There's nothing I love more than a multitasking makeup product, and Merit's beloved perfecting complexion stick, The Minimalist ($38) is one of the all-time greats. And it's not just me who's obsessed. It's the brand's number one best-selling product and was the most popular foundation stick at Sephora prior to selling out. It's a clean, noncomedogenic, and brilliant hybrid between foundation and concealer, and I didn't think it could be improved upon. Lo and behold, today marks The Minimalist's highly anticipated relaunch (it had a 10k wait list!), and somehow, it's even more magical than before.
Fear not, the formula itself hasn't changed (the lightweight, hydrating stick still blends like a dream and effortlessly filters out imperfections), but we now get twice the amount of product for the same $38 price tag. And of course, it still comes in 20 inclusive shades.
So what makes The Minimalist one of my favorite products of all time? For one, it buffs, blends, and melts so seamlessly into the skin, and unlike so many foundations and concealers, it looks better and better the longer you wear it. With some kind of witchcraft, it still looks freshly applied by the end of the day. I usually wear my makeup for a full 10 hours, and by hour 10, there's still no creasing! Second, a little bit goes a long way, which makes the new, more generous portion all the sweeter. What's more, Merit's A+ lipstick formula—The Signature Lip ($26), which is frequently sold out in multiple hues—will also be back to full stock, and with orders over $75, customers will receive the brand's limited-edition summer bag.
As far as application, I love using a stick that's a little darker than my skin tone (for me, that's the shade Ochre) for contour, and a stick two shades lighter (Linen) as more of a concealer. (Ecru is my true-match shade.) The formula itself is super buildable, but it retains its velvety, demi-matte finish without getting greasy or cakey, no matter how many layers you add. It's dreamy in photos and is just the thing for anyone looking to enhance their complexion with glowy, natural-looking coverage in under three minutes.
To enhance your application and to really perfect the finish, make sure you also grab the expert blending brush. It is The Minimalist's PIC but pairs equally well with any other complexion product you use. The bristles are tightly packed for optimal blending, and since they're extra soft and vegan, they'll play nicely with even super-sensitive skin.
Shop more of my Merit faves:
Lip oils are kind of controversial—it seems like people are pretty divided on them. However, I've been able to convert so many former lip-oil haters after forcefully advising them to give Merit's dreamy lip elixir a try. Truly, one swipe of any of the gorgeous your-lips-but-better colors will make you forget about all of your other lippies.
Merit recently launched its first new product since the brand's official launch early last year, and Signature Lip does not disappoint! You can read every detail about the lipstick here, but if you're in the market for a lightweight, hydrating, and buildable lip color that's perfect for everyday wear, look no further. In as little as one week, it's become one of my favorite lipsticks of all time, and the packaging is stunning to boot. I've been wearing Fashion on repeat, but I also have my eye on Slip, Tiger, Millennial, and L'Avenue.
If you're the type of person who wants to look glowy and radiant without looking wet or sparkly, this ingenious highlighting balm is a must. Plus, all three shades are surprisingly suitable for all skin tones. (Citrine, a soft gold, is the newest color installation, and it's stunning.)
Unlike lots of clean and nontoxic blush formulas on the market, this one is noncomedogenic, so in other words, it won't clog your pores or lead to pesky cheek breakouts. The hues are downright dreamy, and the subtle hit of color the stick deposits melts and blends seamlessly into your cheeks for a practically ethereal finish.
Not only is this a fantastic mascara sheerly due to its eye-expanding, lash-extending perks, but it's also one of the only mascaras I can recommend to people who have sensitive eyes. My mom is super outspoken about her obsession with this mascara—it's only the second formula she's ever been able to use that hasn't irritated her ultra-sensitive eyes.
Brow-obsessed peeps, listen up: Your arches will stay nice and soft thanks to the flexible hold of this gel-pomade hybrid. Not to mention, it's jam-packed with nourishing ingredients your brows will lap up. Think conditioning vitamin B5, which will help lend healthy fullness, plus mineral pigments and kaolin clay to enhance your brows with a believable color payoff.
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Up next, We Tried It First, and—Wow—Merit's New Lipstick Will Be Your All-Time Favorite
