As a beauty enthusiast constantly seeking a quick yet effective makeup routine, I was thrilled to try the MERIT Five Minute Morning The Core Collection. This set promises a polished, natural look in just five minutes, using clean, vegan, and cruelty-free products. After weeks of testing, I’m excited to share my honest thoughts on each product, how they compare to other brands, and whether this collection is worth your investment. Spoiler alert: it’s a game-changer for minimalists, but it’s not perfect for everyone.
Introduction to MERIT Beauty
Founded by Katherine Power, MERIT Beauty is a minimalist brand focused on enhancing natural features with high-performing, clean ingredients. The Five Minute Morning collection is their flagship offering, designed to streamline your morning routine with just the essentials. It’s ideal for busy individuals, minimalists, or anyone who loves a no-makeup makeup look. The collection includes seven products, all packaged in eco-friendly, Leaping Bunny-certified materials, aligning with the brand’s commitment to sustainability.
Products in the Collection
The Five Minute Morning collection, priced at $170, includes:
| Product | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick | $38 | Lightweight, hydrating foundation and concealer with buildable light-to-medium coverage. Contains sea daffodil extract and fatty acids for moisture. |
| Flush Balm Cheek Color | $30 | Creamy blush with microfine pigments and Vitamin E for a natural, lit-from-within glow. |
| Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil | $24 | Moisturizing lip oil with rosehip, shea butter, and jojoba oils for a pearlescent finish. |
| Brush No.1 Blending Brush | $28 | Soft, dense vegan brush for seamless blending, ideal for complexion and blush products. |
| Day Glow Highlighting Balm | $32 | Dewy, non-sparkly highlighter with plant-based squalane and olive fruit oil for hydration. |
| Clean Lash Lengthening Mascara | $26 | Smudge-free tubing mascara with olive oil esters and vitamin B5, removable with warm water. |
| Brow 1980 Volumizing Pomade | $24 | Mineral-based brow gel with kaolin clay for soft, fluffy brows with light hold. |
All products are clean, vegan, cruelty-free, and free from over 1,400 potentially unsafe ingredients, making them a great choice for eco-conscious consumers.
My Honest Review of Each Product
I’ve been using the collection for about a month, and here’s how each product performed for me, a 40-year-old with dry, mature skin:
- The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick (Shade: Silk)
This is the star of the collection. Its lightweight, hydrating formula blends effortlessly, providing just enough coverage to even out my skin tone without looking heavy. It doesn’t settle into fine lines, which is a huge plus for mature skin. I love its versatility as both foundation and concealer. However, those seeking full coverage might find it too sheer. - Flush Balm Cheek Color (Shade: Cheeky)
This cream blush is a dream to apply, blending seamlessly with fingers or the brush for a natural, rosy glow. The shade Cheeky is perfect for my neutral-to-cool undertones. My only complaint is its staying power—I need to reapply after about six hours, especially on busy days. - Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil (Shade: Pink Beet)
This lip oil is a standout for its hydration and non-sticky, glossy finish. Infused with nourishing oils, it keeps my lips soft all day. The subtle color is buildable, making it versatile for casual or polished looks. It’s a step above other lip oils I’ve tried, feeling more comfortable and less greasy. - Brush No.1 Blending Brush
This brush is a pleasant surprise. Its soft, dense vegan bristles make blending the complexion stick and blush a breeze, and it’s gentle on my sensitive skin. While finger application works fine, this brush adds precision and is great for travel. - Day Glow Highlighting Balm (Shade: Cava)
I’m not usually a highlighter fan, but this dewy, non-shimmery balm won me over. It adds a subtle, healthy glow that enhances my natural features. It’s easy to apply with fingers and blends beautifully, though it may be too subtle for those who love bold highlights. - Clean Lash Lengthening Mascara
This was the weakest link for me. While it lengthens lashes and is easy to remove, it lacks volume and drama. I needed multiple coats for a noticeable effect, and my lashes drooped after a few hours. It’s gentle and smudge-free, but I prefer more impactful mascaras. - Brow 1980 Volumizing Pomade (Shade: Brown)
This brow gel is fantastic, delivering soft, fluffy brows with just the right amount of hold. The precision brush makes application easy, and the formula doesn’t feel stiff or crunchy. It’s perfect for a natural yet defined brow look.
Comparisons with Other Brands
MERIT’s minimalist approach sets it apart in the clean beauty space, but how does it stack up against competitors?
- Complexion: The Minimalist is similar to ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint, but it’s more hydrating and lighter, making it better for dry skin. For full coverage, Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder might be a better choice.
- Blush: Flush Balm outperforms Rare Beauty Soft Pinch in blendability and feels less greasy than Glossier Cloud Paint.
- Lip Oil: Shade Slick is more hydrating and comfortable than Dior Lip Glow Oil, though Dior offers more color intensity.
- Mascara: Clean Lash falls short of Too Faced Better Than Sex or Benefit Roller Lash for volume but excels in ease of removal and gentleness.
- Brow Gel: Brow 1980 is lighter and more natural than Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade, which can feel heavy.
Real Customer Testimonials
Other users share similar enthusiasm for the collection, with some minor critiques:
- The Good Trade: “After testing the Five Minute Morning Core Collection for a month, I enthusiastically recommend their makeup for anyone looking for high-performing, luxury products that leave you looking and feeling like your best self (and take almost no time to apply!).” (The Good Trade Review)
- The Everymom: “MERIT Beauty is perfect for busy moms who need a quick and easy routine. The products are clean, high-quality, and truly live up to the ‘five-minute makeup’ claim.” (The Everymom Review)
- Best Products: “These products seem to have my every need in mind. The thoughtfulness of low-maintenance application with the perfecting complexion and highlighter sticks, cheek balm, and brow pomade made me feel seen.” (Best Products Review)
Some customers echoed my concern about the mascara’s lack of volume and the blush’s need for reapplication, particularly for those with oily skin or long days.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Quick, five-minute application perfect for busy lifestyles.
- Clean, vegan, cruelty-free ingredients safe for sensitive skin.
- Hydrating, blendable formulas ideal for dry or mature skin.
- Natural, no-makeup look that enhances rather than masks.
- Eco-friendly, Leaping Bunny-certified packaging.
Cons:
- Clean Lash Mascara lacks volume and staying power.
- Flush Balm may require reapplication after a few hours.
- $170 price tag may be steep for some, though the quality justifies it.
Who It’s For
This collection is a dream for minimalists, busy professionals, parents, or anyone who loves clean beauty and a natural look. It’s especially great for those with dry or sensitive skin due to its hydrating formulas. However, if you prefer bold, dramatic makeup or long-lasting coverage, you might find some products too subtle or short-lived.
Conclusion: Is It Worth It?
The MERIT Five Minute Morning collection delivers on its promise of a quick, natural, and high-quality makeup routine. The Minimalist, Flush Balm, Shade Slick, and Brow 1980 are standout performers, offering effortless application and a polished look. The mascara is the only letdown, lacking the volume I crave, but it’s a minor flaw in an otherwise stellar set. At $170, it’s a worthwhile investment for those prioritizing clean, minimalist beauty. If you’re looking to simplify your routine without sacrificing quality, this collection is a must-try.
