# My Merit Beauty Deep Dive: Was This "Clean Girl" Brand Worth the Hype?
Let's get one thing straight – I didn't need another makeup brand in my life. But when my TikTok FYP became a non-stop Merit Beauty infomercial (thanks, algorithm), I caved. Here's my completely unsponsored journey through every click, swipe, and blend.
<div style="text-align: center; margin: 20px 0;"><a href="https://s.maxrebates.com/track/98fdwA_a6MQSRmVMtdFzcMj4L_akowhhGHN43_a6C27HXOhKuyF_afwegpPtsh7Glny80Fd0M6SOESlWgA_c_c?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.meritbeauty.com%2F" style="display: inline-block; padding: 12px 24px; background: linear-gradient(135deg, #9b59b6, #8e44ad); color: white; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 8px; font-weight: bold; transition: transform 0.2s;" onmouseover="this.style.transform='translateY(-3px)';" onmouseout="this.style.transform='translateY(0)';" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Discover the Best at meritbeauty.com</a></div>
## **1. First Impressions: Website Safari**
### *Digital First Dates 101*
Merit's homepage hits you with that California cool vibe – all minimalist sans-serifs and dewy models who definitely drink chlorophyll water. But does form meet function?
**Navigation Nerding:**
- 3-click rule? More like 2. Their main menu is surgical: *Shop | Learn | Account*
- Filter options saved my analysis paralysis – sort by "Best for Sensitive Skin" was clutch
- Shockingly fast load times (even on my spotty subway WiFi)
**The Great Foundation Stick Debate:**
Their product pages read like a skincare label meets Vogue:
- Full ingredient list upfront (no magnifying glass needed)
- 18 foundation shades with REAL neck swatches (not just wrist shots)
- Video demos autoplay – dangerous for impulse buyers
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<img src="https://beautymone.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/MeritBeauty1-scaled.jpg" alt="Tested Out 4 Merit Beauty Products: What Is Worth It" title="Click to view product" style="cursor: pointer; max-width: 100%; height: auto;">
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**Checkout Choke Points:**
- Guest checkout available (bless)
- Saved my cart when I abandoned to Google promo codes (nice try, Meredith)
- Shipping costs stung at $6.95 US / £5.95 UK but...
**Confession:** I spent 47 minutes comparing the Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick to my current Ilia Skin Tint. Their comparison chatbot (a human-named "Maya") actually helped.
<div style="text-align: center; margin: 20px 0;"><a href="https://s.maxrebates.com/track/98fdwA_a6MQSRmVMtdFzcMj4L_akowhhGHN43_a6C27HXOhKuyF_afwegpPtsh7Glny80Fd0M6SOESlWgA_c_c?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.meritbeauty.com%2F" style="display: inline-block; padding: 12px 24px; background: linear-gradient(135deg, #9b59b6, #8e44ad); color: white; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 8px; font-weight: bold; transition: transform 0.2s;" onmouseover="this.style.transform='translateY(-3px)';" onmouseout="this.style.transform='translateY(0)';" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Discover the Best at meritbeauty.com</a></div>
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## **2. Unboxing: Sustainable or Sad Beige Box?**
*Delivery Timeline:*
- Ordered Tuesday 3PM EST
- Shipped from LA Wednesday
- Arrived NYC Friday – solid for free shipping threshold ($50)
**Packaging Play-by-Play:**
1. Recycled mailer with cute "Open With Care" stamp
2. Tissue paper wrap (compostable!)
3. Products encased in beet pulp pulp foam (weirdly satisfying to squish)
4. Minimal paperwork – just ingredients & return info
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<img src="https://thebeautyminimalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Photo-Jan-02-2023-4-29-40-PM-scaled.jpg" alt="Merit Beauty Review - The Beauty Minimalist" title="Click to view product" style="cursor: pointer; max-width: 100%; height: auto;">
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**First Touch Test:**
- Foundation Stick weight: Substantial but travel-friendly
- Lip Oil packaging – that magnetic click? *Chef's kiss*
- Zero damaged items (unlike my last Sephora shipment...)
