Merit! Jones Road! Il Makiage! 15 Viral Beauty Products I’ve Added to My Makeup Collection This Year

      In this image, I'm showcasing a complete makeup look using products from Merit, Jones Road, and Il Makiage. (Photo credit: Kaitlyn McLintock) In today's world, we are flooded with makeup brands and products that have gone viral online, but my experience as a beauty editor has taught me that not all of this hype is justified. (I won't mention specific brands, but I've certainly faced disappointment with many well-known products.) This is why I approach "internet-viral" items with a reasonable amount of skepticism. If they don't excel in performance, I can't recommend them. It's just that straightforward.

      However, there are popular products that truly deliver, and I can talk endlessly about them. This applies to three viral brands—Merit, Jones Road, and Il Makiage. Throughout this year, I've integrated numerous products from each, and I anticipate they will remain staples in my makeup bag indefinitely. Below are 15 viral makeup products that I believe are worth your time, money, and consideration.

      **MERIT Beauty**

      - **Solo Shadow - Iris**

      Merit has become one of my preferred beauty brands. Its products are gradually eliminating other items in my makeup bag, and I have no complaints—especially with the chic Solo Shadows! These buildable cream shadows are incredibly soft and silky, providing a delicate wash of color on the eyelids. They are available in both matte and shimmer finishes. Recently, I've fallen in love with Iris, a shimmering plum, Midnight, a matte navy, and Studio, a cool taupe. Nelson, a soft gray shade, is next on my must-try list.

      - **The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick**

      Sometimes I desire a dewy, tint-like finish, while other times I look for medium-to-full coverage with a matte result. Other occasions still call for targeted coverage in specific areas. (What can I say? I have varying needs!) This stick is my go-to for the latter situation. I can apply it directly from the stick, and it seamlessly melts into my skin. I use it around my nose, under my dark circles, and to conceal blemishes or dark spots. It blends wonderfully and appears completely natural and effortless. I don’t even need a setting powder for all-day wear.

      - **Flush Balm - Fox**

      I couldn't possibly leave out Merit's most viral product, the Flush Balm Cheek Color. It truly lives up to its reputation, offering the most beautiful sheer color to my skin. I adore many of the shades, but lately, I've been reaching for Fox, a warm taupe that gives my complexion a sun-kissed glow. It’s the perfect lit-from-within blush. Each time I wear it, it looks as if my color is from a natural flush rather than makeup.

      - **Day Glow Highlighting Balm - Cava**

      For that luminous, radiant skin effect, I highly recommend Merit’s Day Glow Highlighting Balm. It’s elegant and imparts a subtle glow that evokes a very French vibe. There are four shades total, each more beautiful than the last, but I often gravitate towards Cava, a warm champagne hue.

      - **Brow 1990 Sheer Gel Pencil**

      This brow pencil garnered me three compliments on my first use, with people asking how my brows looked "so perfect." This is definitely one to consider for your makeup kit. I even suggested it to my mom, who has struggled to find a truly natural-looking brow pencil, and this one is it. The sheer gel formula is so realistic, and the ultra-fine pencil allows for precise application.

      If the Brow 1990 is essential for defined and sharp brows, then Brow 1980 is perfect for achieving full, fluffy brows reminiscent of Brooke Shields. This lightweight pomade provides soft, volumizing hold with natural density without any crunchiness, flaking, or smudging.

      - **Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick - Baby**

      As someone with thin, dry lips, I know how challenging it is to find a lipstick that’s comfortable to wear. Many formulas can be too thick or drying, but not Merit's. The Signature Lightweight Lipstick is indeed lightweight, thanks to its hydrating formula that avoids drying out my lips or settling into lines. Available in matte and satin finishes, I adore nearly every shade. If given the chance, I’d buy them all, but I hold a soft spot for Baby (satin pink), Tiger (satin brick red), Antibes (matte peach), and Vermillion (matte red-orange)—all effortlessly chic.

      **Jones Road**

      - **Miracle Balm - Dusty Rose**

      It was impossible to scroll through Instagram or TikTok without encountering a Jones Road product, and eventually, I felt negligent as a beauty editor for not having tried it previously. To remedy this, I collected several Jones Road products and put them to the test, starting with the Miracle