Glossier Review: Are their makeup products worth the hype?

Glossier is one of the cult brands of the moment, in part thanks to its aesthetic packages and natural-looking formulas. But are the products worth the hype?

As a makeup lover, and especially as a natural-looking kind of girl, Glossier products caught my attention a while ago. Unfortunately, these weren’t available in Spain, where I am currently based.

Even though I bought a couple of products to try when I went to London in 2022, there were still many other products that I wanted to try.

Given that Glossier started shipping worldwide during the last quarter of 2023, I ended up placing an order and a second one a couple of weeks later—just to get a better, broader perception of the brand portfolio.

I decided to avoid the skincare products, because I don’t think these will be a good fit for my combination skin and how I enjoy my makeup to look like.

Without further ado, here’s my experience with Glossier’s products.

Glossier Balm Dotcom

Glossier’s Balm Dotcom was the first product I’ve tried, and I loved it immediately.

I purchased one tube when I was at their London store back in 2022, and I loved it so much that I had to prevent myself from using it on a daily basis. Why? Because I was afraid of running out of it. The good thing is now I can easily stock up whenever I need to.

Despite being available in many scents and shades, I’ve only tried the shade Rose in its original and new formula (vegan-friendly). 

What does the brand say about it? According to the brand’s website, this cult-favorite do-everything lip balm immediately nourishes drip, chapped lips and keeps these quenched for hours. It is described as conditioning, moisturizing, soothing, cruelty-free, and vegan. 

What were my expectations with this product? Considering it is one of their most praised and best-selling products, I was expecting it was worth the hype.

I was lucky enough to check the formula at Glossier’s London store before spending my hard-earned money. Despite not applying it to my lips, I liked the texture and how it felt on my skin, which was definitely a good start!

My experience using Glossier’s Balm Dotcom: OK, unlike most products, my experience with this product has a side A (the original formula) and a side B (the vegan-friendly).

Original formula: I immediately loved it and could tell (and agree) right away why this was such a cult product. 

I loved the texture. It had just the perfect level of thickness—not only on the lips but also when coming out of the tube. I mention this because I had a really hard time with Lanolips and am not a fan of Laneige’s texture. The one from the Balm Dotcom reminds me of Egyptian Magic Multipurpose Cream, but without having to dig my finger into the jar.

When it comes to the scent, it has a very subtle rose scent - which I really appreciate.

I've used it on my lips and also applied it to the area around my nose when it was chapped due to the cold, and it worked wonderfully.

Vegan formula: I love products with vegan formulas, and I usually pick these over non-vegan products. So, I was excited when I learned that Glossier had reformulated one of their cult products to make it more conscious and suitable for vegan skincare enthusiasts.

Unfortunately, if you have tried the original formula, you can immediately tell the difference when trying the vegan one. 

The vegan formula is less rich and emollient than the original one. It wasn't as nourishing as the original formula. And I've also noticed that, occasionally, the formula would split. So, I got only the oils - instead of the whole thing.

Don't get me wrong, it's still a pretty good formula, and I still use it every single day… but it isn't the same thing.

Would I recommend it? Yes! Despite the formula change, it's still a great product. I still use it every single day before going to bed. Be patient when the ingredients split. If that happens, I recommend putting some product on the back of your hand, blending the formula with the tip of your finger, and applying it to your lips afterward. A bummer, I know!

9/10

Glossier Cloud Paint Blush

I dare say that the Cloud Paint Blush was the product I was the most excited to try out of Glossier’s portfolio.

First, how could I ever resist that package?! Second, I am a big fan of natural-looking blushes - so this one was right up my alley. 

What does the brand say about it? On its website, Glossier introduces the Cloud Paint Blush as “the most user-friendly blush and bronzer under the sun.”

They present this product range as a collection of seamless cheek colors in blush and bronzer shades, so it’s natural, as if your skin made it.

Buildable, cruelty-free, and easy to wear and apply, each shade is sheer enough to blend and layer without going overboard. 

What were my expectations with this product? I was expecting something light, easy to use, and not too noticeable on my skin.

My experience using Glossier’s Cloud Paint Blush: Despite my expectations, it went better than expected.

