Merit 'five minute' routine includes 'holy grail' glow serum

Daily Mirror

20-06-2025

The Merit Prep Set is a four-piece bundle to prep skin for foundation and the routine includes a new tinted moisturiser just in time for summer
Clean beauty brand Merit has offered fans a 15% off discount on the Prep Set, which includes a serum that has been hailed a "holy grail" for glowing skin. The sleek minimalistic packaging and hydrating skincare formulas have quickly turned Merit into a cult beauty brand and it has won over the likes of Demi Moore and Nichole Richie.
Sharing on Instagram, Merit posted a "routine that takes only five minutes" and that's the Prep Set and the Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen. For a limited time, the Prep Set is reduced from £130 to £111 and it includes the viral Great Skin Instant Glow Serum, Great Skin Moisturiser, The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick and a Blending Brush.
Formulated to plump and hydrate for an instant glow, the bi-phase serum, worth £34 alone, includes a blend of four types of hyaluronic acid to target multiple layers of skin to lock in moisture. It also has cacao seed extract to stimulate blood flow for an "immediate plumping effect".
One fan reacted and shared: That serum is my holy grail! Compliments on my skin evey time I wear and the glow is amazing." Another added: "Need it all, the serum is my holy grail."
The second step of the routine is to lock in hydration and prep skin for makeup using the Great Skin Priming Moisturiser. The pH-balanced face cream has added biomimetic emulsifier for a blurred, cashmere-like finish, while the peptides and oat extract deliver what fans said "wore so well throughout the day" and it "can be worn solo for a dewy look or use it as a primer for makeup".
Then add in a shade of the Uniform, a tinted mineral sunscreen that comes with 15 shades. Our beauty writers have tested the skincare makeup-hybrid and Eve Rowlands described it as a "silky velvety texture and an airbrush finish", while Lauren Codling loved the "seamless blend" that saw her swapping out her M.A.C foundation in summer.
But Bethan Shufflebotham found the Uniform "clinging" on particular dry areas and Eve suggested there could be a better design for the lid. Use along with the No.1 Blending Brush to create a well-protected smooth canvas before adding blush, contour and highlighter.
There are other Tinted SPF Moisturisers on the market, including the Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturiser, £31, and the Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen SPF30, which is on 20% off on LookFantastic and available at £13.60.
The final step will be the Minimalist, a complexion stick that does not categorise as a foundation nor a concealer. It provides added coverage or can double as a contour to sculpt and define. One shopper said: "I am obsessed with The Uniform for all over and then use the Minimalist Stick as a concealer. Such a good duo."
One fan raved about the Merit set: "Hands down best makeup I have ever used as a minimal five-minute makeup girl. Top notch and worth every single penny." Another used the Minimalist to cover her under eyes dark circles and loved how it "make my eyes look awake".
But a shopper took away a star and shared: "Only negative is that I can go through this fast so a lower price would be more enticing. Merit is not the only brand that launch stick-like makeup , Charlotte Tilbury's Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint, £35, gives a "ring-like effect" that can double as highlighter or foundation. Pixi Beauty's On-the-Glow Base is a more affordable option and is available on Amazon for £22.
The Merit Prep Set is now on 15% off and shoppers can complete the "five-minute routine" along with The Uniform.