MAKE YOUR MINIMALIST FRIEND JEALOUS
A REAL-LIFE REVIEW OF MERIT MAKEUP
Back in 2016, makeup trends looked like this:
And in real life, they often turned out more like this:
Everyday makeup now leans toward a softer, more natural finish:
Skin that looks fresh, light, and just polished enough.
Lately, I’ve been served a steady stream of Merit ads showing flawless, dewy coverage. The kind of finish that feels especially appealing in my late 30s, now that heavy powders tend to settle into fine lines or leave my skin looking dry.
So I got the products to test them out. I wanted to see how they perform both on camera and in real life. Here’s exactly what I found, how they wear, and whether they’re worth the attention.
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The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick
I’ve seen the ads use this stick as a concealer, a foundation, or both. I’ve seen it cover pimples, redness, uneven tone, basically everything short of emotional baggage. But the first time I tried it, I wasn’t impressed. It felt too soft. Coming from Tarte’s full-coverage concealer, which could practically spackle drywall, this one barely felt like it was doing anything.
After using it for about a month, though, I’ve changed my mind. I’ve actually come to enjoy this stick as a foundation.
It’s creamy, it builds up nicely, and the finish looks like actual skin. Not a mask. Not frosting. Just skin, but better. That said, if someone has more intense skin concerns, I’m not sure how far this would go in terms of coverage.
Ironically, now that I’ve adjusted to how lightweight it feels, everything else I own suddenly feels like stage makeup: heavy, uncomfortable, too much. By the way, I got it in the shade Bisque.
Final Thoughts
This stick is a great choice for everyday makeup and casual selfies. If redness is your main concern—like it is for me—it’s worth noting that it contains sea daffodil extract, which helps reduce the appearance of temporary redness. It evens out the skin without feeling heavy. The texture is light, the finish is dewy, and it blends effortlessly.
That said, I wouldn’t reach for it when I’m going full glam. It’s not built for dramatic coverage or high-impact looks, and that’s okay. As Merit says on their website:
“We believe in creating impossible-to-mess-up products that are designed to meet the reality of your daily routine. And for that purpose, it really delivers.”
Bronze Balm – Sheer Bronzer
This product is meant to add warmth, and if you want to use it for definition, you can use the narrow side for precise application. Just keep in mind, the result is very minimal. The texture feels almost identical to the foundation—creamy, soft, and incredibly easy to blend. If I could go back, I’d choose a deeper shade. I picked Clay, but I wish I had gone with Seine for more impact.
It has a subtle glow, builds well, and you can blend it out with just your fingers. There’s no harsh line, no orange tint, and none of the accidental tiger stripes we all gave ourselves when we first learned how to contour.
It pairs nicely with the foundation for that overall minimalist, skin-first aesthetic. That said, there are other products that can create a similar visual effect. What caught my attention, though, was this line from Merit’s website:
“All of our products are made with nourishing, skin-loving ingredients that help support the integrity of your skin and leave it looking better long after taking your makeup off.”
That made me take a closer look. This bronzer includes fatty acids that condition the skin and lock in moisture, which, I’ll admit, is a pretty nice bonus.
Flush Balm – Cheek Color
This one won me over the moment I saw it. I love the packaging, the presentation, and how easy it is to apply. I got it in the shade Cheeky, and honestly, I want it in every color. Rouge, the sheer red, is next on my list.
It’s fragrance-free and safe for sensitive or acne-prone skin. The texture feels very dewy on application, and like the other Merit products, it’s incredibly soft, which is great for someone like me who has a bit of blush blindness.
You can keep layering it without overdoing it.
I honestly have nothing bad to say about it.
Here’s how I use it: I apply the foundation and bronzer first, then set just under my eyes and T-zone with a small amount of powder. Not baking, just enough to lock things in while still keeping a dewy finish. Not greasy. Then I go in with the blush, usually on areas where I haven’t powdered, which helps bring back a natural, healthy glow.
If you feel this all too dewy for you, you can use a matte foundation like this one and then put the more creamy product on top.
Great Skin – Instant Glow Serum
Merit keeps their product line intentionally small, aiming for a curated routine, and one of the few non-makeup items they offer is this glow serum. When I first tried it, I noticed how light and watery it felt, but it really does deliver a subtle glow to the skin.
This serum is essentially a hydrating base. It’s not meant to replace something active like a retinol at night. Instead, it’s designed to prep your skin for makeup and help everything sit more smoothly.
According to their website, it includes:
A blend of four types of hyaluronic acid to hydrate multiple layers of the skin
Niacinamide to help smooth and brighten overall tone
Cacao seed extract, rich in caffeine, to support blood flow and create a plumping effect
Japanese goldthread root for soothing and long-term skin barrier support
What I love most about it is that it doesn’t cause makeup to pill, a problem I’ve had with other serums in the past. I tested it side-by-side with and without the serum, and makeup applied more smoothly with it. The glow was just… better.
Here’s a photo of me using all the products. On the left, I’m makeup-free. On the right, I’m wearing a full face.
Things I Like…
I’ve been a Laura Mercier customer for years, and if you like their soft-focus approach, you’ll probably love Merit. The bonus is that Merit is about half the price.
I appreciate that they include skincare benefits in their makeup products.
It’s comfortable for everyday wear and photographs beautifully.
When you place your first order, it comes with their signature makeup bag, which is actually very chic and functional.
I found out a little too late that they offer sets like this one, which give you a better price for more products.
Well guys, reviewing this line was a surprisingly pleasant experience. These products are clearly made for someone who wants to wear makeup in a minimal way—with less precision, less pressure, and more focus on skincare and lightweight textures.
If you’re into that kind of approach, let me know in the comments.
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With love,
Bonnie