Merit! Jones Road! Il Makiage! 15 Viral Online Makeup 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 world, there’s an abundance of makeup brands and products that have gone viral on the internet, but my experience as a beauty editor has taught me that not all the hype is deserved. (While I won't mention specific products, I've certainly been disappointed by many well-known brands in the past.) That's why I approach "internet-viral" products with a healthy level of skepticism. If they don't deliver outstanding results, I won’t recommend them. It's just that straightforward. However, the standout products that do earn my praise? I can’t stop raving about them. This includes three famous brands—Merit, Jones Road, and Il Makiage. This year, I've incorporated several products from each of these brands, and I can't imagine a time when they won't be a part of my makeup routine. Below, you'll find all 15 viral makeup products that I believe are worth your investment.
**MERIT Beauty**
**Solo Shadow - Iris**
Merit has emerged as one of my favorite beauty brands. It's gradually replacing other products in my makeup bag, and I'm not complaining—not when the elegant Solo Shadows are available! These buildable cream shadows are incredibly soft and silky, providing a delicate wash of color to the eyelids. They come in both matte and shimmer finishes. Lately, I've been particularly fond of Iris, a shimmering plum, Midnight, a matte navy blue, and Studio, a cool taupe. Following those, I’m eager to try Nelson, a soft gray.
**Merit Beauty**
**The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick**
Sometimes, I desire a dewy, skin-tint-like finish from my foundation products, while other times I'm after medium to full coverage with a matte look. Occasionally, I prefer targeted coverage in specific areas. (What can I say? I have many needs!) For the latter, this stick is my go-to. I can apply it directly, and the formula seamlessly melts into my skin. I use it around my nose, under my eyes, and to cover blemishes and dark spots. It blends effortlessly and appears very natural; I don’t even need setting powder for it to last all day.
**Merit Beauty**
**Flush Balm - Fox**
How could I possibly omit one of Merit's most popular products? The Flush Balm Cheek Color absolutely lives up to its reputation. It offers a beautiful, sheer wash of color to my complexion. While I adore many of the shades, Fox has been my favorite lately—it's a warm taupe that gives my skin a radiant, sun-kissed appearance. It looks as though my flush is natural, not from makeup.
**Merit Beauty**
**Day Glow Highlighting Balm - Cava**
Speaking of a lit-from-within glow, I highly advise trying Merit's Day Glow Highlighting Balm. It provides a subtle, luminous radiance to the skin that feels very chic. There are four shades, each prettier than the last, but I find myself reaching for Cava, a warm champagne shade, most often.
**MERIT Beauty**
**Brow 1990 Sheer Gel Pencil**
When I first used this brow pencil, I received three compliments from people asking how I achieved my "perfect" brows. So yes, I highly recommend it for yourself. I even suggested it to my mom because she struggled to find a naturally-looking brow pencil, and this is it. The sheer, gel formula is incredibly convincing, and the ultra-fine pencil allows for precise application.
If Merit's Brow 1990 creates sharp, defined brows, then Merit's Brow 1980 delivers full, fluffy, Brooke Shields-inspired brows. The lightweight pomade provides soft hold and natural density without any crunchiness, flaking, or smudging.
**MERIT Beauty**
**Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick - Baby**
As someone with thin, dry lips, finding a lipstick I can comfortably wear is challenging. Most formulas tend to feel thick, heavy, or drying, but not Merit's. The Signature Lightweight Lipstick is genuinely lightweight, offering a smooth, hydrating formula that doesn't dry out my lips or settle into lines. It comes in both matte and satin finishes, and I adore almost every shade. If I could buy them all, I would, but I particularly love Baby (satin pink), Tiger (satin brick red), Antibes (matte peach), and Vermillion (matte red-orange), all of which are exquisitely chic.
**Jones Road**
**Miracle Balm - Dusty Rose**
I couldn't scroll through Instagram or TikTok without seeing someone using a Jones Road product, which made me feel compelled to finally try it. To correct this, I collected several of their
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Merit! Jones Road! Il Makiage! 15 Viral Online Makeup Products I’ve Included in My Makeup Bag This Year
I tried out Merit, Jones Road, and Il Makiage makeup products to determine which ones actually deliver on their promises. Click here to explore all 15 outstanding items.