An Honest Glossier Review

As a longtime reader of Into the Gloss (top shelf fan for life!), I was ecstatic when they launched their in-house line of beauty products, Glossier. I waited a long time before purchasing Phase 1 and Phase 2 for myself (I know, totally late to the party), but I’m excited because I feel 100% ready to give an honest Glossier review. I’m a super loyal Sephora customer (embarrassed to admit I’m VIB Rouge) and always like to try on beauty products before buying, but I made an exception to the rule for Glossier.

Maybe it was the marketing or the super cute packaging, but I knew I had to try it for myself. One thing I noticed when doing research prior to purchasing, was how hard it was to find honest reviews. Bloggers and YouTubers alike seemed to give complimentary reviews, but the actual site doesn’t have a section for customer reviews.

Yep – even the box the products come in is cute.

After years of using their products, I thought I’d do my own HONEST Glossier review of the products and have you see for yourself if the products are worth purchasing.

[ FYI – this post isn’t sponsored in any way. ]

[ TL ; DR – overall, Glossier products are mostly hits for me. The price point is fair and they will work well on most skin types. Are they life-changing? No. Are they good for skintypes that need a little more love or extra care? Also probably a no. I wouldn’t use only Glossier products and nothing else. But mixed into my skincare routine with other products, I’m a huge fan. My faves are the boy brow, milky jelly cleanser, haloscope, and priming moisturizer rich. If you’re interested in trying any of the products out, here’s my link for 10% off your first order. ]

An Honest Glossier Review

Phase 1:

Glossier’s motto is skin first, makeup second. Phase 1 consists of 4 makeup products that get your skin ready for makeup (or no makeup at all, if you’re blessed enough to go without wearing any!)

Milky Jelly Cleanser –

My personal favorite product in the Phase 1 set. I’m in love the jelly-like consistency/texture and the subtle rose scent. My skin is somewhat sensitive and haven’t had any issues with this cleanser whatsoever. So, I use it to remove all traces of makeup without any irritation. I have several cleansers I love and use already. However, this one is a permanent player in my rotation. I’ve already gone through 5+ bottles and have it in the travel size as well.

A bottle lasts me almost 6 months. I keep an extra in a bag in my car and use it after the gym and before going to bed. If I need a little extra exfoliation or deep cleaning for my skin, I add a powder exfoliant.

Priming Moisturizer –

I think this moisturizer is a nice compliment to the cleanser. It isn’t really thick or moisturizing enough for nighttime or when my skin needs an extra boost, but I like it for daytime and I feel like it has made my skin softer and plumper. If I apply makeup on top, it seems to go on smoother as well. Thumbs up for this product, but I haven’t repurchased.

Balm Dotcom –

Honestly, I’m not sure how much better this is than using vaseline or Aquaphor, but I do really like it. I’m sure I would love the coconut version even more. It’s a solid lip balm but for the price, I’ll probably stick to my usual drugstore balm.

Perfecting Skin Tint –

Probably the thinnest foundation I own. It’s way more watery than any tinted moisturizer I’ve ever tried – maybe I could have gotten away with this light of foundation when I was in high school? I use the shade “dark” and don’t see too much of a difference in my skin when I use it, but I think if you layer it on it does smooth out minor imperfections. If you’re looking for a smoother and more flawless coverage, I would pass on this. Truthfully, I think it’s best for people who already have close to perfect skin.

Phase 2:

After you’ve primed your skin with phase 1, it’s time for phase 2. In general, Glossier products are for the makeup minimalist. They may not be the best if you’re going for a more full-on glam face, but if you’re looking for a “I woke up like this” natural look or just trying to enhance your natural beauty, they might become your new favorite products.

Boy Brow –

This stuff is GOLD. My new go-to brow product. I use the shade “brown” even though I have very dark brows. This is by far the best brow mascara I’ve ever tried. I want to hoard this stuff in case it ever gets discontinued, which I don’t see happening because everyone seems to love it. It fluffs up and thickens your brows and keeps them in place all. day. long. (Update: I’m on my 10th tube and still loving it).

Stretch Concealer –

Not the biggest fan of concealer but this formula is extremely buildable and doesn’t seem to crease as the day goes on. I got it in shade “medium” but wish I had purchased in a darker shade. It functions as a bit of a highlighter since the shade is slightly lighter than I would prefer for my under eye circles.

