thoughts on a brand that has been generating a lot of curiosity among my followers. I received numerous questions in my DMs, asking for my opinion on this brand. So, I decided to visit Sephora and purchased a range of products from the brand, using my own money. I wanted to provide an honest review based on my personal experience with Merit Beauty.
First Impressions
Initially, I intended to give you my first impressions, but I realized that to provide a more comprehensive review, I needed to have some wear time with the products. I have used the items a couple of times now, and there is definitely a standout favorite among them. I am thrilled to share my thoughts and demonstrate how the products perform.
Before I begin, I must mention that I have dry lips. Therefore, I will apply a bit of lip balm before proceeding. While I did purchase the lipstick, I opted for skipping the lip oil. Now, let’s delve into the reasons why Merit caught my attention in the first place.
Branding and Messaging
As a business owner myself, I am always fascinated by a brand’s ethos and messaging. Merit’s branding truly resonated with me. They emphasize that many of us are tired of the countless 20-30 eyeshadow palettes where we only end up using two favorite shades. What sets Merit apart is their commitment to simplifying our routines and providing products that are essential and versatile.
Product Performance
Let’s jump into the actual product performance. One of the standout items for me is their Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation. The texture is lightweight, yet it provides ample coverage, allowing your skin to breathe. It effortlessly blurs imperfections and creates a natural, radiant finish. I am thoroughly impressed with its ability to enhance my complexion without feeling heavy.
Another product that caught my attention is their Clean Lash Lengthening Mascara. This mascara truly lives up to its name by elongating and defining every lash while remaining clump-free. The formula is neither too wet nor too dry, which ensures a smooth application and prevents any messy mishaps.
For those who prefer a more natural-looking flush of color, I highly recommend trying their Flush Balm Cream Blush. It adds a subtle and buildable tint to the cheeks, giving you a youthful and healthy glow. The cream texture blends seamlessly into the skin, making it an excellent option for achieving that effortless, dewy finish.
Easy to Use
One of the standout features of Merit Beauty’s products is how easy they are to use. From the moment I started applying them, it was clear that the brand has made user-friendliness a priority. Using my trusty artist kit company Clips to hold my hair back, I dived right into testing the products.
Stunning Visuals and Messaging
Before even trying the products, I was already captivated by the brand’s messaging and visuals. The aesthetics of Merit Beauty are absolutely stunning and drew me in immediately. The sleek and minimalistic packaging reflects the brand’s emphasis on simplicity and natural beauty.
The Great Skin Instant Glow Serum
The first product I tried was the Great Skin Instant Glow Serum. Upon opening the bottle, I immediately noticed its watery consistency. Be warned, it can get a little messy if you’re not careful. I made the mistake of not shaking it properly the first time, and it splashed onto my face. I recommend rubbing your hands together before applying it to ensure better control.
A Skin Care Primer in One
The Great Skin Instant Glow Serum is marketed as a skincare primer in one. It not only gives your skin a beautiful glow but also acts as a primer to create a smooth canvas for makeup application. The serum feels amazing on the skin, and I was pleasantly surprised by its affordable price point of $38.
Highlighter, Cream Blush, and Lip Tint
The Merit Beauty lineup also includes a highlighter, cream blush, and lip tint. These three products work harmoniously to enhance your natural features and give you a fresh, effortless look. The highlighter provides a luminous sheen, the cream blush adds a healthy flush of color, and the lip tint gives your lips a subtle hint of color.
High-Quality and Long-Lasting
I was impressed by the high quality and long-lasting nature of Merit Beauty’s products. The formulas are richly pigmented and blend like a dream. Even after a full day of wear, my makeup remained intact and fresh-looking. It’s clear that the brand values both efficacy and performance.
Review of Merit Beauty
Product 1: Flush Balm
The first product I tried from Merit Beauty is their Flush Balm. This product is marketed as a multitasking balm that can be used under makeup. Personally, I find the price point to be reasonable for a product that serves multiple purposes. Not only does it provide a good glow, but it also feels great on the skin. However, I would like to mention that if you have oily skin, this may not be the best product for you. As someone with dry and dehydrated skin, I really enjoy using this balm.
