Merit! Jones Road! Il Makiage! 15 Viral Internet Products I’ve Included in My Makeup Bag This Year

      In this image, I'm showcasing a complete makeup look using products from Merit, Jones Road, and Il Makiage. (Image credit: Kaitlyn McLintock) In today's digital era, there’s an abundance of makeup brands and products that have gone viral online, but as a seasoned beauty editor, I can attest that the buzz isn’t always justified. (I'll spare you the names, but I’ve certainly been disappointed by many trendy items over time.) That’s why I approach "internet-viral" products with a healthy skepticism. If they don’t deliver outstanding results, I won’t endorse them. It really is that straightforward. However, the highly-rated products that do impress me? I'm eager to share them. This includes three well-known brands: Merit, Jones Road, and Il Makiage. I've incorporated several products from each of these brands this year, and I can't envision a scenario where they wouldn’t be in my makeup bag. Below, you'll find all 15 viral makeup products that I believe are truly worth your time, money, and interest.

      **MERIT Beauty**

      **Solo Shadow - Iris**

      Merit has become a staple in my beauty routine, gradually replacing other brands in my makeup bag, and I’m not complaining—especially with their stylish Solo Shadows! These buildable cream shadows are incredibly soft and silky, providing a sheer wash of color on the eyelids. They offer both matte and shimmer finishes. Lately, I've been loving Iris, a shimmering plum, Midnight, a matte navy, and Studio, a cool taupe. Up next on my list to try is Nelson, a soft gray.

      **The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick**

      Sometimes I desire a dewy, skin-tint finish from my complexion products, while other times, I prefer a matte medium-to-full coverage. There are also times when I need targeted coverage in specific areas. (What can I say? I'm multifaceted!) For the latter, this is my go-to product. I can apply it directly from the stick, and it melts perfectly into my skin. I use it around my nose, under my eyes, and to cover blemishes or dark spots. It blends seamlessly and looks incredibly natural and effortless, requiring no setting powder to last throughout the day.

      **Flush Balm - Fox**

      How could I omit what might be Merit's most famous product? The Flush Balm Cheek Color certainly lives up to its reputation. It provides a beautiful, sheer wash of color to my skin. While I love many shades, I've been particularly fond of Fox lately. This warm taupe gives my skin a sun-kissed glow, resembling a natural flush rather than makeup.

      **Day Glow Highlighting Balm - Cava**

      On the topic of radiant skin, I can’t recommend Merit's Day Glow Highlighting Balm enough. It's elegant, offering a subtle luminous glow that feels very French chic. There are four shades total, with each one being more lovely than the last, but I frequently reach for Cava, a warm champagne hue.

      **Brow 1990 Sheer Gel Pencil**

      The first time I used this brow pencil, I received three compliments and inquiries about how I achieved such "perfect" brows. So yes, I strongly recommend it for you. I even suggested it to my mom, who has struggled to find a brow pencil that looks truly natural—this is it. The sheer gel formula appears incredibly believable, and the ultra-fine pencil allows for precise application.

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

      **Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick - Baby**

      As someone with thin, dry lips, finding a comfortable lipstick can be challenging. Most formulas are too heavy, thick, or drying. Not the case with Merit's. The Signature Lightweight Lipstick is precisely that—light. Its smooth, hydrating formula keeps my lips moisturized and doesn’t settle into lines. Available in both matte and satin finishes, I adore nearly every shade. If I had the means, I would purchase them all, but I have a special fondness for Baby (satin pink), Tiger (satin brick red), Antibes (matte peach), and Vermillion (matte red-orange)—all undeniably chic.

      **Jones Road**

      **Miracle Balm - Dusty Rose**

      I couldn't browse Instagram or TikTok without spotting someone using Jones Road products, and eventually, I felt like a negligent beauty editor for not trying them. To rectify this, I gathered several Jones Road items to test. The first one I tried was the Miracle Balm, a versatile formula for lips and cheeks, or as an all-over tint for a dewy, radiant look. Depending on the color