The cream blush in every beauty editor's makeup bag just got an update
What we want from our makeup bags has dramatically shifted in the past decade. Once, they were seen as portals to deliver transformative results – whether that was from a full-coverage foundation or a heavy contour. Fast forward to today and our demands are significantly pared back.
Honouring the less-is-more approach, we are rejecting the notion that visible signs of ageing should (or can) be hidden – and it's the beauty brands that position themselves as champions for our natural skin that truly stand out. Promising to enhance, not conceal, Merit’s buttery textures and glowy finishes make its products super simple to use. Each one offers a quick-fix that takes little dexterity to use, making achieving a five-minute-makeup routine a feasible goal.
Priding itself on being "the antidote to the oversaturated world of beauty", Merit's small collection doesn't overwhelm, but speaks to the minimalist who wants every purchase to go the distance. Its slick packaging and gold adornments might look expensive, but each piece will only set you back a maximum of £40. The line-up offers a hint of elegance that feels elevated yet its subtle sense of ‘coolness’ gives it a modern edge.
Merit Beauty review: The best Merit products to try
Our minimalist-makeup-loving beauty writer has been a Merit devotee since it landed in the UK. Here, read her honest review of the hero Flush Balm (now with five new shades) and recently launched Retrospect Extrait de Parfum, and discover the best Merit products worth trying...
Flush Balm
I’ve tried many cream blushes, but I can confidently say that Merit's Flush Balms are a firm favourite. The overall finish is sheer, glowy and perfectly pretty, and the dome-shaped applicator means you can nab the blush directly onto your cheeks, only requiring the light tap of a finger to blend the product in.
But above all, the real draw for me is the wonderful array of shades – there are punchy pinks, rosy berries and elegant nudes designed to suit a variety of skin tones. I'll always reach for Cheeky – described as a cool-toned pink – but I'm equally as impressed by the five just-added new colours, from Lusitano (a soft, summery peach) to Postmodern (a rich, pinky brown).
Retrospect Parfum
Merit's Retrospect Parfum certainly is not a simple fragrance. You're first met with fresh and fruity notes of bergamot and pear, then at the heart are delicate florals like jasmine, rose and violet. As the fragrance settles on your wrist, notes of vanilla and musk start to linger.
As complex as it may be, it's still easy to wear, both for day and night. Looking the part too, I can imagine myself drawing it from a my handbag at a fine restaurant or displaying it on my vanity and spritzing myself before lunch. It's the everyday perfume I've been waiting for.
Great Skin Moisturiser
The Great Skin Moisturiser has a beautifully lightweight texture instantly sinks into the skin to hydrate and provide a smooth base for makeup. Its staying power is impressive too; despite its weightless feel, it withstands any sweaty scenario – of which I have many – and keeps my makeup locked in place with a soft-focus finish.
The ingredients list is stellar too. You've got classic hydrators, including hyaluronic acid and oat extract, but the showstopper is the brand's patented Great Skin Complex. Cleverly, it contains a blend of peptides, spermidine and polysaccharides which are sourced from micro-algae to promote a plump and moisturised skin barrier.
Never did I think I'd be genuinely excited by a moisturiser, but this formula has completely changed my makeup routine in the best of ways.
Day Glow
Merit's Day Glow is so illuminating that the skin almost looks moist, and the creamy stick offers a reflective sheen rather than a disco ball glimmer. It's one of the most sophisticated highlighters I've come across, in that the bullet is easy to use and the finish is elegant.
As for the hue Solstice, it has a copper undertone that flatters deeper complexions or it can be used to elevate bronzer on fairer tones. Simply glide over the cheekbones, nose bridge and cupid's bow for a dewy finish – perfect for your next 'desk-to-drinks' evening.
Signature Lip
Merit's Signature Lip Matte is loved by celebrities and, after testing it for myself, I can instantly see why.
It features the same creamy and hydrating formula as the original Signature Lip but comes with a matte finish rather than satin. Unlike many matte lipsticks, it delivers bold pigment without drying out or flaking throughout the day; lips remain conditioned and comfortable.
You can fill in your pout for a full look, or dab the formula out for a blurred finish. And, just like the satin lipsticks, the mattes come in a variety of hues that will suit all skin tones and preferences.
I opted for Classic – a rosy pink – which gave my lips a hint of colour; like a 'my lip colour but amplified' look.
Solo Shadow
Merit makes eyeshadow simple – no wonder these pots are Sarah Jessica Parker’s favourite.
The Solo Shadows form a curated edit of eight shades, all of which slot into my makeup routine. Every hue is sophisticated, easy to wear and can be blended just by using a finger.
But what most impressed me the most is its unique consistency. The cream-to-powder formula was created with mature skin types in mind, meaning it doesn’t crease or settle into fine lines. It takes no dexterity to apply and is almost impossible to mess up.
In short, these pocket-size singles have replaced the need for any bulky palettes in my makeup bag – and I'm delighted.
The Minimalist
I don't usually get on with stick foundations, however quickly after using The Minimalist, I discovered that it's the creamy and blendable formula that has garnered all of the hype.
It's designed for precise application as well as all-over coverage; however, I found it looked most flattering as a way to touch up my complexion. The Minimalist is pigmented enough to cover blemishes and redness, yet still feels breathable on your skin – a rare find in a stick formula.
With freckles and texture still showing through, the stick enhanced my complexion to make it look like I had naturally great skin.
While there’s nothing stopping you from buffing it all over, you don’t get that much product for your money, so I’d recommend savouring it for the areas you’d specifically like to touch up and let the rest of your complexion shine through.
Bronze Balm
The oval-shaped stick of Bronze Balm makes warming up your complexion a breeze. It effortlessly sweeps across your skin and only requires your fingers to buff in.
The formula is creamy and hydrating so it won’t cling to dry patches or conjure muddy streaks either. I love that it leaves a sheer sheen rather than a bold bronze – so, as you may guess, it’s not a glammed-up contour wand to sculpt your cheekbones with (if that’s what you’re after, you won’t love this).
Instead, it lends a dewy gleam that looks beautifully natural, yet doesn’t enter glitter territory. A wonderful way to perk up your complexion with a golden glisten.
Clean Lash
I love a dramatic lash from time to time, but recently I’ve been on the hunt for a mascara that gives lash-lift energy. Clean Lash has ended my quest. The bristled wand is super slim and scrapes off excess product so you aren’t left with clumps or blobs.
As it’s a tubing mascara, it grabs onto each lash to lift and curl without smudging. And while it won’t budge throughout the day, it’s easily removed without tugging at your lashes.
It’s definitely one for an understated look (if you’re looking for ‘my-lashes-but-better’), but if you apply a few coats, it’ll deliver a bit of volume too.
Brow 1980
At one point, my brows took the most time in my makeup routine. But thanks to Brow 1980, they take mere seconds.
All that's needed is a wiggle of the brush to add pigment to each brow hair and then comb to set in place. It adds instant volume and a fluffy arch, without drenching brows in clumps of product.
And, because the formula is so delicate, you can manoeuvre your brows to their desired shape without them turning crunchy or stiff – and they don’t budge throughout the day.
Shade Slick
Lip oils tend to be a bit hit-and-miss – often I find them rather overpowering and sticky. However, Merit’s Shade Slick is a hit. I have the shade Bel Air – a clear gloss with gold flecks – but there are neutral browns and muted pinks on offer too.
The formula is non-sticky, which makes up for the fact that you may have to reapply a few times throughout the day to keep its shine (and let’s be realistic, you have to with pretty much any lip oil).
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