Product 2: Foundation Stick
Next, I decided to try out Merit Beauty’s minimalist perfecting foundation stick in the shade “linen”. The shade match is pretty good, although I do find that my body tends to be warmer than my face, so I often have to use a bit more bronzer to make it blend seamlessly. The foundation stick is easy to blend in, and you can even use your fingers if you’re in a rush or prefer a more natural finish. I appreciate the brand’s focus on creating makeup that is user-friendly and can be done in just a few minutes.
User-friendly and Mess-free
One aspect of Merit Beauty that I really admire is how user-friendly their products are. The brand emphasizes the idea of makeup on the go, allowing you to create a polished look within minutes. What I particularly appreciate is that their products are very forgiving. You can make mistakes and still achieve a great result, which is not always the case with other makeup brands.
While I have had positive experiences with Merit Beauty products, I have also heard similar feedback from friends who have tried their products. It seems that the brand has managed to create a line that appeals to a wide range of individuals, regardless of their skill level or skin type.
Merit Beauty offers a selection of makeup products that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical for everyday use. From their Flush Balm to their Foundation Stick, the brand focuses on creating products that are user-friendly and perfect for those who are always on the go.
Foundation Coverage
When it comes to the coverage of Merit Beauty’s foundation, it leans more towards the lighter side. I would describe it as a light to medium coverage. However, it’s important to note that the brand doesn’t offer a concealer. Personally, I feel the need for a bit more coverage, especially under the eyes. So, while this Foundation stick works well in evening out the skin tone, I would still prefer to add a concealer for extra coverage.
Foundation Stick
The Merit Beauty Foundation stick has a small dome shape, which is a plus in my book. Unlike those obnoxiously huge brushes that are hard to maneuver under the eyes, this dome-shaped brush is more user-friendly. However, it’s worth mentioning that Merit Beauty only offers one kind of foundation buffing brush. So, if you prefer different brush options, keep that in mind.
Technique for More Coverage
If you’re looking to achieve a bit more coverage with the Foundation stick, here’s a tip. Instead of buffing the product onto your skin, try applying it directly where you need it. For example, under the eyes. Personally, I find that patting the product in with this brush gives better results and allows for a bit more coverage. So, give it a go and see if it works for you.
Merit Beauty offers a foundation with a light to medium coverage. While it may not be sufficient for those seeking a higher coverage or for areas that require more concealment, the Foundation stick does a good job in evening out the overall skin tone. The small dome shape of the brush is a practical feature, especially for applying the product under the eyes. However, if you prefer more variety in brush options, you may want to consider other brands.
Coverage and Finish
Merit Beauty definitely provides a little bit more coverage compared to other products, but it falls short of giving a full coverage. The finish it offers is a natural skin finish with a beautiful glow. When applied all over the skin, it creates a radiant look.
Concealer Application
For areas that require more coverage, I use a concealer brush from e.l.f. Even though this brush is not a Merit product, it works well for precise application and blending under the eyes.
Solo Eyeshadow Experience
One of the shades I was particularly interested in was vegetta. However, this shade has been frequently sold out at Sephora. When I visited the store, there were only a few shades left in stock. To test its performance, I decided to apply it using my finger on one eye and with the Merit brush on the other.
Easy-to-Work-With Formula
The formula of the Merit solo eyeshadows is incredibly easy to work with. I absolutely love the shade I chose, which is a charming beige with a hint of toffee. What I admire the most about these eyeshadows is their forgiving nature. If you make a mistake during application, they are very forgiving and blend effortlessly.
Comparable to Bobbi Brown Longwear Shadow Stick
If you are a fan of Bobbi Brown’s longwear shadow sticks, you will most likely enjoy the Merit solo eyeshadows as well. They offer a similar playtime before setting, allowing you to blend and create your desired look before they set in place.
