DETAILS
Rating: ✓ Meet
Brand: MERIT Beauty
Category: Makeup
Tested: 2025-2026
Is a 5-minute face possible for women over 40?
I'm at a point in my life where I want my makeup to make me look better without requiring a 20-minute tutorial. So MERIT Beauty's promise of a face in five minutes got my attention. MERIT does, in fact, give me a natural, five-minute face that works on my 50+ skin.
My verdict: MEET. The Lip Liner is an EXCEED. Shop my MERIT picks here. Any available What I Expected discount codes will appear with this link.
I saw a lot of young influencers wearing MERIT, so I wasn't sure it would work on my 50+ face. I started with the lip liner, and it was a slippery slope from there.
I've tried the Flush Balm blush, The Minimalist complexion stick, lip liner, lip gloss, lipstick, The Uniform sunscreen, and both mascaras. Some have become regulars in my makeup bag. Others I like, but don't necessarily need.
What I Expected (the promise)
The brand is built around the idea of beauty with intention: fewer products, simple routines, and makeup that enhances what you already have rather than covering it up. MERIT positions itself as a minimalist beauty brand.
Their promises include:
A five-minute face: Easy-to-use products that simplify your everyday routine.
Fewer, better products: A streamlined collection of essentials rather than an overwhelming number of steps.
Thoughtful formulas: Ingredients selected with skin compatibility and everyday wear in mind.
Timeless beauty: Products designed to enhance your natural appearance, not chase trends.
Implied Expectations (what I was led to believe)
With so many young influencers wearing it, I expected MERIT to be made for younger skin. It isn't. The products I've tried don't settle into fine lines, and they work on my 50+ face.
MERIT is in the better price range. It's not as expensive as Westman Atelier, but not as inexpensive as drugstore makeup. For me, the quality, ease of use, and approach to ingredients justify paying more than drugstore prices.
The colors I've tried are natural-looking, so if you like a very made-up face, this probably isn't the brand for you.
One thing I really appreciate is MERIT's customer service. Ordering makeup online can be tricky because finding the right shade isn't always easy. I've found their return process seamless, so if you order the wrong color, don't panic.
What Happened (real life)
I've been using MERIT since 2025. Here's what I tried:
Minimalist Complexion Stick (MEET)
Flush Balm (MEET)
Mascara (both styles) (MEET)
The Uniform (MEET)
Lipstick & Lip Oil (MEET)
The Signature Lip Liner is an EXCEED for me. It feels unlike any other liner I’ve tried. It glides on smoothly and doesn’t settle in the fine lines around my lips. I use shades: Coupe, Subconscious, Mayfair, and Tabac.
The Minimalist Complexion Stick is easy to apply where I need it. I no longer cover my entire face in foundation. If the colors are a match for you, skip the highlighter and use the lightest shade of the Complexion Stick instead.
The Flush Balm lasted longer than similar, more expensive counterparts and works on my cheeks, eyes, and lips.
I have very short lashes and end up with raccoon eyes very easily. These didn’t give me lashes for days, but they also didn’t give me black eyes, so I’m continuing to use them.
The Uniform is lovely if you are looking for an SPF skin tint. Keep in mind it isn’t water-resistant.
The Lipstick & Lip Oil are both lovely, but not super long-lasting. I end up using the lip liner as a one-and-done situation.
What I Would Change
I would probably put the Flush Balm in a tube so it's easier to use on eyes and lips. Not a stick, though; Victoria Beckham Beauty's stick is too thin. This isn't a deal breaker.
Bottom Line (who will love these)
MEET. MERIT is for women who want a natural, polished look in five minutes. My must-haves are the Signature Lip Liner, The Flush Balm, The Minimalist, and the mascara when I’m wearing more makeup.
The caveats: it's not drugstore pricing, the lipstick won't last all day, and The Uniform isn't water-resistant.
The older I get, the more I appreciate makeup that works with my face rather than against it. MERIT makes it easier to look polished without looking like I'm wearing a lot of makeup. That's exactly what I was hoping for.
Shop my favorite MERIT Beauty products here. Any available What I Expected discount codes will appear with this link.
Disclosure: I purchased these products with my own money. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
