by If you like a no-fuss makeup routine that doesn’t require you to juggle multiple products and waste time blending and fiddling with brushes, you’ll love Merit Beauty.
The minimalist makeup brand, which first launched in the US in 2021, has only just been made available to UK customers and I got my hands on some of their products.
The entire collection comes in just 10 pieces, including a lipstick, concealer stick, bronzer, blush, lip oil, mascara, highlighting balm, glow serum and an eyebrow pomade.
With lots of shoppable shades, multi-purpose formulas that blend seamlessly, and beautiful gold packaging, it’s an affordable luxury brand that’s quickly become a staple in my makeup routine.
Now available on Meritbeauty.com, I’ve selected my favorite products that I’ve been testing for weeks – here are my honest thoughts on the coveted brand.
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As someone with fair, Irish skin, it can be difficult to find a bronzer that doesn’t make me look too orange. When I first used this Bronze Balm Sheer Bronzer I was immediately struck by how easy it was to blend, it literally took seconds. It was super flattering on my pale complexion and added warmth to my cheeks. It couldn’t be easier to use. Simply apply directly to the highest points of the cheeks and buff out with a dense brush – you can’t go wrong. I also use it as an eye shadow when I’m in a pinch, with a quick sweep and dab to blend it onto my lids. Yes, it’s expensive, but it beats any other luxury cream bronzer I’ve tried, so for me it’s worth every penny.
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Blush can be an intimidating makeup product. Apply too much or mix it poorly and you may end up looking like a clown. However, this cream domed pot from Merit is brilliant. Sweep onto your cheeks and gently tap your fingers to achieve the desired effect. You will be left with a pure color wash. I tried the Beverly Hills shade which is a soft peachy color but there are nine to choose from in total. Aside from brightening your cheeks, you can also use this as a lip color for an instant tonal makeup.
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If you like a bit of color without lipstick, Merit Tinted Lip Oil is for you. It’s no bigger than a tube of lip balm, with a luxe gold wand and padded deer foot applicator that glides effortlessly across lips. It has a pure color payoff. I tried Bel Air, a clear shade that I wore both alone for a hint of moisture and over lipstick for added non-sticky shine.
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I love this satin lipstick. It’s smooth, buildable and lasts – everything you could want in a lip product. Though it’s more richly pigmented than its lip oil counterpart, it’s still easy to erase flaws with a swipe of a finger. Of the eight shades available, I tried Fashion, a gorgeous, soft berry red that makes an instant statement lipstick and was easy to touch up on the go.
Watch: Complete guide to concealer: where to apply, how much to use and how long to wear
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