Review of Merit Beauty
When it comes to eye bases, Merit Beauty has certainly impressed me. The eye bases are incredibly forgiving, allowing you to easily smudge them into place using just your finger. The texture is smooth and blendable, making it effortless to create a flawless eye look.
The Duo Brush
A standout feature of Merit Beauty is their Duo Brush. This brush has a buffing end and a pointy end, providing versatility in application. While you can definitely blend with the brush, I personally prefer using my fingers for a seamless finish. It’s perfect for those on-the-go moments, whether you’re applying makeup on the tube or in your car. The ease of application is unmatched.
A Gorgeous Shade
I had the opportunity to try out a stunning color from Merit Beauty. It’s a shade that suits me perfectly, and I love how it enhances my overall look. I even applied a small amount under my lash line for that added touch. Unfortunately, the brown shade called Brun was sold out in Sephora, and I couldn’t get my hands on it. Nevertheless, the shade I did try was absolutely beautiful.
Adding Depth with Precision
What I truly appreciate about Merit Beauty is the fine point on the eye base. This allows for precise application and the ability to layer the product for a deeper, more intense look. Whether you want to create a subtle or a more dramatic effect, the eye base can easily be adjusted to suit your preferences.
The User-Friendly Eyeshadow
The Merit Beauty eyeshadow deserves some recognition for its user-friendly nature. When applied, it adds depth to the socket effortlessly. Remarkably, the formula allows for layering, even if it has already been set. You can intensify your eye makeup without worrying about the product getting pulled or removed. The eyeshadow stays intact, giving you the freedom to experiment. Additionally, you can easily smudge and blend the product with your fingers, making it incredibly convenient. It’s safe to say that the eyeshadow is one of the standout products in the line.
An Impressive Mascara
Out of the entire Merit Beauty collection, the mascara has unquestionably impressed me the most. As I showcase the mascara wand, you’ll notice that it has a traditional, feathery design. It deviates from the plastic wand trend, offering a nostalgic touch. If you’re a fan of the no-makeup makeup look but still want to enhance your lashes, this mascara is perfect for you.
One outstanding feature of this mascara is that it is a tubing formula. As someone who struggles with most mascaras due to my sensitive eyes, this mascara has left a lasting impression. The rich, true black shade adds volume and length to my lashes without any clumping. Equally important, it can be easily removed without any dreaded panda eyes. I have come across numerous mascaras that didn’t meet my expectations, and I’ve even turned down sponsorships because of them. However, this Merit Beauty mascara has exceeded all of my expectations.
The Standout Mascara
The Merit Beauty collection offers a range of products that aim to enhance natural beauty with a minimal aesthetic. As a makeup artist, I had the opportunity to test out their products, and one item that truly stood out to me was their mascara.
Glowing Lashes
When I applied the mascara, I immediately noticed a beautiful glow coming through. The formula is impressive, providing length and volume to the lashes. I cannot recommend it enough for those who want a standout mascara in their collection.
Sophisticated Packaging
Aside from its exceptional performance, the mascara also impressed me with its packaging. The tube exudes sophistication and elegance, adding a touch of luxury to my makeup bag. It is clear that Merit Beauty pays attention to even the smallest details when it comes to their products.
Limited Brow Options
While the collection offers a variety of makeup items, I was disappointed to find that they did not have any brow products in stock when I visited. As a result, I had to use a brow pencil from another brand to complete my look. I hope that Merit Beauty expands their range of brow products in the future to provide customers with more options.
Tidying Up with Concealer
Once I finished with my eyes, I felt the need to tidy up a bit. The heat in my office had caused some of my makeup to melt, so I decided to use a concealer brush from e.l.f to touch up any areas that needed a bit of lifting. The brush worked well, especially for reaching the delicate under-eye area.
Overall Impression
Despite the lack of eyeliners or other eye products in the collection, Merit Beauty’s focus on enhancing natural beauty shines through. Their standout mascara and attention to detail in packaging provide an elevated experience for makeup enthusiasts. I look forward to seeing the brand expand its range of products in the future to cater to a wider audience.
