If you’re a woman over 40 and you’ve ever felt like makeup brands just don’t get your skin anymore, you’re not alone. Today, we’re doing a side‑by‑side comparison: Olive Rose vs Merit Makeup: Which Works Best for Mature Skin? I’ve tried both brands, carefully observing how they perform on concerns like texture, hydration, fine lines, and aging skin. By the end of this post, you’ll know which line gives you better performance, better value, and better results.
FAQs
- What’s the main difference between Olive Rose and Merit? Olive Rose features skincare‑infused makeup for aging skin with ingredients like hydroxytyrosol and olive leaf extracts. Merit emphasizes clean, minimalist formulas and lightweight finishes.
- Which brand better suits women over 40 dealing with texture and fine lines? Olive Rose leans stronger for texture and fine line support, while Merit works well for a natural, lightweight look.
- How do the shade ranges and finishes compare? Olive Rose offers finishes optimized for mature skin (hydrating, soft‑luminous), and Merit offers clean finishes with a minimalist aesthetic. Some reviews say Merit’s foundation stick can feel less dewy.
- Can I mix products from both lines? Yes! Many women use a base from one brand and targeted coverage from another. If you like Merit’s clean ethic but want Olive Rose’s mature‑skin performance, layering can work.
- Is one brand worth the price compared to the other? Value depends on your priority. If mature‑skin performance is top priority, Olive Rose may deliver more…and Merit may appeal if clean, minimalist makeup is your main concern.
Beauty That Ages Well: Makeup for Mature Skin
As our skin evolves, so should our makeup…not to cover, but to enhance. Mature skin tends to crave hydration, flexibility, and formulas that won’t settle into fine lines or dull your natural glow. The good news? Both Olive Rose and Merit understand that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. With creamy textures, light-reflecting pigments, and buildable coverage, these brands offer products that feel weightless yet nourishing…perfect for skin that’s earned every expression line. Whether you’re embracing your silver era or just looking for makeup that moves with you (not against you), these clean formulations are made to flatter, not fight, the skin you’re in.
Meet the Brands: Olive Rose and Merit
Before we dive into textures, tones, and TikTok-worthy finishes, let’s take a quick look at the brands behind the beauty.
Olive Rose is a rising indie darling in the clean beauty space, known for its earthy tones, inclusive shades, and skincare infused ingredients. The vibe is effortlessly radiant. Olive Rose prides itself on multitasking formulas and minimal packaging that feels both simple and elevated.
Merit, on the other hand, has quickly become a staple in the minimalist makeup movement. With sleek, chic packaging and a “less is more” philosophy, Merit focuses on clean, skin-first formulas that enhance rather than cover. Think: luxury makeup with a side of quiet confidence. Every product is designed to simplify your routine without sacrificing quality or performance.
Both brands offer a fresh take on modern beauty…but how do they stack up side by side? Let’s find out.
Formulation Showdown: Ingredients That Matter
When it comes to makeup that loves your skin back, ingredients are everything. It’s not just about what gives you that glow…it’s what’s in that glow that counts.
Olive Rose leans into nourishing botanicals and skin-loving oils. You’ll often find ingredients like jojoba, rosehip, and aloe vera working behind the scenes to hydrate, soothe, and protect your skin barrier. Their formulas feel more like skincare with a tint…ideal for anyone who wants a radiant look and long-term skin benefits. And most importantly, hydroxytyrosol is the power house ingredient that nourishes your skin like no other!
Merit also takes a clean and conscious approach, but with a slightly more luxe-skincare edge. Think: hyaluronic acid for plumpness, niacinamide for clarity, and vitamin E for antioxidant protection. Their ingredients lists are tight, intentional, and backed by dermatologists. No fluff, just function.
Both brands prioritize clean formulations free from parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrance…but their ingredient stories tell slightly different tales. Olive Rose focuses on nature-inspired nourishment, while Merit blends clinical skincare staples with high-performance pigment.
So, whether you’re team earthy botanicals or science-backed skincare, there’s something for your skin to love.
Texture, Finish & Wear Test: Which Looks Better on Mature Skin?
Over a year ago, I got the Merit Intro Set really hoping for an amazing product to fall in love with and share with you. But honestly, as a makeup artist, I was underwhelmed and I put in on a shelf. When Olive Rose launched and I started testing out other makeup brands to compare with it, I dusted off my Merit makeup in hopes that I maybe I had misjudged it.
