Samuel 8 Editors Tested Almost Every Product From Celeb-Loved Merit Beauty—Here’s Our Full Review
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Here at StyleCaster, we’re constantly testing tons of products and brands so that we can share with you, our dear reader, the best of the best. One gem we’ve been obsessed with since it first launched in 2021 is Merit Beauty. If you’re not familiar with Merit, it’s a clean, vegan, cruelty-free minimalist makeup brand that hopes to simplify your routine.
If we’ve learned anything from trying Merit’s offerings, it’s that you don’t need a bazillion products in your collection, let alone in your everyday makeup routine. You really only need the basics, like a solid serum and moisturizer to create a smooth canvas before you get into your minimalist glam, as well as a multifunctional complexion stick, blush balm (new shades alert!), lengthening mascara, and more. But if you want to jazz up your look, Merit also makes matte eyeshadows, tinted lip oils, and even makeup brushes!
The Best Merit Beauty Products at a Glance
- Flush Balm Cheek Color, $30
- Day Glow Highlighting Balm, $32
- The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick, $38
- Solo Shadow Matte Eye Color, $24
- Clean Lash Lengthening Mascara, $26
- Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil, $24
- Great Skin Instant Glow Serum, $38
Get ready the minimalist Merit way for a final product that’s natural-looking, dewy, glowy, and effortless. After all, the brand counts on no-makeup makeup queens Hailey Bieber, Cameron Diaz, Sarah Jessica Parker, Billie Eilish, Hilary Duff, and Greta Lee as some of its celebrity supporters.
I’ve covered and tried almost every product Merit has to offer (seriously) and can’t sing its praises enough. It’s my favorite makeup brand to date and will probably continue to be for the long haul. Its formulas are just that easy to use, versatile, and timeless! But I’m not the only one at StyleCaster who’s hooked on Merit. Several editors put the brand’s makeup and skincare products to the test and couldn’t wait to share the results so that we can convert everyone we know, including you!
Don’t forget, a complimentary Signature Bag (AKA the most beautiful makeup bag you’ll ever lay eyes on) ships with every first order, and also there’s a new and equally stylish bag. The limited-edition Everything Bag ships free with orders over $125, but you can also buy it on its own (a first!).
But enough of the chit-chat. It’s time to get into our team’s honest thoughts on Merit Beauty’s products—photos included! We tested a bunch of different products and shades on various skin tones and types, so there should be something for everyone in this comprehensive review.
Flush Balm Cheek Color
What it is: “A cream tint that melts into skin for lit-from-within color that stays flush all day,” according to Merit Beauty.
Celebrities who have worn this product: Sandra Oh, Miranda Kerr, Hailey Bieber, Kaitlyn Dever, Whitney Port, Jenna Lyons, Sienna Miller, Lola Tung, Sarah Jessica Parker
“Cheeky is the most natural-looking pink blush I’ve ever used! It’s the perfect color for everyday wear and really gives a nice flush of color to the cheeks. Some days, I’ll just put a bit of foundation on along with a swipe or two of Cheeky and it’ll look as if I just got a rejuvenating facial.” — Jennifer Adams, Lifestyle Writer
“I really enjoyed the shade Bespoke because it has this cool undertone that almost makes it blend into the shadows of my face and look really natural. It’s a really nice multi-use balm, and the shades are pretty. It’s very sheer, so if that’s not what you’re going for, that’s something to keep in mind, but I found it to be helpful in certain applications.” — Aamina Inayat Khan, Trending Style Writer
“The Flush Balm is a creamy tinted blush that really does melt into the skin. I simply place it directly onto the apple of my cheeks, leaving two circles of color. The formula is very lightweight, but perfectly pigmented, blending into my makeup seamlessly and evenly. It’s also buildable, and you can add dimension to your blush by adding more product onto on the high points of your cheeks. It leaves my skin glowing all day long, which is not always the case with cream- or liquid-based blushes. For those of you with a cute case of “blush-blindness,” you can even use this blush as a base for a powder blush for a really deep and luminous pop of color.
