Merit Beauty is the new ‘no makeup’ brand that I’m loving in quarantine

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Like so many people spending lots of time at home these days, I’m really leaning into beauty launches. From Pattern’s new lightweight conditioner to Fenty’s new powder foundation, new products bring much-needed moments of joy.

I recently tested Merit Beauty’s debut collection and I was pleasantly surprised; I really liked the products. Founded by Katherine Power, of Who What Wear and Versed Skincare fame, the brand creates “makeup essentials” that help you look more put together, but still leave you looking like, well, you.

What’s in the Merit Beauty line?

Currently, there are seven products in the Merit Beauty collection. The staple items include a multi-use complexion stick, a blending brush, an eyebrow pomade, a balm blush, a balm highlighter, a mascara and a lip oil. The products are available now at Merit Beauty. Plus all the products are now available at Sephora stores.

Shop: The Minimalist Perfection Complexion Stick, $38

Credit: Merit

At first, I was a little disappointed by the fact that there were only 20 shades of the Minimalist Complexion Stick. On the other hand, it truly is the star product of the entire line.

Credit: Ari Bines/ In The Know

I got three different shades and surprisingly, all of them worked on my complexion. For example, I can use the shade Tiger Eye to target the bottom half of my face where I have some hyperpigmentation. I can use the Sepia shade in the winter, as my complexion gets lighter, while the Amber shade works well as my concealer color. The best part? You can achieve light to medium coverage with this one little stick.

Shop: Flush Balm, $28

Credit: Merit

Shop: Day Glow, $30

Credit: Merit

For me, the real highlight of the Merit Beauty collection is how well the products layer. Though the line features many stick and balmy formulations, they all work in tandem with one another. When applying the Flush Balm and/or the Day Glow highlighter on top of the foundation, everything lays on the skin evenly. 

For people who are looking for a five-minute makeup routine, Merit is the brand to refer to. It’s also the perfect option for beauty lovers who are embracing the skin and leaving behind the “full beat.” I will definitely be using these products on repeat throughout the months to come. 

If you liked this story, you may also enjoy this $10 drugstore mascara that gives you perfect lashes.

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