Naya

Glossier Bestsellers: Hits & Misses

Because "no makeup" makeup is a form of art too

Foreword

In today's review we are going to play with some of Glossier most-coveted makeup and skincare products. Despite being a makeup lover, I still enjoy a good "I woke up like this" low-maintenance moment. I thought it was my mission to try as many of these millennial-pink goodies as possible, see what is worth the hype [and what isn't] and report back to you guys. Curious? Then please keep on scrolling.

Invisible Shield

This sunscreen was created with people like me in mind (i.e. those of us, who hate sunscreen). Most formulas conflict with makeup, so I can't even begin to explain just how grateful I am that brands started coming up with clear sunscreens. Invisible Shield (25 USD; Made in USA) is a broad spectrum SPF 35, which comes in a handy little container with a pump. It has a clear, gel-like consistency and [practically undetectable] lemony scent. You might notice some very fine micro-capsules packed with UVA/UVB filters running through it; they burst and absorb quickly, leaving no sticky/white residue. Oh, Invisible Shield is also infused with Vitamins E & P, Broccoli and Aloe (this product is suitable for vegans).

Final Thoughts: this is my second favourite sunscreen, right after Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen (you know, one that I swear by). I love how refreshing, lightweight and moisturizing it feels on the skin. It works great with all of my foundations/concealers; never peels or moves around. I am loving this new discovery of mine and give it A+.

Milky Jelly Cleanser

This little guy is basically labeled as an all-purpose face cleanser: in theory you should be able to effectively remove makeup with it, as well as use it to refresh your skin. From my experience, Milky Jelly Cleanser (18 USD; Made in USA) is a wonderful morning or second-step cleanser. While I love using this product right after I wake up or as the very last step in my cleansing routine, I do not think that it is strong enough to lift and absorb all of my makeup and grime (and I am not even wearing that much foundation/concealer to begin with) in one go. It can be used around delicate eye area, which is an added bonus, since its cleansing power comes from Poloxamer (cleansing agent found in contact lens solution).

This gel-meets-cream formula feels amazing on the skin, even on my driest lizard-days. And it smells just like rose water.

Final Thoughts: will definitely repurchase. Great for people with sensitive, dry skin types. Milky Jelly Cleanser gets A+

Balm Dotcom

One of the OG product launches for the brand - Balm Dotcom (12 USD; Made in USA) has evolved and now comes in six different flavours/colours. Now, this is a multipurpose lip/skin salve with a waxy texture, which you can use to soothe any dry skin area. I love using mine on the lips only and find that Birthday Balm Dotcom is my personal go-to; it smells just like a sweet vanilla cupcake and has a barely detectable shimmer running through it. Little goes a long way, so don't go overboard (otherwise it might look gooey/patchy). If you are a lip balm kinda gal, this could be your new jam!

Final Thoughts: not sure about other scents, but I am a huge fan of the Birthday version and will certainly get my hands on a new tube once I run out of my current one. This might be not the most potent lip care formula though, so if you suffer from severely dry/chapped lips, I would recommend something like Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask or Laneige Lip Mask instead (read more here). All in all, I give it B+.

Boy Brow

As someone with naturally thick brows, I have a hard time keeping mine up. There is nothing more sad to me than seeing droopy brow hairs, so I am constantly (constantly) on the hunt for that perfect, bulletproof brow gel. I might get myself into hot water by saying that, while I think Boy Brow (16 USD; Made in USA) is a lovely *tinting* brow product, one that easily adds colour and depth to my brows, sadly I do not think it does that great of a job at keeping mine staying in place for a long period of time.

Final Thoughts: Black is a nice shade match for someone with [well] black hair, so I am loving that. But I will not repurchase it. Don't get me wrong - it is a lovely product, however, I am still looking for something more promising as far as hold goes. B from moi.

