This Not That: MERIT The Minimalist Complexion Stick

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I was genuinely excited to try this Merit stick because it’s everywhere. Beauty influencers make it sound like it’s the holy grail of complexion products. But let me cut to the chase: it’s fine, but it’s not for me.

No makeup is going to change my life the way I’ve seen people claim online. And honestly? I still don’t get the hype. If you’re looking for something truly skin-like, this isn’t it. It felt dry on my already dry skin, and by the end of the day, I couldn’t wait to wash it off just because I could really feel it sitting on my face.

That said, I did like using it for spot treatment—it blends super easily, which is always a win. But as a foundation/concealer combo? It creased badly under my eyes so it’s best as a skin tint.

Now the Milani Skin Tint Stick? That’s the winner for me. It’s creamier, more hydrating, and my dry skin actually liked it. It still doesn’t work great as a concealer, but the finish is beautiful and lasted longer than I expected. If you are looking for a more affordable skin tint stick, this one is one of the better options out there.

Pro tip: no matter which stick you choose, I highly recommend applying a serum first. It makes a huge difference in how these products blend and wear throughout the day.