Our Whole Beauty Team Tried This Multi-Tasking Cream Blush – And It Really Does Suit All Skin Tones

Merit's Flush Balm is a multi-tasking product that deserves all the praise it's getting.


by Renee Washington |
Updated on

Being a beauty journalist, there’s a fair share of products that land on my desk every day – some good, some not so much. Merit is one brand I’m thrilled made its way into my beauty stash, though, thanks to sleek packaging and really brilliant formulae. The blushers, in particular, have quickly become cult favourites in the beauty world and, since Grazia's beauty team tried these multi-tasking products, we've joined the fan club. Versatile enough for eyes, lips, and cheeks, these blushes deliver perfect pigment every time.

If you’re not familiar with the brand, Merit is relatively new to the scene, having launched in the UK just last year. But let me tell you, there's a reason why so many beauty editors now rely on its products. The blush collection boasts shades that span the spectrum, from warm, sun-kissed browns and soft pinks to bold, statement-making reds. Whatever your preference, there’s a shade to match your skin tone, an area in which some brands still, woefully, fall short.

The Formula

The formula is where the real magic happens. Creamy yet lightweight, it blends seamlessly into the skin, leaving behind a radiant, natural-looking glow. Whether you’re going for a barely-there flush or something more striking, the buildable texture makes it a breeze to achieve the look you're after.

To truly test this product on a range of skin tones, our beauty team put it to the test. Here are our honest thoughts.

Merit Flush Balm in Stockholm

Rachel Martin, beauty editor, says: 'I'm a sucker for Merit's Flush Balm - it's just so beautifully blend-able and pigmented. I love the shade Stockholm, a sweet and sugary pink that gives skin a refreshed flush of colour. Scribble on, blend out, and you're good to go. And don't forget to tap onto lips, too!'

Merit Flush Balm in Merit Après

Renee Washington, digital fashion and beauty assistant, says: 'One shade I can’t stop reaching for is Après, a gorgeous berry hue that’s perfect for winter. It warms up my complexion beautifully and looks equally stunning on the lips. It wears well throughout the day, without patchiness. If you're on the hunt for a multi-tasking product that does it all with a touch of luxury, Merit deserves a spot in your make-up bag and it's small enough to carry.'

Merit Flush Balm in Rouge

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'I'm not one for ultra-poppy colours on my cheeks, having long favoured natural-looking warm shades that compliment my medium skin tone, but I've made an exception for Merit's Flush Balm in Rouge. This totally-outside-my-comfort-zone bright red blush is made completely wearable by its glossy, microfine formula that imparts a light and buildable glimmer of colour, which can be glided over cheeks and lips with a natural skin-enhancing satin finish. It'll perk up your complexion in seconds without looking OTT, trust me.'

Shop: Our Favourite Merit Blushes

If pinched cheeks was a colour it would be this.

A bright red colour made totally wearable by its sheer, glossy, satin finish.

A soft berry shade that acts as the perfectblush-bronzer hybrid; great for adding depth to the eyes too.

Renee Washington, Grazia's digital fashion and beauty assistant, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie..

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