Merit Solo Shadows: Creamy, Youthful Eyeshadow for All Ages
Merit Solo Shadows: Youthful Eyeshadow for All Ages

Merit's Solo Shadow pots glide on with a blendable cream formula, offering a youthful pop without settling into fine lines. The versatile eyeshadow, endorsed by a HuffPost editor, is designed for effortless application by makeup novices and enthusiasts alike.

Effortless Beauty with Merit

Many HuffPost newsroom members, including the author, are fans of Merit's clean ingredient beauty products that deliver an effortless yet impactful look. Breaking news editor Lydia O'Connor flagged the brand's Solo Shadow pots as a must-have, stating, "I'm not exaggerating when I say it immediately became an everyday item in my makeup routine, which is saying a lot for someone who already owns dozens of eyeshadows." She purchased the soft mauve shade, Social, on a whim and was impressed.

Cream-to-Powder Formula

The Merit Solo Shadows feature a cream-to-powder formula that goes on sheer but is buildable. They come in two finishes: matte or sheen, with several shades in each category. The sheen finish uses micro-fine pearls for a blendable cream formula that provides a sheer wash of buildable color and a glassy, pearlescent finish without chunkiness or glitter, and it won't settle into creases.

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One reviewer, Angela, shared, "At 52, I stopped wearing a shimmer shadow years ago because they made my eyes look older. Well, no more! This shadow glides easily over my creases, is subtle, and makes my eyes look younger." The matte shades are equally impressive, with a unique cream-to-powder formula that is softly blurring, long-wearing, and never chalky. They offer a sheer wash of color that blends and builds without creasing or fallout. O'Connor noted, "They look pretty dark in the pan but go on quite sheer and blend out really beautifully. I usually wear them on their own for a 'your lids but better' look on 'no-makeup makeup' days."

Skin-Loving Ingredients

Merit products are infused with skin-beneficial ingredients. The Solo Shadows contain a nourishing blend of sunflower oil, magnolia bark extract, and peptides, which are dermatologist-loved for plumping and hydrating the skin. O'Connor mentioned that no brush is needed; application with a finger works perfectly. She also offered a tip: "I saw some reviews complain that the product dries out quickly. I think the key to preventing this is to twist the lid on tight until you hear a 'click.'"

Rave Reviews

Fans of Merit's Solo Shadows extend beyond HuffPost editors. One reviewer plans to wear them for their wedding. O'Connor said, "I love products like this that make my overall glam look great without being obvious what's on my face. These Merit shadows are doing some heavy lifting without saying 'Look at me!'"

Other reviews include:

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  • Angela: "At 52, I stopped wearing a shimmer shadow years ago because they made my eyes look older. Well, no more! This shadow glides easily over my creases, is subtle and makes my eyes look younger! I'm so excited and can't wait to try more colors. Thanks Merit!"
  • Alexis D.: "Another wonderful product! I have several of their normal cream shadows so I was so excited to see the shimmer version!! I tried the color Sartorial, a golden, bronzey shade. The formula is so smooth and light, and incredibly buildable. My finger worked perfectly to apply, but Merit's soft brush helped pack on more product. It's shiny but doesn't have any glitter fall out. The perfect addition to your eyes to add a little shine. I wore this for several hours and it stayed perfectly. I'll be adding this to my wedding day makeup!"
  • Leslie E.: "I've been using Merit products for about two to three years now, and I'm a true believer in all their products. I usually avoid eye shadows because I have hooded eyes, but the solo shades never disappoint! Especially the new Shadow Sheen! It has a perfectly glassy, smooth sheen that never settles into those fine lines on my lids. I applied the product with Merit's Brush #2 for an effortless finish. I really like that the product is buildable. I tried the color Sartorial, which gives a beautiful bronze! Excited to try other shades once released."
  • Chaaron P.: "Such a great addition to the Solo Shadow lineup. Glacé is a gorgeous, subtly shimmery easy to apply and buildable Solo Shadow. The shimmer adds dimension without feeling sparkly. Totally appropriate for every day wear but feels elevated and a little special. Doesn't crease or settle in fine lines. I am already planning to purchase additional colors."

The Merit Solo Shadows are available for $26.