fave products // merit beauty makeup

Y’all know I’m a huge fan of clean beauty brands. I’ve sung their praises many a time on this ol’ blog. No surprise I was super pumped to learn about new clean makeup brand from Katherine Power, Merit Beauty, which has created formulas that are not only safe for our skin and bodies, but for the planet is well! Merit is all about minimalist beauty, and they take a “less is more” approach, which I’m all about these days. 2020 was a reset of sorts for most everyone, and I think it made us realize that we don’t need too much, especially when it comes to makeup products. As a mom of a toddler, finding ways to simplify my morning rituals is super important. Cheers to brands that bring us more, for less!

I’ve been trying out some products, and I love that I can achieve my ideal “no-makeup, makeup” look with just a few of Merit’s goodies, and usually only need one hand to do it! Plus, that cute, but sophisticated packaging is pretty easy on the eyes! If your complexion needs a bit of smoothing or evening out, The Minimalist is going to be your new BFF. It’s not technically a concealer or a foundation, but essentially does the job of both, in one compact, elegant stick. Only apply it where you need it, and blend it with their Brush No. 1 (omg so soft!) for that perfectly smooth finish. Flush Balm is a cream tint that melts into your skin, depositing a translucent veil of color without hiding your skin’s texture. It lasts all day, and gives you that subtle, but beautiful, natural flush. When you want a dewy glow without the overkill of sparkle, Day Glow is the highlighting balm for you. It’s also super moisturizing thanks to its vitamin-rich base.

Defined brows and lashes are an essential part of any well-put-together look in my opinion, and Merit’s Brow 1980 gives you volume and fluffiness in a nod to the classic brows of the ‘80s. Love that! It’s also flexible and doesn’t flake, because no one wants crusty brows… Clean Lash is my new go-to daily mascara, because it does everything from lifting to tinting to lengthening your lashes. It helps give you that wide-awake look (so necessary sometimes!) and doesn’t smudge or clump in the least. If you want to finish with a pop of color on your lips, definitely try out any of the fun hues of Shade Slick. It goes on sheer, and is basically a hybrid of an oil and a lip stain. Plus, it’s infused with rosehip oil and shea butter, so your lips will feel nourished all day! Merit is totally clean, vegan, and cruelty-free, but all these products are also EU-Compliant, meaning they are free from 1400 potentially unsafe ingredients. Woot woot!

Don’t miss snagging the super chic Merit bag (comes free with all first orders on meritbeauty.com!). I’m sort of obsessed- it’s the perfect makeup bag, but can also be used as a cute lil tote! Plus, it’s washable, so don’t worry if you have a makeup spillage ;) As if all this isn’t enough, Merit volunteers, donates and supports Baby2Baby, a non-profit organization that provides children in poverty across the United States with diapers, clothing and other basic necessities. At checkout, you can directly donate to Baby2Baby alongside your order. Amazing!

 * This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 


fave products // w3ll people nudist lip butter

{GIVEAWAY ALERT- READ ON!} On a day to day basis, I tend to wear pretty neutral lip colors. Of course, every once in a while or for a fun night out, I love a bright red lip, but for the most part, I keep it pretty simple. The most important factor for me when choosing a lipstick, gloss, or balm, is that it’s hydrating and nourishing. Something that keeps my lips from becoming dry and crackly is key in my book, and bonus points if it comes in pretty shades as well. W3ll People Nudist Lip Butter checks off all these boxes, and goes on super smooth. I love that they call it “the vegan love child of a lip stick and lip balm”, because honestly that description could not be more accurate. The organic omega oils and aloe help calm stressed lips, and leave them feeling soothed and supple! It’s my go-to lip choice when I mainly want some nourishing hydration, but wouldn’t mind a subtle pop of color as well. The nude shade is great for everyday, but I also love the cherry shade for something a little brighter. I find the lip butters to be a bit buildable, so adding a few extra coats can give you a more dramatic look. If you prefer no color at all, I suggest the natural shade for a simple, buttery finish. For added brilliance or to create a bit more of a statement look, top your lip butter with a swipe or two of the W3ll People Bio Extreme Lipgloss, and you’ll be set for a night out! As always with W3ll People products, everything is formulated without the potentially harmful artificial chemicals that are found in most conventional makeup products, so you can feel good about supporting this brand!

{ GIVEAWAY DETAILS }

For all my readers, as a thank you for your support this year, I’m hosting a giveaway with W3ll People! Comment on my latest Instagram post for a chance to win a $150 W3ll People gift card! Perfect for stocking up on all your fave products, or some last minute holiday gifts! All you have to do is:

1) follow @b_maren on Instagram

2) follow @w3llpeople on Instagram

3) comment on my post with the product you most want to try!

Winner announced December 17th!

* This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support!