4.6
95% of reviewers would recommend to a friend
MERIT
4.6 • 298 Reviews
•

4.6
95% of reviewers would recommend to a friend
MERIT earns strong reviews as a minimalist, “your-skin-but-better” line that blends easily, flatters a natural look, and suits sensitive skin, with standouts like the Minimalist Complexion Stick, Flush Balm blushes, Day Glow highlighter, Bronze Balm, Clean Lash mascara, and Shade Slick lip oils. Reviews also flag weaknesses: color products that fade quickly, sheer coverage that won’t satisfy full-coverage users, packaging issues (sticks breaking, messy pumps, mascara cap stickiness), occasional dryness/creasing on textured or dry skin, and inconsistent shade matches for some complexions.
AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews
I hadn’t tried anything from merit since they launched in 2021 and they have really expanded their options since then. Firstly I love the little makeup bag that comes free with first purchase when you order directly from the merit website. It’s very well made compared to many free makeup bags you receive with purchase. Secondly all the products I tried worked well for me which rarely happens. The formula on ALL of them is buttery, and smooth with no stickiness. The colors I picked were also true to the online descriptions and images. Im very pale with neutral undertones and I usually find products that look perfectly pink in the online photos lean unflattering and orangey on me. The lipliner in coup is cool pink perfection. The gloss is subtle and hydrating. It’s definitely not a y2k type gloss that you can see poppin from a mile away but it also isn’t sticky or gloopy which makes it perfect for every day wear. My only complaint is about the perfume. Retrospect is a beautiful subtle clean skin scent that seems like it would truly be appropriate to wear in any setting. I really wish I had just bought a full size bottle of it. Unfortunately I bought the smaller size which I realized after opening its only a 9.5ml (industry standard is *usually* 10ml) I have hundreds from many different brands and all are 10ml. The bottle is both shorter and thinner than any of my other travel sizes. It’s a small thing and doesn’t make my rating go down at all but I do think it was an odd choice.

Verified purchase
Having used the Great Skin Serum and loved it on my routine, I was excited to also snag Retrospect, their new perfume and it’s a delicate scent l! You can sample smell in Sephora if you’d like! The brand is beautiful looking and they have a great CX team for any support or questions 😌

Verified purchase
I was interested in this blush because Merit really emphasizes their “less is more” and clean beauty aesthetic 🫢 I definitely agree that you don’t need a lot of this blush for pigment! It’s very natural and easy to blend. The packaging is also really nice. The formula is creamy and very easy to blend with your fingers, you don’t need a lot of blush to build it up. I would say that the formula is very lightweight so it doesn’t accentuate your skin texture or make your skin look very cakey. Overall this is a good buildable blush and I do think I’d repurchase it in different shades!

I ordered the clean lash mascara and signature lip liner during a Thingdrop. That packaging itself is really lovely - I really like how sleek the mascara tube especially is. I try and keep my makeup bag on the small side so I hate when structures are bulky or odd shaped - this one is sleek and lightweight. I wanted to try the mascara because I prefer tubing mascara (no smearing and easier to remove) and was thrilled that Merit's is. I do wish the applicator brush was a little smaller so I could be more precise but like the mascara otherwise - it stayed put all day. This is the first time i've ventured into trying lipliner and this one seems great. It goes on super smooth and because it's sheer it's nice and subtle - exactly what I was hoping for. Also want to note that the customer service is incredible! I had an issue with the color of the first liner and they were so awesome helping me get an exchange for a different shade.

Verified purchase
1y ago
I love so many of Merit's products. I use the blush daily and it doubles as a great lip color. The lip liners are so smooth (though they don't last very long). I also use the tinted sunscreen every day. I appreciate the high quality and beautiful packaging!

Verified purchase
I absolutely love my new mimimalist stick and signature lip. I'm not a make-up person, but use it more to cover redness/make myself look less exhausted haha. This fits the bill so perfectly. It goes on smooth and not cakey — probably honestly the smoothest out of everything I've tried so far. I'm so happy I found MERIT and can't wait to try more stuff.

Verified purchase
I learned about Merit from a stylist in LA. You, know the kind of person you listen to when she gives advice and talks about products she loves… I currently use the concealer in ochre and blush in cheeky. The concealer is creamy and has a great consistency and texture. It goes on smooth but does crease under my eyes. I do need to blend after about mid day/early evening. The blush is my go to and personal fav. Easy to apply and although you might think it’s “too dark” it’s the perfect shade.

Creamy, easy to blend, and gives a natural flush that looks like skin. The shades are wearable and flattering, and I love how quickly I can swipe it on and go. Great for minimal makeup days. However, I have many other blushes that last longer.

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.

I bought the CAVA highlighter, Clean lash mascara, and applicator brush, and I couldn't be happier with Merit joining my Make Up Routine! Their website is great, and their retail displays make me want to buy the entire collection at Sephora. I love that the products are fragrance-free, and the mascara, absolutely amazing. After trying it, I can’t see myself using any other brand. It’s inclusive, feels great on the skin, and just works!"

All merit products are perfect to get that no-makeup makeup look. My personal favourite is the minimalist perfecting stick in the shade cream. It offers the best coverage while looking like natural skin! - I am wearing the perfecting stick in the photo attached.

One of my favourite clean makeup brands in terms of pigmentation and wear! These products layer really nice, are super blendable and are very long lasting. Super luxe formulas - but a little pricey for the sizes! Wish they came with more product <3

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!

Tried the Clean Lash and loved it - made my lashes super long, clean formula and didn't flake. Overall, the minimalist branding and products feel like an elevated, grown-up version of Glossier. Update: The Flush Balm is my go-to blush! Layerable and gives you that beautiful dewy flush. Just set it with a spray to minimize fading throughout the day.
Feedback
The packaging was beautiful, but it was pretty easy for the mascara to get onto the twisty part of the tube and that would make it a little sticky to uncap.

1y ago
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
1y ago
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