TheRootedMomEdit

If you know me, you know I value simplicity. Simple makeup, simple skincare, simple living. So of course, when Merit Beauty became popular, I had to try it. The sole purpose of Merit products are to help streamline your makeup routine AND your makeup bag with an emphasis on ease & efficiency. Merit offers an “Intro Set” and a “Five Minute Morning” collection to get you started.

When I decided to try Merit for the first time, I purchased their intro set, which includes the Bronze Balm, Flush Balm, The Minimalist Complexion Stick, and the Blending Brush. I liked this set, which then led me to later purchase the Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil, The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen, and The Great Skin Duo (moisturizer & a serum). After using these products for several years, I have some thoughts!

What I would skip…

• Great Skin Serum: This serum sounds wonderful to me now, now that my skin is leaning more normal/dry (hello hormones), but when I first tried this product, my skin was more oily. So for me personally, I felt like this serum made my skin look and feel even more shiny than it already was. The ingredients are lovely, but the texture and finish of the product felt very oily to me. If you have more normal to dry skin, you would probably love this product.
• Great Skin Moisturizer: I tried this at the same time I tried the serum above, so again, with more oily skin, I felt like this moisturizer was too heavy/greasy/shiny for my skin.
• The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45: I wanted to love this product so badly! It too felt oily and shiny on my skin, unfortunately.

I think Merit’s skincare products are geared more towards dry/mature skin, so for me personally, I have to skip all skincare from this line. If your goal is to rock an extra dewy look and/or need the extra hydration, these skincare products might be perfect for you.

Let’s move on to some of my faves!

What I would buy…

• Flush Balm $30: This is a cream blush/tint that is supposed to melt into your skin & give you a healthy, natural flush. Merit states it is formulated without pore-clogging ingredients, it’s lightweight & buildable, and includes Vitamin E to condition skin. I love these overall! I own 3 different shades (Fox- a warm taupe, Cheeky- a cool pink, and Raspberry Berit (no longer sell this shade, but have two new colors that resemble it- a dark berry shade). I can attest to the fact that they do not cause acne or clog pores. I truly feel like every color I own and wear looks very natural on the skin; they definitely melt into it. The only con I will say is, the color payoff doesn’t last as long as I would like. The color payoff (in my opinion) varies on how much you apply, how your skin is feeling that day (more oily, doesn’t tend to stay as long on the skin), and what your day holds. When I am outside for most of the day, the color tends to fade more quickly. I tend to reach for these flush balms more in the Spring and Fall, as the humidity outside is not as high. Otherwise, as a whole, I think these are worth the purchase!
• Bronze Balm $32 Shade Siene: I absolutely love the shade, feel, and blendability of this bronzer! You can’t mess this product up. If you think you applied too much, it blends out so well, you would never know. The only downside of this product is the same as the flush balm; the color payoff sometimes doesn’t last long in certain conditions. When I wear this, I will apply more than I actually need to help it stay on longer. Besides that (which you CAN work around & apply more than you think- like I do), it is one of my favorite bronzers.
• The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick $38 Shade Linen: This product right here is my all-time favorite product from Merit. I have not used any other concealer in several years now ever since I discovered this one. I use this to cover my dark under eyes, blemishes, and sometimes will use on my entire face for certain events such as weddings or pictures. It blends in so smoothly, evens skin tone, covers anything you want it to, and looks SO natural. This makeup product will never leave my makeup bag!
• Day Glow Highlighting Balm $32 Shade Cava: Favorite highlighter EVER. I have not tried too many highlighters, but after I got my hands on this one, I don’t think I will ever try another. Once I learned how to properly apply this product, it was a game-changer. The shade works so well on my skin tone & definitely gives my skin that glass-like finish. I apply this on the bridge of my nose and on the highpoint of my cheekbones. The little amount I use of this, the product will last me forever. Unlike the flush balm and the bronze balm, the color payoff truly lasts. 10/10 for a highlighting balm.
• Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil $24 Shade Le Deux: First impression on this lip oil was how much I enjoyed the texture & finish of it. It is so moisturizing and lasts a very long time on the lips! I don’t reach for the product often simply because of the color. Le Deux is a sheer pink, but on my lips, it is not sheer at all. The shade is a VERY bright pink. I appreciate the color payoff, but unfortunately don’t like the color itself (on me). I plan to purchase a different color, as the product itself is lovely!

Merit Beauty proves that less is more when it comes to your routine and your makeup bag. I give this brand a 10/10 for offering simple products to easily achieve a natural, healthy glow for everyday.