If there's one beauty discovery that defined my makeup routine in 2025 it's this cult favourite complexion stick

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If there’s one beauty discovery that defined my makeup routine in 2025, it’s The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick by MERIT Beauty. It was one of my best makeup discoveries of the year.

The £34 beauty buy is described by the brand as 'not a foundation or a concealer, but it’ll replace both in your makeup bag', and this bold statement actually holds up.

MERIT Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick 

MERIT Beauty’s The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick is a lightweight, buildable all-in-one that replaces both foundation and concealer for natural, skin-like coverage.

Easy to swipe on and blend with fingers or a brush, it evens tone, covers redness, and blurs imperfections without feeling heavy, creasing, or needing powder. 

Chic, travel-friendly, and dermatologist-tested, it’s ideal for quick, low-maintenance makeup that still looks polished.

For a limited time only, includes a free Mini Great Skin Serum 8ml. 

£34 Shop

It looks natural on the skin, is effortlessly fuss-free, and I’ve lost count of how many people have asked me what I’m wearing

On busy mornings, as a shortcut to looking well-rested, I swipe the all-in-one stick - its packaging impossibly chic - exactly where I need it: around my nose, chin, and under the eyes, then blend with just my fingertips.

On days when I've given myself more time to get ready, I’ll apply it more generously like a traditional foundation, blending with a brush for a more polished look. No concealer needed.

Beautifully lightweight, the coverage sits somewhere between light and medium, but it’s buildable, and the pigment is impressive. Plus, it doesn’t look or feel like a mask when applied, yet it quickly evens out my somewhat blotchy, tired-looking skin.

The finish is what I’d call quietly perfect: not too matte, not dewy - just skin, but better and unlike liquid foundations, I find it doesn't need a touch of powder to finish. 

As someone with combination skin, I’m always wary of products that promise everything. But this one genuinely delivers. It’s especially good at covering redness, blends seamlessly, and wears comfortably without slipping, creasing or oxidising. 

One of my favourite things about The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick is how effortless it is. This is the product I reach for when I can’t be bothered with a full face or when I want my makeup done in five minutes - which, having practised, is achievable.

The MERIT Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stickhas racked up over 8,000 reviews on the brand's site with fans hailing it 'magic', 'holy grail' and a 'staple'

The stick itself is slimmer than most traditional foundation sticks, which makes application around the eyes and nose far easier (and far less clumsy).

It also means it fits perfectly into a makeup bag for quick touch-ups after work, or when I’m travelling and want something low-maintenance but reliable.

And I’m not the only one obsessed. Aimee Lou Wood, Dakota Johnson, Amy Poehler and Reese Witherspoon are reportedly all fans of the brand too, and MERIT has quietly built a cult following among beauty editors and TikTok creators alike.

Not to mention, The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick has racked up over 8,000 reviews on the brand's site with fans hailing it 'magic', 'holy grail' and a 'staple'.

'Best complexion I’ve ever had!' one user wrote. 'I have raved about this product and have received so many compliments when wearing it! 

'I am a makeup artist and love a super minimal/natural makeup look for myself, and have struggled to find a foundation that doesn’t make my dry skin look worse. 10/10 will buy again!'

The MERIT Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick genuinely delivers and deserves a place on your top shelf

After eight hours of wear, all 51 volunteers agreed The Minimalist still looked effortlessly natural on skin during testing

'It's magic? This tool is a new number on product in my morning routine!' a second customer shared. 'They were not kidding when they said it would replace your concealer and foundation. 

'The ease of this product is why I will always use it! Especially grateful it's good with acne-prone skin.'

If you want natural-looking skin, minimal effort, and a product that genuinely works harder than most in your makeup bag, this is it.

Whether you’re spot-concealing, creating a soft everyday base, or just want something dependable to throw on and go, The MERIT Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick genuinely delivers and deserves a place on your top shelf.