If you’ve spent more than five minutes on "BeautyTok" or scrolled through a minimalist’s Instagram feed lately, you’ve seen it. That gold-capped, orb-like container. It’s the Merit Flush Balm, and specifically, the shade Beverly Hills has become something of a cult legend.
But honestly? Most "clean beauty" products are a letdown. They either disappear in twenty minutes or feel like you’re smearing actual salad oil on your face.
I wanted to know if Beverly Hills was just a vibe or if it actually worked. After digging through the ingredient lists and testing how it holds up against the 2026 standards for "no-makeup" makeup, here is the real deal. No fluff.
What Is Merit Blush Beverly Hills, Anyway?
Basically, it's a cream blush designed for people who hate the look of heavy makeup. Merit calls it a "Flush Balm." The shade Beverly Hills is officially described as a "soft peach."
It’s not a neon orange. It’s not a dusty rose. It sits in that sweet spot where it looks like you just walked up a flight of stairs or had a really good nap.
The Texture Situation
Unlike a lot of cream blushes that come in pots, this is a dome. You don't need a brush. You just swipe.
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It feels... slippery? But in a good way. It’s formulated with Vitamin E, which is why it feels more like skincare than a traditional pigment. It’s transparent. That’s the key. Most blushes are opaque, which is why they look like "makeup." This lets your actual skin texture—freckles, pores, and all—show through.
The Ingredient Breakdown: Is It Actually "Clean"?
"Clean beauty" is a marketing term that doesn't mean much legally, but Merit follows the "Clean at Sephora" guidelines, which means they skip the parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.
- Vitamin E: This is the hero here. It acts as an antioxidant and keeps the balm from drying out into a crusty mess on your cheeks.
- Microfine Pigments: Instead of heavy dyes, they use tiny bits of color that suspend in the wax/oil base. This is why it’s "impossible to mess up." You can't really overdo it because the pigment load is intentionally low.
- Octyldodecanol & Hydrogenated Polyisobutene: These are the emollients that give it that "slip."
One thing to watch out for: it contains Synthetic Wax and Cera Microcristallina. If you have fungal acne (Malassezia), some experts suggest being cautious with heavy waxes, though most people find this formula non-comedogenic and very breathable.
Why Everyone Is Obsessed With This Specific Shade
Why Beverly Hills? Why not "Stockholm" (the baby pink) or "Terracotta" (the warm crème)?
Beverly Hills is the chameleon. On very fair skin, it looks like a warm, healthy glow. On medium and deep skin tones, it acts more like a brightening base or a very subtle highlight-flush hybrid. It bridges the gap between a bronzer and a blush.
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The Celebrity Factor: It’s not just influencers. We’ve seen Merit products on everyone from Sarah Jessica Parker to Lily Collins. Even Helena Christensen famously used the Flush Balm (though she’s been known to swipe it on her eyelids too, which is a pro-tip for a monochromatic look).
Real Talk on Longevity
Here is where we need to be honest. This is a balm. It is not a "stain."
If you have very oily skin, Beverly Hills might pull a disappearing act by lunchtime. Because it’s so emollient, it doesn't "set" like a powder. In my experience, you get about 4 to 5 hours of solid wear before it starts to fade into a general "dewiness."
"I love the color, but I have to reapply at 3 PM if I’m going out after work. It’s the price you pay for that specific dewy finish." — Real user feedback from the Sephora community.
How to Actually Apply It (The Pro Way)
You’ve seen the videos of people just swiping it on. That works. But if you want it to last until dinner, try this:
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- Prep the Base: Use a lightweight moisturizer. If your skin is too dry, the balm will cling to patches. If it's too greasy, it'll slide off.
- The Direct Swipe: Apply the dome directly to the "apple" of your cheek, then move upward toward your temple.
- The Finger Tap: Use your ring finger to tap the edges. Don't rub. Tapping keeps the pigment where you want it.
- The "Sandwich" Hack: If you need it to last 12 hours, put the Merit Blush on first, then a tiny bit of translucent powder, then another quick tap of the blush on top. It locks the color in without killing the glow.
Comparison: Beverly Hills vs. The Competition
| Feature | Merit Flush Balm (Beverly Hills) | Rare Beauty Liquid Blush | Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finish | Dewy / Transparent | Matte or Radiant (High Pigment) | Creamy / Satin |
| Ease of Use | 10/10 (Foolproof) | 6/10 (Easy to use too much) | 8/10 (Thicker formula) |
| Best For | Dry/Mature Skin | Oily/Combo Skin | Luxury/Clean Enthusiasts |
| Price | ~$30 | ~$23 | ~$48 |
Common Misconceptions
"It’s too small for $30."
It looks small. It’s 0.31 oz. But because it’s a solid balm, you aren't wasting product on a sponge or a brush. A little goes a long way. Most people find one pot lasts 6+ months of daily use.
"It’s just for young people with perfect skin."
Actually, it’s the opposite. Powder blushes are the enemy of fine lines—they settle and accentuate texture. The Merit balm fills in those gaps with moisture. It’s actually better for "maturing" skin than almost any drugstore powder.
The Verdict: Should You Buy It?
If you want a "full glam" look for a wedding, this isn't your product. It’s too sheer for that.
But if you want to look like you’ve been drinking three liters of water a day and just got back from a hike in the Santa Monica mountains? Beverly Hills is probably the best peach blush on the market right now.
It’s easy. It’s portable. It makes you look alive.
Your Next Steps
- Check your undertone: If you’re very cool-toned (pink/blue veins), Beverly Hills might look a bit "orange." You might prefer Cheeky.
- Check the mirror: If you have active breakouts on your cheeks, the dewy finish will highlight the texture. Consider a matte concealer underneath first.
- Grab a multi-use tool: Don't buy a special brush. Use your fingers. The warmth of your skin actually helps the Vitamin E-infused formula melt in better.
Go to a Sephora and swatch it on the back of your hand. If it disappears into your skin but leaves behind a "lit-from-within" sheen, that's your sign.