Merge Studio: Fashion Makeover by Paxie Games positions itself at the intersection of beauty simulation and puzzle gaming, offering players a merge-based progression system where fashion items are combined to create upgraded cosmetics and outfits. The app targets makeup and style enthusiasts with its thematic focus on complete client makeovers, including virtual makeup application, hair styling, and wardrobe selection through an engaging merge mechanic. The core gameplay revolves around merging identical items to produce higher-tier fashion products, which are then used to complete client requests. Specific features include layered makeup tools (foundation, eyeshadow, lipstick), hairstyling equipment, and clothing items that can be merged up to five times for enhanced visual quality. The progression system requires strategic resource management, with energy mechanics limiting continuous play sessions and encouraging timed returns. Monetization occurs primarily through video advertisements that appear after completing actions, with optional in-app purchases for premium currency to accelerate progress. User experience is characterized by a colorful, feminine interface with drag-and-drop merging mechanics and client consultation screens. The tutorial spans multiple initial levels with unskippable guidance, which some users find excessive. Real-world usage patterns show sessions typically lasting 5-15 minutes due to energy constraints, with players returning multiple times daily to complete makeover challenges. Interface navigation is intuitive but suffers from frequent ad interruptions that disrupt gameplay flow. User feedback indicates polarized experiences, with early enjoyment often diminishing due to advertisement frequency and progression limitations. Marcy Norris (2025-06-30) reported diminishing rewards and excessive ads making the experience 'annoying to the point I want to uninstall.' Rick O'Shay (2025-09-01) criticized the unskippable tutorial and character design while acknowledging the core merge mechanics. These reviews reflect broader trends where initial engagement gives way to frustration with monetization implementation. The app demonstrates competent merge mechanics with strong thematic appeal for fashion-focused audiences, but its aggressive advertisement implementation and limited late-game progression create significant engagement barriers. Ideal for casual players seeking short beauty-themed puzzle sessions, though serious gamers may find the monetization model prohibitive. The lack of reward scaling and mandatory tutorial represent notable design limitations that impact long-term retention despite solid foundational gameplay.