Merit Beauty Favorites
Holiday Sale Info:
Code RSVP gets you access to the holiday sale early 11/21-11/22. The sale will be 20% off and run until 11/28.
Skincare
What is it? A lightweight bi-phase serum to hydrate, plump, and nourish the skin + strengthen the skin barrier. You may see some subtle brightening + evening of skin tone over time. Fragrance and essential oil-free, this has no detectable scent. Bi-phase serums typically indicate a mix of water + oil serums that are two separate formula compositions + have different benefits. When mixed, you get the convenience of applying two serums in one bottle. While this does not contain plant oils, this does contain emollients that serve the same function, and have the same feel. The emollients act as a skin moisturizer and softener, and act as a protective layer to hold water into the skin, increasing hydration. So while you won’t see oils in the ingredients list, this is going to feel like a water and oil based serum mixed together. The serum contains several humectants to hydrate, 2% niacinamide to strengthen the skin barrier, brighten and even skin tone, as well as Japanese goldthread which is an antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, and some cacao seed extract.
My thoughts: First off the packaging is beautiful and the pump makes it really easy to use. I was pleasantly surprised at the size too— 1.7oz for $38 makes it almost double the size of most serums. The texture is beautiful and it absorbs into the skin immediately. If you’re oily you can likely skip a moisturizer, or just limit the amount to one pump. If you’re dry you will likely want closer to 2-3 pumps, and may also need an additional moisturize on top.
I recommend using this as a serum step— after cleansing, toning, essence, apply a vitamin c or active, apply this serum, and then continue with moisturizer as needed, then SPF. See me apply it in an Instagram reel.
Makeup
The Minimalist Complexion Stick - This is probably my most talked about makeup product on instagram. I use this everyday. I grabbed this when it launched and I’m now opening my 4th tube of it. I probably go through two a year. This is a concealer and foundation in one product. I like to apply it only where I need it. When I need extra coverage I tap it over the area with my finger. It works well under the eyes and all over the face. This looks exactly like skin, so it’s really undetectable on the skin. It applies best onto well-moisturized skin, and if you do this, any skin type can really use this. I wear the shade Silk when I am fair, and Linen when I am self-tan.
See a video of me applying it here in a full face of Merit.
Brush No. 1 - This is a great buffing brush for any cream product— whether you’re using the minimalist, the bronze balm or flush balm, all you need is a dense kabuki like this one! I love only needed one brush to apply products on the go.
Bronze Balm - This is my most reached for cream bronzer right now. It looks just like a really natural, barely there wash of warmth on the skin. It’s more yellow toned than what I reach for, but it’s somehow still perfection for my neutral tone. I use the shade Clay which is the second from lightest. See me apply the bronzer here.
Flush Balm (Blush) - While I really like this formula, and the ease of which it is to use and apply. It’s balmy enough to swipe on and easy to blend, and gives a satin finish that looks skin-like and natural. However, this is my least favorite product because the packaging is bulky, and feels plastic-y and cheap. However, I do really love the color mood, a gorgeous burgundy for fall/winter.
Day Glow Highlighter - I really like this because it looks just like hydrated skin. It’s not flashy or sparkly. It is a hair sticky, so stay away if you hate anything too sticky. I don’t mind it since it goes on such a small part of my face, and it gives the exact type of finish that I like. I use the shade Cava, but just grabbed Bounce and I’m excited to try it.
Clean Lash Lengthening Tubing Mascara - This is in my top two favorite mascaras of all time. It’s a tubing formula so once it sets, it won’t smudge or flake, but comes off with warm water alone. It gives my lashes the most perfect curl, volume and length, with great hold. Kristin Ess saw me apply this, bought it and loved it so much she told the hosts on Fat Mascara about it. So…yeah. It’s great.
Brow 1980 Brow Gel - This is a really beautiful brow gel, that looks natural but adds a little bit of color, thickness and dimension, as it has a little bit of fibers in it. My brows aren’t full, so I really need a pencil along with this, but I hope they come out with one soon! I wear the shade Brown.
Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil - These are sort of like two different products to me. They are a lip oil, with color. The oil part isn’t super thick or cushiony, and wears away quickly. I wish they had more plushness to them. But, once it does wear away, it does leave behind a gorgeous, comfortable stain on the lips. And the colors are so unique and gorgeous. My most reached for are Taupe (slightly cool-leaning nude brown) and Sangria (a gorgeous berry) in the Fall/Winter and Marrakech, a gorgeous peach, for spring and summer.
Signature Lipstick - THIS IS MY FAVORITE LIPSTICK FORMULA, HANDS DOWN. I am going to pick up the only two shades I don’t own during the sale. I am linking my swatch vide on Instagram right here, so you can decide which shades are your favorite. My most worn are Slip, L’Avenue, Tiger, and Cabo. I just grabbed Aperativo and I’ll share that one on Instagram! See me apply almost all shades in this Instagram Reel.