Glossier Basics Review

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Sorry to admit it, but I had no interest in Glossier. Once I decided to order from Glossier, I had no interest in liking anything I'd purchased. They catered to me too hard - milennial pink, minimal aesthetic, all these cool girls with their unbrushed hair and full brows and perfect skin ... the vibe is a modern girl cookie cutter, and I didn't want to fall for it. 

And yet, in my not-wanting-to-fall-for-it, I found myself spending $50+ on their website one dull day, you know, just to see. I knew I wouldn't like it. It would break me out or look like nothing on my face. I was sure it was all hype - Glossier probably hired tons of pretty beauty bloggers to hawk their products and they can turn a profit strictly from appealing to a 20-something woman's need to be in without actually putting in any effort. 

Effort is definitely not cool.

My package arrived significantly quicker than I expected, considering I chose free shipping. Like, three days? Maybe? And I've had a couple of weeks now to test out the three products I ordered, so here is my totally genuine, un-sponsored review of some Glossier basics. 


Item One: Glossier Boy Brow. I went with the shade "Brown". At $16 for .11 oz, it's cheaper than Benefit's $24 Gimme Brow but about four times the cost of Nyx's Tinted Brow Mascara. Inconveniently, I adore it. I recently realized I prefer the Nyx Brow Mascara to Benefit Gimme Brow, as Gimme Brow's additional fibers are a little messy for me and I struggle with over-application. Glossier Boy Brow is, shockingly, so much better than either of them (in my opinion). The formula is light and doesn't smudge against my skin, but still shapes and darkens my brows. I'm interested to see how quickly I go through it, but I'm planning to repurchase. (FYI, for a budget buy, I do recommend the Nyx Brow Mascara, but I do not recommend Benefit Gimme Brow based on quality vs. cost, even as a splurge. Definitely go with Glossier Boy Brow.)

Item Two: Glossier Priming Moisturizer. I mentioned in my current skincare favorites post last month that I was desperately searching for a daytime moisturizer, and I am starting to become pretty fond of this one. It's $25 for 1.7 oz, which is reasonable in the skincare world. I think the item I would most closely compare it to is the Hello FAB Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer, which I also really like but which costs a few dollars more for the same amount. I don't think you should consider either "priming moisturizer" as a replacement for using a separate moisturizer and primer, but rather as a lightweight, sensitive-skin-friendly daytime moisturizer that you can either pair with the Glossier Skin Tint (below) or follow with primer and foundation for a full makeup look. On Glossier's website, they convey the same thing: "'Priming' means that it instantly brings out the best in your skin, so you have a fresh, glowing canvas," which sounds conveniently like "Please god don't expect this to function like an actual primer" to me. So, to recap: Primer, no. Daytime moisturizer, definitely, yes, highly recommended.

Item 3: Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint in shade "Light". I kind of sort of think this is most controversial of Glossier's products. Is it doing anything? Is it a bottle of $26 tinted water? Is this a placebo effect? Am I losing my mind? (Yes.) First of all, I like this product. I do. It is easy and quick and does combine well with the priming moisturizer. Could I ever use it on a bad skin day? No way. It doesn't blur blemishes, so if you're broken out, it won't do a dang thing. Thankfully, my skin has been really #blessed lately and Glossier products haven't flared up any bad behavior, so I do like it on already-pretty-ish skin. It softens my look and (when combined with concealer) helps me look bright and fresh. For going out, I'd still prefer an entire foundation, but since the loss of my beloved Lumene BB Cream, I'm genuinely happy with the look of the skin tint... you know, until that hormonal acne hits again.

So, ANNOYINGLY, I apparently like Glossier. It's not full glam and it never will be, but it's easy and functional for every day and it isn't irritating to my infuriatingly sensitive skin. You can try it yourself, if you wanna, and get 20% off whenever you use my link here.

2 comments

  1. The Priming Moisturiser actually works quite well for making makeup last longer on my skin personally. I love Boy Brow, dreading running out because it's hard to get Glossier here in the UK :(

    Jasmine xx

    Jasmine Talks Beauty

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  2. This is so great Abbie. This is exactly what I've been looking for, an honest Glossier review (and a funny post, too!) Have you tried more stuff since then? If you were to recommend ONE Glossier product, what would it be? Should I get a serum? Help! I do have the Birthday Cake Balm Dotcom.

    Priya the Blog

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