Merit Beauty: Where to Start With the Minimalist Cult Brand

But where do you start with MERIT? Begin your journey with the holy-grail The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick and follow our guide for the rest.

With its simple-to-use products that don’t require professional expertise, MERIT has become the go-to brand for both beginners and those looking to streamline their current routine.

Whether you’re kicking off your beauty journey or looking to add new products into your makeup collection, consider this the ultimate guide to MERIT. Let’s glow… 

What Is MERIT Beauty?

MERIT has a focused approach to makeup, where each product has a clear role in your beauty routine. Have you ever felt overwhelmed and intimidated by the current beauty landscape? MERIT was built as an antidote to this, creating timeless and versatile products for complexion, cheeks, lips and eyes that simplify your routine without compromising on quality. The idea is to do more with less - our kind of philosophy.

MERIT’s Five Minute Morning signature collection is at the heart of their ethos. Rather than filling up your makeup bag with multiple products, MERIT focuses on creating an everyday look using a handful of minimal essentials in just five minutes. Say goodbye to alarm troubles…

With clean, vegan formulas and a sleek design, MERIT is centred around simplicity, making it a great option for beginners or anyone looking to streamline their routine for an effortless finish.

Where to buy MERIT in the UK?

MERIT is exclusively available at Sephora UK.

Wanted by everyone, exclusive to us. To explore the curated range of beauty essentials, Sephora is the only place to find it. MERIT has a product selection for skincare, eyes, lips, cheeks, complexion and fragrance. You could build your entire routine from the range to complete a full look in just a few minutes - creating the ultimate makeup bag.

What are MERIT’s best products for beginners?

The best MERIT products for beginners have been designed to simplify the beauty routine making them a great starting point:itation are your main concerns. 

The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick

The cult-favourite complexion stick is a lightweight, buildable formula that works as both a foundation and a concealer (one less decision to make before 9 am!). Use your favourite beauty blender to apply natural-looking coverage, which helps even the appearance of your complexion. It’s a best seller for a reason.

Flush Balm Cream Blush

Looking for that natural pop of blush, then the MERIT Flush Balm Cream Blush is your new best friend. A beginner-friendly creation that’s impossible to mess up, this blush melts into your skin for an effortless flush. Apply onto the cheeks and blend softly with your fingers or brush for an easy-to-apply finish.

Signature Lip and Signature Lip Liner

For the perfect lip combo, MERIT has you covered. The Signature Lip Lightweight Satin Lipstick has all the benefits of a hydrating lip balm but with a light satin finish. Pair this with the Signature Lip Sheer Lip Liner first, as this non-drying lip pencil is sheer and buildable, so you can have complete control over how your lips are defined. Together, this duo will give you an all-over subtle colour, enhancing the lips. For lipliner beginners, this one is for you.

Solo Shadow Cream-to-Powder Soft Matte Eyeshadow

Have you ever struggled with your eyeshadow fading over the day? MERIT’s Solo Shadow Cream-to-Powder Soft Matte Eyeshadow has been designed to give a wash of colour for all-day wear. It’s easy to use with a matte finish, ideal for any day-to-night occasion.

Bronze Balm Sheer Bronzer

Composed of microfine pigments, MERIT’s Bronze Balm Sheer Bronzer adds a touch of colour without major cover-up. You can achieve a natural warmth and depth with this easy-to-use bronzer. Yes please!.

Great Skin Instant Glow Serum

MERIT has designed a serum that’s both brightening and hydrating. If you’re searching for a product to even tone and reduce the look of redness, then the MERIT Great Skin Instant Glow Serum should be added to your daily routine. Apply after cleansing and before moisturising, setting you up for a great day ahead.

Which MERIT product should I start with?

The best MERIT beauty products to start with depend on what you want from your routine. We know it might be hard to choose, so we’ve broken down different routes which you might be looking to prioritise.

If you want an everyday base:

For your everyday base, you only need these MERIT products:

Step one: Apply 2-3 pumps of the Great Skin Instant Glow Serum onto your face

Step two: Apply 1-2 pumps of the Great Skin Priming Moisturizer onto your face

Step three: Apply the Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick for a light coverage 

If you want a pop of colour:

After prepping your base, use the Flush Balm Cream Blush to add your choice of effortless-looking blush. MERIT has multiple shades to choose from to find the blush you like the most (and you can even use it for a subtle colour on your lips!)

If you want a subtle glow:

Looking for the natural no-makeup, makeup look? MERIT products will melt seamlessly into the skin. Start with the Great Skin Instant Glow Serum and the Great Skin Priming Moisturizer. Then use the Day Glow Highlighting Balm, a sheer and lightweight highlighter which illuminates your skin for a fresh, dewy look.

If you're looking for a blending brush:

The MERIT Brush No 1 Tapered Blending Brush is designed to blend complexion products for a smooth, seamless-looking application. The right beauty tools can make all the difference to your base. Don’t forget to keep your makeup brushes clean to help to remove product build-up and keep every application looking fresh. 

How do you build a five-minute MERIT Beauty routine?

Keep it simple! 

Prep: Great Skin Instant Glow Serum

Prime: Great Skin Priming Moisturizer

Even: Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick

Blend: Brush No 1 Tapered Blending Brush

Warm: Bronze Balm Sheer Bronzer

Blush: Flush Balm Cream Blush

Define: Solo Shadow Cream-to-Powder Soft Matte Eyeshadow

Finish: Signature Lip Sheer Lip Liner and Signature Lip Lightweight Satin Lipstick

You don’t need all eight steps every morning, but this is how MERIT products are designed! Swap them in and out, depending on what you need in your morning routine and how you’re feeling. AM rush? Not on MERIT’s watch…

By Sephora UK Makeup Editorial Team

Writers and experts

Updated: 05 October 2026