MERIT reviews and discussion

4.6

95% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Creamy, blendable textures
  • Natural, skin-like finish
  • Elegant, minimalist packaging
  • Sensitive-skin friendly formulas
  • Short wear blush longevity
  • Subtle mascara and brow hold
  • Packaging breakage and access issues
  • Complexion stick emphasizes dryness

MERIT earns strong reviews as a minimalist brand that delivers natural, blendable color and a polished “no‑makeup makeup” finish—especially via the Minimalist Complexion Stick, Flush Balm blush, Shade Slick lip oils, and Clean Lash mascara—yet several reviews flag weak longevity, patchy or sheer payoff on some items, and packaging quirks like product breaking or hard‑to‑access components. Reviews of MERIT also cite creamy, skin-friendly formulas that don’t clog pores and flatter sensitive skin, while noting issues such as dryness on textured or very dry skin, limited shade nuances for some tones, and brow or mascara performance that’s too subtle for bolder looks.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

281 reviews and posts

  • Merit’s branding is on point. The bags, packaging and style of the products are so classy and minimalistic. This oil really gives such a glow and is perfect on every inch of your body. I just wish that it came in a bigger size!

  • I just received my first Merit order in the mail, and I can already see why everyone’s been raving about it. I was so influenced that I even ended up ordering doubles of a few things. The packaging feels so premium and thoughtful, it sets the tone right away. The products are lightweight, easy to use, and really deliver that natural “makeup you can live in” look. The bag is such a nice bonus, both chic and practical. I’ll admit I was a little worried I’d impulse-bought too much, but so far everything feels worth it. The only thing I’m still undecided on is the perfume not sure yet if it’s my everyday scent.

    Verified purchase

  • I love the products that I got from merit I got the matte lipstick and and the day glow highlighting balm. It looks so pretty and feel that gives the best clean look that I could hope for. Definitely recommend product!!

    Verified purchase

  • The make up is pretty light, which is good for me because I don’t wear a lot of make up so it gives you more natural appearance. With your first purchase, you get a free make up bag, which is cute. I like the variety of sets you can buy. I bought the summer set, which you can customize to your skin tone. Sephora has this brand, so I checked it out in person before buying. My skin feels hydrated without flakiness or drying out..

    Verified purchase

  • I LOVE the flush balm! Obsessed. The blending brush is also amazing. The perfecting stick is not great on my 42yo skin, it looks cakey and settles into every wrinkle. The serum also not for me. But A+ for customer service!

  • The blushes are lovely - definitely a fave. I really liked the color of the Solo Shadow I purchased, but it dried out very quickly and became unusable. I’ve purchased two of the Shade Slick lip oils but they didn’t wear well - poor color payoff and rubs off quick.

  • The Merit Great Skin Moisturizer has quickly become a favorite for those seeking a lightweight, hydrating base that seamlessly integrates into both skincare and makeup routines. Designed as a priming moisturizer, it offers a dual function, providing essential hydration while prepping the skin for makeup application. The product has a silky, smooth texture that absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. Its lightweight formula ensures that it doesn't feel heavy on the skin, making it suitable for daily use. As a primer, the Great Skin Moisturizer effectively blurs imperfections and creates a smooth canvas for makeup application. Its hydrating properties ensure that makeup applies evenly and lasts longer throughout the day. Its clean formulation and effective performance make it a worthy addition to any skincare routine.

  • I have been hearing about Merit from my cool friends for years now but was a staunch drugstore makeup girlie for a long time. Unfortunately for my wallet, I know see what the fuss was about. Everything I’ve tried has been easy to use, buildable, and really pretty. My favorite product has been the concealer/foundation product, I was skeptical it would be able to cover up redness without being too cakey, but I found it to be the right amount of coverage where I wanted but still very “my skin but better” and light, which is what I’m going for. The shade matching tool was super helpful too—you give them a brand and shade that you know matches and they recommend a shade for you. I found the one they recommended spot on!

    Verified purchase

  • I'm a very minimal no-makeup-makeup kinda person and MERIT seems designed especially for my tastes & lifestyle. I love a very quick routine that looks natural but polished. Out of the products I tried, the complexion stick, brush no. 1, and the blush were standouts for me! I love the way the complexion stick can be used as a daily concealer, as-needed spot coverage or layered for more typical foundation-like coverage. The brush blends it all seamlessly into my skin and the product seems to last throughout the day without drying my skin out. I don't own foundation because I ware it rarely and don't particularly like the feeling, so I'm really excited to have a product in my routine that I can pull out for special events or moments where I want more coverage! I picked up the blush in the colors cheeky & fox and both are really gorgeous, very easy to work with, natural. The finish is very sheer, buildable and almost a touch glowy. I'll definitely keep an eye on MERIT for future makeup needs!

    Verified purchase

  • This review comes from my wife: As a busy mom of two, and someone who has always preferred a more natural look, makeup is usually one of the first things to be cut out of my routine when I'm low on time. However, the Merit 5 Minute Morning actually has me looking forward to putting a little bit of makeup on. I love the idea of being able to feel like a more polished version of myself in just (actually) 5 minutes. I've never been good at makeup, but I feel like these products are really forgiving in that regard. In the kit, you can find: -The Minimalist Perfection Complexion Stick (I've always hated foundation because it's such a full look; this is like a more blendable, more versatile concealer that also has some foundation coverage powers), -Flush Balm cheek color (there are so many pretty shades, and they give off such a natural blush), -Day Glow (gives that dewy look), -Brush No. 1 blending brush (so easy to use and works seamlessly with the complexion stick), -Clean Lash (I previously used Ilia.. this might be my new favorite mascara), and -Brow 1980 volumizing pomade (gives a soft, fuller look to eye brows) These products have made it so that almost all the rest of my makeup is collecting dust. My Merit products are my go to when I want to look like a more polished (or sometimes, even a little glammed up), put together version of myself.

