Merit Studio Solo Shadow ($24.00 for 0.17 oz.) is a medium-dark mauve with muted, neutral-to-warm undertones and a flat, matte finish.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.
- Viseart Fleur (PiP, ).
- ColourPop Mariposa (PiP, $4.50).
- MAC Ribbon Realness (LE, $17.00).
- Jouer Aubergine (PiP, ).
- ColourPop Big Fig (PiP, $4.50).
- Blackbird Cosmetics Vintage (DC, $8.00).
- Dior Tutu #3 (PiP, ).
- Sephora Heather Grey (LE, ).
- LORAC Violet Gray (LE, $19.00).
- ColourPop Alter Ego (LE, $4.50).
Formula Overview
$24.00/0.17 oz. – $141.18 Per Ounce
The product is described as a “buildable cream-to-powder formula that’s impossible to mess up” that “creates a sheer wash of color.” It is supposed to be “blendable” and will not crease or have fallout that can be applied “with fingers or Brush No. 2 for more precision.”
They’re not sheer. They’re not buildable. They’re not blendable. They do crease. They apply particularly poorly with fingertips. The formula is incredibly quick-drying to a budge-proof finish (at least, initially), and any attempt to blend, layer, or otherwise disturb whatever you managed to initially apply will immediately lift off, become patchy, and look like a disastrous mess.
As a result, it was hard to use them as a sheer product, but when I managed somewhat sheer coverage, I could not apply anything on top of it, whether that was layering the same shadow on top or using another eyeshadow over it. It was hard to apply the product evenly as it was quite emollient–I had waxy build up on the rims of most of my shades–yet it did dry down very, very quickly.
Normally, something so quick-drying would definitely be long-wearing, but I had trouble with these breaking down and creasing with three to four hours, not that I’d want to wear any of these out given how abominable the application was. I also felt like the dry down was a very flat, almost chalky, matte finish that was prone to emphasizing lid texture/lines.
If you use a fluffy, synthetic brush and quickly buff the color on, the results are decent (at best), but you won’t be able to go back and correct anything, so you have to nail the laydown of product within five seconds.
Browse all of our Merit Solo Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Isododecane, Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Synthetic Wax, Helianthus Annuus Seed Cera [Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax], Mica, Silica, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sh-Polypeptide-123, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract, Tin Oxide May Contain (+/-): CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), CI 77492 (Iron Oxides), CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77742 (Manganese Violet), CI 77007 (Ultramarines), CI 77510 (Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide), CI 42090 (Blue 1 Lake), CI 19140 (Yellow 5 Lake), CI 16035 (Red 40 Lake), CI 19140 Yellow 5, CI 77400 (Bronze Powder), CI 77400 (Copper Powder), CI 77000 (Aluminum Powder)
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you’re purchasing, or the brand or retailer’s website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Merit Viper Solo Shadow ($24.00 for 0.17 oz.) is a light-medium olive green with muted, warm undertones and a flat, matte finish.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.
- ColourPop Local BB (PiP, $4.50).
- Sydney Grace Bravo (P, $5.25).
- NARS Thrill Seeker (LE, $19.00).
- Anastasia Destiny (DC, $12.00).
- Glaminatrix Camo (P, $7.30).
- Sydney Grace Ivy League (P, $5.25).
- Sydney Grace Enchantment (LE, $5.25).
- Make Up For Ever M322 Khaki (DC, $21.00).
- MAC Marsh (P, $17.00).
- Inglot J309 Olive (LE, $10.00).
Formula Overview
$24.00/0.17 oz. – $141.18 Per Ounce
The product is described as a “buildable cream-to-powder formula that’s impossible to mess up” that “creates a sheer wash of color.” It is supposed to be “blendable” and will not crease or have fallout that can be applied “with fingers or Brush No. 2 for more precision.”
They’re not sheer. They’re not buildable. They’re not blendable. They do crease. They apply particularly poorly with fingertips. The formula is incredibly quick-drying to a budge-proof finish (at least, initially), and any attempt to blend, layer, or otherwise disturb whatever you managed to initially apply will immediately lift off, become patchy, and look like a disastrous mess.
As a result, it was hard to use them as a sheer product, but when I managed somewhat sheer coverage, I could not apply anything on top of it, whether that was layering the same shadow on top or using another eyeshadow over it. It was hard to apply the product evenly as it was quite emollient–I had waxy build up on the rims of most of my shades–yet it did dry down very, very quickly.
Normally, something so quick-drying would definitely be long-wearing, but I had trouble with these breaking down and creasing with three to four hours, not that I’d want to wear any of these out given how abominable the application was. I also felt like the dry down was a very flat, almost chalky, matte finish that was prone to emphasizing lid texture/lines.
If you use a fluffy, synthetic brush and quickly buff the color on, the results are decent (at best), but you won’t be able to go back and correct anything, so you have to nail the laydown of product within five seconds.
Browse all of our Merit Solo Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Isododecane, Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Synthetic Wax, Helianthus Annuus Seed Cera [Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax], Mica, Silica, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sh-Polypeptide-123, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract, Tin Oxide May Contain (+/-): CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), CI 77492 (Iron Oxides), CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77742 (Manganese Violet), CI 77007 (Ultramarines), CI 77510 (Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide), CI 42090 (Blue 1 Lake), CI 19140 (Yellow 5 Lake), CI 16035 (Red 40 Lake), CI 19140 Yellow 5, CI 77400 (Bronze Powder), CI 77400 (Copper Powder), CI 77000 (Aluminum Powder)
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you’re purchasing, or the brand or retailer’s website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Merit Nelson Solo Shadow ($24.00 for 0.17 oz.) is a medium-dark, grayish-taupe with neutral-to-cool undertones and a flat, matte finish.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.
