Every now and again, we get a sneak peek at the newest beauty launches arriving on Aussie shores before they’ve even perfected the packaging.
This month, our 7You team was lucky enough to get our hands on a brand-new mascara from global beauty giant Merit.
While it’s the second mascara from the minimalist beauty brand, it’s the first tubing formula to hit shelves.
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And in a market dominated by best-selling formulas, we had high expectations. We needed it to effortlessly lengthen and lift lashes without clumping, smudging or flaking.
Safe to say, we were pleasantly surprised by the small but mighty formula, which has now become a daily essential in our beauty bags.
Now that the news is out, Merit’s Clean Volume Tubing Mascara, $44, is set to go on sale on June 26.
But we’ve got an exclusive early-access link for those keen to get ahead of the crowd — because trust us, you’ll want to.
Holly
While I’ve long been a fan of Merit’s barely-there beauty line-up, I was curious whether the new Clean Volume Tubing Mascara would actually deliver volume for my fair lashes.
At first glance, the wand is teeny tiny, which in my experience can often lead to an unfortunate case of clumping.
But boy, was I wrong. This tube gives my lashes exactly what they need: length and just the right amount of lift.
As someone with naturally straight lashes who relies heavily on an eyelash curler, I went in at the lash line on my first application, gently swiping the formula through.
Like all brand-new products straight out of the packaging, it took a little time to work into, but now that I’m a few weeks in, it feels like it’s adjusted to the way I apply it, making my lashes look longer than ever.
It’s free from flaking and smudging (a serious must for tubing formulas), and the ability to simply wipe it away at the end of the day has been a game-changer.
The stats around this mascara are impressive too, with 100 per cent of trial users saying their lashes looked sleek and defined rather than heavy, while a whopping 83 per cent agreed they would use this product in place of their current mascara.
So if you’re hoping to get your hands on Clean Volume before it inevitably sells out, you’ll want to act fast.
Ariana
This mascara turned my naturally straight, downward-pointing “snuffleupagus lashes” into something that actually resembles a lift and curl.
The brush deserves its own standing ovation: it’s perfectly shaped to separate, lift, and coat every lash without dumping on too much product or creating that dreaded spider-leg effect.
I did notice a little fallout at first, but that turned out to be user error — this formula doesn’t need heavy-handed application. A couple of swipes is enough to make lashes look longer, fuller, and noticeably more awake.
After a little over a month of daily wear, it’s become the mascara I reach for without thinking. It’s equally good for a quick morning application or a pre-dinner touch-up when you want that extra bit of definition.
It somehow manages to add volume and lift while still looking clean and natural — no crunchiness, no clumps by 3pm.
I’ve recommended it to countless friends because people keep asking what mascara I’m wearing, and few products earn that level of loyalty from me.
Merit absolutely nailed the formula and the brush design here. Safe to say this one has secured permanent residency in my makeup bag.
To shop Merit’s new Clean Volume Tubing Mascara, head to the website via our early access link here.