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## **3. Product Smackdown: Merit vs. The World**
*Price Breakdown (USD):*
- Foundation Stick: $38
( vs. Westman Atelier $68 | Milk $32)
- Brow Gel: $22
( vs. Glossier $18 | Refy $26)
**Website Exclusives That Hooked Me:**
- Build Your Minimalist Kit (saved $12)
- Sample Discovery Kits ($15 try-before-commit)
- Virtual Artist Tool (scarily accurate match)
**Secret Weapon:** Their SMS updates aren't spammy – got a heads up when my shade restocked.
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<img src="https://beautyunhyped.files.wordpress.com/2022/09/wp-1664463600833.jpg" alt="Merit Beauty: the brand review – Beauty Unhyped" title="Click to view product" style="cursor: pointer; max-width: 100%; height: auto;">
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## **4. Real World Testing: From School Runs to Weddings**
**Daily Grind:**
- 7AM: Foundation Stick + concealer = 90s supermodel skin
- Survived preschool pickup meltdowns (mine and my toddler's)
- Didn't transfer onto COVID masks (miracle!)
**Big Events:**
- Wedding Guest Test: Lasted through 4 hours of dancing
- Pool Party Fail: Brow gel swam off, but blush stayed put
<div style="text-align: center; margin: 20px 0;"><a href="https://s.maxrebates.com/track/98fdwA_a6MQSRmVMtdFzcMj4L_akowhhGHN43_a6C27HXOhKuyF_afwegpPtsh7Glny80Fd0M6SOESlWgA_c_c?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.meritbeauty.com%2F" style="display: inline-block; padding: 12px 24px; background: linear-gradient(135deg, #8e44ad, #9b59b6); color: white; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 8px; font-weight: bold; transition: transform 0.2s;" onmouseover="this.style.transform='translateY(-3px)';" onmouseout="this.style.transform='translateY(0)';" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Exclusive Deals Just for You at meritbeauty.com</a></div>
**Family Feedback:**
- Husband: "You look... awake?" (Romantic.)
- Mom: "Is this lead-free?" (Thanks, Mom.)
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<img src="https://www.thehealthymaven.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/merit-beauty-5.jpg" alt="[2024] Honest MERIT Beauty Review - The Healthy Maven" title="Click to view product" style="cursor: pointer; max-width: 100%; height: auto;">
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## **5. 6-Month Checkup: Still Going Strong?**
**Product Longevity:**
- Foundation Stick: Lasted 5 months with daily use
- Brow Gel: Dried out at 3 months (emailed CS...)
**Customer Service Saga:**
- Email response in 6 hours
- Sent replacement Brow Gel + free lip oil sample
- Return label for defective product included
**Loyalty Lowdown:**
- Earn $10 per $100 spent (needs improvement)
- Birthday reward: Full-size mascara (yes!)
<div style="text-align: center; margin: 20px 0;"><a href="https://s.maxrebates.com/track/98fdwA_a6MQSRmVMtdFzcMj4L_akowhhGHN43_a6C27HXOhKuyF_afwegpPtsh7Glny80Fd0M6SOESlWgA_c_c?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.meritbeauty.com%2F" style="display: inline-block; padding: 12px 24px; background: linear-gradient(135deg, #9b59b6, #8e44ad); color: white; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 8px; font-weight: bold; transition: transform 0.2s;" onmouseover="this.style.transform='translateY(-3px)';" onmouseout="this.style.transform='translateY(0)';" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Discover the Best at meritbeauty.com</a></div>
**Verdict:** Reordered twice. Stalk their Black Friday sale now.
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<img src="https://thebeautyminimalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Photo-Jan-02-2023-4-24-17-PM-scaled.jpg" alt="Merit Beauty Review - The Beauty Minimalist" title="Click to view product" style="cursor: pointer; max-width: 100%; height: auto;">
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## **6. Through Different Lenses**
👛 *Budget Beauty Blogger:* "Splurge-worthy staples, but wait for bundles"
🔬 *Skincare Purist:* "Finally, makeup that doesn't undo my $200 serum"
📦 *Amazon Prime Addict:* "2-day shipping can't beat their personal touches"
💌 *Glossier Refugee:* "This is what clean beauty should always feel like"
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**Final Hot Take:** Merit isn't reinventing the wheel – they're just making it roll smoother. For time-crunched millennials who want to look polished without the 12-step routine? Game-changer.
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