Even though it is quite pigmented, and a little goes a long way, it isn’t as pigmented as the famous liquid blushes from Rare Beauty. The Cloud Paint formula is way easier to blend out without looking excessive.

The formula is liquid but not too fluid, which makes it easier to control the quantity of product applied and how you blend it out on the skin to get a natural finish without disrupting the products underneath.

I usually apply a little bit of formula to the back of my hand and spread it a little bit with my fingertip. Afterward, I collect some product with a brush, and only then do I apply it to my skin.

I’ve started by purchasing the shade Puff, as it was the one that resonated the most with my fair skin tone. But, given my positive experience, I’ve been now collecting some other shades.

Especially because I love using these as an eyeshadow base, these go wonderfully with sparkling formulas or toppers.

Lately, I’ve been using the shade Dusk as a bronzer, and it looks amazing on my skin—especially on my hairline, as it looks incredibly natural. It also looks great when paired with the shade Puff on my cheeks, and these two products make the perfect summertime combo, on top of my everyday sunscreen.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely! One of the reasons why I would recommend it is how easy it is to apply it, even if you’re new to makeup or liquid blushes. Plus, it’s buildable without looking tacky. Another reason why I recommend this is because of its shade range: it has a bit of everything according to your skin tone and taste, which is great!

But the main reason why I highly recommend this is because of how versatile it is: blush, eyeshadow, bronzer… 

9/10

Glossier Generation G 

Given my positive experience with the previous products, I decided to place an order for a few other Glossier bestsellers when the brand started shipping worldwide—and that was the case with the Generation G lipstick.

First, I wanted to check out what the fuss was all about. Second, despite having many lip products, most days, I constantly opt for a “my lips, but better” vibe. So, I thought that this lipstick would be right up my alley.

What does the brand say about it? According to Glossier’s website, Generation G works as a just-blotted lipstick without the blotting part.

Fragrance-free, buildable, and sheer-matte - this lipstick gives a perfectly diffused flush of color. Inspired by the makeup artist's trick of blotting lipstick after application, one swipe glides on smooth and even (no mirror needed!) for a buildable, soft-edged, just-kissed look.

It gives your natural lips a little something extra!

What were my expectations with this product? I was looking for something that would naturally enhance my lips that wasn't over-pigmented, easy to use, and comfortable on the lips.

My experience using Glossier’s Generation G: It was better than I expected.

I got mine in the shade Crush, and it looks amazing on my lips. It definitely gives me that "my lips, but better" look that I was looking for. What surprised me the most is that it actually gives that bitten or blotted lip look without the bitting or blotting part. This is something that I really appreciate, making it easier to apply on the go.

It glides very well on the lips and I can pretty much cover my lips with just a couple of swipes, without having to worry about lack of coverage in some areas or its intensity. While remaining natural and keeping that blotted effect.

I also enjoy the matte finish, which contributes even more to a natural look. 

Despite being a dry formula, I haven't felt a lack of nourishment on my lips. Nor have I felt these cracking or incredibly dry throughout the hours - a huge plus for Glossier's formula.

But I loved the most how comfortable this formula felt on my lips from the first moment.

Would I recommend it? Yes, but only if you're looking for a natural-looking, easy-to-wear lipstick.

9/10

Glossier Ultralip

I didn't know much about this product when I ordered it. 

I added Glossier's Ultralip to the cart mostly to see how it performed in comparison to other Glossier's iconic lip products, like the Balm Dotcom or Generation G.

What does the brand say about it? Glossier describes the Ultralip as "the (cashmere) sweatpants of lipstick.

A luxe one-step lipstick with the rich moisture of a balm, the sheen of a gloss, and the buildable color of a lip tint - without the need for extra products in your purse. A balmy formula that wraps lips in a smooth color and shine with a buttery-soft feel.

What were my expectations with this product? Even though I didn't know exactly what to expect, I hoped this was a good lip product.

My experience using Glossier's Ultralip: It has nothing to do with the other Glossier's lip products that I have previously mentioned.

Out of the three lip products reviewed in this article, Glossier's Ultralip is the most comfortable one. Its buttery texture melts on the lips, leaving them soft and nourished.

