I'm obsessed with Merit — is their new moisturizer worth $52? Here's my honest review
I've been using Merit's first-ever moisturizer for two weeks — does it live up to the hype?
If you're a fan of minimal makeup, you're probably familiar with Merit. The clean beauty brand is a go-to for celebrities, influencers and Certified Cool Girls.
It also makes up the lion's share of my makeup bag. I've been using Merit's Minimalist complexion stick, Flush Balm blush, Day Glow highlighter and Shade Slick lip oil daily for more than two years — and have also purchased their serum, bronzer, eye shadows, mascara, brow pomade and lipstick.
So when I heard Merit was launching a moisturizer — the Great Skin Moisturizer, which dropped today on their site as well as Sephora — I knew I had to test it out. I was lucky enough to get my hands on a sample, and I've been using it daily for the past two weeks. Read on for my full review, and whether I'll be buying it again.
Overview:
Merit's Great Skin Moisturizer can be used as a makeup primer, or on its own.
- Hydrating
- Smoothing
- Excellent makeup primer
- No harsh scent
- Cruelty-free, Clean at Sephora certified
- Good for sensitive skin
- Can feel a bit greasy if used alone
- Expensive
Merit Great Skin moisturizer review: The details
Merit's Great Skin Priming Moisturizer is the brand's second skincare product (they launched the Great Skin Instant Glow Serum last year) — and was developed with a proprietary blend of peptides, spermidine and polysaccharides. Merit says the "weightless" hydrating moisturizer is the perfect makeup primer, and will also smooth, plump and blur your skin. It's made with oat extract and glycerin to help soothe and moisturizer, and also features hyaluronic acid for deep hydration.
First impressions
I've been testing this moisturizer out day and night, with and without makeup, for about two weeks now — and I really like it.
The formula goes on smooth, it's lightweight and soothing, and it does provide a nice base for makeup. On days I'm wearing makeup, I wash my face, apply serum, then apply 1-2 pumps of this moisturizer. After that, I finish with a few swipes of my favourite sunscreen stick before apply my makeup. Merit claims that, since it's a priming moisturizer, it helps makeup stay put longer — and I have found that to be true, even on the sweatiest summer days.
Merit Great Skin Moisturizer
On days I don't wear makeup, I wash my face, apply my serum and then moisturize. I've struggled with my skin for more than two decades — breakouts, grease and sallowness are common for me, but I really do find that this moisturizer leaves my non-made up skin bright and bouncy. A win in my books!
What I like about it
Scent-free: Who else is sick of beauty products that smell like perfume? This one is scent-free, which was a welcome surprise.
Smoothing and hydrating: I'm always iffy on products that claim to smooth and blur, but this one really does. My skin looks smooth, plump and hydrated — and it also seem to be brighter.
A little goes a long way: One or two pumps is really all I need to moisturize my face and neck.
It really is a great primer: When I use with makeup, I've found that my concealer and blush stay put longer, even in the heat.
Good for sensitive skin: As someone who struggles with breakouts, I'm really wary to switch up the products I use. This moisturizer didn't cause any issues at all.
It's pretty: OK, it's not the most important factor, but doesn't Merit make products that just look nice? Their minimalistic packaging looks great on a bathroom shelf.
Merit Great Skin Moisturizer
Room for improvement
Can feel a bit greasy: I struggle with greasy skin in general, so this may be a me thing, but I do find that when I use this moisturizer without makeup following, my skin does get a bit greasy. Nothing a quick blot can't fix, but worth keeping in mind.
It's not cheap: If you're used to drugstore pricing, $52 for 50mL may seem a bit steep. Personally, I think the benefits (and the clean beauty certification) make it worth the price, but it's something to keep in mind if you're used to buying under-$20 moisturizers. Pro tip: Both Merit and Sephora do occasionally have sales — I always stock up on my Merit favourites during the Sephora Beauty Insider sale, Black Friday and other key sale periods.
What other shoppers are saying
Since this moisturizer just launched, there aren't any customer reviews — but beauty writers and influencers who tested the product prior to launch are raving.
"[My skin] is just like, drinking it up," said one early tester. "This feels so good, it's like I have a filter on my skin."
"Ticks all my boxes!" added another. "great skin priming moisturizer is lightweight, moisturizing, and smoothing — All great for my combo skin."
"First impression? This feels really nice," said another reviewer. "It feels hydrating without feeling too thick."
The verdict: Is it worth the price, and would I buy it again?
I've only been using this moisturizer for a couple of weeks, but I've already noticed an improvement when it comes to my skin's texture and complexion — and the lightweight, scent-free formula is right up my alley. While there are definitely more affordable moisturizers, a little bit goes a long way, so I have a feeling this will last longer than it might seem. It's also great for sensitive skin — I haven't had any issues, minus a little bit of excess grease at times.
I've already added this to my Merit cart for my next purchase — and I have a feeling it's going to sell out soon, so if you're looking to shop, I'd suggest doing the same.
Shop more of my favourite Merit beauty products below.
Editor's picks: Best Merit beauty products
Flush Balm Cheek Colour
The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick
Day Glow Highlighting Balm
Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil
Great Skin Instant Glow Serum
Brush No.1 Blending Brush
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