Not to be this person, but I was ahead of the curve with Merit—I was a fan of its foolproof makeup products within months of the brand’s existence. Since then, I’ve watched it go from being an industry-insider darling to a bona fide star among regular folk and celebrities alike. The latest person to join the latter category is Suki Waterhouse, who took the Martha Stewart-used Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick out for a spin at the 2025 Met Gala. 

Waterhouse’s entire beat was, in fact, Merit, creating a large Venn diagram I never thought would exist between her and Stewart. In addition to the all-in-one foundation concealer stick, their overlap includes the Great Skin Instant Glow Serum, Great Skin Priming Moisturizer, Bronze Balm Sheer Bronzer, Day Glow Highlighter Balm, Brow 1980 Pomade, and Solo Shadow Matte Eye Color. The actress, singer, and multi-hyphenate also used Flush Balm Cream Blush and Signature Lip Liner. 

Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick

Her makeup artist, Cedric Jolivet, told InStyle that to complement her outfit, he created “a glowy base…for a sophisticated, effortless, yet edgy look.” The Minimalist was an obvious choice for this; it has light to medium coverage, comes in 30 shades, has a natural finish, and is an all-in-one concealer, foundation, and contour stick. According to shoppers, it’s also “magic” at concealing dark circles, “hides wrinkles,” and makes pores “absolutely disappear.” 

The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick is also full of skin care ingredients: glycerin, sea daffodil extract, and fatty acids brighten, hydrate, plump fine lines, and retain moisture. All of that packed into a $38 tube—what more could you ask for in a single product? 

Head to Merit to shop the Stewart- and now Waterhouse-used Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick. Browse through more of Waterhouse’s Met Gala skin care and makeup staples below. 

Great Skin Instant Glow Serum 

Day Glow Highlighter Balm

Solo Shadow Matte Eye Color