I have fair and neutral skin that veers on the side of cool-toned, which is why I opted to try the Flush Balm in Stockholm (baby pink) and Rouge (sheer red). Stockholm leaves a subtle and sweet pop of light pink on your cheeks. Even though this is a softer blush, its glow is surprisingly potent, leaving my skin looking brighter and more illuminated. You also can’t go wrong with Rouge, and you shouldn’t be afraid to try such a bright red blush. This formula looks incredibly natural on your skin, as it mimics the way our cheeks “flush” when we’re feeling flirty. I’ve been wearing Rouge everyday lately!” — Roya Backlund, Astrology & Lifestyle Editor
“Whenever I try a new Merit product, I’m always in awe of the silky, smooth texture. Whether it’s serum or contour. The Flush Balm is no different. It goes on like butter and feels like skincare. I’ve tried a few shades, but I now feel like I like Persimmon the most. It features a deeply pigmented soft orange-red hue, which works great on my melanated skin. Similar to their other color cosmetics, I applied a few coats to really see it show up on my cheeks. However, it’s purpose is to be soft, gentle, and natural. If you like a soft glow like me, this product is great. I wouldn’t recommend if you’re going for a heavier beat.” — Robyn Merrett, Style & Beauty Editor
“During the summer, when my skin is already gold and tan, I use Merit Flush Balm in the shade Stockholm (Baby Pink). In the winter, however, I want a bit more color when my tan fades. Merit just dropped a new shade, Le Bonbon (they note this one as Bright Pink). I glide the applicator right onto freshly moisturized skin. After gliding, I usually blend with my fingers, but this shade was extra bright, I took my foundation powder brush and pressed the color into the skin a bit more to diffuse the color. I love this shade and have no notes!” — Kaili JiMei, Social Media Manager
“I’ve heard great things about the Merit Flush Balm blush, so let’s just say my expectations were set pretty high. After testing the product for a few weeks, I officially understand the hype. The Flush Balm is a dream to blend (I use my fingers) and the color payoff is… just wow. Postmodern gives me a natural, pinky sunkissed glow. Just a swipe or two on each cheek goes a long way, so you’ll get a great bang for your buck. I also love using it as a “lipstick” (just use your fingers to dab some of the product on your lips) so it’s the perfect catchall product. Overall, 10/10, no notes.” — Jennifer Adams, Lifestyle Writer
“After realizing berry-colored blushes didn’t suit me as well as I had hoped, I did a complete 180 and switched to light and peachy pinks. This shift has made all the difference in making my cheeks look cheery and bright. I’ve been waiting for Merit to add a peachy-pink shade to the Flush Balm family, but the wait is finally over! One of the brand’s five newest shades, Lusitano, is my perfect match. It’s a soft peach color that looks a bit daunting in the pan but comes off as natural once applied to the cheeks. Since I like to layer two blushes—a light pink first and then a peachy pink—Stockholm and Lusitano have been my go-to duo, and I focus the product on the outer apples of my cheek to achieve a more lifted look (or so I try). This blush formula also lasts throughout the day. By the time I come home from work, there are still traces of Stockholm and Lusitano.” — Katie Decker-Jacoby, Associate E-commerce Editor
“If you’re in your ‘less is more era,’ Merit’s Flush Balm in Beverly Hills is a great option. It gave my skin a soft and subtle pink pop that felt natural and effortless, and I loved how the product felt more like skincare than makeup. It is not highly pigmented, so I had to apply multiple coats to build up the color. Because it is light, this shade may not work for deeper skin tones.” — Robyn Merrett, Style & Beauty Editor
“Merit just knows how to make a good, convenient makeup product. Its Flush Balm blushes are truly elite in that they create a natural pop of color that’s not too much, and not too little—the Goldilocks of blushes if you will! In the photo above, I only applied the shade Cheeky to my right side (left in the photo), so you can see what one side looks like with blush and what one side looks like without. It’s fairly long-lasting, although since I have oily skin I do find that I need to touch up mid-day.” — Gina Vaynshteyn, Senior Commerce Director
Bronze Balm Sheer Bronzer
What it is: “The easiest bronzer ever. A sheer, buildable formula that gives a wash of natural warmth and depth,” according to Merit Beauty.
