I Get an Even Skin Tone in 1 Minute With Merit's Complexion Stick

May 2024 · 3 minute read

For the majority of my life, I’ve had virtually flawless skin — no acne, texture, or discoloration. People would walk up to me to ask what foundation I was wearing and I wouldn’t have any on. That all changed within the last two years. I decided to go off my birth control for the first time in over 13 years, and my skin was not very happy with that decision. I had recurring breakouts that my go-to acne serums couldn’t combat, then they’d leave stubborn dark spots that took months to fade. 

I’ve finally got the breakouts under control, but it takes time for hyperpigmentation to go away. So in the interim, I’ve been using the brand Sarah Jessica Parker relies on for glass skin, Merit, to even out my complexion — and the star product that’s been a game changer for my beauty routine is The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick.

Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick

Merit

The complexion stick comes in 20 shades ranging from light to deep with varying undertones in mind. It has buildable light-to-medium coverage that doubles as both concealer and foundation when it comes to brightening and concealing dark spots and redness. If purchased in a deeper shade, it’s also great for contouring. It has an easy twist-up design, and is formulated with fatty acids that won’t dry skin out, and sea daffodil extract that, per the brand, reduces the visibility of pigmentation over time. The product can be swiped right on to the skin and is easy to blend out by hand or with a brush. 

I’m someone who likes to keep my beauty routine quick and simple. I start out by applying a primer, and then use shade Amber of the foundation stick focusing on dark spots and redness around my nose. I’ll then apply the lighter shade, Buff, under my eyes and brows to brighten and give more dimension. The formula is creamy and glides on evenly and with the round head, is perfect for spot correcting and getting in tight spots. I let it sit for about 15 seconds so it doesn’t wipe away when I start blending it out. If I’m in a rush, I’ll blend out with my fingers, but when I want a bit more coverage, I’ll use a brush for better precision. Either way, I can have it applied, blended, and set in under a minute.

The finish is lightweight, and glowy — no highlighter needed. The coverage is super flexible and can be more high coverage in one spot and lighter in another and still look even. I’ve worn it for a full day of activities and it doesn’t move, crease, or disappear like some other foundation sticks. I’ve also had no irritation or breakouts with this product, so I’d say it’s safe for those with oily and acne-prone skin.

Shop Merit’s The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick and more of its products, below.

Flush Balm

Merit

Shade Slick

Merit

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