The Celebrity Secret to Effortless Glow: MERIT Beauty’s Flush Balm Takes Centre Stage
For years, beauty enthusiasts have been trying to unlock the secret behind that coveted natural radiance, often seen gracing the faces of our favourite stars. Now, a select group of Hollywood heavyweights, including Hailey Bieber, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Demi Moore, have lifted the lid on their go-to product for achieving that coveted “sunburnt” blush and an effortlessly dewy complexion: MERIT Beauty’s Flush Balm.
Founded in 2021 by Katherine Power, MERIT Beauty has quickly carved out a niche in the luxury clean beauty market. The brand champions a philosophy of “makeup you can live in,” focusing on minimalist routines and products designed for ease of application and long-lasting wear. Their “five-minute morning” concept resonates with a generation seeking simplicity and efficacy in their beauty regimens. All MERIT products are cruelty-free and vegan, aligning with a growing demand for ethical and sustainable beauty choices.
While MERIT offers a curated range of popular items like their Signature Lip Shades, Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil, and the Minimalist Complexion Stick, it’s the Flush Balm Cream Blush that has truly captured the attention of celebrities and beauty aficionados alike. This creamy, Vitamin E-infused cheek tint is lauded for its ability to impart a natural, “lit-from-within” colour that mimics a healthy flush and remains vibrant throughout the day.
Why Celebrities Are Raving About Flush Balm
The appeal of the Flush Balm lies in its sheer buildability and natural finish. It’s not about heavy, cakey coverage, but rather a subtle enhancement that looks like you’ve just returned from a brisk walk or spent a day in the sunshine.
- Versatile Application: Actresses like Courteney Cox have revealed their liberal approach to using the Flush Balm, applying it not only to their cheeks but also to their forehead, nose, and chin for a cohesive, sun-kissed effect.
- Shade Selection: The Flush Balm is available in a spectrum of shades, categorised into The Pops, The Neutrals, and The Classic Pinks, ensuring there’s a perfect hue for every skin tone and preference. Cameron Diaz, for instance, is a particular fan of the “plummy” Raspberry Beret shade.
- New Additions: The brand has recently expanded its Flush Balm offerings with a striking new shade, ‘Rouge’, providing even more options for those seeking that perfect pop of colour.
Priced at an accessible £26, the Flush Balm offers a touch of luxury without a prohibitive price tag. Its lightweight, buildable formula ensures a long-lasting glow that feels comfortable and never looks heavy.
Beyond the Blush: MERIT’s Expanding Collection
While the Flush Balm may be the current star, MERIT Beauty’s commitment to minimalist, high-performance products extends across their entire line.
- Bronze Balm: For those seeking a touch of warmth and subtle contouring, the Bronze Balm (£27) is a standout. Whitney Port has previously shared her use of this product for sculpting cheekbones. Its sheer, buildable cream formula delivers natural-looking warmth and definition, seamlessly integrating into any makeup routine.
- Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil: This popular lip oil (£14.70-£21) has been praised for its comfortable wear and non-sticky finish. An updated formula provides enhanced cushion and longevity, making it a perfect choice for a subtle hint of colour and hydration. Bethenny Frankel has lauded the lip oil, giving the entire MERIT brand a near-perfect score of 9.5 out of 10.
- Solo Shadow: For a sophisticated eye look, the Solo Shadow (£20.70-£23) offers a buildable cream-to-powder formula. It glides on effortlessly, setting to a smooth finish that avoids settling into fine lines. This versatile eyeshadow has been seen on the likes of Kate Hudson, who sported it on the cover of Flaunt Magazine.
MERIT’s Allure Across Generations
The brand’s appeal isn’t confined to one age group. Sofia Richie Grainge, 27, reportedly incorporates MERIT Beauty products into her routine, finding them a refreshing alternative to heavier makeup that can sometimes make skin appear less healthy. This sentiment echoes the brand’s core message of enhancing natural beauty rather than masking it.
Sarah Jessica Parker’s MERIT Masterclass
The enduring elegance of Sarah Jessica Parker is often attributed, in part, to her radiant complexion. For the premiere of the Sex and the City sequel, And Just Like That… in 2023, her makeup artist revealed that Parker opted for a full face of MERIT Beauty products. This comprehensive application, from skincare prep to the final touch of cream bronzer, was meticulously curated to achieve that signature “lit-from-within” glow that the actress is known for. The choice to use MERIT for such a high-profile event underscores the brand’s ability to deliver sophisticated, camera-ready results with a natural aesthetic.
