Minimalists on TikTok Are Obsessed With These Makeup Brands—10 Viral Products I'm Hoarding for Winter
Minimalism is having an extended moment in the makeup space—from the "clean girl" aesthetic to the rise of Hailey Bieber's über-streamlined latte makeup. Because of this, minimal makeup–championing brands like Jones Road and Merit have gone completely viral on TikTok. Their everyday staples help you master the no-makeup makeup look with ease. From complexion products that give the perfect pop of color to mascara that lifts the lashes without being too over the top, like many others, I've grown to love so many products from both brands.
It just so happens that both of these brands are having their biggest sales of the year. Jones Road is encouraging us all to holiday shop early by holding a sitewide sale, offering 10% off all orders, 15% off orders over $75, and 20% off all orders over $100. Additionally, Merit's deals are just as good. For the brand's only sale of the year, starting today, they're offering 20% off sitewide with an extra 20% off selected sets.
You're going to want to get in there now. I have a feeling things won't stay stocked long from these viral brands. If you're ready to shop, keep scrolling. I'm sharing all the brand's top products I'm full-on hoarding this winter.
This new Miracle Balm trio from the brand features a few holiday-inspired shades in the berry family. If you're a fan of the OG Miracle Balm, these wine-coded shades are perfect, offering the same glide and hint of a glow that the formula has become known for. The cool mauve shade truly gives you an après-ski look while the darker soft plum hue is perfect for any holiday party. Miracle Balm just melts right into the skin giving you a subtle rosy-cheeked look without appearing over the top. Jones Road is known for its mastery of no-makeup makeup items, and this trio is one I'll be snatching up for the season immediately.
I know opinions have been mixed on this foundation, but if you like a formula that feels more like skincare and less like makeup, this is such a winner. The texture is really creamy and creates a really nice finish on the skin. Plus, it's super buildable, so you can add a bit more for extra coverage if you like. It's especially great for anyone who finds other foundations drying or dehydrating on the skin. It stays fresh and hydrating throughout the day without you having to use any kind of moisturizing mist over it, which is huge to me. I also usually struggle to find formulas that don't emphasize fine lines after a few hours of wear, and I'm happy to report that this one doesn't do that at all. Bobbi Brown created it with all skin types in mind, but she especially wanted to show some love to mature skin where this can sometimes be an issue.
This is the ultimate "clean girl" mascara. It's the perfect everyday formula because it gives just enough lift and volume without getting clumpy or flaking. The curved wand is also great—it helps you reach those tiny lashes on the inner corners of the eyes, which I often struggle to reach. My only wish is that it were a tubing formula—that's my only con here.
Honestly, I've never been much of a tinted-moisturizer girlie, but I make an exception for this product. This is great for days that I just really can't be bothered to do a full face. It offers lightweight hydration without clogging my acne-prone skin and never feels like I'm actually wearing makeup. My skin tends to become red and dehydrated, especially during the winter but this is great for neutralizing redness while still looking natural and like I'm not wearing anything.
Similar to the brand's Miracle Balm, this creamy formula is great to swipe onto your lids for an extra wash of luminous color. It can also be used as a highlight on top of the Miracle Balm for added pop and shimmer. The glow is subtle but perfect for anyone who likes to look put together but doesn't like to do a lot—especially during holiday party season.
I've loved this complexion stick since Merit launched it years ago. It really put the brand on the map. For me, it really is the epitome of minimalist perfection. It's so easy to use, looks natural on the skin, and really locks in moisture all day long. Pro tip: You can also buy one a few shades darker to use as a contour stick—it works like a charm.
Merit's solo shadows are a lazy girl's dream. The brand recently released The Sheens collection featuring shadows with a bit more glisten and glow. Personally, I love Glacé, a soft rose color and Bronze because it complements darker skin tones nicely. When I'm in a rush, it's the perfect thing to reach for to pull together a quick makeup look without requiring me to use a brush or buff it out.
Flush Balm is another longtime favorite of mine that I never grow tired of. Blush is always tricky because highly pigmented shades can look absolutely crazy on me if I'm not careful. But this creamy, buildable formula is so forgiving and gives you the perfect pop of color without being too much.
This deep-brown shade of the brand's signature lipstick is everything to me. I've been wearing it for years, and I always manage to get a compliment or two on it when I do. I don't usually love matte lipsticks, so this hydrating, almost lip balm–like formula was a welcome reprieve. It feels so soft on the lips and never dries out. Every shade is also so soft-toned, reinforcing the brand's unmatched ability to create the perfect minimalist staples.
Trust me, you don't want to sleep on Merit's skincare items either. This makeup remover is a bi-phase foaming cleanser that removes sunscreen and makeup so effectively. It also gently exfoliates the skin without drying it out or making it feel tight afterward. The brand has truly mastered it all—from makeup to skincare. I'm now actively manifesting a haircare line next.
Shawna Hudson is a beauty, wellness, lifestyle, and travel writer with over 10 years of experience. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Elite Daily, and more. She is currently a beauty writer at Who What Wear and hopes to continue feeding her (completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.
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