Celebrities who have worn this product: Kaitlyn Dever, Sienna Miller, Sarah Jessica Parker
“I am so obsessed with the Bronze Balm’s creamy and silky formula. It glides perfectly onto the skin, it almost feels therapeutic. I tested the shade Leo, which is meant for medium-deep skin tones. Like the blush, I recommend applying several coats to build up the color as this product is extremely sheer—which is ideal for someone like me who doesn’t normally use bronzer. It is not meant to be bold, but instead naturally warm and light.” — Robyn Merrett, Style & Beauty Editor
Great Skin Instant Glow Serum
Celebs who have worn this product: Martha Stewart, Sarah Jessica Parker, Cameron Diaz, Emma Stone, Greta Lee, Jodie Turner-Smith, Hilary Duff
“The Great Skin Instant Glow Serum is a bi-phase serum that looks gorgeous on your bathroom counter. A layer of oil floats on top of this formula’s golden-brown base, immediately grabbing your attention. I prefer to use this serum during the daytime, as it has an instantly hydrating, plumping and brightening effect. I use it after a hydrating toner, and it feels quite rich at first. However, it seeps into my face and neck without leaving a sticky or uncomfortable residue. I simply give the bottle a good shake, drop 1-2 pumps into my palm, rub my hands together, and pat the serum onto my face. My skin immediately looks brighter, tighter, and more supple. It has a very subtle and sweet coffee scent too, which is lovely in the morning.” — Roya Backlund, Astrology & Lifestyle Editor
“The glow is real thanks to Merit’s Great Skin Instant Glow Serum. With just two pumps, my skin immediately felt supple and moisturized. While super lightweight, on the skin it mimics the feel of a face oil, which I really love. My go-to look is always super hydrated skin, and despite a current breakout around my nose, my skin looks smooth and satiny. I was also surprised by how long it lasted. Usually, towards the end of the day, my skin has dried up a bit, but on this particular day, it was still plump and dewy.” — Robyn Merrett, Style & Beauty Editor
Day Glow Highlighting Balm
What it is: “Made for daytime, this highlighter gives a dewy, balmy sheen with zero sparkle,” according to Merit Beauty.
Celebrities who have worn this product: Billie Eilish, Nicole Richie, Kaitlyn Dever, Whitney Port, Sienna Miller, Sarah Jessica Parker
“Merit’s Day Glow highlighter is so moisturizing and dewy (my shade is Cava, which is a pearly-Champagne), I feel like it brings instant life back to my face. It’s a must in my routine, especially in the winter when my complexion gets super dull and dry. The formula is long-lasting, and the product itself is long-lasting too—I’ve had this balm for about two years now, and I’m nowhere near running out I’ll use this on my checks, right under my brows, and on the bridge of my nose. It’s one of the better highlighters out there, for sure.” — Gina Vaynshteyn, Senior Commerce Director
“I used to run away from highlighters because I thought they’d make my naturally very oily skin look even oilier. However, I’m happy to report that Day Glow in Bounce converted me into a highlighter girl! The sheerness and dewiness of this formula are superb and so natural-looking. The balm really does add a beautiful glow to your complexion instead of a layer of bright, shiny glitter. If you’re a highlighter novice or searching for something subtle, Day Glow will help you look like you just drank eight glasses of water. I have a medium skin tone with neutral undertones and found the shade, Bounce, to be the perfect match for my complexion.” — Katie Decker-Jacoby, Associate E-commerce Editor
Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil
What it is: “A wash of moisturizing color for healthy lips all day,” according to Merit Beauty.
Celebrities who have worn this product: Whitney Port, Jenna Lyons, Sienna Miller, Sarah Jessica Parker
“When I tell you this has become a staple lip product for me… I’m not kidding. The Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil has the subtle sheen of a gloss without the goopy, sticky formula. I’m also obsessed with the shade Sangria, which is an ultra-flattering deep berry tint. It reminds me of the Lip Oil version of Clinique’s Black Honey, which is perfect if you want that ‘your lips but better’ look.” — Jennifer Adams, Lifestyle Writer
“The brown shade is such a hero, but honestly, I would use this even in the untinted version. The texture is the best part. It’s perfect for before bed or when you’re heading out into the winter air.” — Aamina Inayat Khan, Trending Style Writer
“The Shade Slick tinted lip oil is superb, and Pink Beet (what I’m wearing) is my favorite neutral pink of all time. The formula is really nice and moisturizing—not sticky at all. The pigment is intense enough (but not too intense), and it’s often the gloss I quickly swipe on before a Zoom call; I find that it ties everything I’m wearing together and makes me feel more put together. It’s definitely a lip product keeper. My only complaint is that I do wish it lasted a BIT longer, but I find I have this issue with most glosses.” — Gina Vaynshteyn, Senior Commerce Director
The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick
What it is: “It’s not a foundation or a concealer, but it’ll replace both in your makeup bag,” according to Merit Beauty.
Celebrities who have worn this product: Kristen Bell, Sienna Miller, Kaitlyn Dever, Nicole Richie, Lola Tung, Ashley Tisdale, Behati Prinsloo, Whitney Port, Jenna Lyons
“If you’re like me and don’t normally like using concealers, try the Perfecting Complexion Stick instead. I’ve been using it over a light layer of tinted moisturizer to add extra coverage to blemishes and dark spots, and I’m obsessed with the results!
