As much as I love full coverage foundation, glitter eyeshadow, cat flicks and industrial strength concealer, on an average day, I usually find myself reaching for my favourite ‘no makeup’ makeup products i.e. my primer, BB Cream, mascara, lip balm and brow gel. I apply my makeup every morning at 7am and start my shift at 8am at a nearby creche; full glam just isn’t achievable or necessary, but I love it all the same. This is why the concept of Glossier really appealed to me. Glossier prides itself on it’s highly edited selection of uncomplicated makeup and skincare essentials. Think fresh, natural-looking dewy skin and a popsicle-stained pout.
Glossier was created back in 2010 by the team behind IntoTheGloss.com, a beauty blog created by Emily Weiss (also known as the ‘Emily the Super Intern’ from The Hills). The collection contains only 23 products and has just recently launched in the UK. I picked up two of their bestselling products: Cloud Paint and Balm Dotcom, a universal skin salve. Both products came in a resealable plastic zip bag with an adorable pastel pink ‘nice to meet you’ postcard, a set of stickers and a sample of their Milky Jelly Cleanser. I really appreciate when brands add these final touches to your order.
The original Balm Dotcom (£10) is currently available in six variations including Rose (translucent pink tint), Cherry (sheer red tint), Mint (untinted with cool sensation), Birthday (subtle shimmer and sweet flavour) and Coconut (untinted and beach scented). I have to admit, the tube was smaller than I was expecting but that’s my bad for not checking the size (15ml). There’s no denying that the packaging is understated and pretty, much like the look Glossier encompasses. It’s very lightweight and doesn’t feel sticky or greasy, it just sits on the surface comfortably helping my lips to feel soft and plump. I really thought this product was going to be over-hyped. I’ve noticed the words ‘glorified Vaseline’ floating around Twitter recently, but I really like it. I have incredibly sensitive lips that often react badly to new products I test but there’s no tingly feeling, no cracked skin and no redness in sight. This might turn out to be a lifesaver this winter.
Another product that everyone’s talking about is Cloud Paint (£15 | 10ml), a seamless cheek colour available in four shades: Puff, Haze, Beam and Dusk. First of all, I love that it actually looks like a tiny tube of oil paint. It contains a gel-cream formula that at first glance looks rich in pigment but, don’t worry, a little goes a long way. Simply dab this on your cheeks with your fingers for a delicate flush of colour. It’s incredibly buildable depending on the intensity you want to achieve and blends seamlessly with very little effort.
I’m really happy with my tiny Glossier haul. I’ll definitely be treating myself to a few more Balm Dotcom flavours and I’m looking forward to delving into their skincare collection. In a beauty industry currently flooded with warm-toned eyeshadow palettes, matte liquid lipsticks and unicorn-themed highlighters, Glossier offers a laid-back approach to makeup which, as a new mum with very little time on her hands, I’m very happy to get on board with.
3