Category: Skin

We Tried Merit’s Great Skin Double Cleanser—The Gentle Face Wash Your Skin Will Actually Love

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On August 12, 2025, Merit quietly launched something new: the Great Skin Double Cleanser. I’ll admit, as someone who already swears by Merit’s low-fuss, feel-good approach to beauty—hello, Flush Balm and Retrospect perfume—I didn’t see a cleanser coming. But with my skin constantly testing me (breakouts love to sneak in when I least expect them), trying a new formula from a brand I already trust felt like a safe bet.

And wow—this isn’t just any cleanser. Merit has a way of taking something ordinary and turning it into a ritual you actually look forward to. Here’s why the Great Skin Double Cleanser has quickly become a standout in my routine…

Why Merit’s Great Skin Double Cleanser Feels Different

Merit’s Great Skin Double Cleanser isn’t just another face wash—it’s a little ritual in a bottle. The formula is bi-phase, which means you shake it up to blend the two layers, creating a foaming, color-changing experience that somehow feels like science and self-care all at once.

Inside, gentle oat-derived surfactants lift away makeup, sunscreen, and impurities without stripping your skin, while plant-based humectants keep hydration intact. The real star, though, is PHA (polyhydroxy acid), a gentle exfoliant that smooths and brightens, helping glow-prone, breakout-prone skin feel soft and balanced.

Merit designed this cleanser to be effective enough for a single wash both morning and night, cutting down on extra steps while supporting a healthy skin barrier. For anyone who wants simple, thoughtful skincare that actually works—and feels a little luxurious in the process—this is a formula that delivers.

Pros

  • Removes makeup, SPF, and daily grime without stripping your skin
  • Gentle enough for morning and night use
  • Hydrating, with plant-based humectants that leave skin soft
  • PHA boosts glow and keeps breakouts in check
  • Feels like a little luxury every time you cleanse

Cons

  • Can sting eyes if you get too close (so gentle it is!)
  • On heavy makeup days, a second cleanse might still be needed

How It Feels on the Skin

Foaming cleansers often get a bad rap, but Merit’s Great Skin Double Cleanser proves that texture isn’t everything. I usually approach foams with caution, yet this one feels surprisingly luxurious. I use 1–2 pumps on no-makeup days and up to 4 pumps when I’m wearing a full face, massaging it into dry skin for a few seconds before rinsing.

As it foams, it gently lifts away makeup, SPF, and everyday impurities without stripping or leaving that tight, dry feeling some foaming cleansers give. My skin feels refreshed, soft, and balanced—no toner or extra swipe needed to feel truly clean. There’s barely any fragrance, which is a win for sensitive skin like mine.

One note: while the brand says it can remove eye makeup, I wouldn’t recommend rubbing it into stubborn mascara—it can sting. A dedicated eye makeup remover or cleansing balm first will keep things safe and gentle.

My Thoughts

Merit’s Great Skin Double Cleanser has quickly become a staple in my routine. After weeks of testing, my skin feels clean, balanced, and radiant—without a hint of irritation or dryness. For anyone who’s breakout-prone or just wants a simple, effective cleanser that cuts down on extra steps, this formula truly delivers.

I’ve adjusted my routine slightly, skipping it in the morning to avoid over-cleansing, but in the evenings, it replaces my usual double cleanse effortlessly. One gentle wash removes makeup, SPF, and impurities while keeping my skin hydrated and glowing.

If you’re looking for a cleanser that feels thoughtful, works hard, and makes your nightly skincare feel like a little indulgence, this one is worth adding to your shelf. Merit, as always, has nailed it.

Dew the Most: How I Get Glowing Skin Without Highlighter

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Remember when highlighter was the moment?✨ Swiped on every high point of the face, from cheekbones to cupid’s bow, we chased that blinding glow like our makeup bag depended on it. But these days? We’re all about that natural radiance.