Review of Merit Beauty
Foundation: Skin-like Texture and Glowing Finish
Merit Beauty offers a foundation that mimics the texture of the skin, providing a natural and glowing finish. When applied, the foundation allows the skin’s real beauty to shine through, giving a healthy and radiant look. This brand is particularly suited for those who prefer a glowing complexion. It is perfect for achieving a no-makeup makeup look that feels moisturizing and lightweight. As someone with dry skin, I find this foundation to be an ideal option, especially for weekend getaways when minimal fuss is desired.
The foundation blends effortlessly and adds a subtle glow, giving the skin a dewy appearance. It is easy to apply and requires minimal effort. Even for those who are not experienced in makeup application, the foundation is virtually foolproof.
Bronzing Balm: Translucent and Easy to Apply
Another product from Merit Beauty worth mentioning is their bronzing balm. The name “balm” perfectly describes its texture, as it has a translucency to it. Despite its sheerness, it adds a touch of warmth to the skin when applied. The bronzing balm blends seamlessly and maintains the same glowy and dewy finish as the foundation.
The coverage provided by the bronzing balm is not heavy, but it is buildable. This makes it suitable for individuals who desire a subtle bronzed look. The balm can be buffed onto the skin effortlessly, making it a great option for beginners or those who prefer a more natural application.
Thoughts on Merit Beauty
Overall, I am impressed with the products from Merit Beauty. The foundation creates a beautiful and radiant base, allowing the skin’s natural texture to show. Paired with the bronzing balm, it enhances the warmth and glow of the complexion. Both products are user-friendly, making them a practical choice for those who want a no-fuss makeup routine.
One aspect that deserves praise is the brand’s emphasis on a natural and effortless look. Merit Beauty understands that not everyone wants a heavy, high-coverage makeup routine. Instead, they offer products that enhance one’s natural features and provide a healthy glow.
If you are someone who prefers a luminous and dewy complexion, Merit Beauty is definitely worth considering. Their products deliver on their promise of a minimal and effortless makeup look, perfect for those who want to showcase their skin’s true beauty.
The Bronzing Balm
The bronzing balm from Merit Beauty is truly a unique product. As the name suggests, it is more of a balm than a traditional bronzer. This allows for easy layering, while still maintaining a beautiful translucency. Personally, I love bronzer that allows freckles to peek through and shows off the natural texture of the skin. With its bomy texture, the bronzing balm adds a gorgeous glow that looks like you’ve caught the sun in the most natural way.
The Cream Highlighter
Many people might stop at the bronzer and not think to add a cream highlighter on top. However, I must say that the cream highlighter from Merit Beauty is stunningly beautiful. It gives a very pretty glow that complements the bronzer perfectly. When applying the highlighter, I would suggest tapping it on the skin instead of buffing it. This will prevent the foundation from lifting off and ensure that the bronzer stays intact.
The Blush in Beverly Hills
The blush in the shade “Beverly Hills” is another gem from Merit Beauty. The packaging itself is adorable and user-friendly, making it perfect for on-the-go touch-ups. The color of the blush is a neutral rose shade that I find really pretty. It adds a subtle flush to the cheeks that looks natural and effortless.
A Versatile Brush
One of the things I appreciate about Merit Beauty is their commitment to simplicity and efficiency. Their brush is a perfect example of this. With this one brush, you can do everything – apply bronzer, blush, and even eyeshadow. It’s a great tool for those who prefer a minimalist approach to their makeup routine.
A Perfect Match
The blush in “Beverly Hills” pairs beautifully with the eye makeup as well. The shade complements the eyes and creates a cohesive look. When applying the blush, I recommend tapping it in rather than buffing it. This ensures that the color stays true and doesn’t get disturbed by excessive blending.
Merit Beauty’s products, such as the bronzing balm and blush, have impressed me with their quality and versatility. They offer options for those who prefer a natural and effortless makeup look. The brand’s dedication to simplicity is evident in their products and packaging. If you’re someone who appreciates a minimalist approach to makeup, I highly recommend giving Merit Beauty a try.
