Imagine a creamy eyeshadow that delivers a luminous glow without the glittery fallout—sounds like a makeup miracle, right? Well, Merit’s new Solo Shadow Sheen is here to make that dream a reality. When the brand first launched its Solo Shadow in 2023, beauty enthusiasts were quick to praise its creamy, buildable formula and foolproof soft-matte finish. It was the epitome of Merit’s minimalist philosophy: effortless, elevated, and perfect for everyday wear. But here’s where it gets controversial—while the original was a hit, fans immediately clamored for a shimmery version. Enter Solo Shadow Sheen, a self-setting cream eyeshadow that adds a subtle pearlescent glow to your lids. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just shimmer—it’s a nod to the glittery ’90s club scene, reimagined for grown-up, wearable glamour. As Aila Morin, Merit’s Chief Marketing Officer, explains, ‘We wanted to create something fun yet sophisticated, a hint of nostalgia without the drama.’
The campaign, starring Christina Ricci, perfectly captures this blend of retro charm and modern elegance. Formulated with jojoba extract for seamless blending and all-day wear, these shadows also feature microfine pearls for a multidimensional sheen. Whether you apply it with your fingers or a brush, the buttery texture glides on effortlessly. But is it too good to be true for oily lids? As someone who’s battled creasing, I was skeptical—until I tried it. The Solo Shadow Sheen strikes the perfect balance: luminous without being glittery, dimensional without feeling heavy. It sets in place and stays put, no smudging or creasing, even after hours of wear.
For my first look, I experimented with three shades: Iris (a cool, soft plum), Matchbook (a warm coppery burgundy), and Glacé (a frosty rose). I swept Iris across my lid, added Matchbook for depth along the lash line, and finished with Glacé as a highlight. The result? A polished, understated look that felt effortlessly chic. These shadows are now a staple in my daily routine—uncomplicated, wearable, and true to Merit’s signature style.
But here’s the question: In a world obsessed with bold, glittery eyes, does subtle shimmer still have a place? Let us know in the comments—do you prefer a hint of glow or full-on sparkle? And if you’ve tried the Solo Shadow Sheen, does it live up to the hype? We’re all ears!
