The Whole Team Agrees: This Just Might Be the Most Versatile Makeup Product Ever Made

I love blusher. In fact, I'd say it's one of my favourite makeup products of all time. I feel like it's often overlooked, but I truly believe that a good blusher can transform an entire makeup look. Even if I'm not wearing any makeup, I love adding a cream blush to my cheeks to make myself look a little bit more awake.

From the Jones Road Lip and Cheek Stick to Milk Makeup's "jelly" blushers, I've tried pretty much every trending option out there, and there's one product that I come back to time and time again. That's right, I'm talking about the Merit Flush Balm (£26).

If you're not yet familiar with Merit, let me give you a little bit of backstory. The chic, minimalist beauty brand came to the UK in 2022 and beauty editors fell head over heels for the easy-to-use, natural-looking products. From serums to complexion sticks and eyeshadows, the brand has everything you need to create a full face of glowing makeup, but in my opinion, the blushers are the star of the show. Plus, Merit recently launched new shades to get acquainted with, too. Intrigued? I thought so. Keep on scrolling for my full review and see the shades on the Who What Wear UK team.

Merit Flush Balm Blusher Review

The Formula

Ok, first things first, let's talk formulas. This blusher has a super creamy texture which is what made me fall in love with it in the first place. It's lightweight, very blendable, and as described by the brand, it gives a "satin" finish.

What's really clever about it is that the blusher contains microfine pigment powders, that are designed to add a subtle hint of colour without covering your natural skin texture. That being said, this blusher is definitely buildable depending on how much of an impact you want it to make. The best bit? The formula also contains vitamin E to help hydrate the skin. If you want a dewy, juicy finish, this is the product for you.

The Shades

Now, onto the shades. There are currently 13 colours to choose from, including peachy hues, bold reds, chic neutrals and deep berry and burgundy tones. I've tried four of the brand's bestselling shades, and as someone who likes more of a natural flush to the cheeks, I was drawn to 'Stockholm', a sheer baby pink. However, if I want more of a statement look, then 'Mood' (a soft plum hue) is my go-to.

The Application

Probably one of the best things about this product (amongst all the other things I've already mentioned) is how easy it is to apply. The blush comes in a circular pot, which means you can dab it straight onto your cheeks and blend it out with your fingers or a brush. When I say that this blush blends into the cheeks in seconds, I really mean it. One or two swipes, a quick dab of your fingers and you are good to go. It's that easy.

The Result

Before Using Merit Flush Balm

After Using Merit Flush Balm

The Verdict

All in all, I'm a big fan of this blusher. If you like a natural, dewy makeup look and want to add a flush of colour to the cheeks, I highly recommend investing in the Flush Balm. At £26, it's definitely not one of the cheapest products out there, but a little bit goes a long way, so it will last you a long time.

Two things to note: if you prefer a matte or statement finish, I would suggest giving a powder blush a go. Also, due to the creamier formula (and my oilier complexion), I do find myself having to top up the blush throughout the day. That being said, thanks to the packaging, this is a quick and easy thing to do.

Shop the Merit Flush Balm

Who What Wear UK's Merit Flush Balm Review and Swatches

After talking about how much I loved this blusher, the rest of team Who What Wear UK were keen to give it a go. Keep on scrolling for their thoughts...

Brittany Davy, Editorial Assistant, Shade: Mood

Editor Review: "The Merit Flush Balm is a great addition to my everyday makeup routine. As someone with dry skin, I love that the formula is creamy without being too greasy. I applied it with my fingers and it glided on evenly without moving my foundation underneath. I love that it shows up on my deeper skin tone but still provides me with a natural flush of colour that's perfect for those 'no makeup' makeup days."

Mood has since been discontinued, however, the new Postmodern shade is a close match with deep pinky brown tones.

Shop Postmodern:

Eleanor Vousden, Beauty Editor: Shade Bespoke

Editor Review: "Ever since I first tried Merit's blush, it's never left my handbag. The domed shape of the applicator makes it so easy for swiping onto cheeks and lips, which you can easily blend with your fingertips for on-the-go application without the need for a makeup brush. While I love bright blush on others, I usually go for something subdued. Bespoke, one of the new shades, is a perfect mix of pink and brown that bestows a healthy flush of colour while remaining on the subtle side."

Shop Bespoke:

Jerrylyn Saguiped, Affiliates Manager: Shade Cheeky

Editor Review: "This blush is my go-to product for days where I want to opt for a more natural look. It's super buildable and lightweight, and leaves my skin with a healthy flush that never looks cakey."

Shop Cheeky:

Maxine Eggenberger, Deputy Editor: Shade Beverly Hills

Editor Review: "I usually avoid blushers—my complexion is naturally quite pink and if I wear too much I can end up looking permanently flustered. However, Beverly Hills is the perfect shade for me—it bestows a peachy pink flush in just one sweep, and blends so beautifully with any base makeup I'm wearing. It's buildable, too, which I like to have the option with. Instead of making me look like I've just climbed some steep steps, this shade gives me the cutesy blush look I've spent years trying to re-create from social media, and it's made blush a non-negotiable in my routine."

Shop Beverly Hills:

Annie Wheatland-Clinch, Assistant Social Media Editor: Shade Le Bon Bon

Editor Review: "I love bright blushers, so I'm a big fan of Merit's new Flush Balm shade in Le Bon Bon for adding a dewy pop of colour to my cheeks."

Shop Le Bon Bon:

Poppy Nash, Managing Editor: Shade Stockholm

Editor Review: "I absolutely love blusher, and the Merit Flush Balm has fast become one of my makeup bag staples. I use the shade Stockholm, which is a little different to my usual blush as I would normally go for a coral hue, but I loved the look of the baby pink so decided to branch out. Fortunately, the risk paid off! It's the perfect pink, and gives my skin a lovely glow thanks to the cream formulation that isn't cakey. I do put quite a lot on, but it's so buildable and blendable that it never looks OTT. I now keep one in my handbag and makeup bag so I can never be without it."

Florrie Alexander, Shopping Editor: Shade Stockholm

Editor Review: "I've heard so many great things about the Merit blush but as someone who is new to blushes I hadn't yet put this icon to the test. Now, I fully understand the hype. The texture is light yet smooth, making it incredibly easy to blend whether using your fingers or a blush, and as an oily skin girl I don't feel worried about the texture. The shade is a soft pink, and what I love is that its easy to build up the shade if you want more impact, which is especially good if you're just getting into a touch of blush like I am."

Shop Stockholm:

Sophie Cooskon, Ecom Analyst: Shade Après

Editor Review: "I'm not going to lie, I was slightly worried about how dark the pigment would be with Après, however, when I applied it was really surprised at how subtle it was. I feel like it's the chicer, older sister to Stockholm. It's perfect for the winter months, or for a classier evening look when you are dolled up and heading somewhere nice."

Shop Après:

Natalie Munroe, News Writer: Shade Rouge

Editor Review: "I often gravitate towards a brighter blush as I feel like it helps to energise my pale complexion. Merit's Blush Balm in Rouge did just that, imparting the perfect buildable rosy tone."

Shop Rouge:

Shop More Shades:

Shop More of My Favourite Merit Products

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.