Acoustic playlist running in the background? Check. A $2.99 Subway sub currently digesting? Check. My dog sitting next to me? Check. It seems like the conditions are perfect to breed some happiness this evening! Sit back and enjoy a dive into one of my absolute favorite makeup brands: Glossier! The wildly popular beauty company crafts natural-looking makeup and skincare products “with your real beauty routine in mind.” Wearing these products to enhance my appearance, rather than alter it, is such a confidence booster – I’m always happy when I apply and wear anything by Glossier! 🙂

A product of beauty review website Into the Gloss, Glossier came into existence under now CEO Emily Weiss in 2014. In a direct quote from Glossier’s website, Weiss stated that she was motivated to launch the brand to “make beauty as much of an element of personal style as fashion.” Popularizing the dewy, effortless makeup look of blotted splashes of color mingling among natural tones, Glossier was definitely a large contributor to the makeup trends that we see today. A subtle rebellion against traditional beauty trends of matte finishes, chiseled contour, and smoky, shimmery eyeshadow, Weiss set out to create a brand where “beauty products [were] inspired by real life” (the brand’s tagline).

I first discovered Glossier through the online beauty community – specifically through the thorough and concise Matilda on YouTube. Her dazzling swatches and glowing reviews of the brand’s products motivated me to seek out one of their physical locations while I was on my senior trip in New York City. I will say, it is pricier than the average drugstore brand, but their products are fairly long-lasting: the Skin Tint liquid foundation that I purchased on my first trip to the store is still kicking today! 🙂 The pigmented nature of their Cloud Paint liquid blushes, among other products, also promotes the ‘a little goes a long way’ philosophy – unless having rosy-colored clown cheeks is your desired look, apply these quality items with a light hand!

One aspect of the brand that I appreciate is that all products require no additional applicators to achieve a user’s desired look. Glossier actually encourages application by hand, foregoing the use of brushes or sponges altogether. While I do use brushes for some of my Glossier makeup, it is absolutely not necessary, and allows a customer to focus on investing in quality products rather than worrying about the additional cost of applicators that are often pushed by popular beauty brands.

My personal favorite product so far is the Cloud Paint liquid blush. I was definitely nervous at first application (you’re talking to a girl who was initially spooked by liquid foundation, let alone blush!), but the natural flush that Dusk gives to my cheeks is one I can’t help but admire, even when I’m out and about. Other products I enjoy include the Fawn Lidstar cream eyeshadow, which provides a perfect amount of shimmer and looks beautiful simply framed with mascara, and the classic Skin Tint liquid foundation, which helps even out my skin without getting cakey or feeling heavy on my face. I have yet to explore their popular skincare line other than being a passionate advocate for their Balm.com lip balm/skin salve – which I now proudly own 3 of.

Of course, there is also some more playful options than the subtler ones I have already mentioned – the Glossier Play makeup line features some bolder color choices without being an aggressive punch of pigment, a perfect introduction to experimenting (dare I say, Playing) with one’s beauty routine!

I cannot say enough good things about Glossier. It makes me feel confident, is a delight to apply whether you use your fingers or reach for a brush, and seeks to redefine beauty trends to show that a woman is beautiful just the way she is – there is no need to comply to traditional beauty trends in order to feel celebrated or appreciated in society. Natural is in, and as far as I’m concerned, it’s here to stay! 🙂

Pictured below are the Lidstar eyeshadow and Cloud Paint blush shades- a sneak peak into just how beautiful this brand can be! You can view the Into The Gloss blog here and shop Glossier makeup here. 🙂

Mot joyeux d’aujourd’hui: “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.” -Coco Chanel

Much love,

Alyson