No more glitter overload—just dewy, healthy skin that looks lit from within. The secret? Hydrated, plump skin and glow-boosting formulas that do the most without looking like you tried.

Ahead, I’m sharing the products that give me that real-skin glow—no highlighter needed.

Skin Prep = Glow Goals ✨

Today’s glow? It’s not about sparkle—it’s about skin that looks fresh, juicy, and naturally radiant. The key? Smart prep that works with your skin, not over it.

For deep hydration that leaves skin plump (never greasy), I love the Skinfix Triple-Lipid Peptide Cream—perfect for normal to dry skin days. If you’re on the oilier side, the Hanyul Artemisia Soothing Cream is a must. It’s featherlight, calming, and keeps that healthy glow in check—no extra shine.

Need help with dark spots or dullness? Add the Auro Skincare G Serum to your routine. It brightens, detoxifies from the sun and pollution, and helps fade discoloration before it even starts. Want extra dew? The Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum layers beautifully and provides a lit-from-within boost without the need for makeup.

Real glow starts with skin that’s loved, hydrated, and prepped to shine—naturally.

Glow-Up, But Make It Effortless 💧

Once your skin is prepped and juicy, it’s time to take that glow to the next level—with just a few makeup moves that keep things fresh, dewy, and never overdone.

First up: a glow-boosting base. I reach for the Saie Glowy Super Gel Illuminator—it adds the prettiest soft-focus sheen that catches the light just right (no glitter, just glow). Then, instead of full-face foundation, I dot a tiny bit of my fave complexion product on the back of my hand and blend only where I need it—think under the eyes, around the nose, and any redness. Less is more here—we want that real skin to shine through.

And don’t skip this final step: a refreshing setting mist. It locks in moisture, amps up that natural glow, and gives your skin that “I drink water and mind my business” energy. 💦 Current obsession? This one right here.

My Glow-Go-To’s 💖✨

These are the ride-or-die products I actually use when I want that real, dewy skin moment—no filter, no highlighter required.

  • Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream – Ultra-plumping, hydrating, and rich in all the right ways. This is my skin’s treat-yourself moment—especially when I need that cushiony, lit-from-within glow. Bonus: it’s refillable 💜
  • Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops – Part serum, part glass-skin magic. I layer this under (or over) makeup for that juicy, reflective finish. It’s hydrating and helps even tone with niacinamide. Dew levels: 💯
  • MERIT Great Skin Instant Glow Serum – Lightweight but glow-heavy. This is my “I don’t want to feel anything on my skin, but I want to look radiant” go-to. Niacinamide + hyaluronic acid = skin that looks and feels good.
  • Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Gel Cream Moisturizer – If your skin craves hydration without the weight, this is it. Cloud-like texture, major dew factor, and layers beautifully under SPF and makeup.

These staples keep my skin prepped, plump, and glowing—before I even think about makeup. Trust, your glow starts here.

Radiance, Unfiltered ✨

Once you’ve got your glow routine down, you won’t miss highlighter for a second. These skin-loving favorites do all the work—no sparkle, no filters, just real, radiant you.

Tag @BeautyLeeBar when you’re serving glow—we love a lit-from-within moment 💖

Hailey Bieber’s Post-Shower Skincare Routine for Glossy Skin—No Luxury Price Tag Needed

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If skincare had a spokesperson for the dewy, no-makeup glow era, it would be Hailey Bieber—glazed, radiant, and always one step ahead. From viral lip treatments to her now-iconic “glazed donut skin,” Hailey’s routine has become skincare gospel for anyone chasing that lit-from-within look. Her latest drop? A post-shower ritual that doubles down on hydration, barrier care, and serious glow—all without the luxury price tag. Whether you’re a Rhode devotee or just skincare-curious, this routine is the kind of simple-meets-effective we love around here.

