Picture this: makeup that's effortlessly glamorous, blending the fun of nostalgic '90s glitter with the sophistication of everyday elegance—now, imagine it actually staying put all day. That's the game-changing promise of Merit's latest Solo Shadow Sheen, and trust me, it's sparking serious excitement in the beauty world!
Back in 2023, when Merit first unveiled its Solo Shadow, it quickly became a fan favorite thanks to its creamy, buildable consistency and that flawless soft-matte look that never feels heavy or cakey. As a brand known for its minimalist approach, Merit nailed the art of making makeup feel simple, chic, and totally approachable—perfect for anyone who wants elevated beauty without the fuss. Think of it as a staple in your routine that elevates basic looks into something polished and professional, whether you're heading to the office or just running errands.
But here's where it gets interesting: Responding directly to avid fans who flooded their comments and DMs craving more sparkle, Merit has now rolled out the Solo Shadow Sheen. This innovative product is a buildable, self-setting cream eyeshadow that adds a subtle glow of pearlescent color—think a gentle shimmer that catches the light just right, without overwhelming the eye. To clarify for beginners, pearlescent refers to that iridescent, pearl-like sheen that gives depth and dimension, making your eyes pop softly rather than screaming for attention.
As Aila Morin, Merit's Chief Marketing Officer, explained, 'When we launched Solo Shadow in 2023, we immediately started receiving comments and DMs asking for a version with shimmer, which led us to develop Solo Shadow Sheen – a buildable cream shadow that gives a hint of pearlescent colour.' She added that it's their modern twist on the glittery eyeshadows of the '90s and late-night club scenes, reimagined for grown-up lifestyles where a dash of playful fun is still welcome. And to capture that vibe perfectly, the campaign features Christina Ricci, whose edgy yet timeless style embodies that blend of retro charm and contemporary coolness.
What makes these shadows stand out? They're packed with jojoba extract for super-smooth blending and staying power that lasts through the day, and they're enhanced with microfine pearls to create a flattering, multidimensional glow. For those new to cream shadows, this means they apply like a dream—either by patting on with your fingertips for a natural feel or using a brush for precise coverage—without any greasy residue.
Now, and this is the part most people miss when judging eyeshadows: It's all about the finish. If you have oily eyelids like I do, you know the struggle of products that crease and fade. I steer clear of anything too matte, which can look flat and lifeless, and I absolutely avoid glittery or overly metallic options that feel tacky. The Solo Shadow Sheen? It nails that ideal balance—dimensional and luminous, but not sparkly in a distracting way. The buttery texture blends seamlessly, whether finger-applied or brushed, and once it dries down, it's locked in place for hours.
For my initial test run, I tried the shade Iris, a cool, muted plum that I swept across my entire lid for a subtle base. Then, I layered Matchbook, a warm coppery burgundy, in the center and along the lash line to add depth and definition—think of it as creating a gradient effect that makes your eyes look bigger and more awake. To finish, I dabbed Glacé, a frosty rose, on the brow bone and inner corners as a highlighter, drawing light inward for that fresh, lifted appearance. Hours later, everything remained flawless—no slipping, no smudging, no creasing. It was like the product understood my eyelid's needs and adjusted accordingly.
Overall, these shadows are uncomplicated, wearable, and delightfully understated—exactly what we've grown to love from Merit. I've already slotted them into my daily makeup bag, and they're elevating my routine without any extra effort.
But wait, here's where things might stir up some debate: Is shimmer in eyeshadow a timeless classic or a polarizing trend that's better left in the past? Some swear by its ability to add instant glamour, while others argue it can look dated or over-the-top in everyday settings. What do you think—does Merit's take on pearlescent glow change your mind, or are you firmly in the matte-only camp? Drop your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear if this product has you rethinking your stance on sparkle!
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