The Merit Holiday Collections have arrived! I got the Mini Flush Blush Balm Trio ($39) and the Archival Lip Essentials Gift Set ($52). Both are currently available at Sephora. You can view both in action here and here if you’d like a live demonstration.
Archival Lip Essentials Gift Set
The Archival Lip Essentials Gift Set comprises three full-sized lip products featuring a new mauve hue named Archival. The set includes a Signature Lip Lightweight Lip Blush, Signature Lip Sheer Lip Liner, and the Tinted Lip Oil.
The pencil and lipstick appear quite cool-toned on me. I was uncertain if they would suit my skin and lip tone as many cool shades tend to look grayish on me, but they actually work! Moreover, the gloss really harmonizes the overall look.
The Merit Signature Lip Sheer Lip Liner is distinct from any other liner available. It resembles a glossy crayon crafted in lip liner form. Truly unique and great for those who favor a minimalist aesthetic. I appreciate how they glide smoothly on the lips and offer a glossy finish. The longevity isn’t as impressive as a matte, but I find them to be quite intriguing.
The Lip Blush provides a remarkably lightweight sensation; it’s a more subtle lip product but still delivers good pigmentation. The texture is smooth even with its matte finish. This is considerably different from their other Signature Lipsticks. I tried their lipsticks some time ago at launch and wasn’t particularly impressed. They felt a bit waxy for my liking, but I may reconsider since so many of you adore them. The new Lip Blush in this collection feels more like a diffused matte lip tint rather than a standard lipstick. I remain a lover of glossy lips at heart, yet I do enjoy the texture and finish of the Lip Blush.
Lip Oils provide a lovely subtle tint. For me, these also tend to appear sheer, but I enjoy using them on top of a lipstick to add depth and shine. They have a very thin texture, making them non-sticky. Additionally, since the texture is thin, their lasting power isn’t particularly long, but they do last longer when paired with a lipstick or liner.
I shared a demonstration of the lip liner and oils in this post back in April. I don’t believe I did a separate blog post on these, so I swatched the shades I own, allowing you to see the new Archival colors alongside some of the existing ones.
Mini Flush Blush Balm Trio
I have had a range of feelings about the Merit cream blushes, as they often tend to be too dewy and sheer for my preferences, yet many of you requested a review on this year’s Mini Flush Blush Balm Trio Set. This year has certainly been transitional for me due to our move, aging, and changes in my skin, which has become noticeably drier. I’m still in the process of finding a dermatologist since relocating, but due to the dryness, I can now wear more creams.
I find these to be quite adorable, but they remain too dewy and creamy for my taste. They’re delightful for a beautiful flush of color, and if you prefer cream blushes that blend into a sheer tint or appreciate a dewy appearance, then I think you’ll really enjoy them.
I might wear these for a night out, but I will likely need to layer them with a powder blush to set. For a dewy cream blush, I think the Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush Sticks are superior. For something less dewy, the Victoria Beckham Cheeky Posh Cream Blush Sticks or the Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks might be better choices (for me).
Le Bonbon is a bright yet sheered-out pink.
Redux is a tan-brown hue.
Postmodern is a wine-colored berry shade.
I truly adore how these look when blended out; I just wish they weren’t as dewy in appearance. A satin or semi-matte finish would be absolutely perfect for my liking.
If you’ve been considering these, I hope this review proves helpful! You can find them currently at Sephora.
**2025 Merit Holiday Schedule Announced: Key Dates and Observations**
The eagerly awaited 2025 Merit Holiday Schedule has been officially released, providing employees and organizations the chance to strategize their year around these significant dates. The schedule details the public holidays recognized by the Merit Corporation, ensuring all employees are informed about their time off for the upcoming year. Here’s a thorough look at the 2025 holiday calendar:
1. **New Year’s Day**
– Date: Wednesday, January 1, 2025
– Observance: Marking the beginning of the new year, this holiday allows for a mid-week pause to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the future.
2. **Martin Luther King Jr. Day**
– Date: Monday, January 20, 2025
– Observance: Commemorating the civil rights leader, this day promotes reflection on equality and justice.
3. **Presidents’ Day**
– Date: Monday, February 17, 2025
– Observance: Recognizing the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln while celebrating all U.S. presidents.
4. **Memorial Day**
– Date: Monday, May 26, 2025
– Observance: A day to mourn and appreciate the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military.
5. **Independence Day**
– Date: Friday, July 4, 2025
– Observance: Celebrating the Declaration of Independence, this holiday is characterized by fireworks, parades, and family celebrations.
6. **Labor Day**
– Date: Monday, September 1, 2025
– Observance: Honoring the contributions of American workers, this holiday signifies the unofficial end of summer.
7. **Thanksgiving Day**
– Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025
– Observance: A moment for gratitude and feasting with family and friends.
8. **Day After Thanksgiving**
– Date: Friday, November 28, 2025
– Observance: Commonly known as Black Friday, this day is favored for shopping and large family gatherings.
9. **Christmas Day**
– Date: Thursday, December 25, 2025
– Observance: Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, this holiday is characterized by gift-giving and festive decorations.
10. **New Year’s Eve**
– Date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025
– Observance: The last day of the year, often celebrated with gatherings and countdowns to the new year.
**Additional Observations:**
– The 2025 schedule includes a total of ten holidays, consistent with prior years.
– Employees are encouraged to plan their vacations and personal time around these dates to optimize their time off.
– Organizations may provide additional floating holidays or personal days to accommodate varying cultural and religious observations not included in the standard schedule.
This detailed schedule allows employees to balance work responsibilities with personal and family time, promoting a healthy work-life balance. As always, employees should reach out to their HR departments for any specific policies or additional holidays that might apply to their particular location or role.