The Dewy Glow
The Merit Beauty makeup line has caught the attention of many makeup enthusiasts, including professional Makeup Artists. One of the standout products from Merit Beauty is their Daylow Cream Highlighter. It adds a beautiful dewy glow to the skin, giving it a natural and radiant finish. As a makeup artist, I find this highlighter to be quite stunning. It has a translucency that allows the skin texture to still shine through, making it look incredibly natural. Even freckles are not hidden but rather enhanced by this product. Its dewy and glowy finish makes it perfect for those who want to add more luminosity to their complexion.
Glossier Quartz meets Chanel Multi-Stick
The shade I picked up, Cara, reminds me a lot of Glossier’s Quartz, if Quartz had a baby with Chanel’s Multi-Stick in Sculpting. It has that perfect balance of warmth and luminosity. When swatched, it instantly catches the light and gives off a beautiful sheen. It’s definitely a glow that you can’t miss.
The Chanel Conundrum
I must say, though, that as much as I adore the Merit Beauty Daylow Cream Highlighter, I can’t help but compare it to my beloved Chanel highlighter. They are just so similar. The Chanel one has been my ride or die for a long time, and it’s hard for me to replace it with something almost identical. The Merit Beauty highlighter is still exceptional in its own right. Its wet sheen finish is what makes it stand out from other highlighters. I personally prefer a wet glow highlighter over a glittery one. So, if you’re looking for that kind of finish, you will definitely love this product.
The Unexpected Lipstick
Now, let’s talk about the unexpected find in my Merit Beauty haul – a lipstick. Yes, I was planning on getting the lip oil, but at the last minute, I changed my mind and opted for a lipstick instead. Sometimes, you just have those spontaneous moments, right?
Overall, Merit Beauty’s products have impressed me. From the Daylow Cream Highlighter to the lipstick, their range offers quality products that can elevate any makeup look. If you’re a fan of that dewy, glowy aesthetic, this brand should be on your radar. So, go ahead and give Merit Beauty a try. Who knows, you might find your new holy grail product from this brand.
Chic Packaging
The first thing that caught my attention about Merit Beauty is the chic packaging. It is sleek, minimalist, and visually appealing. As a makeup artist, I appreciate the attention to detail and the effort put into creating packaging that stands out.
The Signature Lip
I decided to try out the signature lip in the shade slip. The name itself intrigued me, and it seemed like the perfect color for a throwback to the 90s. Upon application, I noticed that it had a beautiful brown tone, which added depth to my lips. Although Merit Beauty doesn’t offer any lip pencils, I smudged the lipstick slightly on my lip line to see how it would look. To my surprise, it went slightly over the lip line, giving it a perfectly 90s vibe.
A Versatile Color
What struck me the most about this shade is that it could double as a blush. By applying a bit more product and smudging it slightly on the cheeks, it gave me a beautiful flush of color. It may not be the most flattering shade for everyone, but for those who enjoy a 90s and grunge-inspired look, it is a perfect fit.
Light Coverage and Natural Look
Merit Beauty’s products are definitely catered towards those who prefer a very light coverage and a natural look. They are designed to enhance your features while still allowing your skin texture, freckles, and moles to shine through. If you are a fan of a natural, dewy glow, then this brand has got you covered.
Review of Merit Beauty
Mascara: A Natural Lash Day
The mascara from Merit Beauty has become my favorite product from their collection. After using it for over two weeks, I can confidently say that it performs beautifully. It gives my lashes a natural look that I love. It’s perfect for those days when I want a more understated and effortless look.
Bronzing Balm: Adding a Beautiful Glow
Another product that I really like from Merit Beauty is their bronzing balm. It works wonders in adding a beautiful glow to my skin. I find it especially useful for enhancing my complexion by applying it underneath foundations, after I have completed my skincare routine. It truly gives me a radiant and dewy finish.
Natural Concealer: A Missing Piece
However, one thing that I wish Merit Beauty had in their collection is a natural concealer. I feel like it would be a great addition to their line of products. Personally, I would prefer a little bit more coverage, especially around my nose area. A natural concealer would provide the extra coverage that I desire.
