I wouldn’t be a proper beauty girl or social media professional if I didn’t have a Glossier stash of my own. I mean, come onnn. Simply speaking from someone in the industry, Glossier is #g-o-a-l-s. How many beauty companies do you know can say they’ve achieved true branding nirvana? I’m not just talking about independent start-ups; the OG houses are fair game, too. It’s amazing, this foundation they’ve built. I’ve yet to come across a beauty company I so admire for their strategy and story. Am I a Glossier girl? No. Do I want to be? Yes, thanks to their brilliant campaigns. I’d even wear their logo-emblazoned pullover, for goodness’ sake.
I’m telling you: if crushing on a brand wasn’t a thing before, it is now.
It’s hard not to fall in love with a company whose very essence lies in a love for real, everyday beauty. If anything, years of research for Into the Gloss have accumulated a gold mine of consumer data. Not to take advantage of that community would’ve been a loss; good thing Emily Weiss et al. are genius entrepreneurs. Glossier, then, is the culmination of it all. It’s the brand we wanted, but never had. It’s the “beauty company inspired by what girls need in real life” and took on the daunting task of “creating the new essentials: easy-to-use basics that form the backbone to your unique beauty routine.”
(Also, with a motto like “Skin first, makeup second”—a phrase I’ve been using for years since working at MB—how’s a skincare girl not to fall in love?)
It’s clear product is primary—there’s a lot of love and labor going into these, I can see—but packaging isn’t sacrificed. Beauty lovers and Instagrammers rejoice: a photogenic product that works?! Even the box it’s delivered in is kitschy in the best way possible.
There’s no shortage of pink the moment you open the box. Skin first. Makeup second. Smile always. A sweet reminder on the gloomiest of days when happiness is tearing open a new package like it’s Christmas Day. (I have SAD, okay?) Awaiting is a sheet of little stickers that brings me back to the good ol’ days when my sticker, Disney pin, and stamp collection were my most prized possessions. Will I decorate my pink-and-white tubes with them? Likely not. (Like I said: I was a collector, not a user.) But cute, right?
What I have been using, though, is the #Glossierpink bubble pouch the products come in. It’s cute, it’s practical, it’s pretty much perfect. Even if it ends up being the only thing you like in your order, it’s worth it. The pouch is the ideal size for toting around everyday essentials or for ensuring your products travel safely for weekend getaways. Yes, you can pack a decent amount in there knowing your favorite eye cream and contour palette will be safe. Yes, a few brushes will fit, too.
But onto the products…!
Here’s the short version because I’m a rambler: They’re lovely. They do exactly what the label purports ’em to do. What I will say, though, is that though I admire the simplicity of the two skincare products, I’m still #loyalAF to my current moisturizing regimen and a complete lip balm slut. I’m not above admitting that I wish all my skincare was packaged exactly like Glossier, though. That said, these products are b o m b for serious makeup prep and/or traveling.
For the brave, here’s the long version:
Priming Moisturizer, $25
It’s not #HG status just yet because (1) I only use moisturizers during the day, and they must have broad spectrum protection and therefore (2) I haven’t worn it enough times to know for sure. What I can say, though, is that if you need a moisturizer before makeup application, this is ideal. It’s got Hyaluronic Acid (to lock in moisture and plump) in addition to a host of other lovely ingredients to treat your skin. For reference, I have combo-oily skin and fairly even skin tone and texture, so I can’t attest to its hydration or anti-redness claims.
$: ??
Like it, love it, or leave it? Like it, but not enough to forgo my SPF moisturizer. Love it for travel, though. It’s the perfect size and packaging for on-the-go.
You’ll enjoy it if… You’re after a no-frills moisturizer. Or, a dewy-glow-inducing primer that acts as a protective (and more efficient) barrier between your skin and makeup.
Will I repurchase it? Not regularly, but I will miss it when it’s gone… so yes.
Balm DotCom, $12
I bought it for the name, TBH. It’s a classic formula you’re all familiar with; Elizabeth Arden Eight-Hour Cream or Mario Badescu Eye Make-Up Remover Cream, anyone? This one, however, has a blend of Castor Seed Oil, Rice Bran Oil, and omega fatty acids—which elevates it from the typical skin protectant formula.
It all comes down to personal preference. I love the concept of these type of multi-purpose skin salves, but I much prefer the texture of a traditional moisturizer, serum, or oil at the end of the day.
That said, it is easy to keep in your bag during the winter months.
$: ???
Like it, love it, or leave it? I’m giving this one a lukewarm like, largely influence by the kitschy name.
You’ll enjoy it if… You can appreciate a classic petroleum-type formula housed in a convenient tube. Or, if you’re a millennial who can appreciate a good name.
Will I repurchase it? Probably not, though I may plump for the coconut one. I’m not above repurchasing it just for the name… when I’m not throwing my money at Whole Foods.
Boy Brow in “Black,” $16
Ah, the pièce de résistance of Glossier, in my opinion. The campaign was brilliant, the name is brilliant, the actual product itself is brilliant. If there’s one thing Glossier knows how to do, it’s marketing: Boy Brow could not launch at a more relevant to current beauty trends and social issues (re: gender fluidity and ending gender binaries entering millennial conversation, finally).
I’m fairly new to the brow game, but I also know good product when I use it. Boy Brow. Is. It.
It grooms, thickens, conditions, and sets brows into place. The formula is superb; it reminds me of a good hair pomade instead of, well, 90s hair gel. I will say this: I have super fine hair. My brows aren’t invisible, but for a dark-haired girl, they may as well be. This product gives me enough volume to define what I do have without it looking crazy (which most brow products tend to do). More importantly, however, is that it lasts an entire workday and a decent sweat session without smudging or flaking off. This is #major? for a dancer. Sweating and touching your face is bound to happen.
$: ??
Like it, love it, or leave it? Love, love, love it. Texture, formula, everything. (That said, it does have a wet formula at first. Be sure to wipe off excess product well before going for the brows).
You’ll enjoy it if… You’re looking for a low-maintenance, high-performing brow product to take your no-makeup-makeup game to the next level. This is the stuff I throw on if I don’t want to wear makeup to work, but want to throw something on to feel a little more “done-up” than my usual M.O.
Will I repurchase it? I’M PATIENTLY WAITING FOR GLOSSIER TO RE-STOCK MY SHADE IN “BLACK,” K?
. . .
xx
Your turn. Thoughts?