I can’t believe I haven’t done a Merit Beauty Review considering I’ve been gifted a couple of their items, and loved it so much that I purchased a couple more myself. I guess since Merit’s PR people are so chill (they only asked for one Instagram post and Sephora review) I never thought to put time into writing a blog post. Buuuuut since their stuff is so good that I’m repurchasing my favorite items I figured I might as well write this review.
The first item they gifted me was the Clean Lash Mascara and the 1980 Brow pomade. I love both of these products! The mascara is the perfect consistency for a little boost without being clumpy. And yet it never runs or leaves black flakes or smudges under my eyes. I love this mascara so much that I purchased another one at the end of last year. I was a fan of the Glossier mascara before this (and the Chanel one before that), but I think the Merit one is the best hands-down (just don’t expect really big voluminous lashes—this one is definitely on the more subtle side). As for the brow pomade, I loved that one too. The formula is just the right consistency to give some color without being overpowering. Also it’s not oily or super thick. But I didn’t repurchase this item because I’m super loyal to my Shu Uemura brow pencil (and I like the fact that the brow pencil lasts forever and uses minimal plastic).
From L to R: Merit Signature Lip in Tiger, Fashion, Merit Shade Slick Lip Tint in Sangria. Top is direct light, middle is bright indirect light, bottom is in a dim room
The second items they gifted me were the Signature Lip Lipstick. And again these are winners! I love the color and finish of this lipstick. They call it a “satin” finish, but it’s a lot more matte than a regular lipstick. And yet it’s not drying at all, compared to other matte lipsticks I’ve tried. And it’s fairly lightweight so it doesn’t feel like I’m wearing lipstick. The color pay off is good and it lasts a really long time. I love my Signature Lip in the color “Fashion” (a berry red). I also got to try the color “Tiger” but it’s a bit too brown for me. I’m quite a ways through my Fashion lipstick and I’m 100% going to repurchase it when I run out.
And my most recent purchase from Merit (which I bought when I repurchased the mascara) was the Shade Slick Lip Tint in the color “Sangria.” As much as I love the Signature Lip, when my lips are dry and flaky in the winter the satin finish of the lipstick makes the flakes look more pronounced (as all matte-type lipsticks do). So I wanted something a little more shiny and moisturizing for those times, and thought why not try something from Merit? And again I love their product. The Shade Slick Lip Tint is like a lip gloss and lip tint in one. The initial wear is glossy and hydrating, but as the day goes on it becomes more like a lip tint. And the Rosehip Oil, Omega-3, -6, and -9 Essential Fatty Acids, Shea Butter, Grapeseed Oil, and Jojoba Oil really help to condition the lips and add moisture. They heal my flaky lips so that by the end of the day I could use the more matte Signature Lip lipstick if I wanted to. I reviewed the Kosas Wet Lip Oil in the past and even though I liked it then, this Merit Lip Tint is sooo much better. The Kosas one is much thicker and stickier (and you really feel like you’re wearing a heavier lip gloss). The Merit one has a thinner consistency and feels more natural to wear.
Anyway I’m really happy with my Merit Beauty purchases and haven’t had a dud yet. Since their items are on the pricey side (and I hardly wear makeup as it is) I don’t plan to do another purchase until the end of this year. And maybe I’ll try their foundation, concealer, and bronzer (February 2024 update: I wrote a second Merit Beauty review here trying these items). Merit has an end of they year/Black Friday 20% off deal where I purchased these items (as well as restocked on the Clean Mascara—my third tube so far!).
Have you guys tried Merit Beauty products and what did you think?