Review
“Discover the Buzz: Merit Vachetta, Midcentury, Brun – Unveiling Social Solo Shadows with Reviews & Swatches”
#ProductReview: Merit Vachetta Solo Shadow ($24.00 for 0.17 oz.) is a light-medium, yellowed peach with warm undertones and a flat, matte finish. #BeautyReview #Eyeshadow
#FormulaOverview: This cream-to-powder formula is said to be buildable and blendable, creating a sheer wash of color that won’t crease or have fallout. However, in reality, it doesn’t live up to these claims. #NotSheer #NotBuildable #NotBlendable #CreasingIssues #PoorApplication #MatteFinish #EmphasizesTexture
#Dupes: ColourPop Chai (LE, $4.50), Dominique Cosmetics Fringe (LE), ColourPop Two Peas (PiP, $4.50), Urban Decay Daydream (LE, $19.00), Anastasia HOE (LE, $12.00), MAC Petit Lion (LE, $17.00), KKW Beauty Baby (PiP), MAC Bamboo (DC, $17.00), ColourPop Wake Up Call (P, $4.50), Sephora Saddle (LE). #DupeAlert
#PriceAndQuantity: $24.00 for 0.17 oz. which equals $141.18 Per Ounce. #Affordable #ValueForMoney
#ApplicationTips: It is recommended to apply with fingers or Brush No. 2 for more precision. However, the product applies poorly with fingertips and requires quick, precise application with a synthetic brush. #FingerApplicationProblems #BrushApplicationRequired
#Longevity: The formula dries down quickly to a budge-proof finish initially but breaks down and creases within three to four hours. #QuickDryingButNotLongWearing #CreasingIssues
#TextureAndFinish: The formula is quite emollient, making it difficult to apply the product evenly. It also has a flat, chalky matte finish that emphasizes lid texture and lines. #EmollientTexture #FlatMatteFinish #TextureEmphasis
#Swatches: Check out all of our Merit Solo Shadow swatches to find your perfect shade match. #SwatchComparison
#IngredientsList: Isododecane, Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Synthetic Wax, and more. Please check product packaging or the brand’s website for the most up-to-date ingredient list. #FullIngredientsList
Overall, Merit Vachetta Solo Shadow disappoints with its poor performance, lack of blendability, and creasing issues. The quick-drying formula and matte finish may not be suitable for those with textured lids. #BeautyFail #NotRecommended
Merit Vachetta Solo Shadow ($24.00 for 0.17 oz.) is a light-medium, yellowed peach with 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 Chai (LE, $4.50).
- Dominique Cosmetics Fringe (LE, ).
- ColourPop Two Peas (PiP, $4.50).
- Urban Decay Daydream (LE, $19.00).
- Anastasia HOE (LE, $12.00).
- MAC Petit Lion (LE, $17.00).
- KKW Beauty Baby (PiP, ).
- MAC Bamboo (DC, $17.00).
- ColourPop Wake Up Call (P, $4.50).
- Sephora Saddle (LE, ).
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 Midcentury Solo Shadow ($24.00 for 0.17 oz.) is a light-medium, rosy brown with moderate, warm undertones and a matte finish. The first swatch photo shows it immediately applied, and the second photo shows an attempt to blend it out after 3 seconds.
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.
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 Brun Solo Shadow ($24.00 for 0.17 oz.) is a darker, red-tinted brown with subtle warmth and a flat, matte finish.
FURTHER READING:
Formula Overview
for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
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 Social Solo Shadow ($24.00 for 0.17 oz.) is a light-medium, pinky-peach with subtle, warm undertones and a flat, matte finish. I had some issues with the ingredients separating a bit (what looked like wax buildup) and resulted in glossier, clear bits.
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 Bare with Me (P, $8.00).
- Kaja Smoky Sepia (PiP, ).
- ColourPop Sprung (LE, $4.50).
- Huda Beauty Teddy (PiP, ).
- ColourPop Cheek2Cheek (PiP, $4.50).
- ColourPop Cha Cha (LE, $4.50).
- LORAC Hot Toddy (LE, $19.00).
- ColourPop Labyrinth (P, $4.50).
- ColourPop Pond (LE, $4.50).
- ColourPop Dreamboat (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.