Finishing Touch: Powder for a Polished Look
To complete my makeup, I always add a touch of powder. It helps to set the makeup and gives it a more finished appearance. Although Merit Beauty’s formulas have a beautiful glowy finish, I find it necessary to add a small amount of powder to reduce shine. This step adds a sense of completeness and anchors everything in place.
Merit Beauty offers some fantastic products that I have thoroughly enjoyed using. The mascara provides a natural and effortless lash look, while the bronzing balm adds a beautiful glow to the skin. However, the collection would benefit from the addition of a natural concealer for those who desire a bit more coverage. Lastly, adding a touch of powder helps to set the makeup and give it a polished finish. Overall, I am impressed with Merit Beauty’s products and would recommend giving them a try.
The Highly Requested Review of Merit Beauty
When it comes to makeup, many people turn to reviews from makeup artists to get an honest and expert opinion. Today, we will be diving into a much-anticipated review of Merit Beauty, a brand that has been making waves in the beauty industry. Are you ready? Let’s get started!
A Touch of Warmth
First things first, let’s talk about the packaging. The old hair clips need to be taken out to truly appreciate it. As I held the products in my hands, I couldn’t help but notice that they felt quite warm. It was an interesting sensation, almost as if the products were alive. This initial encounter set the tone for what was to come.
A Harry Makeup Affair
As I applied the makeup, I couldn’t help but notice how it felt on my skin. It was as if I had transformed into a character from a Harry Potter movie. The texture was unique, unlike anything I had tried before. It’s safe to say that the Merit Beauty products truly embrace individuality and leave you with a touch of magic.
A Wearable Delight
Wearing the Merit Beauty products felt like wearing a second skin. Everything I had on felt comfortable and natural. It’s rare to find a brand where every single product is so wearable, but Merit Beauty has achieved just that. I found myself falling in love with the blush in particular. It added a lovely touch of color to my cheeks, enhancing my natural glow.
Your Thoughts Matter
Now, it’s your turn to share your thoughts! Do you like Merit makeup? Is there a favorite piece that you can’t live without? If you’ve worn the products, I would love to hear your thoughts after seeing them on me. Let’s have a conversation and discover the beauty of Merit together.
Helpful Insights
I hope this review has been helpful for those of you who were eagerly awaiting it. I thoroughly enjoyed delving into the world of Merit Beauty and exploring their products. But this is just the beginning. There are more exciting things in the pipeline and I can’t wait to share them with all of you. Let me know in the comments what you would like to see more of, and don’t forget to subscribe!
Growing Together in 2023 and Beyond
As we embark on a new year, I have big hopes for this channel. I aspire to see it grow and flourish in 2023 and beyond. To make that happen, I need your support. If you haven’t subscribed already, I kindly ask you to do so. Let’s create a community where we can learn, explore, and celebrate the beauty that lies within each one of us. Together, we can make 2023 a year of transformation in the beauty world.
Overall, my experience with Merit Beauty has been incredibly positive. Not only do the products live up to the brand’s messaging of simplicity and essentials, but they also perform exceptionally well. Merit understands the needs of the modern consumer and delivers on their promise to enhance natural beauty without overwhelming our makeup routines.
Whether you’re a makeup enthusiast or someone who prefers a minimalistic approach, Merit Beauty offers a range of products that cater to various preferences. I highly recommend exploring their collection and incorporating their products into your daily makeup routine.
Merit Beauty has truly impressed me with its easy-to-use products, stunning visuals, and high-quality formulations. Whether you’re a makeup artist or someone who simply wants to enhance their natural beauty, this brand has something to offer. I highly recommend giving Merit Beauty a try and embracing the effortless, fresh-faced look it promotes.
My experience with Merit Beauty has been intriguing. The combination of the chic packaging, unique shades, and commitment to a natural look makes it a brand worth trying. While it may not suit everyone’s preferences, those who embrace a more minimalistic and effortless beauty aesthetic will find a lot to love about this brand.