Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Hydrating Serum Review

Merit Beauty made its skincare debut with Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum. It is a lightweight bi-phase hydrating serum which is formulated with Hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide, Cacao seed extract & Japanese Goldthread root.

I generally prefer niche skincare so when I see a makeup brand dip into skincare category, I take it with a grain of salt. However after trying this serum, I can say it didn’t disappoint. Before I get into the review , here are a few quick pointers about Merit’s glow serum

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide and Cacao Seed Extract

Skin Type: Normal, dry and Combination

Skin Concerns: Dryness, Dullness and Uneven Texture

Claims: Hydrates, plumps, calms and brightens skin

Ingredients Callouts: Vegan, gluten free, fragrance free & cruelty free 

Texture is very interesting. When sitting in bottle, it separate like oil and water and needs to be shaken well before using. Normally it goes on after cleansing and before moisturizer but when using with another serum with actives, then apply it on top of actives serum.

I found the texture lightweight and fast absorbing. Doesn’t leave behind any oily residue if applied in right amount. Recommended amount according to skin type is

Dry Skin: 3 pumps

Normal Skin: 2 pumps

Combination/Oily Skin: 1-2 pumps

For my oily skin 1 pump is all I need and my daughter’s dry skin appreciates two pumps. Immediate result is super soft, supple and dewy skin ready for next step in skincare or makeup. I tested it with a few different moisturizers and sunscreens on top and it worked well with all of them.

This glow serum can be worn on its own like a regular serum but it was also designed to complement Merit Beauty’s cult favourite complexion stick The Minimalist . I tried it with some other liquid foundations and tinted moisturizers and it performed really well. I didn’t notice any pilling or shifting of foundation.

I can’t say it really brightens or improves the texture over time but it sure is a great hydrating serum and a beautiful glowy makeup base.

Available at Sephora and Merit Beauty