We have evaluated Merit's top-selling makeup items for four years—here are the 13 that shouldn't be overlooked.
Few beauty brands have editors as captivated as Merit. It’s the brand my friends eagerly request free samples from, the one favored by celebrities for effortless glam, and a name all beauty editors unanimously agree is simply excellent. Founded in 2021 by Katherine Power (co-founder of Who What Wear), the brand was created to streamline beauty routines in a highly saturated market. Merit has become a luxurious choice for both beauty beginners and experts, providing premium skincare, makeup, and fragrance lines for those seeking clean beauty products that also boast skincare benefits and performance. Although this seems like a significant demand, Merit not only met the challenge but exceeded it with creativity, constantly asking, "What’s next?" Editors from Who What Wear undertook the difficult task of selecting their favorite products from Merit's acclaimed collection, sharing insights on each. Discover below the 13 makeup, skincare, and fragrance selections that have transformed the beauty landscape forever.
Is Merit a clean beauty brand? The term "clean beauty" lacks a strict definition, making any response subjective. However, Merit has addressed this in the FAQ section of its website. "We prioritize safe and effective ingredients, whether they are natural or synthetic," the brand notes. "Along with incorporating beneficial ingredients into every formula, we’ve removed many potential irritants, such as added artificial fragrances." Additionally, Merit collaborated with Biba de Sousa, a renowned celebrity aesthetician, during the formulation of its skincare and complexion products, providing a trusted perspective. De Sousa has a "no list" of 73 clean ingredients known to clog pores, provoke acne, or cause irritation. You can review the safety of your favorite products using her custom Pore Clogger Checker to understand the extensive efforts Merit has made in creating high-quality, effective products.
The Best Merit Beauty Products at a Glance:
- Best Overall: Flush Balm Cheek Color
- Best Complexion Product: The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick
- Best for Quick Eyes: Solo Shadow Eye Color
- Best for Everyday: The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45
- Best Lipstick: Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick
- Best Fragrance: Retrospect L'Extrait de Parfum
**Best Overall: Flush Balm Cheek Color**
Size: 0.31 oz. | Shades: 13 | Key ingredient: Vitamin E | Finish: Satin
When it comes to makeup, WWW editors always keep Merit's Flush Balm in close reach—perfect for everything from casual, natural looks to a full glam. This lightweight, ultra-creamy, and stylishly diverse cream blush is a dream for beauty editors. Whether aiming for a soft baby-pink blush or a dramatic plum statement, there’s a color for everyone. Plus, these balms are incredibly easy to blend with fingers, a brush, or a sponge, creating a beautiful satin finish. Pro tip: Apply this blush with a brush after your face makeup and powder for a radiant glow (it won’t disrupt your powdered skin). With chic packaging that’s both attractive and travel-friendly, and its multifunctional use (also works as cream eyeshadow and lipstick), it’s clear why this balm is a favorite.
Customer review: "Wow! First off, the packaging is so luxurious. I was blown away by the texture, and it gave me both glow and a lovely natural flush. This has easily become a holy grail blush for me!"
**Best Complexion Product: The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick**
Size: 0.23 oz. | Shades: 30 | Key ingredients: Fatty acids, sea daffodil extract | Finish: Natural
If you need a versatile complexion product that blurs imperfections like foundation, covers dark circles and blemishes like concealer, and even acts as an eyeshadow primer, your search is over. Voted as one of the best foundation sticks by our editors, Merit's Minimalist is truly a must-have. "I'm obsessed with the Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick," says WWW Beauty Director Erin Jahns. "It blends seamlessly into the skin, and unlike most foundations or concealers, it improves over time—still looking fresh at the end of the day, even after 10 hours of wear with no creasing." Jahns even uses various shades for contouring and concealing, highlighting the product’s flexibility. "The formula is super buildable and maintains a velvety demi-matte finish without becoming greasy or cakey."
Customer review: "I rave about this product, and I get so many compliments when I wear it! As a makeup artist, I struggle to find foundations that don't make my dry skin appear worse—10/10 will repurchase! I've already recommended it to many friends."
**Best for Quick Eyes: Solo Shadow Eye Color**
Size: 0.17 oz. | Shades: 14 | Key ingredients: Jojoba extract, microfine pearls | Finish: Shimmery, matte
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