Glossier is one of the trendiest, indie brands on the market right now. The US-based, indie darling is well known for its trendy, minimalist packaging and no-makeup makeup look and holy grail skin care. I’ve been testing out some of their most beloved makeup must-haves (and one skincare item) since I hauled a bunch of products in October. But are they worth the hype? In today’s post I’m reviewing cult-classic Glossier products.
Please keep reading for in-depth reviews on the Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen, Lidstars, Cloud Paints, and Lip Gloss.
About Glossier
Founded by CEO, Emily Weiss, Glossier aims to democratize beauty by offering products that people actually want rather than products they are told they should want. The brand aims to celebrate and enhance everyone’s unique beauty, rather than promising a “quick fix” to rely solely upon makeup to cover any perceived imperfections.
For Glossier, it is “skin first. makeup second.” To read more about the brand’s values, please click here. Since launching in 2010, the brand has expanded into more playful makeup through their Glossier Play line, as well as limited edition Glossier-branded clothing and accessories, called GlossiWEAR, that are perfect for the everyday, trendy millennial or Gen-Z consumer.
If you love reading about beauty but don’t love the YouTube Beauty Community or prefer reading beauty blogs and editorial, check out Glossier’s blog, Into The Gloss.
Now let’s get on to the rest of this post reviewing cult-classic glossier products.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links (*). If you purchase by clicking on my links, I may be compensated at no additional cost to you.
Reviewing Cult-Classic Glossier Products
Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen SPF 25
Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen SPF 35
Claims
The Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen* promises to shield the skin against UVA/UVB rays and free radicals that could cause sun damage or early signs of aging. The water-gel formula is meant to be lightweight and absorb into the skin without leaving a white cast or a greasy sheen.
Ingredients & Cruelty-Free Status
Formulated with Vitamin E, Vitamin P, Broccoli, and Aloe Leaf extracts, the Invisible Shield sunscreen is vegan and cruelty-free. Also, this is formulated without parabens. Read about what it means to be Cruelty-Free and discover more Cruelty-Free brands.
Application
Pat 1-2 pumps onto the face as the last step in your skincare routine, but before applying any makeup. Apply at least 15 minutes before going into the sun. Do not use if you are intending to swim or will be performing any activity that will cause you to sweat heavily.
Reality
The Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen is proving to be a great daily sunscreen. It protects my skin from the sun without clogging my pores or causing me to break out. Furthermore, the lightweight formula doesn’t leave my face feeling greasy or sticky.
When I used this sunscreen on no-makeup days, it gave my skin a fresh-faced, dewy finish. Once foundation or powder is applied the finish may change to look more matte. Despite the slight glow provided by the sunscreen, I didn’t experience any white cast or flashback.
I wish this product were water resistant and I don’t like needing to keep multiple face sunscreen on-hand. I’d rather just have one sunscreen that I can use no matter the activity or occasion.
Finally, I quite enjoyed the light citrus fragrance because it reminded me of summer.
Price: $25.00
Bad or Rad?
While the Glossier Sunscreen is great for daily use, my holy grail Sublime Defense Sunscreen* from Algenist holds up better when planning for the beach or planning to be active in the sun.
If you struggle to find sunscreens that won’t cause a breakout or leave the skin looking greasy, then this may be for you!
L-R: Glossier Lidstar Liquid Shadows in Lily and Slip
Lidstar Duo (in Slip & Lily)
Claims
The Glossier Lidstar cream shadows promise to provide a sheer wash of pearlescent color to the eyes in a formula that won’t crease, fade, or smudge for 12 hours (even without a primer).
Ingredients & CF Status
Each Lidstar is formulated without parabens or fragrance and is cruelty-free. Also, the shadows promise to be eye-safe and non-irritating.
Application
Dab the shadow onto the lid using the applicator wand. Then, blend out with the fingers. Layer the product for a more intense color payoff.
Reality
The Lidstar cream shadows provide the sheerest wash of color when blended onto the eye and are perfect for enhancing your glowiest, no-makeup makeup look. The colors can be easily blended on the eye. For a slightly more pigmentation. However, no amount of layering will make these intense shadows.
Furthermore, the shadows need to be applied overtop of an eye primer for those with oily lids. Without a primer, both Slip* and Lily* creased, faded and smudged within a matter of five or six hours of wear. Individuals with dry lids may not experience the same issue.
Glossier Lidstar Shadow Swatches, Slip x Lily, Lily, and Slip
Price: $30.00 / $18.00 individually
Bad or Rad?
These products are rad, but I’m not sure if I purchase more of these or recommend these shadows. To enjoy these shadows, you must enjoy a barely-there twinkle of color. However, I will continue to use these to enhance my glowy, no-makeup makeup days. Read more about my single liquid shadow collection.
