Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Versus Tarte Amazonian Clay 16-Hour Full Coverage Foundation
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingOctyldodecanol
EmollientSilica
AbrasivePolyethylene
AbrasiveDipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientCopernicia Cerifera Wax
Synthetic Wax
AbrasiveTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Cera Microcristallina
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingPancratium Maritimum Extract
BleachingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantDimethicone
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPropylene Carbonate
SolventEthylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingGlycerin
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningMica
Cosmetic ColorantBHT
AntioxidantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantHydrogenated Polydecene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Octyldodecanol, Silica, Polyethylene, Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Synthetic Wax, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Cera Microcristallina, Sorbitan Isostearate, Pancratium Maritimum Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dimethicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Propylene Carbonate, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Glycerin, Water, Mica, BHT, CI 77491, CI 77891
Cyclopentasiloxane
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientPolymethyl Methacrylate
Polysilicone-11
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeMagnesium Sulfate
Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientSodium Citrate
BufferingParfum
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantC24-28 Alkyl Methicone
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningKaolin
AbrasiveDipropylene Glycol
HumectantSilica
AbrasiveBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingTocopherol
AntioxidantAmyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Cyclopentasiloxane, Water, Isododecane, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Polysilicone-11, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Magnesium Sulfate, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Sodium Citrate, Parfum, Tocopheryl Acetate, C24-28 Alkyl Methicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Kaolin, Dipropylene Glycol, Silica, Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Hydroxycitronellal, Geraniol, Tocopherol, Amyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinSilica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicon-based surface modifier that makes sunscreens feel silky and makeup stay put.
Its main job is to coat mineral particles like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and color pigments in a thin, oily layer so they spread smoothly, don't clump, and stick to skin better.
This ingredient is typically used at low levels (up to 2.5% in eyeshadow and 1% in lipstick).
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water