Merit Makeup Review: The Best Minimalist Foundation

Merit Makeup Review – here's why I love most of this minimalist makeup brand's products. Over the past few years, I have looked for a more minimalist, natural makeup brand that doesn’t take up much time, is cruelty-free, and does not use harsh ingredients. I found a few that were ok but none that I completely loved.

I was drawn to Merit when I watched their Five–Minute Morning video a few months ago and learned about their commitment to cruelty–free products made with natural ingredients. Their motto of “Less is More” was particularly appealing.

HSP Approved

PROS

Natural makeup that has great coverage and feels wonderful

CONS

Mascara and brow gel are ok

Recently I read about how the ingredients in many of the products we buy are toxic for us and was amazed to learn that the U.S. allows 1,317 ingredients in makeup that are banned in Europe. How can we trust companies that knowingly do that?

I have started to check any products I would like to buy on the EWG website. EWG is the Environmental Working Group, and they have a ranking system to help you make informed decisions on your health and what you should eat and put on your skin. Some products now include the EWG-verified mark on their packaging, which is so helpful.

I purchased Merit products that were in the green or a moderate level on the EWG website. Their lipstick has a hazard rating because it contains fragrance. The blush I bought works great as a lipstick, and I love anything that does double duty.

Photos: Courtesy of Merit

My Merit Purchases

If you buy through the Merit website, your first order includes a free corduroy makeup bag. Otherwise you can purchase through Sephora which you should do to get frequent flyer miles.

Loved

Perfecting Complexion Stick
Flush Balm Cheek Color
Bronze Balm
Day Glow Highlighting Balm
Brush No. 1 (this is free with the set from their website)

Did Not Love

Clean Lash Lengthening Mascara
Brow 1980 Volumizing Pomade
Makeup Bag (free on their website)

What I Loved:

For once, I felt that the hype over a product was true. The makeup is amazingly simple to apply and feels like it glides on your skin. You can create a flawless, natural look in a fraction of the time.

Every product is designed with easy application so you can look your best with minimal effort.

The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick replaces your foundation and concealer. It did an amazing job. It has a light to medium coverage and conceals everything well.

The makeup brush was very soft, and works well with all the products.

After applying the foundation, bronzer, blush which you can also use as lipstick in the darker colors, and highlighter, I thought it would feel like makeup, but it felt like I was not wearing anything on my face.

It looked so natural; you could not tell I was wearing makeup, but my skin looked great and had a wonderful soft color. It's you but better!

I loved that you didn't have to touch any of the products; you put them on your face and use the brush. It makes the application process so fast and convenient.

What I Didn't Love:

The Brow 1980 Volumizing Pomade, was nice but not amazing, and I dislike when companies use too much packaging.

I normally use e.l.f, Wow Brow Gel which comes in a tiny tube that lasts for a long time. The photo on the right compares the container sizes of both with the same amount of product.

I prefer mascara that is a bit heavier than the Clean Lash Lengthening Mascara, which gives a very natural look.

The makeup bag is very ugly, and awkward to use. The color is bad, why did they pick that color?

The products I did like in the Merit line feel luxurious but without the high price tag of similar products. These products would go well with the minimalist French capsule wardrobe look. They don’t seem to try, but they always look so damn good.

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