Cloud Paint

Best cream/liquid blush you will ever find. Period. I have four of these little guys and literally wear them every other day. Cloud Paint (18 USD; Made in USA) now comes in six stunning shades and since little goes a long way with this airy gel-cream formula, one tube is going to last you ages. There are so many positive sides to this product: it never moves/slides around; applies and blends seamlessly; gives you the most naturally youthful glow, without looking greasy or oily; does not disrupt foundation and can be even worn on top of powder; looks amazing on photos and in person. You can easily mix various shades together for that custom blush colour. Read my detailed review on these bad boys here.

Final Thoughts: I will be buying these blushes for as long as Glossier sell them. A+++.

Haloscope

If you are a friend to the blog (hugs!), then you know just how much I love my glow. Doesn't matter whether it is a shy, bold or borderline blinding type of a glow - I am here for it. I also enjoy a good layering technique (powder over cream) and Haloscope (22 USD; Made in Canada) proved to be a perfect companion in that department. As you can see from the image above, this cream highlighter comes in a stick form and is a blend of clear balm (made of castor, coconut and sweet almond oils) and pearlescent cream (made of crushed crystals such as Rose Quartz and Golden Topaz). This product gives you a very editorial, wet-looking finish and subtle glow. Shade I have is Quartz, which is the most universally flattering colour out of the three.

Final Thoughts: I love this little guy. Now, I am not happy with just how little product you get here (0.19 oz/ 5.5g) and sure enough, I am going to run out of mine relatively fast, but! As someone with dry skin, I simply adore formulas that make me look hydrated and radiant. I wear Haloscope alone whenever I channel my inner minimalist, or together with any other powder highlighter on my high-maintenance makeup days. Formula is lovely, so decision is yours. I give it B+.

Lidstar

I won't be talking much about Lidstar (18 USD; Made in USA), since I have a complete review here, but there is still something I want to add. If you are not a huge fan of eyeshadows and it only takes a whimsical, soft wash of pearlescent colour all over the mobile lid to make you happy - then look this way. These liquid eyeshadows are quite long-lasting and relatively buildable; you can either wear them sheer or add more product to get a medium coverage (but nothing more than that). They do not need a primer and will work great for people who could not give a flying monkey about blending an eyeshadow (and all that other time consuming stuff). Pat Lidstar with your fingertips and voila! You're ready to roll.

Final Thoughts: I like this formula for "no makeup" days, however, do not expect NARS or Tom Ford cream eyeshadow pigmentation here. Solid B.

Lash Slick

Now, this is when we enter the marmite territory of Glossier products. Mascara is the most personal makeup item there is, so it is always tricky for me (as a reviewer) to truly judge it, because guess what? We all look for something different. What looks awful on me, might look amazing on you and vice versa. That being said, Lash Slick (16 USD; Made in France) is a product I both love and hate at the same time. After years of testing and reviewing mascaras, I've finally realized that I do not like a spiky plastic wand. This one hurts my eye, especially when I get close to the roots of my lashes.

I have naturally long, semi-lifted, yet sparse lashes. I do lack in the volume department, which is exactly why I always crave a good volumizing mascara. This one gives me incredible length, separation and lift. It looks very mweh after one coat, so I have to layer it up to two-three coats. This is a semi-dry formula, which sets reasonably fast. I do recommend working one eye at a time if you want to build it up. While it looks nice on me (so I was told), I absolutely hate the way it feels on my lashes. My eyes are sensitive and this mascara is quite drying - most days I literally can't wait to remove it. Since it is a water-resistant product, the brand claims that good old warm water is going to remove it. Well, in my case - it takes facial oil and micellar water to completely dissolve it.

Final Thoughts: I will not be repurchasing this mascara. Alcohol is the third ingredient here and I suspect it is the reason why I find this formula so uncomfortable and itchy on my eyes. I guess that unless you have naturally gorgeous and thick lashes, you won't be that impressed by it. Wanted to love it, but alas C-.