Merit's new cream eye shadow exudes an effortlessly cool '90s supermodel vibe—I'm absolutely in love with it.

      To be completely candid, I'm not particularly fond of wearing eye shadow. I realize this might sound shocking coming from a beauty editor who often discusses bold eye trends, but here's the truth: I can't help but admire the gorgeous looks I see on the red carpet, across my social media feeds, and on random people in the subway. That said, in my personal routine, I aim for a low-maintenance approach, usually opting for a swipe of cream blush or bronzer on my eyelids or a line of colorful eyeliner when I'm in the mood. Vibrant eye shadow tones may be stunning, but they haven't felt intuitive for me—until now.

      Merit Beauty, a brand celebrated for its minimalist essentials, recently launched a "no-glitter" glitter version of their delightfully creamy Solo Shadows. I was fortunate to try them out before their official release, and they've quickly become my go-to for an effortlessly stylish fall. I highly recommend you check them out, especially if your autumn style leans towards an “unfazed '90s supermodel” vibe. Let me elaborate.

      Merit's Solo Shadow is a buildable cream-to-powder eye shadow that provides a sheer wash of color on the eyelids with a beautiful soft-matte finish. It's incredibly user-friendly; you can increase the color intensity by layering multiple coats, and the peptide-infused formula blends seamlessly into your lids with just a gentle press of your fingertip. (While using a brush is an option, I prefer the finger application method.)

      The new Solo Shadow Sheens feature the same smooth, blendable formula, now enhanced with microfine pearls for a delicate, shimmery finish. It's worth noting that this eye shadow doesn't contain actual glitter, but it offers a pearlescent sheen that elevates your eye looks while remaining effortlessly chic—essentially a sophisticated type of glitter. Additionally, it boasts impressive long-lasting power; despite having oily eyelids (which typically makes me avoid shadow in my daily routine due to it sliding off quickly), the Merit formula stays intact all day without creasing or smudging.

      However, my favorite part has to be the six dreamy shades available. Each color is inspired by '90s glitter shadows—the luxurious metallics sported by iconic supermodels making their entrance from glamorous nightclubs. They look stunningly pigmented without appearing overly polished, creating a vibe as though you casually swiped it on before hurriedly leaving the house. You could even apply it in the back of a cab without a mirror, and it would still look effortlessly chic—never messy. If that's not the definition of stylish, I don't know what is. I personally like to begin with a wash of Iris (a soft, cool-toned plum) across my lids, then add Glacé (an icy rose) to the outer and inner corners for a subtle highlight. Palladium (a warm silver) is also excellent for achieving a fairy-dust effect in specific areas, creating the illusion of a shiny, glistening lid. You can’t go wrong with any of these six shades, so I recommend grabbing them all and mixing them up based on your mood.

      Just a heads-up: when you spend over $125, you can also receive the elegant black leather Signature Bag designed in collaboration with Brandon Maxwell. Purchasing five or more Solo Shadow Sheens will easily put you over that threshold, so act quickly while this gift with purchase is still available. Trust me, it’s a fantastic find.

      Shop Solo Shadow Sheens

      Merit

      Solo Shadow Cream Eyeshadow - Iris

      Merit

      Solo Shadow Cream Eyeshadow - Iris

      Merit

      Solo Shadow Cream Eyeshadow - Matchbook

      Merit

      Solo Shadow Cream Eyeshadow - Sartorial

      Sephora

      Solo Shadow Cream Eyeshadow - Palladium

      Sephora

      Solo Shadow Cream Eyeshadow - Surrealism

      More Shimmery Eye Shadows to Explore This Fall

      Victoria Beckham Beauty

      Lid Lustre

      If anyone knows how to create a refined glitter eye, it’s Victoria Beckham.

      Danessa Myricks Beauty

      Colorfix Multi-Use Eye, Cheek & Lip Waterproof Liquid Pigment

      This gorgeous, mermaid-like shade is irresistibly captivating.

      Tower 28

      Gogo Cooling Shimmer 8H Eyeshadow Stick

      As someone with sensitive eyes, I appreciate that this stick is creamy, blendable, and free of common irritants.

      Armani Beauty

      Eye Tint Long-Lasting Liquid Eyeshadow

      Ilia

      Eye Stylus Shadow Stick

      An earthy moss-green shade is my personal neutral.

      Urban Decay Cosmetics

      24/7 Moondust Glitter Eyeshadow Singles

      Space Cowboy, you will always be legendary.