Like everyone else on Instagram, I was caught in the worldwide hype that was Glossier in 2016. All my favourite beauty bloggers - from The Anna Edit to Sali Hughes - were talking about it.
Glossier has captured beauty junkies around the world. And their popularity shows no signs of slowing down. As I write, a new diffusion line, Glossier Play, is being released tomorrow. But how on earth can you get your beauty loving mitts on Glossier if you live in New Zealand? For me, International travel seemed to be the only answer.
When I visited London last year, my first priority was to order some Glossier to be delivered to Matt’s sisters house in South London. A few days later my box arrived! Hurrah! I did a giveaway to my fab readers just to treat you to this exclusive treat. Yes, I was sucking up massively but come on wouldn’t you?
I also was fortunate enough that I met beauty PR guru Jo Jones (who is a co-founder of Beauty Banks in the UK - the inspiration behind my own Soap For Society). Jo represents Glossier in the UK (I didn’t actually know that beforehand) and so she very kindly gifted me some products from The Communications Store. Amongst them as Glossier. My emotions can only be described as pure excitement.
If international travel isn’t in your budget a really good solution is to make yourself an account via MyUs.com. I’ve heard that New Zealand Post YouShop is also an option, but crucially MyUS.com were able to get me the fragrance into New Zealand, whereas other people have told me they ordered the Glossier Scent but it was sent back under their YouShop order. This was not the case with MyUS and I received my full Glossier order without any problem.
MyUS is very very easy to use and pretty speedy. I was gifted $100 in an Amazon Voucher by MyUs to start me off so I bought some Glossier there (at a rather rude mark-up) and more on the www.glossier.com website. Everything came together, perfectly wrapped up and safe and sound as a kitten. I was thrilled. While yes I did pay for the shipping, it meant that I got everything to New Zealand and there were no hassles.
So now I’ve tried a fair amount of Glossier I can give the verdict on what I do and don’t like. Drumroll please:
THE LOVE
CLOUD PAINT IN STORM - This is my favour easy blush and it reminds me of a more fuss-free super pigmented version of Benefit benetint but in gel form.
MILKY JELLY CLEANSER - Nice beautiful texture and non-offensive smell. This will remove makeup if left on for a few minutes. Good level of hydration.
LIDSTARS - I really get on with these simple and light moisturising eyeshadows in liquid form. I love the pink shade in particular for a barely-there look.
BOY BROW - Does what it says on the tin. Very good to hold my bushy brows in place.
HALOSCOPE HIGHTLIGHTER - A pop of shimmer on your cheeks. Pretty and great for travel. Not super unique but good packaging and product overall.
THE MEH
GLOSSIER SCENT - This is fine but not the revolutionary scent I was expecting. I don’t think it smells like a human but quite floral to be honest (they say ”Three base notes... ambrette: comfy, warm. ambrox: smooth, salty, animalistic musk: long-lasting, addictive...And a mix of top notes say “nice to meet you!” without overpowering the base. Iris root: earthy, green, woody. Pink pepper: spice, sparkling”)
MOISTURISER - This isn’t BAD per se but not very unique. I thought it was a mousturiser which would be able to have a cheaper dupe very easily.
BALM DOT COM - This is basically Antipodes Savior Balm but much more expensive once you factor in shipping. Nothing to write home about.
THE BAD
BODY HERO SHOWER GEL - Initially I liked this especially the texture which is an oil that turns into a lather but unfortunately after a few goes the smell really overwhelmed me and I was entirely put off. The shower gel has a very pungent Turkish delight scent that I found almost nauseating. Just not for me.
BODY HERO MOISTURISER - The scent again put me off this one. Sad face emoji.
There you go! Of course there are lots of Glossier products I am yet to try but this was my impression of what I ordered. Also honourable mentioned to type sunscreen which is pretty good but I used up in Europe.
