It's the collab we're obsessed with but it's limited edition so if you want the Proenza Schouler x Merit bag you need to get shopping quickly. We've put together our top Merit buys to help you secure the bag of dreams. Thank us later
Merit is the US makeup brand that has absolutely nailed the minimalistic makeup look. All the products have been designed for easy use, they blend in with fingers or brushes and come in flattering wearable tonal hues. This isn’t trend-led makeup, this is the makeup you wear every day to look like you - just the slightly more polished version of you.
Their latest launch had the GTG team huddled around my laptop to see the beauty of it. Meet the limited edition reversible Merit x Proenza Schouler bag that comes free with all purchases over £100 from the Merit website while stocks last (we have it good on authority that there is enough stock for a few more weeks but then it will be gone).
If you’re unfamiliar with Prozena Schouler they are a US fashion brand whose aesthetic is all about easy effortless style making them perfect collab partners. And this isn’t their first brand crossover as Merit just created the cool-girl makeup look at the Proenza Schouler show at New York Fashion Week. If you were ever in the market for a Proenza Schouler handbag you’d need to cobble together at least £795 as that is the cheapest bag they have. The credit card holder is £355.
So spending £100 on brilliant GTG-approved makeup and getting a piece of designer fashion seems like a dream come true. But it is in fact reality and when we say that this bag is divine, we mean it.
It’s made from vegan leather and is black on one side and Merit’s signature blue packaging shade on the other. It’s super soft, the ‘handles’ are two straps that you tie together however you like and you either hold it from the straps or pop it under your arm and use it like a clutch bag. It can be used as a makeup bag but it genuinely does work as a ‘going-out’ bag.
Now on to what you need to buy to secure your bag. Spending, £100 at Merit is an easy task. And it’s made even easier by the fact that the brand has curated product edits depending on your vibe. The one that seems most fitting to go with the bag is The Runway Edit, £134, all the products used at the recent Proenza Schouler show. Included are the Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum, Flush Balm Cheek Color, Brush No.1, Clean Lash Lengthening Mascara, Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil. Everything you need for a clean glowy look.
However, if that doesn’t float your boat then here are some GTG Merit favourites that will easily get you to the £100 total.
Our pick of the best Merit buys
The cream blusher: Merit Flush Balm Cheek Color, £32
I'm quite happy to declare this is the best cream blusher I have ever used and is the first that I've ever finished. I wear the soft peach shade, Beverly Hills. The handy dome design means you can sweep it straight onto your cheeks and the creamy formula sinks and morphs into skin almost instantly leaving you with the most minimal amount of blending in to do.
The lip oil: Merit Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil, £26
The first product that Merit launched and instantly went viral. GTG’s designer Jemma loves it as it feels hydrating, isn’t sticky in the slightest and creates a gorgeous sheen that’s not too glossy. It comes in 12 shades. Eight are classic hues and four sheerer tints. Jemma recommends shade Cara Cara.
The eyeshadows: Merit Solo Shadow, £26
These creamy, but dry-to-a-powder finish, eye shadows are the latest product to come from Merit and staying true to the brand they only come in eight wearable shades. There are four neutrals and four ‘statement’ shades but statement means navy blue, soft gray, mauve and olive green. GTG’s Contributing Editor, Kerry wears the taupe shade, Studio and beige shade, Vachetta daily.
The creamy base: Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick, £40
If there was one product that summed up Merit as a brand then this is probably it. This creamy stick is your concealer and foundation all rolled into one and comes in 20 shades. You can scrawl it over your face (which is how I apply it) and it blends in seamlessly with either fingers, a brush or a sponge. It delivers just the right amount of coverage without making skin look cakey or covered.