First up in Hailey’s post-shower lineup? Naturium’s The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Butter—a rich, skin-loving formula that clocks in under $20. This luxe body butter melts seamlessly into the skin, delivering instant hydration and that signature Bieber glow. The scent? A soft, warm veil that’s beautiful on its own but layers effortlessly with your favorite fragrance. Whether your skin’s parched or just needs a post-shower pick-me-up, this buttery formula absorbs quickly—so you’ll glow, not grease.

Naturium The Glow Getter Whipped Multi-Oil Body Butter, Firming Cream & Body Moisturizer with Shea Butter,

Next in Hailey’s routine? The Cyklar Vanilla Verve Body Oil—a $38 indulgence that vanilla lovers swear by. Think rich, creamy vanilla with a hint of spice—warm, addictive, and never overpowering. This luxe oil leaves your skin silky-soft with a radiant sheen, perfect for layering over moisturizer or mixing in for a custom-glow moment. However you apply it, the scent lingers beautifully—and your skin? Glossy, nourished, and ready to be touched.

Vitamin C Body Oil for Women and Men. Moisturizing Vanilla Verve Scented Body Serum for Glowing Skin. Nourishing, Hydrating After-Shower and Bath Skin Care Moisturizer

I really have to thank Hailey Bieber for putting this shower routine on my radar—these two products are now must-haves in my collection. And I’m definitely not alone; my feed has been buzzing with others just as hooked on this glow-worthy duo. Have you tried them? I’d love to hear your thoughts or your favorite body care picks—drop them in the comments anytime.

@perfumerism

affordable DRUGSTORE products is crazy 🍦 #haileybieber #showerroutine #hygiene #perfumetok #affordableshowerroutine @CYKLAR vanilla verve body oil (PR) @Naturium Body Lotion or Butter (PR) @Athena Club golden vanilla shower gel (PR)

♬ W.A.Mozart Eine kleine Nachtmusik, Allegro – AllMusicGallery

BeautyLeeBar selects every product featured with care—and some items may be gifted for consideration. This post may also contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you shop through them. All opinions are my own, and prices are accurate as of publish date.

Golden Hour’s Over—Let’s Talk Skin Rehab

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Post-Sun Pampering, but Make It Luxe

We love a sun-drenched day—sandy toes, salty hair, and golden hour selfies? Say no more. But let’s not forget what all that UV love does to your skin. Sun, sweat, and SPF buildup can leave your complexion feeling more ‘ugh’ than ‘ahh.’ That’s why a post-beach skincare routine isn’t just self-care—it’s damage control, darling.

Before you slip into that silky robe and pour yourself something chilled, let’s talk recovery. Think of this as your skin’s after-party: a decadent lineup of deep cleansers, soothing masks, and glow-restoring treatments that bring the spa to your bathroom. Because your glow-up deserves the VIP treatment—no sand, no stress, just skin that says “I vacation well.”

Step 1: Cleanse & Exfoliate

One of the first things you should do after an all-day beach bender is wash your face immediately. Lingering salt, sweat, and sand can irritate the skin and lead to inflammation if left unchecked. Rinse with cool water and follow with a gentle, foaming cleanser, such as the Inkey List Cream-to-Milk cleanser, to gently lift away residue without stripping your skin. Once clean, follow up with a mild exfoliator. We recommend the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Pads, lactic acid-infused pads that help remove dead skin cells and boost cell turnover, leaving your complexion smoother and more even.

Step 2: Hydrate

Next, it’s time to restore hydration. Gently press a toner with ingredients like hyaluronic acid into your skin to replenish moisture levels. If you have the time and are in the mood to indulge, follow up with a cooling sheet mask to lock in the benefits. If you skip that step, go ahead and layer on a hydrating serum—such as the Superfood Skin Drip—to achieve a similar effect. Follow up by tapping in your favorite eye cream, then lock everything in with your go-to nourishing moisturizer. Then tap in your favorite eye cream and seal it all in with your nourishing moisturizer of choice.

Commit to this beauty reset, and tomorrow’s skin will look like it vacationed in Capri—even if you didn’t.