    Verified purchase

  • Like several of the Merit products. I think any of my gripes are opinions not any real issues. I have the bronze and I like it. I use it for light contouring- I’m not a heavy makeup wearer. It glides on smooth and blends nicely. I just tried their Uniform tinted moisturizer and ended up returning (too dark) which was easy and quick customer service. I think their colors run a tad darker than many others where I am also a medium warm. I also didn’t love the product, it felt a little dry and tight for me. Lastly, I’ve been wanting to try the no1 brush and was a little disappointed. I like the flat bottom for storing in my cabinet, but found the handle a little short for comfort and the bristles a little small for blending with ease. It feels like maybe it soaks up a lot of product? I actually prefer my cheap fluffy kabuki brush. I’ll keep it though and maybe it’ll grow on me. Generally though, it seems on par with brands at this price point. I can see why so many people like it but I still mostly have other products I like better.

    Verified purchase

  • The branding is what originally sold me, their packaging is so gorgeous and aesthetic, I mostly wanted it for my bathroom counter. But then I tried to products and was blown away. I love the pigment in the blush and the gloss. The brush is sooo soft and blends great. And the concealer stick is super creamy and so far it hasn't creased too much! Overall, I am loving my new products and can't wait to explore more of their products! Very curious about the skin care.

    Verified purchase

  • MERIT’s Signature Lipstick is everything I want in a lip product—minimalist, luxurious, and so comfortable to wear. The formula is incredibly lightweight and hydrating, with a soft satin finish that gives just the right amount of polish without ever feeling heavy or sticky. It glides on effortlessly and wears beautifully throughout the day. The shades are stunning—elegant, wearable, and thoughtfully curated. I especially love how they flatter a range of skin tones and look equally beautiful for everyday or dressed-up moments. Bonus points for the sleek, weighty packaging that feels as high-end as it looks. If you’re into clean beauty and love a natural, refined look, MERIT’s lipstick is a must-have. It’s quickly become my go-to for that perfect “my lips but better” vibe. Can’t recommend it enough!

  • The products are easy to blend, and easy to use. Very useful for a minimal but staple look. I wouldn’t recommend to those that love wearing a lot of makeup because the formulations will not perform well and will patch.

  • I love merit. The simplicity of the products. Honestly anyone can do their makeup if they use merit. I wouldn’t recommend the stick foundation for those with drier skin because it clings to the dryness, and the bronzer is very creamy and doesn’t work well with powders. When using, less is more.

  • Mixed reviews across the product line. Some of the items I have used have been great - I love the blushes and bronzer. However, the foundation tends to sit on top of my skin and doesn't blend well. The amount of foundation is miniscule. I really like the packaging - it makes it easy to travel well.

  • This was my first time purchasing Merit products. I purchased The Uniform, a tinted SPF, and Day Glow, a highlighter. I’m obsessed with The Uniform- it has great coverage and is not greasy. I love that it is SPF 45. I will be buying this again! The Day Glow provides subtle highlight on top of makeup- I wish it was a bit darker as I have a light skin tone and I have to use more of the product to see the shimmer.

    Verified purchase

  • I am Merits newest fan! I first fried their flush balm and loved it so much it inspired me to try the whole selection. A full face of merit skincare/makeup is now my go to look! I recommend the flush balm, bronze balm, and complexion stick! I tried the tinted sunscreen and was surprised at how thick it was and only recommend that product if your looking for a heavy base rather than light or sheer

    Verified purchase

  • I've tried three different products from MERIT - the glow serum, the complexion stick, and the brush. The brand has beautiful packaging and appeals to my sense of a minimalist yet effective routine. It's definitely a solid lineup of products, but there a few areas where I feel they could improve. I was least impressed by the glow serum, which I found had little impact on my skin and also is sort of tricky to dispense - it's very watery and the pump is not super well-suited to the consistency. The corduroy bag and mini mirror I received with my first order are adorable.

  • I've used most Merit products and am delighted by the quality, ease of use and how they feel on my skin. The Uniform tinted sunscreen is a great product and one of my top three from the brand. It adds just a hint of coverage while not feeling like I'm wearing traditional sunscreen, and it layers well with both my skincare and concealer/foundation from other brands. The flush balms are another favorite; they're fun to use, endlessly buildable and easy to blend (no brush or sponge needed, though they work great, as does using your fingers). I've also used the Shade Slick tinted lip oil, the mascara and brow pomade, and while they're good quality products, I don't reach for them as often. I initially purchased the Five Minute Morning set, which was a great introduction to the brand. A huge standout, which was a surprise to me, is their perfume, Retrospect. I'm really impressed by how layered, nuanced and intriguing it is. As someone who tends to wear warm, amber, woody, earthy, unexpected scents, this one is a dream. Plus, the bottle is beautifully designed.

    Verified purchase