Normal concealers crease and feel heavy on my face after a few hours, but the Perfecting Complexion Stick hasn’t given me any of those issues. I love that it has a very natural finish and how blendable it is (most days I just use my fingers to buff it out). It’s perfect for those days when you don’t want to wear a ton of makeup but still want to look somewhat put together.” — Jennifer Adams, Lifestyle Writer
“As someone with oily skin who doesn’t love wearing a ton of makeup, The Minimalist in shade Bisque is the perfect lightweight, base product. I use it as a concealer for my everyday routine, applying it on top of blemishes, acne scars, and redness. I love how I can tap the cream into my skin using my fingers. Application is quick, easy, and efficient, which is just what I need when I’m rushing to get out of my apartment before work. But when I’m going for a full face of makeup for a special occasion, I put this concealer-foundation crossover all over and reach for Brush No. 1 to blend. When I use The Minimalist as a concealer, it lasts all day long. However, I did notice that when I use it as a foundation, my complexion doesn’t always hold up throughout the entire day or night. That’s why I much prefer relying on the complexion stick as a spot concealer. I’ve already gone through, I think, three Minimalists!” — Katie Decker-Jacoby, Associate E-commerce Editor
“I’ve been a fan of this multi-use stick for a while because it truly caters to your makeup needs on any given day. While it’s described as “not a foundation or a concealer,” I’d argue it’s capable of being both. I’ve applied it all over my face as a lightweight, buildable foundation and also used it underneath my eyes and across breakouts as a concealer. Best of all, the stick design makes it easy to throw in your bag for quick touch-ups on the go.” — Maya Gandara, E-commerce Editor
Retrospect L’Extrait de Parfum
“I’m a big fan of Merit—especially since I’m a “less is more” type of person when it comes to makeup. However, when I tried the brand’s Flush Balm and Bronze Balm Sheer Bronzer, I had to apply a few coats because—while beautiful, the products aren’t very pigmented. The same is true for the scent. I had to spritz more than once to really smell and recognize the top notes of aldehydes, bergamot, pear, and ambrette; the heart notes of rosemary, orris, jasmine, and rose; as well as the base notes of vanilla, musk, and moss. That said, it is a very beautiful scent that feels feminine, mature, and very demure. I can also attest that it does last well into the day. I recall sitting at my desk around 4 p.m. (after first applying around 8 a.m.), and thinking, “Wow, I still smell it!”
If you’re someone who likes their scents to be a bit strong, this may not be for you—but it is a nice perfume to keep in your rotation because it smells timeless, light, and airy with a tiny bit of woodiness. For the people out there who prefer an effortless aroma, buy this before it sells out.” — Robyn Merrett, Style & Beauty Editor (from Robyn’s full Merit Beauty Retrospect perfume review)
Brush No. 1 Blending Brush
Celebrities who have used this product: Billie Eilish, Jenna Lyons
“This brush has the softest bristles that are packed tightly enough to really pat The Minimalist into your complexion quickly and seamlessly. I’m also a fan of its small, compact size because I can easily toss the brush in my bag or save space when traveling. I once tried a different brush to blend out the complexion stick and it didn’t get the job done like Brush No. 1. I immediately had to switch back to the Merit Beauty blending brush. Brush No. 1 and The Minimalist are truly two peas in a pod.” — Katie Decker-Jacoby, Associate E-commerce Editor
Brow 1980 Volumizing Pomade
What it is: “A nod to the brows of the ‘80s, this pomade gives you soft, fluffy brows with light hold and zero crunchiness,” according to Merit Beauty.
Celebrities who have worn this product: Billie Eilish, Sarah, Michelle Gellar, Kaitlyn Dever, Whitney Port, Sienna Miller, Lola Tung, Sarah Jessica Parker
“I like to leave my brows alone most of the time, but if I’m going into the office or have plans with friends, I’ll swipe Brown 1980 through my arches. It checks off all my boxes for a low-maintenance, low-effort brow routine. It takes two seconds to apply, adds a subtle tint, looks super natural, doesn’t flake or clump, and doesn’t make my brows feel hard or crusty. This volumizing pomade is a must-try if you’re a lazy girl like me.” — Katie Decker-Jacoby, Associate E-commerce Editor
Brow 1990 Sheer Gel Pencil
What it is: “A microfine gel pencil that fills and defines brows for soft, natural-looking fullness,” according to Merit Beauty.