Generation G –

Probably the only miss out of all the products I tested. The tube seems small for the price, the product is somewhat drying, and the shade I purchased, “Like” is meant to be a “your lips but better” shade when in reality it doesn’t show up much unless I use several layers. Maybe fairer skinned girls will have better luck? I will try out the other shades as well and report back.

After testing out the entirety of Phase 1 and Phase 2, I can say that there are a few items that will become permanent standbys in my beauty lineup. My favorites by far are the milky jelly cleanser and the boy brow (as beauty bloggers say, “holy grail status”), I do love the priming moisturizer as well. For real though, in this 100% honest Glossier review the rest of the products get a solid thumbs up as well, but if you’re not looking to buy the full sets, I recommend the milky jelly cleanser and boy brow above all.

Update: since I wrote my original review, Glossier has launched several new products and I’ve also scooped up some of the other products I hadn’t tried yet.

Priming Moisturizer Rich –

Shortly after I wrote this blog post, Glossier launched its Priming Moisturizer “Rich” formula. Since I have drier skin I purchased it instantly and it’s one of the better Glossier products IMO. Really love how moisturizing it is and I haven’t had any issues with it on my dry/sensitive skin. I really think it’s a great moisturizer for the price and have since repurchased – love this so much more than the original Priming Moisturizer.

Sunscreen –

The launch of Invisible Shield SPF 35 came just in time for summer (although you really should wear sunscreen year round!). Unfortunately it didn’t quite work with my skin, the jelly consistency and scent seemed to irritate my face and I ended up with bumps over my face. If you’re an SPF newbie it’s worth trying out but I feel like for the price (it’s only a 1 oz. bottle) there are equally good if not better sunscreens out there. I’m going to give it another shot and will let you know if the results are any better.

Haloscope –

Didn’t expect to love this nearly as much as I do. If you’re going from that “lit from within glow” this product delivers! I love how easy this product is to apply. If you brush it along your skin it doesn’t go on too heavy. all you need is a finger to blend. It’s basically foolproof, easy to layer if you want a little more glow, and super subtle. Some might say too subtle, but I say nay! I’ve fooled all of my coworkers and friends with this highlighter. I even stopped using my beloved Becca. Which now looks TOO shimmery compared to Glossier’s version. I have all three shades but have yet to find the best purpose for TOPAZ (bronze-y shade that I expected to love). I alternate between Quartz and Moonstone for everyday and I just absolutely love them.

Cloud Paint –

Not the biggest fan of blush, but these gel-based ones are easy to use (I just apply with my fingers) and extremely build-able. I can see why some people would love these, but they just didn’t work on my skin as well as I wanted them too. Haze and Puff were too pink for me, and Beam felt too orange. I did like Dusk (more of a mauve shade?), but overall this would be a pass for me. If you love blush though, it might be worth a try!

Solution –

So happy Glossier came out with an exfoliant!! This one seems to be getting rave reviews. Largely due to the three active acids in the product that claim to help smooth skin, clear up acne, and minimize pores. I really love it as an everyday, gentle exfoliant. It’s not as strong as other at home peels or acids in the market, but I think it’s a fantastic intro to AHAs/BHas. However, if you’re looking for a good powder cleanser or exfoliant, I honestly think any of these powder cleansers work just as well.

Lash Slick –

I’m a little on the fence about Glossier’s new mascara. On one hand, it’s perfect for a “I woke up like this” look – it takes your lashes and makes them a little better. On the other hand, when I wear mascara, I want DRAMA. I think this product works well, but it’s just not what I’m looking for when I’m buying a mascara. If you already have gorgeous, thick lashes, it’s worth testing out – I do love the formula! I just personally need a little oomph. Or lash extensions ; ).

Needless to say, I’ve been converted and I’m now a devoted Glossier fan. I make it a point to try every new product when they launch and continue to repurchase my favorites. Glossier gets a solid YES! from me any day.

xx, Amy

PS: here’s 10% off your first order : )

For more beauty posts see: A review of all the best Bali Body products, what happened when I removed my eyelash extensions & why you should brush your lips.

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