MERIT reviews and discussion

4.6

95% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Creamy, blendable complexion stick
  • Lightweight, skin-like formulas
  • Elegant, minimalist packaging
  • Sensitive-skin friendly formulations
  • Fragile, finicky component packaging
  • Sheer, quickly fading pigments
  • Dryness and creasing on texture
  • Inconsistent shade matching accuracy

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

296 reviews and posts

  • Merit Beauty touts minimalist beauty with skincare benefits that is Clean at Sephora compliant, vegan, and cruelty free. The result is luxuriously packaged cleangirl beauty that doesn't quite have as much staying power as non-clean brands that are going more for performance than environmental friendliness. Here are some products I've tried from them: My favorite: The Minimalist in Linen Not quite a foundation and not quite a concealer, this is the creamiest, most versatile complexion stick that blends seamlessly onto my light-neutral skin. This is super easy to use, stays put more than their other color cosmetics, and doesn't move all over the place even though I'm 37 with aging skin around the eyes. Shade Slick in Pink Beet This gives that ~clean girl~ put together aesthetic without any of the try hard. I keep this in my purse whenever I go to work as it’s easy to travel with and easy to apply. Flush Balm Cheek Color in Cheeky This balm blush is my absolute favorite color but it’s not the most long-lasting blush I’ve ever used. It looks super natural and it's easy to build so I don't go overboard on the first application. Definitely use setting spray to increase the wear.

    Received a free product from MERIT
  • I tried the Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum and I loved it. I used it as a primer before I do a full face of makeup.

    Received a free product from MERIT
  • I bought the minimalist stick and nude lip oil. Overall, I liked the brand - though I think this is a brand that is only suitable for those who don’t wear a full face as both items are very sheer and not very buildable. The foundation stick was lovely though the coverage wasn’t the great and if you tried to add more product it became apparent- especially in photos. The price point is also pretty high for the amount of product given. I will say the minimalist stick packaging needs work. My stick came broken and may people have also had this problem. I really love my lip oil. It is beautiful and hydrating - I would highly recommend as this is a great way to add color while hydrating. Plus the packing for the lip oil feel luxurious!

    Feedback

    I would love to see more nudes, light pinks and brown colors in the lip oils. There are so many reds and berry colors but that’s not ideal for every occasion. The foundation stick needs better packaging, possibly more product for the price point and better shade match.

  • I have tried the Shade Slick Hydrating Lip Oils and absolutely love them! My favorite color is the shade Sangria, which is lovely on its own but also layers well over lipstick. The non-sticky texture is great, and I appreciate how there is a shade for everyone. I ended up gifting my friend the Marrakech color as well.

  • I love the Minimalist Perfecting Stick in cream—goes on easily, blends beautifully, and brightens under my eyes and any discolored areas. A little goes a long way—mine lasts about six months. Good ingredients, too!

  • Loves the products I received from Merit Beauty!! The blush was highly pigmented & a stunning shade!! I also tried the stick concealer which has great coverage too! Very impressed for my first time trying this brand!

    Received a free product from MERIT
  • I loved working with Merit. They’re team had great communication and the products were amazing. They also offered an affiliate program for content creators.

    Influencer for MERIT
  • Amazing brand. I absolutely love the fact that everything is creamy and hydrating. The colours are beautiful as well. If your looking for an easy 5 minute makeup routine, Merit is worth it.

    Influencer for MERIT
  • I have merits flush blush balm in mood & i absolutely love it! i’m on the darker side & i believe berry colors match well with my skin & gives the best sunkissed look! It’s so smooth & creamy that it just glides onto my skin

    Influencer for MERIT
  • I love MERIT. I have loved working with the brand over some time. This brand helps me achieve the best no makeup makeup look. It is minimal. It is effortless.

    Influencer for MERIT
  • Tried the Bronze Balm and loved how easily it glides on and blends.

    Feedback

    Might have to increase the quality because my product (the bronze balm) flew right out of its container on a hot day.

  • When Katherine Power starts something, you know it's going to be good. She had me at "minimalistic beauty." The Flush Balm is essential to my day now. It's easy, smooth, and natural (gives me that winter ocean walk flush without the cold wind). The Minimalist Complexion Stick has replaced my $10 concealer from CVS and is worth every penny. Knowing the ingredients are EU-compliant was an important factor when purchasing. Need to moisturize skin before applying. The Shade Slick adds lovely color and moisture. I use this less frequently because I'm always drinking something - water, mocktail, wine - and it comes off easily.

    Feedback

    My morning beauty routine isn't a slow ritual. I want a quick brightening before my first zoom meeting, and I inadvertently try to open my Minimalist Complexion Stick the wrong way (every damn morning 🤦‍♀️). Anyone else?!

  • what style

    do they have face products

  • I don't wear makeup (not a flex... maybe a flex?) but my 14-yo flipped when I said I got a huge discount thru Thingdrop. Apparently this is THE makeup brand. Asked why, she said "it's just really natural and blends really well." And honestly, that endorsement *almost* made me think to try it for myself. I will say, even though I know she wears makeup, I hardly even notice it, which must mean it does in fact blend really well.

    Verified purchase

  • I just don't get what all the hype is about. This is one of the most poorly packaged makeup brands I can imagine, given the price point. It feels like it's from Walgreens. The makeup itself functions well, okay. A bit glittery for my taste. There are so many better alternatives out there.

    Verified purchase

  • The flush balm is really great - super pigmented and long lasting. The applicator was super easy to use and you can use a brush or directly apply it to your face. The bronzer however was very disappointing. It was just too sheer and while that is in the name, the bronzer would come off throughout the day and I ultimately exchanged it for another brand

  • I was really excited to try this complexion stick as quick way to cover blemishes while working from home, but the consistency of it left my skin feeling oily. I have also tried the highlighter and had the same feeling.

  • I have only tried the concealer stick, and it's probably the only concealer I will ever buy from now on! It's just so perfectly my complexion match, and the finish is so natural-looking, with or without setting powder. It never slides off or looks too dry or cakey.

  • One of my favorite clean blushes on the market. The packaging is simple and easy to use. The product itself if pigmented and a very workable cream product. I also feel good about the ingredients being non-toxic. It also comes in a tone of shades, but my favorite it CHEEKY.

  • Merit Beauty is a total game-changer! Their products are high-quality, easy to use, and give a natural, glowing look without feeling heavy. I love the minimalistic packaging and the focus on clean ingredients. From their lipsticks to the complexion products, everything feels luxurious yet effortless. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a fresh, polished look without a lot of fuss. Definitely my new go-to beauty brand!