Celebrities who have worn this product: Zoe Saldana, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Padma Laskmi
“I once had a makeup artist tell me to go one shade lighter than my actual hair color for an eyebrow pencil. As someone with dark brown Asian hair, I always gravitated to soft black pencils. I decided to test out this MUA’s tip. Filling in the tails of my brows per normal, I used Merit Beauty sheer gel pencil in Dark Brown. Again, I previously would’ve chosen Dark Brown. Truthfully, my eyes couldn’t tell a noticeable difference in the way my brows looked up close or from far away. I will say, though, that I enjoyed the fine tip applicator. It made keeping the tails of my brows pointed instead of rounded.” — Kaili JiMei, Social Media Manager
Solo Shadow Matte Eye Color
What it is: “A buildable, cream-to-powder shadow for a soft-matte wash of color,” according to Merit Beauty.
Celebrities who have worn this product: Jennifer Hudson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kate Hudson, Kirsty Hume, Jenna Lyons, Bethenny Frankel
“Okay I really enjoyed this product. I tested it in the shade Nelson, and it’s a really nice sheer base. I really love eyeshadows that are less pigmented and give a light wash of color and can be used on their own. I’m admittedly very bad at doing a serious eyeshadow look of the YouTube and Instagram-era aesthetic, so I love a simple eyeshadow made for makeup dummies like me.” — Aamina Inayat Khan, Trending Style Writer
“You’ll notice a recurring theme of me opting for minimal makeup. What can I say, I’m a firm believer in less is more! The Solo Shadow, one of Merit’s newer additions, is a staple for achieving a minimal makeup look. I don’t need a bulky eyeshadow palette, I just need one to three max of the Solo Shadows. The tiny pots of cream-to-powder shadow last forever—I’ve used mine so much but have yet to put a dent in it. I love a matte eye look that only requires one or two shades that you can messily swipe onto your lids (using Brush No. 2, of course). That’s literally all I do when I’m applying more than just mascara on my eyes. Midcentury is a warm brown tone, the perfect neutral base shadow for my lighter skin tone. If I’m feeling a little extra, I’ll add a bit more dimension with the shade, Social. I was intimidated when I first realized the shadow is a soft mauve color, but as soon as I tried it on, I was surprised at how subtle it appears on the lids. It’s a lot more manageable and natural-looking than you’d expect, but if you want a bolder look, keep packing on more layers. The Solo Shadow is buildable, but be careful because it sets pretty quickly, so you don’t get as much playtime. Also important to note, I have oily skin and therefore oily lids, but fortunately, this product doesn’t crease or budge throughout a day of wear.” — Katie Decker-Jacoby, Associate E-commerce Editor
Brush No. 2 Eyeshadow Brush
Celebrities who have used this product: Jenna Lyons
“Brush No. 2 is the only eyeshadow brush I need to create a minimal eye look using the Solo Shadow. I love how it’s dual-ended, so you can blend with the fluffy side and try a smudgier liner look with the tapered side. I mostly just use the fluffy side, but can confirm that its bristles are as soft as the ones in Brush No. 1. Again, if you’re constantly on the go or traveling, this tiny brush is the perfect option to pack.” — Katie Decker-Jacoby, Associate E-commerce Editor
Clean Lash Lengthening Mascara
What it is: “Your go-to mascara for every day. It tints, lengthens and lifts lashes, with no smudging. Ever,” according to Merit Beauty.
Celebrities who have worn this product: Billie Eilish, Cameron Diaz, Kaitlyn Dever, Whitney Port, Jenna Lyons, Sienna Miller, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jenna Lyons
“I’ve recently been gravitating towards more natural-looking mascaras, and this one checks every box for me. The brush separates each individual lash with ease while lengthening and volumizing (all without leaving behind clumps). It’s been my go-to for low-effort makeup days when I want to look put together but not totally glam.” — Maya Gandara, E-commerce Editor
Great Skin Priming Moisturizer
Celebrities who have worn this product: Lilly Collins
“I follow this serum with the Great Skin Moisturizer, and a little bit goes a long way with this product. I only use one pump for my entire face, and its ultra-lightweight formula is designed to be worn under your sunscreen and makeup. My skin never feels wet or slugged with product, but it does feel hydrated, velvety smooth, and primed for foundation.
My makeup sits flawlessly on top of both the serum and moisturizer. It gives me this soft glow that lasts all day, and whether I’m wearing dramatic high-contrast makeup or a little lip balm, concealer, and mascara, The Great Skin Duo always makes my face pop.” — Roya Backlund, Astrology & Lifestyle Editor
“I wasn’t sure if this formula would be anything special, but I was actually quite taken with it. If you want to give your skin a little bit of moisture ahead of applying makeup (and without worry foundation or concealer will slip right off after), it delivers pretty well. I particularly like that the priming moisturizer sinks right into the skin without leaving any sort of residue, which is much needed for my oily skin. I also appreciate the added skincare benefits, like how it firms the skin over time.” — Maya Gandara, E-commerce Editor
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