I would describe it as a rich lip balm that is easy to apply and provides instant comfort. I love that it doesn't feel greasy or sticky, which usually puts me off regarding lip balms.

Mine is in the shade Lucite, which is lighter than my lip shade. So, in this case, I benefit more from its hydration properties than the pigment ones. However, it is available in many shades, so feel free to pick one that suits your preferences.

Occasionally, I apply the Ultralip on top of the Generation Z lipstick to add a bit of sheerness and hydration.

I love that the package is not bulky, making it easy to apply. Unfortunately, it opens up quite often inside my purse—even when I carefully store it vertically in a designated compartment.

Would I recommend it? Yes, if you're looking for a nourishing and buttery lip balm. 

Despite the price (26 euros), it does a better job in terms of comfort and hydration than any drugstore lip balm I've tried so far.

It's also available in different colors, so you can pick a more pigmented one and add a hint of color to your lips.

The only con, besides the price, is that the packaging isn't very reliable. And I would expect more for this price point.

8.5/10

Glossier Boy Brow

Unlike most makeup enthusiasts, I rarely use eyeshadow products.

Why? I find my eyeshadows relatively easy to tame au naturel, and I don’t feel the need to fill out these on a daily basis—only when there’s some special occasion going on or when I am feeling a bit insecure.

Yet, I wanted to try Glossier’s boy products. Why? Because I felt that if I enjoyed using any brow products, it would be these.

So, let’s start by talking about Glossier’s Boy Brow.

What does the brand say about it? Glossier introduces it as the original, everyday essential for all brows.

A creamy, conditioning formula and a precision brush coats even the smallest and finest hairs for a soft, flexible hold that won’t stiffen or flake.

Available in 7 shades. In a range of subtly-tinted shades seamlessly blending in with your natural hairs, plus the Clear one (that won’t leave a trace).

What were my expectations with this product? As a fan of natural makeup and, therefore, natural eyebrows… I was looking for a product that would help me enhance my natural features without looking “frozen” or laminated if you know what I mean.

My experience using Glossier’s Boy Brow: Well, it was exactly what I hoped for.

Glossier’s Boy Brow helps me comb and set my brows while still looking (and feeling) natural, unlike similar products in the market.

After my experience with Milk Makeup’s KUSH Fiber Brow Gel, I decided to choose the clear option so I could have better control during the application process and prevent my eyebrows from looking too dark in certain areas. I am pretty pleased with my selection. 

Of all the brow gels I’ve tried so far (some of these are not cruelty-free), the one from Glossier is my favorite and suits my needs the best.

I love the small comb applicator as it makes applying product all over my brow line easier without accidentally depositing product on my skin.

I enjoy how it sets my brows without making me uncomfortable over time. And last but not least, it doesn’t leave a white residue.

Would I recommend it? Yes, but only if you want a brow product with a natural finish.

I am saying this because Glossier’s Boy Brow won’t give you the same effect as Anastasia Beverly Hill’s Brow Freeze or Benefit’s Brow Setter, mostly because it isn’t as strong when it comes to its setting effect.

But if your eyebrows aren’t really thick and wild, or you don’t want a laminated effect, Glossier’s Boy Brow will be a good option for you. Feel free to choose the shade that works best for you!

9.5/10

Glossier Brow Flick

Another reason I decided to get Boy Brow in the Clear shade was that I wanted to try Glossier’s Brow Flick.

In the past, I’ve tried to fill out the sparse spots with a brow pencil or a tinted gel… but I was never a fan of the result.

So, I was excited to see how it would go with a detailing pen.

What does the brand say about it? According to Glossier’s website, the Brow Flick is a brush-tip detailing pen to fill and define your eyebrows in the most natural-looking way.

Use it to add oomph to your arch, extend the tail, or add depth to sparse spots with feather-like strokes that fit right in with your natural hair.

It comes in three shades that won’t disappear or smear: Blond, Brown, and Black.

Buildable, long-wearing, sheer, smudge-resistant, vegan, and cruelty-free.

What were my expectations with this product? I expected a product to help me fill out sparse brow areas while still looking natural.

My plan was never to add product all over my brows but only to specific areas. I wanted to have some control over the application and the result.

My experience using Glossier’s Brow Flick: I was immediately surprised by how comfortable the tip of the detailing pen is and how it glided on my skin.

