Credit: Charlotte Bitmead; Courtesy of brand
Make-up
Is Merit Beauty worth the hype? Here’s our review of the minimalist make-up brand that’s everywhere right now
15 days ago
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4 min read
Launched in 2021, Merit quickly exploded onto the beauty scene, garnering a whole host of celebrities, make-up artists and social media fans. Now, it’s launched in Sephora here in the UK, so we can play with the products in real-time. Here’s our review of the hits (and misses) from the brand.
We’ve been inundated with new beauty brands lately, and one new make-up line that’s managed to cut through the noise is Merit Beauty. Launched in 2021, it quickly gathered a fan base that included celebrities, make-up artists and models, and it’s since gone on to become the cult beauty brand that’s in everyone’s handbags.
Merit’s sleek, minimalistic packaging and wearable and hydrating formulas had me hooked from the get-go and I found myself reaching for its products daily. No wonder it’s won over the likes of Demi Moore, Laura Harrier and Zoe Saldaña.
The buttery formulas, buildable coverage and aesthetically pleasing colour palette are not one to miss out on. Never before has a brand made our make-up routine quite so quick and easy.
Now, the brand has launched in Sephora stores around the UK, so you can play before you part with your cash. If you’re still on the fence, we’ve tried and tested the best products from Merit Beauty to see if they’re really worth the hype.
From the sell-out Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick to the seamless Blush Balms, here are the Merit Beauty products worth having on your radar…
Merit Beauty review
Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick
Designed to be a two-in-one foundation-concealer hybrid, this stick promises lightweight buildable coverage without clinging to dry patches.
I find a few sweeps of this creamy formula does the trick to cover my redness and seems to melt into skin. It adds a glow without any greasiness and gives you a ‘your skin but better’ look with a lightweight feel.
Shop Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick at Sephora UK, £34
Merit Beauty Flush Balm Cheek Colour
Answering all your soft blush prayers, these balms are glossy, pigmented and deliver a natural-looking flush – you’ll see no unwanted stripes with these; they’re oh-so-smooth.
While they’re not the longest-lasting, they’re so creamy and blendable that you can apply them on the go with no fuss.
Shop Merit Beauty Flush Balm Cheek Colour at Sephora UK, £26
Merit Beauty Bronze Balm
I’ve always struggled with bronzers; they’re either too orange, chalky or impossible to blend. Whichever I pick, I’d end up with a stripy finish.
This glossy bronzer has been a game-changer. It has the texture of a balm (creamy, blendable and hydrating) with the precision application of a stick, meaning you get a natural shadowy glow without looking OTT.
The pigment is sheer but buildable, which is why there’s a limited shade range of five colours (but it would be great to see a wider range).
Merit Beauty Signature Lightweight Lipstick
While ‘The Satin’ formulas of these lipsticks are creamy, hydrating and comfortable to wear, it’s ‘The Mattes’ that make these a make-up staple for me.
Every shade is a winner (particularly the moody bold shades), and they deliver a blurred-out, velvety look to the lips without feeling drying or heavy. I’ve worn the brown-ish ‘Equestrian’ shade down to a nub, and it’s hands-down the lipstick I get the most compliments on.
Shop Merit Beauty Signature Lightweight Lipstick at Sephora UK, £23
Merit Beauty Day Glow Highlighting Balm
This was my most used highlighter of last year, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. The balmy texture glides on the skin, delivering it with a glossy glow and a subtle metallic shimmer – no chunky glitter specks to see here.
It’s my go-to when my skin is looking a bit lacklustre as it always leaves me looking like I’ve just indulged in a facial.
Shop Merit Beauty Day Glow Highlighting Balm at Sephora UK, £28
Merit Beauty Solo Shadow Matte Eye Colour
I’d been stuck in a naked eyelid with winged liner rut until these came along. The cream-to-powder texture leaves your lids with a velvety wash of colour.
They’re easy to blend, and once set, the neutral shades do not budge. However, I have suffered with some creasing with the darker statement colours. If you’re looking for a one-and-done eye look, it doesn’t get any easier than these.
Shop Merit Beauty Solo Shadow Matte Eye Colour at Sephora UK, £21
Merit Beauty Brow 1980 Volumizing Pomade
If you’re a fan of a feathered brow, this brow gel volumises, defines and adds a fluffiness without any pesky flakes or crunchiness.
The formula isn’t super pigmented, so I like to use this over the top of a brow pencil to set them in place. Again, the shade range is a bit limited (you’ve only got four to pick from), which is the only downfall.
Shop Merit Beauty Brow 1980 Volumizing Pomade at Sephora UK, £21
Images: Charlotte Bitmead; Merit
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