Unfortunately, my first impression stayed the same. Merit makeup is just so-so. The pigment is very subtle and it disappears from your face by the end of the day. The blush is so light and Merit doesn’t have a true contour shade, only a bronze balm. Bronzer is meant to add warmth to the face, whereas contour adds shape and shadow with a cooler tone. It may be a clean makeup option, but in my opinion, it just doesn’t hit right. If you’re looking for something extremely minimal, like you’re not really wearing makeup, then you might like it.
Olive Rose, on the other hand, has strong pigment and stays all day. But it isn’t so heavy and vibrant that it looks like you’re wearing a mask. The formula is lightweight and creamy, which allows you to still look natural. The skin tint, contour, and blush apply and blend beautifully into the skin. It is great for mature skin!
Read more about Olive Rose makeup!
Packaging & Application: The User Experience
I think both Olive Rose and Merit have beautiful packaging. I prefer the chic white containers of Olive Rose but Merit has a more luxurious look.
I don’t like the container for the Merit blush. It’s too short and stubby and when the blush wears down, it’s hard to apply. But I like the twist tubes for the complexion stick and bronzer balm.
I have noticed that the OR Pearl Primer Serum lid really needs to be tightened fully or it will leak. But I haven’t had any problems with any of the other Olive Rose packaging. They are easy to toss in a makeup bag and tote great for traveling.
Merit has 13 blush shades, 5 bronze balm shades, and 30 complexion stick shades. Olive Rose has 7 blush shades, 4 contour shades, and 14 skin tint and concealer shades. Olive Rose is a newer brand so there will most likely be more shades and products launching in the future.
Price Breakdown: Which Is Worth the Investment?
Here’s a price breakdown of each of the Olive Rose makeup products:
- Skin Tint- $59.95
- Concealer- $34.95
- Contour- $44.95
- Blush- $44.95
- Mascara- $29.95
- Primer- $49.95
- Setting Spray- $36.95
- Lip Butter- $34.95
Here’s the price breakdown of each of the Merit makeup products:
- Complexion Stick- $38
- Bronze Balm- $30
- Flush Balm- $30
- Day Glow Highlighting Balm- $32
My Final Verdict: Olive Rose or Merit?
Honestly, I was so disappointed in Merit makeup. I see influencers and actresses shouting its praises but after using it on myself, I wonder if they are only sharing about it because they’re getting paid to promote it. As a makeup artist, it just didn’t do anything for me. Maybe if you like the no-makeup look or if you want it for your teen to introduce makeup to, but as a woman over 40, you will look so much better with the skincare infused makeup of Olive Rose. It melts into your skin beautifully, doesn’t look like you’re wearing a heavy mask of makeup but also looks like you put some effort into getting ready, and it lasts all day. I appreciate that Merit makeup is clean. But my choice is Olive Rose makeup for mature skin.
Picking the right makeup line isn’t just about colors…it’s about formulas that respect where your skin is now. Between Olive Rose and Merit, the better choice becomes clear when you factor in mature‑skin needs: hydration, light‑weight coverage, anti‑aging benefit, and wearability. Choose the one that aligns with your values and your skin’s changing needs. Because your glow is still valid and worth every thoughtful decision you make.
Not sure what other Oliveda products you should use? Take a look at these reviews too!
- Which Oliveda Elixir Should You Use? My Guide to Glowing, Waterless Skin
- Oliveda Masks Reviewed for Radiance & Skin Reset
- Oliveda Serums Review: Best Picks for Aging, Sensitivity, & Glow
- Every Oliveda Cleanser Reviewed: Which One Is Right for Your Skin?
- Olive Rose Makeup Collection: First Look + Review
- Olive Rose vs Ogee Makeup
Here are other blogposts that you might enjoy:
- New York Fashion Week (NYFW) Favorites: Olive Rose Picks I’m Most Excited To Use All Fall
- Top 5 Oliveda Products I Can’t Live Without
- Hormonal Skin Changes After 40 (and What You Can Do About Them)
- Why Waterless Skincare is Ideal for Aging Skin (Featuring Oliveda)
- How to Become a Waterless Beauty Consultant with Oliveda: A Step-by-Step Guide
- What to Expect in Your 40s: Skin, Hair, and Hormones
- Styling Olive Rose Makeup with Oliveda Skincare: Layering & Prep for Perfect Foundation
- Collagen After 40: Why It Declines—And How to Boost It Naturally
- How to Layer Products Correctly in Your 40s and 50s
About the Author
JoEllen is a licensed esthetician, certified makeup artist, and certified John Maxwell coach, speaker, and trainer. She works with women helping them look and feel confident. She loves teaching women simple beauty techniques so they can feel empowered to try it at home. Her motto is that when you look and feel good, you do good!
*This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase an item featured in this post, I get a small portion from the sale. Thank you! It does not affect you at all.