I wouldn’t describe it as a precision pen, as the stroke is slightly thicker than I would imagine. But it looks incredibly natural on the skin, especially when applied more towards the middle/end of the brow.

I’ve realized that it looked a bit noticeable at the beginning of my brow, as it’s my most sparse area (due to a plucking mistake during my teenage years). 

However, I’ve also noticed that this is the sparsest area for most people, so I am not applying any product there. Only mid towards the end and in the areas that might need some coverage. 

By doing this, my eyebrows look simultaneously fuller and more natural, which is precisely what I was looking for.

However, I have to say I’ve struggled a bit with creating a stroke that resembled natural hair. But, again, this isn’t a make-or-break for me.

Would I recommend it? Yes! If you want to have some control over filling out some sparse areas in your eyebrows while still looking natural.

9/10

Glossier Lidstar

I am a big fan of sparkly eyeshadows for everyday use. Given that I am always in a rush, I am also a huge fan of liquid and cream eyeshadows—they are quicker to blend out than powdered ones.

So, when I ran into Glossier’s Lidstar liquid eyeshadows, I felt immediately drawn to them.

I managed to swatch a couple of these during my visit to their London store, but given the price (23 euros) and the not-so-favorable reviews online, I decided not to give it a go then.

But I have kept thinking about this product ever since. Needless to say, this was one of the first products that I purchased when Glossier started shipping worldwide.

What does the brand say about it? On the brand’s website, Glossier’s Listar is described as a soft, glistening eyeshadow that creates a sheer, shimmering veil of color. It locks into life and lasts all day without creasing.

Its ultra-fine pigments float through a buttery base for a silky, blendable formula that swipes on seamlessly and maintains its pretty, glistening look long after it settles.

Available in 6 shades with different pearls and flecks for a lit-from-within multi-dimensional glow.

These are easy to apply, have long wear, and are cruelty-free.

What were my expectations with this product? One thing that I’ve heard online was that these eyeshadows weren’t very pigmented. This wasn’t a problem for me, as I tend to gravitate towards neutral-looking eyeshadows - especially on office days.

So, I was looking for a liquid eyeshadow that was easy to apply, would last all day (or most of it), and would work as an enhancer - instead of being too visible.

My experience using Glossier’s Lidstar: Whenever I purchase a new eyeshadow formula, I always gravitate towards champagne and soft pink shades. These are my comfort zones when it comes to eyeshadows (basic, I know).

I started by purchasing the shade Slip (light pink) to see if I enjoyed the formula. And it was pretty much love at first sight.

First, I love the package. The applicator feels very comfortable when gliding on my eyelid and comes with enough product for one coat. I usually apply a couple more after blending out the first one.

I usually blend the formula with a blender eyeshadow brush (Nº14 from Better). And I often find myself applying more products to even out the area and get extra color payoff.

What I immediately noticed was that it highlighted my eye area, and the application looked so smooth that it actually seemed that it was done by a professional. Even if I applied these quickly, that’s how easy it is to blend out. No crease! 

I notice that these fade out throughout the hours but still remain decent here and there.

I purchased the shade Bun soon after and am pleased with both.

Would I recommend it? Yes, but only if you’re looking for something that looks very neutral and soft regarding pigmentation.

I would also recommend these if you’re new to eyeshadows and want something easy to apply, but with a flawless finish. These are also quite convenient for traveling or to carrying around on your everyday purse (for touch ups).

If you prefer a stick eyeshadow formula instead of a liquid one, I would recommend the ones from Rare Beauty.

8.5/10

Overall, are Glossier’s makeup products worth the hype and your hard-earned money?

If you’re into natural-looking makeup that enhances your natural features, Glossier will definitely satisfy you.

I love that all their products are cruelty-free and that plenty of vegan-friendly products are in their portfolio.

Sure, their products aren’t cheap but are still more affordable than most high-end brands.

In this article, you can check out all of the Glossier products that I’ve tried so far. I love them all. There’s not a single one that I’ve considered a waste of money, and I am pretty sure I’ll repurchase these whenever I run out.

What about you? Have you tried Glossier’s products? If so, what are your favorites?