L-R: Glossier Cloud Paints in Dawn and Dusk
Cloud Paint Duo (in Dawn & Dusk)
Claims
Inspired by the colors of NYC sunsets, the Cloud Paints promise to be “the most user-friendly” cream blush available. Each shade provides a buildable, natural-looking flush without streakiness. Skin looks hydrated and plump after application.
Ingredients & CF Status
The Cloud Paints are formulated with parabens or fragrance. These are cruelty-free.
Application
For best application, dab and blend with your fingers before applying any powder products. Mix multiple shades to create custom colors.
Reality
THESE ARE THE BEST CREAM BLUSHES I EVER USED. When I use these blushes (Beam* & Dusk), my skin has a beautiful, radiant flush that makes my skin look incredibly healthy and youthful. Additionally, I found myself reaching for these even on the days I wasn’t wearing foundation because of how much I loved them. These didn’t crease, fade, or slip off my face throughout the day, nor did they make my oily skin look shiny or overly matte. My skin looked fresh.
However, I do want to call out that these blushes are much more pigmented than I expected. When using these blushes, start out with a smaller amount than you think you’ll need. Add more color if you need to after blending the shadow on the cheeks.
Finally, the tube packaging to be aesthetically pleasing, hygienic, and great for travel. However, the packaging makes it easy to waste product. Be very careful when squeezing out product.
Price: $30.00 / $18.00 individually
Bad or Rad?
Out of everything I tried from Glossier, these are the raddest products of the bunch. I recommend these to everyone, even the biggest cream blush cynic. I fully intend to pick up more colors from this line. See where these cream blushes fell in my blush ranking.
Glossier Lip Gloss
Lip Gloss
Claims
The Glossier Lip Gloss* promises to provide cushiony, crystal clear shine without glitter. Unlike other sticky or gritty lip gloss, the Glossier Lip Gloss promises to hydrate and enhance your lips without feeling icky. The formula is promised to be long-lasting so you can rock that glassy shine for more than an hour.
Ingredients & CF Status
The Glossier Lip Gloss is free of parabens and fragrance. Also, this gloss is cruelty-free and vegan.
Application
Use the fuzzy applicator or dab with your finger for an even application.
Reality
To date, this is the highest shine gloss that I tried. The gloss enhanced the appearance of my lips by making them appear more plump and full.
Also, the gloss layers well overtop bare lips and other lip products. Because the gloss has a fuzzy applicator, I chose to apply the gloss by dabbing with my fingers on the days I was layering this over another pigmented lip pencil or lipstick.
Lip Gloss Swatch
In terms of staying power, the gloss will stay high-shine for a few hours. However, it will wear away immediately after consuming a large meal. I don’t have any issues with this. However, I do want to point it out.
Finally, the claim that the gloss isn’t sticky isn’t entirely accurate. Does it leave a sticky feeling on your lips? No. Will your hair get stuck in it if the wind blows? Oh yes. The gloss is less sticky than other formulas in my collection. However, if you live in a windy climate, be aware that your hair may stick to your lips.
Price: $14.00
Bad or Rad?
This gloss is totally rad. I cannot imagine any gloss fan disliking this product. I wholeheartedly recommend this if you’re looking for a new gloss to enhance the appearance of your lips. See where it falls in my ultimate lip gloss ranking.
Final Thoughts after Reviewing Cult-Classic Glossier Products
Glossier is a trendy brand that lives up to its well-deserved hype. Not only did these products perform well, but they came in beautiful packaging. After trying out the above products, I’m eager to try more from the brand. Current products on my radar include The Skin Perfector Tint,* Priming Moisturizer,* Balm DotCalm,* Boy Brow,* and the Lash Slick Mascara.* [P.S. as of 2020, I’ve tried most of these. Let me know if you’d like to see a review.]
Price-wise, Glossier is actually quite affordable. Their prices are in-line with what you’d see from “higher-end” products at the drugstore from brands such as L’OREAL and Physician’s Formula. Furthermore, there are so many influencers and affiliates with discount codes that you can take advantage of for your first purchase.
Additionally, I am a fan of the brand’s overall ethos. As a woman, we are often bombarded with brand messaging that tells us to fix ourselves or to conform to a popular trend or norm. I love the fact that Glossier’s message and product offerings revolve around enhancing natural beauty rather than using cosmetics as a “quick fix.” This brand celebrates the individuality of all its customers.
However, for all the above praise, I want to call out that this brand is not for everyone. Not everyone likes a barely-there makeup look. And that is okay.
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Did you enjoy this post reviewing cult-classic Glossier products? Do you love barely there products? Check out my in-depth review of hit products from Milk Makeup.
If bold, colorful makeup is more of your thing, please check out this review of indie darling, Melt Cosmetics’ Blueprint Eyeshadow Stack review.
Have you tried any of the products featured in my post reviewing cult-classic Glossier products? I’d love to know your experiences, favorite products, or wishlist products in the comments below.