Introduction
In a world where hundreds of new makeup releases hit the market every month, MERIT Beauty stands out for its less—but its conscious execution. The brand focuses on a streamlined range of high-quality products that align with its minimalist ethos: fast, effective, and clean beauty for people who want to look polished without much effort.
In this review, we explore MERIT’s history, mission, standout products, and whether the hype holds up in real life.
About MERIT Beauty US
MERIT Beauty was founded in the USA as a clean and minimalist makeup brand. It was founded to offer products that simplify your routine—fewer steps, fewer products, but thoughtful formulas. The brand emphasizes vegan, cruelty-free, and clean beauty standards. It particularly appeals to those who prefer a “less is more” approach to makeup: highlighting rather than covering up.
Over time, MERIT has expanded its product range to include foundation pencils, cheek and lip balms, tinted lip oils, brushes, and even fragrances. The core idea, however, remains the same: to create stylish, modern makeup that’s easy to apply and fits seamlessly into your daily routine.
MERIT's Mission & Philosophy 🌿
MERIT’s mission is to counteract the overwhelming beauty market. Its philosophy revolves around:
Minimalist design: Products that are versatile or simplify your routine.
Clean ingredients: Vegan, cruelty-free formulas that avoid many controversial or unnecessary additives.
Quality over quantity: Instead of endless product launches, MERIT focuses on high-quality essentials.
Everyday usability: Makeup you can apply in minutes, with your fingers, on the go.
In short, MERIT was developed for modern people who want to look well-groomed with minimal effort and with formulas that feel clean and deliberate.
One of MERIT’s most popular products is the “Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick” – a product that functions as both a foundation and concealer in one convenient format. The creamy texture blends easily with the fingers and offers light to medium, buildable coverage. Many users praise its natural look and effortless application.
Pros:
Combines several steps into one stick – quick and easy.
Natural, skin-like finish instead of heavy makeup.
Many shades and buildable properties for everyday wear.
Cons:
The coverage may not be sufficient for those who want full coverage or a dramatic look.
The stick may feel less lightweight than very sheer, liquid formulas.
Products like the Flush Balm and the Bronze Balm reflect the multifunctional, minimalist approach. The Flush Balm is a creamy cheek (and sometimes lip) tint that creates a soft shimmer instead of heavy pigmentation. The Bronze Balm adds subtle contour and warmth instead of creating harsh contours.
Pros:
Easy to apply with your fingers, ideal for quick touch-ups or on-the-go.
The finish is natural, radiant, and avoids a cakey or heavy texture.
When applied lightly, it looks good on many skin tones.
Cons:
Some users find the pigments a bit sheer and may need multiple coats.
Longevity may vary and may not last as long as more intense blushes.
MERIT also offers tinted lip oils, minimalist eye products (e.g., a pot with an eyeshadow), mascara, and eyebrow tools. These support an effortless routine where each product does double duty.
Pros:
Elegant packaging, pleasant to the touch, and ideal for quick routines.
Clean ingredients that appeal to those who avoid heavy, chemical-laden formulas.
Cons:
Not as extensive in niche categories (e.g., dramatic lashes, glamorous eyes) as other brands.
Some users report that lip oils with gloss fade faster than thicker lipsticks.
Highlights
Vegan and cruelty-free formulas across the entire line.
Clean beauty qualities: Avoids many common irritants and promotes healthy and simple skin.
Minimalist, chic packaging and aesthetics that fit modern “less is more” beauty routines.
Designed for quick application and an effortless look—ideal for 5-minute routines.
Great for travel, busy mornings, or whenever you want a well-groomed complexion without heavy layers.
Who is this product for? 👥
MERIT Beauty US is ideal for:
People who prefer a minimalist makeup routine and want to look well-groomed without much effort.
Anyone who values clean, vegan, and cruelty-free cosmetics and seeks formulas that align with these values.
Working professionals or busy individuals who need quick, easy-to-apply makeup without many steps.
Anyone who wants to build a cosmetic collection with their essential products instead of owning an overwhelming collection.
It may not be ideal for:
Makeup lovers who crave full-coverage, glamorous, or dramatic looks.
Users who enjoy experimenting with large palettes, multiple variations, or highly pigmented formulas.
Shoppers looking for affordable cosmetics at very low prices – MERIT is in the mid-premium segment.
Our Opinion / Why We Love It ❤️
We love MERIT Beauty because it offers a clever alternative to the “more is more” philosophy in the beauty industry. The brand’s approach saves users a lot of time and dozens of products, yet delivers effective yet subtle results. It’s about sophistication, not excess.
The formulas are generally well-received, the packaging feels high-quality, and the ethos is in line with clean beauty and a modern lifestyle. While it may not be about over-the-top glamour or over-the-top artistry, for many it hits the spot: “Good-looking, uncomplicated, conscious.”
If you don’t want to mess around with multiple steps but still want to feel polished and confident with your makeup, MERIT is an excellent choice.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
High-quality, clean, and vegan formulas.
Minimalist application and packaging for real ease.
Consistent shade, aesthetic, and brand ethos make it easier to build a simple beauty routine.
Ideal for travel, rushed mornings, or routines where you want to look put together quickly.
Cons:
Coverage tends to be light to medium; fans of full-coverage makeup may not be satisfied.
Some users find the pigmentation or staying power less lasting than heavier formulas.
The price is higher than entry-level brands—worth it for many, but can prove too expensive for minimal use.
Limited product range compared to brands with larger product lines (i.e., fewer choices for dramatic or specialized makeup).
Customer Reviews
Feedback from MERIT Beauty users is overwhelmingly positive, especially from those who value minimalism and quick routines.
Positive Feedback:
Many users emphasize how effortlessly the foundation blends and how natural-looking it looks.
The cheek and lip balms are praised for their ease of application, travel-friendly format, and subtle sheen.
Reviewers often appreciate the clean beauty qualities and careful ingredient selection.
Critical Feedback:
Some users mention that the pigments in the cheek balm or lip oil are too sheer for their liking and wish they had a stronger effect.
Others note that the coverage of the foundation may not fully cover redness, dark spots, or severe blemishes.
Some users in forums mention that while the formulas are good, the staying power doesn’t always live up to expectations of a luxury brand.
Overall, MERIT Beauty excels in its niche: minimalist, clean makeup for every day—not in dramatic transformations.
FAQs
Q: Is MERIT Beauty truly vegan and cruelty-free?
Yes – MERIT states that all products are vegan, certified cruelty-free, and developed according to clean beauty standards.
Q: Are the products high quality?
Reviews suggest this – many users report good performance, easy application, and a natural finish, although results vary depending on skin type and needs.
Q: Do the products offer full coverage?
Not usually. The brand focuses on light to medium coverage with a natural finish, not on a glamorous or full coverage effect. If you need very full coverage, you can add other products.
Q: Are the products easy to use?
Yes – one of MERIT’s selling points is their simplicity: stick formulas, finger-blending balms, and minimal tool requirements.
Q: Is MERIT worth the price?
If you value simple, minimalist makeup, easy application, and high-quality packaging/formulas, then yes – it’s good value. If you have a large selection, heavy cosmetics or the neverIf you prefer the lowest price, you should look elsewhere.
Final Verdict
MERIT Beauty US is a strong brand for those seeking sophisticated, thoughtful makeup with minimal steps and simple formulas. It’s not about extreme transformations, but about looking like you—only better—without much effort.
In short, MERIT Beauty helps you achieve a fresh, natural look with intention—clever, purposeful, and beautifully simple.
