Merit Beauty lands in the UK — these are the four products you need in your make-up bag
If you like a fuss-free make-up routine that doesn't involve juggling multiple products, wasting time spent blending and faffing with brushes, you'll love Merit Beauty.
First launched in 2021 in the US, the minimalist make-up brand has only just been made available to UK customers, and I've got my hands on some of its products.
The entire collection spans just 10 pieces, including a lipstick, concealer pen, bronzer, blusher, lip oil, mascara, highlighting balm, glowy serum and a brow pomade.
With plenty of shades to shop, multi-purpose formulas that are seamless to blend and beautiful gold packaging, it's an affordable luxury brand that's fast become a permanent fixture in my make-up routine.
Now available from Meritbeauty.com, I've handpicked my favourite products that I've spent weeks testing - here are my honest thoughts on the coveted brand.
Bronze Balm Sheer Bronzer | £32 from Merit Beauty
As someone with fair, Irish skin, finding a bronzer that doesn't make me look too orange can be tricky. When I first used this Bronze Balm Sheer Bronzer I was immediately impressed with how easy it blended, it took literally seconds. It was super flattering on my pale complexion, adding warmth to my cheeks. It couldn't be easier to use. Simply apply directly onto the high points of your cheeks and buff with a dense brush - you cannot go wrong. When I'm in a pinch I also use it as eyeshadow too, with a quick swipe and dab to blend across my lids. Yes it's expensive, but it outperforms every other luxury cream bronzer I've ever tried, so for me it's worth every penny.
Flush Balm Cheek Colour | £30 from Merit Beauty
Blush can be an intimidating make-up product. Apply too much or blend it poorly and you can end up looking like a clown. However, this cream, domed pot from Merit is brilliant. Swipe onto your cheeks and gently tap with your fingers for desired effect. You'll be left with a sheer wash of colour. I tried the shade "Beverly Hills", a soft peachy colour, but there's nine in total to choose from. As well as brightening up your cheeks, you can also use this as a lip tint for a tonal make-up look that takes seconds.
Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil | £26 from Merit Beauty
If you like a bit of colour without the commitment of a lipstick, Merit's tinted lip oil ticks every box. It's no bigger than a tube of lip balm, with a luxurious gold wand and a cushioned doe-foot applicator that glides across lips with ease. It has a sheer colour payoff. I tried "Bel Air" a clear shade which I have worn both on its own for a hit of moisture and also over lipstick for added non-sticky gloss.
Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick | £28 from Merit Beauty
I absolutely love this satin lipstick. It's smooth, buildable and lasts - everything you could possible want from a lip product. While its more richly pigmented than its lip oil counterpart, it's still easy to clean up mistakes with a dab of a finger. Of the eight shades available, I tried "Fashion", a beautiful soft berry red that delivers an instant statement lip and was easy to touch up on the go.
