It’s a Concealer. It’s a Foundation: How ‘The Minimalist’ Perfecting Complexion Stick Became Our Everything

Merit always nails it when it comes to packaging—and this product is no exception. The stick is not too bulky but it won’t get easily lost in my bag. It’s the right size to take on the go and secure enough for a mess-free journey. The tube is also easy to twist for more product and has enough to last for a while. 

Once applied, it feels lightweight and comfortable on the skin. And the rounded tip creates a smooth finish, as it glides seamlessly across any area. For VP of Editorial Candace Davison, she uses it multiple ways but prefers it as a concealer. “It’s easy to blend without immediately rubbing off. I just love how easy it is to use, and how solidly it covers my dark circles and dark spots,” she shares. “My dark circles have been a huge issue for me, and this shade really eliminated them—and seemed to last all day, even when I was sweating outside (my mascara started smudging, causing my only need to reapply). I'd recommend it to anyone else looking for a strong—yet easy to use—concealer.”

The brand recommends using your fingers or makeup brush, but whichever you choose, it blends well and leaves a natural finish behind. I also appreciate that it’s buildable without being too cakey. “On days where I don’t want to wear a full face of makeup, I would apply the product over my dark spots, and if the initial application wasn't enough, I would go back in and touch up with more. The product feels weightless on the skin, so adding more product didn't feel uncomfortable or cakey on my face,” shares Editorial Assistant Courtney Mason. 

We also don’t spend too much time letting it settle before layering on other makeup products (might I suggest Merit Flush Balm or The Uniform Tinted Sunscreen?) as there is no piling or streaking involved. 

We give the complexion stick a winning 97 out of 100. It does a great job at covering dark circles, redness and overall evening out our complexions. The design makes it easy to glide on smoothly for any area and store for travel. The gentle formula excels at blending, leaving a silky, smooth finish and making it a great option for all skin types.  “I've used a few complexion sticks, and some are so sheer they hardly provide coverage, and others can be so dry that it's like rubbing chalk across your face. Not so with Merit; it glides on smoothly, like lip balm and yet it still provides solid coverage,” shares Davison.

Some reviewers have mentioned cakey finish or patchiness, so I suggest prepping your skin beforehand with hydrating products. From there, the foundation will be smooth like butter and give you that second skin feeling. Even after a few hours of wear, it still feels breathable and comfortable. It’s also super hydrating and doesn’t look oily (a plus for combo skin). 

It even does wonders in complementing the rest of our makeup and has become our favorite new base. “I love how easy the complexion stick was to use in my routine. It's just a few swipes of product and you instantly look more put together—even without adding extra makeup products,” says Mason. “It’s great to use during sweltering summer days when I'm not looking to pack product on my face, but still want to wear a little makeup. It feels very lightweight on the skin, and I never feel like it's melting off throughout my day.”

The only downside? The price. At $38, it can be pretty steep for a stick, but it's definitely worth the investment. And although one stick can be your universal shade, I might suggest having two in your bag if you’re looking to a) contour b) brighten the under-eye c) utilize a darker shade for the warmer months ahead. Overall, Merit has done it again. 

Fast Facts

• Shades: 30
• Key Ingredients: fatty acids, sea daffodil extract
• Finish: natural
• Formulation: stick