Let’s be honest—most mornings don’t come with time for a 12-step beauty routine. Between coffee, commuting, and chaos, applying a full face of makeup often falls to the bottom of the to-do list. That’s exactly why MERIT’s Five Minute Morning has become a cult favorite among busy professionals, skincare lovers, and minimalists alike.
Rooted in the philosophy of “less is more,” MERIT has created a clean, effortless makeup kit designed to streamline your routine without sacrificing results. The idea? Seven products, five minutes, one polished look. Whether you’re heading to work, school, or a Zoom meeting, this system delivers a fresh, natural finish with ease.
In this review, we’ll break down each product, how they work together, who they’re best for, and whether this truly is the future of everyday makeup.
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What Is MERIT’s Five Minute Morning?
The Five Minute Morning is MERIT’s answer to the modern demand for efficient, conscious beauty. Instead of overwhelming you with choices, they offer a curated collection of seven multitasking products designed to simplify your routine and enhance your features in a clean, subtle way.
This is not your traditional “full glam” kit. It’s the kind of makeup that’s made to blend into your lifestyle—not take it over. It’s also part of MERIT’s commitment to clean beauty standards, which means:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- EU-compliant (more than 1,300 banned ingredients)
- No artificial fragrance, parabens, sulfates, or acne-triggering formulas
- Thoughtful, recyclable packaging and a reusable signature makeup bag
Perfect for everyday use, this routine is for those who want their skin to look like skin—but better.
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The 7 Essentials: What’s in the Kit and Why It Works
Each product in the Five Minute Morning kit serves a specific role, from skin-enhancing complexion sticks to the final swipe of lip tint.
1. The Minimalist – Perfecting Complexion Stick
Not quite a foundation, not quite a concealer—this hybrid lets you spot correct or build coverage only where needed. Creamy, blendable, and undetectable on the skin.
2. Brush No. 1 – Blending Brush
A dense, dome-shaped brush designed specifically for the Minimalist stick. Blends in seconds with no streaking or caking. Plus, it’s soft and gentle on sensitive skin.
3. Flush Balm – Cheek Color
This balm-like blush adds an instant wash of sheer, dewy color to the cheeks. No glitter, no chalkiness—just a hydrated flush that mimics post-facial skin.
4. Brow 1980 – Volumizing Pomade
A tinted brow gel with light hold and natural pigment. It lifts and fills brows in one sweep, making you look groomed without effort.
5. Clean Lash – Lengthening Mascara
A tubing mascara that defines and lengthens without smudging or flaking. It comes off easily with warm water—no tugging or makeup remover needed.
6. Shade Slick – Tinted Lip Oil
Part gloss, part treatment. Offers a hydrating wash of color with a non-sticky finish. Feels more like skincare, looks like polished lips.
7. Day Glow – Highlighting Balm
A low-key highlighter with no visible shimmer. Instead, it gives skin a radiant, dewy finish that catches the light naturally—perfect for cheekbones, brow bone, and even eyelids.
Together, these seven tools create a harmonious, wearable look in under five minutes—no makeup artist required.
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How It Performs: Wear Test and Skin Compatibility
MERIT’s biggest promise is that this routine won’t just look good—it will feel like you’re wearing nothing at all. And in practice, it lives up to that.
Application
Every product glides on smoothly and blends effortlessly. The brush works quickly with the complexion stick, and you can even use your fingers for the blush and highlighter in a pinch.
Finish
The overall finish is natural, glowy, and modern. Think your skin on a good day—hydrated, even-toned, and subtly sculpted. There’s no heavy coverage, caking, or dryness, even after hours of wear.
Longevity
- The Minimalist stick wears well for 6–8 hours without creasing or fading.
- Flush Balm and Day Glow offer more of a touch-up-as-you-go experience, especially in warm weather.
- Clean Lash and Brow 1980 stay put all day with zero fallout.
- Shade Slick keeps lips moisturized, even after the tint fades.
Skin Types
Works beautifully on dry, normal, and combination skin. If you’re oily, you might want to set with a light powder or carry blotting papers. Sensitive skin users report no irritation, thanks to the clean formulation.
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Who Is It For: Everyday Use and Skin Types
MERIT’s Five Minute Morning is designed for real people with real lives—not just beauty influencers or professionals.
Ideal for:
- Busy professionals who need to get ready fast without compromising polish
- Beginner makeup users who want a foolproof routine
- Skincare-first consumers who prioritize ingredients and texture
- Minimalists who believe less really is more
- Mature skin types that want hydration without heavy shimmer or cakey formulas
It’s also perfect for anyone who’s grown tired of overcomplicated, multi-step routines and just wants an easy, flattering, clean beauty system.
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How to Use the Five Minute Morning for a Full Look
Ready to apply? Here’s how to get the most out of your five minutes.
- The Minimalist – Swipe on areas that need coverage (under eyes, redness, blemishes). Blend with Brush No. 1.
- Flush Balm – Dab onto cheeks with fingers or a brush. Blend upward for a lifted look.
- Brow 1980 – Brush through brows in the direction of hair growth.
- Clean Lash – One to two coats on top lashes. For a more open look, hit the lower lashes too.
- Day Glow – Tap on high points of the face—cheekbones, bridge of nose, eyelids, cupid’s bow.
- Shade Slick – Swipe directly onto lips. Reapply throughout the day as needed.
- Optional – Use remaining time to touch up or layer additional coverage for evening events.
In minutes, you’ll have a fresh, glowing face that looks intentional but effortless.
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Final Verdict: Is MERIT’s Five Minute Morning Worth It?
In a world of over-stimulating palettes and 20-step tutorials, MERIT’s Five Minute Morning is a breath of fresh air. It’s simple, clean, luxurious, and genuinely effective. Whether you’re makeup-savvy or a total beginner, this curated routine delivers reliable results and beautiful textures in minimal time.
Pros:
- Clean ingredients, elegant packaging
- Perfect for daily use
- Non-intimidating and easy to apply
- Good for sensitive or mature skin
- Travel- and purse-friendly sizes
Cons:
- Not full-coverage (by design)
- Some may want more intensity for special occasions
If you’re looking to simplify your routine without sacrificing style, this kit is a minimalist dream come true.
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FAQ
1. Is it good for oily skin?
Yes, but you may want to lightly set the Minimalist and Flush Balm with powder for longer wear.
2. Do I need to buy the whole kit?
You can buy items individually, but the curated set is a great value and includes MERIT’s reusable makeup bag.
3. Are the products safe for sensitive skin?
Yes. MERIT uses clean, dermatologist-tested formulas free from common irritants.
4. How long does the makeup last?
It offers natural coverage that lasts 6–8 hours. Dewier products like the balm may need touch-ups midday.
5. Does it work for mature skin?
Absolutely. The cream-based textures are hydrating and won’t settle into fine lines.
6. Is MERIT considered clean beauty?
Yes. It’s EU-compliant, vegan, cruelty-free, and free from 1,300+ potentially harmful ingredients.
7. What shade should I choose for The Minimalist?
MERIT offers a shade finder tool online and great return policies for exchanges.
8. Can I build a more dramatic look with it?
Yes! Layer the complexion stick or add eyeliner, bold lips, or more mascara to transition into an evening look.
