The Independent's journalism is supported by its readers. When you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. While there is an extensive selection of SPF face formulas on the market, finding one you will want to apply daily remains a challenge. Merit may have addressed this issue with its uniform SPF. Recently, five new shades were added to the tinted SPF range, bringing the total to 20 options. The pigments are formulated with natural powders designed to blur, smooth, and soften the skin's appearance. This minimalist approach aligns with a broader beauty industry trend where less is more. Modern foundations no longer mask the skin but enhance it, and incorporating SPF protection makes them even more desirable. With SPF50 protection, the sheer tint promises to melt into the skin for a barely-there finish. But how does it perform in real-world use? Three beauty testers evaluated several shades from the uniform range, and here are their findings.
Daisy Lester's Review
Rating: 4/5
Shade tested: 21
I have a fondness for Merit products. The complexion stick, mascara, lip oil, and bronzing stick are all staples in my makeup routine, so my expectations were high for the SPF. Testing the new shade 21, a light-to-medium cool tone, I found it complemented my complexion perfectly. It blends into the skin easily with a brush, offering sheer coverage and a glowing finish. It does not blur or conceal spots; for that, an extra layer of concealer is needed. However, if that is not a concern, the coverage enhances radiance and matched my skin tone so well that it appeared I was wearing no makeup. Regarding its SPF benefits, the formula provides broad-spectrum mineral protection, but I find it best suited for minimal makeup office days and weekend outings. Offering SPF protection and serum-like coverage, it is a low-maintenance option for daily life. Yet during holidays or heatwaves at home, I would opt for something more long-lasting under makeup. Like any sheer coverage formula, coverage fades throughout the day, especially around the T-zone, so it should not be relied upon for extended UV protection.
Sabrina Sahota's Review
Rating: 4/5
Shade tested: 18
This is a glowy, easy-to-blend tinted SPF that I will definitely bring on holiday. It is perfect for warm days when full-coverage foundation is not desired but evening out skin tone is still important. I found it just as easy to apply with fingers as with a brush. Merit recommends reapplying every two hours if exposed to the sun. I have combination skin, and in the centre of my face, where I tend to get oily, it started to feel heavy and let shine through by the end of the day. With this in mind, I would not replace my regular SPF with this product, but I would certainly use it as an all-over glowy base.
Lucy Smith's Review
Rating: 4/5
Shade tested: 25
I have been using the uniform SPF for over a year, so I was keen to see if any new shades would be a closer match to my previous preference, fair warm. Applying shade 25 to freshly washed skin with a touch of moisturiser underneath, I was initially concerned the hue might be too orange. As it turns out, I need not have worried, because the beauty of the uniform is how effortlessly it melds with the natural complexion, giving skin a blurred, healthy finish. Coverage is very light but ideal for summer makeup or when full glam is not planned. After a long workday in a stuffy office and sweaty commuter trains, it performed far better than traditional foundation. It did not turn patchy or oxidise, but coverage had diminished somewhat by 5pm, so I would not recommend it for day-to-night transitions. I will not be removing it from my makeup rotation anytime soon.
Is the Merit Uniform SPF Worth It?
The consensus among our testers is that Merit's SPF delivers glowy, radiant, and very light coverage for days when full foundation is not desired. All testers appreciated how it blended seamlessly into natural skin tone for a blurred, barely-there finish. The expanded shade range makes it easier to find a perfect match. As for SPF protection, the testers would still rely on stronger sunscreens during peak summer or holidays, but the Merit formula is excellent for no-makeup makeup days when light protection and flattering coverage are desired.
How We Tested
Considering ease and speed of application as well as value for money, we also assessed coverage and longevity throughout the day. Regarding SPF protection, we noted how it compared to favourite facial sunscreens.