- Makeup Geek Friend Zone (DC, $6.00).
- Makeup Atelier Natural Chestnut #5 (P, ).
- ColourPop Fate (LE, $4.50).
- Buxom Jetsetter (P, $12.00).
- KVD Beauty Smoke (Base) (PiP, ).
- Smashbox Punked (PiP, ).
- Huda Beauty Jaguar #2 (LE, ).
- Sephora Violet Gray (LE, ).
- ColourPop Vintage Queen (PiP, $4.50).
- LORAC Silent Mary (LE, $19.00).
Formula Overview
$24.00/0.17 oz. – $141.18 Per Ounce
The product is described as a “buildable cream-to-powder formula that’s impossible to mess up” that “creates a sheer wash of color.” It is supposed to be “blendable” and will not crease or have fallout that can be applied “with fingers or Brush No. 2 for more precision.”
They’re not sheer. They’re not buildable. They’re not blendable. They do crease. They apply particularly poorly with fingertips. The formula is incredibly quick-drying to a budge-proof finish (at least, initially), and any attempt to blend, layer, or otherwise disturb whatever you managed to initially apply will immediately lift off, become patchy, and look like a disastrous mess.
As a result, it was hard to use them as a sheer product, but when I managed somewhat sheer coverage, I could not apply anything on top of it, whether that was layering the same shadow on top or using another eyeshadow over it. It was hard to apply the product evenly as it was quite emollient–I had waxy build up on the rims of most of my shades–yet it did dry down very, very quickly.
Normally, something so quick-drying would definitely be long-wearing, but I had trouble with these breaking down and creasing with three to four hours, not that I’d want to wear any of these out given how abominable the application was. I also felt like the dry down was a very flat, almost chalky, matte finish that was prone to emphasizing lid texture/lines.
If you use a fluffy, synthetic brush and quickly buff the color on, the results are decent (at best), but you won’t be able to go back and correct anything, so you have to nail the laydown of product within five seconds.
Browse all of our Merit Solo Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Isododecane, Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Synthetic Wax, Helianthus Annuus Seed Cera [Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax], Mica, Silica, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sh-Polypeptide-123, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract, Tin Oxide May Contain (+/-): CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), CI 77492 (Iron Oxides), CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77742 (Manganese Violet), CI 77007 (Ultramarines), CI 77510 (Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide), CI 42090 (Blue 1 Lake), CI 19140 (Yellow 5 Lake), CI 16035 (Red 40 Lake), CI 19140 Yellow 5, CI 77400 (Bronze Powder), CI 77400 (Copper Powder), CI 77000 (Aluminum Powder)
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you’re purchasing, or the brand or retailer’s website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Merit Midnight Solo Shadow ($24.00 for 0.17 oz.) is a deep blue with strong, cool undertones paired with a flat, matte finish. This type of color is difficult to do in general but especially in a cream or liquid format. Merit continued to add to the disappointments in this hue with an exceptionally poor offering!
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
These are the dupes the editor has pulled but not yet rated and officially entered.
- ColourPop Style and Ease (P, $6.00).
- ColourPop Stunner (LE, $4.50).
- Anastasia D5 (Norvina Vol. 2) (LE, ).
- NARS China Blue (P, $19.00).
- NABLA Cosmetics Blue Velvet (P, $8.00).
- NABLA Cosmetics Blue Hour (PiP, $8.00).
- Charlotte Tilbury Super Blue #4 (LE, ).
- ColourPop Merryweather (LE, $4.50).
- Make Up For Ever M226 Abyssal Blue (P, $17.00).
- Viseart Penombre (Cobalt Blue) (P, ).
Formula Overview
$24.00/0.17 oz. – $141.18 Per Ounce
The product is described as a “buildable cream-to-powder formula that’s impossible to mess up” that “creates a sheer wash of color.” It is supposed to be “blendable” and will not crease or have fallout that can be applied “with fingers or Brush No. 2 for more precision.”
They’re not sheer. They’re not buildable. They’re not blendable. They do crease. They apply particularly poorly with fingertips. The formula is incredibly quick-drying to a budge-proof finish (at least, initially), and any attempt to blend, layer, or otherwise disturb whatever you managed to initially apply will immediately lift off, become patchy, and look like a disastrous mess.
As a result, it was hard to use them as a sheer product, but when I managed somewhat sheer coverage, I could not apply anything on top of it, whether that was layering the same shadow on top or using another eyeshadow over it. It was hard to apply the product evenly as it was quite emollient–I had waxy build up on the rims of most of my shades–yet it did dry down very, very quickly.
Normally, something so quick-drying would definitely be long-wearing, but I had trouble with these breaking down and creasing with three to four hours, not that I’d want to wear any of these out given how abominable the application was. I also felt like the dry down was a very flat, almost chalky, matte finish that was prone to emphasizing lid texture/lines.
If you use a fluffy, synthetic brush and quickly buff the color on, the results are decent (at best), but you won’t be able to go back and correct anything, so you have to nail the laydown of product within five seconds.
Browse all of our Merit Solo Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Isododecane, Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Synthetic Wax, Helianthus Annuus Seed Cera [Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax], Mica, Silica, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sh-Polypeptide-123, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract, Tin Oxide May Contain (+/-): CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), CI 77492 (Iron Oxides), CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77742 (Manganese Violet), CI 77007 (Ultramarines), CI 77510 (Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide), CI 42090 (Blue 1 Lake), CI 19140 (Yellow 5 Lake), CI 16035 (Red 40 Lake), CI 19140 Yellow 5, CI 77400 (Bronze Powder), CI 77400 (Copper Powder), CI 77000 (Aluminum Powder)
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you’re purchasing, or the brand or retailer’s website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
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