There’s nothing I love more than a multitasking makeup product, and Merit’s beloved perfecting complexion stick, The Minimalist ($38) is one of the all-time greats. And it’s not just me who’s obsessed. It’s the brand’s number one best-selling product and was the most popular foundation stick at Sephora prior to selling out. It’s a clean, noncomedogenic, and brilliant hybrid between foundation and concealer, and I didn’t think it could be improved upon. Lo and behold, today marks The Minimalist’s highly anticipated relaunch (it had a 10k wait list!), and somehow, it’s even more magical than before.
Fear not, the formula itself hasn’t changed (the lightweight, hydrating stick still blends like a dream and effortlessly filters out imperfections), but we now get twice the amount of product for the same $38 price tag. And of course, it still comes in 20 inclusive shades.
So what makes The Minimalist one of my favorite products of all time? For one, it buffs, blends, and melts so seamlessly into the skin, and unlike so many foundations and concealers, it looks better and better the longer you wear it. With some kind of witchcraft, it still looks freshly applied by the end of the day. I usually wear my makeup for a full 10 hours, and by hour 10, there’s still no creasing! Second, a little bit goes a long way, which makes the new, more generous portion all the sweeter. What’s more, Merit’s A+ lipstick formula—The Signature Lip ($26), which is frequently sold out in multiple hues—will also be back to full stock, and with orders over $75, customers will receive the brand’s limited-edition summer bag.
As far as application, I love using a stick that’s a little darker than my skin tone (for me, that’s the shade Ochre) for contour, and a stick two shades lighter (Linen) as more of a concealer. (Ecru is my true-match shade.) The formula itself is super buildable, but it retains its velvety, demi-matte finish without getting greasy or cakey, no matter how many layers you add. It’s dreamy in photos and is just the thing for anyone looking to enhance their complexion with glowy, natural-looking coverage in under three minutes.
To enhance your application and to really perfect the finish, make sure you also grab the expert blending brush. It is The Minimalist’s PIC but pairs equally well with any other complexion product you use. The bristles are tightly packed for optimal blending, and since they’re extra soft and vegan, they’ll play nicely with even super-sensitive skin.
Up next, We Tried It First, and—Wow—Merit’s New Lipstick Will Be Your All-Time Favorite