I haven't done a Loving Lately post in a while, so I thought I'd share with you all some products I have been enjoying. I have known about Merit cosmetics for some time and had purchased some previously. It recently came to my attention that I haven't been using them correctly. I watched a few YouTube videos on the way to apply them and am now a total convert to that line of makeup products and have even ordered more items from their line.
Merit is a clean makeup brand that helps you look like "you" and not someone with a face full of heavy makeup. It is easy to apply, melts right into the skin, and is just about impossible to mess up. If you are over 50, you may suffer from drier skin and find that regular liquid foundation settles into fine lines, emphasizes pores, and sits on your skin in an unflattering way. With proper application, I think you will find that Merit is a brand that, with minimal effort, gives you a natural and flattering look with light coverage.
My most recent order came in the cutest little tan corduroy pouch. It is perfect for keeping all my Merit products together and will be nice for travel as well.
The keystone of Merit cosmetics is their Minimalist Blending Perfection stick. They claim that this product is not exactly a foundation or a concealer, but it will replace both in your makeup routine. The blending brush makes the product melt into your skin effortlessly. You won't be able to see the product sitting on your skin, but you will look like yourself, only better! I have been using the color Dune, which is perfect for my light neutral skin color. Bone is a bit lighter, and Ochre is a bit darker. They have a total of 30 shades, so you will find something that works.
The critical aspect to successful foundation stick application is to prep your skin in advance. If your skin isn't moisturized properly, the product will not apply smoothly and melt into the skin. Merit has a serum and moisturizer that work very well. However, if you already have a skin care routine that you like, keep using it. The thing that is critical is that you must let your moisturizer set for a few minutes after applying it before using your foundation stick. Let it soak in and get your skin all plump and happy.
If you have super dry skin like I do, you will benefit from using a makeup primer such as Lancome's La Base. It gives your skin some extra slip that makes the stick foundation just melt into your skin. I apply this after moisturizing and before using the foundation stick. Your foundation will blend in effortlessly.
When you apply the stick foundation, just dab a few stripes on your face and spread them out with your fingers or the makeup blending brush. You don't need very much. The idea is not to cover your skin entirely with the product. Use just a few dabs and spread it out. You will get light coverage, and your skin will look fresh and natural. It does not look like a lot of product in the stick, but if you use it right, it will last a long time.
Another product I like is the Merit Bronze Balm, a super sheer wash of color that will liven up your complexion. I apply it in the hollows under my cheekbones and a bit on my forehead. It is extremely subtle. You can apply this with your fingers or a brush. I have the lightest shade Quince.
I couldn't live without the Merit Flush Balm blush. I have several colors, but my most recent one is Lusitano, which gives a lovely peachy flush to my cheeks. Merit also makes a sheer Day Glow Highlighter which is not sparkly in the least. It just adds a subtle gleam to your cheeks. I have the lightest color, Cava.
I love my Merit cosmetics and think you might too. They have a deal on their website where you can get all the products I mentioned today in one convenient set. You can custom-pick all your colors. Or, shop in person at Sephora and pick things out in person and purchase individually.
Here are some instructional YouTube videos that I found helpful in regard to the proper way to apply the products: Speed Beauty, Wayne Goss, and Lisa J.
I bought all these products with my own money and this post is not sponsored.
This post was getting long, so I decided to stop for now. Check back tomorrow and we will talk lip products!
In college no one ever saw me without make up and in my contacts.
Now, age 63, my face products are all about moisturizer and sun block. I have a series of moisture products I apply daily. I am very good about sun screen.
Posted by: Vickie | February 19, 2025 at 04:43 AM
That's a good review of the products that actually work. I'll take a look at the YouTube videos, too. Thanks for sharing & describing the process.
Posted by: Jan | February 19, 2025 at 07:53 AM
Wow I will need to check them out! Thanks for the great review!
Posted by: Anita | February 21, 2025 at 01:10 PM