First things first, I have the world’s most sensitive skin. At 24 years old, I’ve yet to find a facial cleanser that I actually like. I have legitimately resorted to using a body wash for my face because nothing else will work. I also suffer from full-blown adult acne and sometimes, even cystic acne (I know, some girls really do have it all!). I’ve accepted it and have (thankfully) come a long way since undergrad. Shout out to Mario Badescu, tbh. However, there are still many mornings where I wake up to find a zit that feels like it’s the size of a small country. When I just want it to go away ASAP, nothing. works. As least not as fast as I want it to. So when Glossier came out with a spot treatment called the Glossier Zit Stick that supposedly works wonders in just a few HOURS, you’re damn right I had to get my hands on that sucker and try it immediately.
Prior to using it, I had done my extensive research Google searching, as I always do before putting anything new on my face. Not only does the packaging look pretty and petite (v travel-friendly), but its ingredients consist of tea tree oil, capryloyl salicylic acid (a way less harsh version than regular salicylic acid), and benzoyl peroxide. Already sounds fantastic. Plus, just as an added bonus, it’s hypoallergenic, vegan, gluten- and cruelty-free.
Many people can have bad side effects to benzoyl peroxide since it can be drying and strong on skin, so although I felt my skin had been used to it in the past, I used my fave moisturizer beforehand, juuust in case. Since you can use the Zit Stick up to 3 times a day, I started using it around 10am directly on fresh red and swollen zits (in my cheek and nose areas) before I finished putting my makeup on. First observation: you can totally layer it under your foundation, so major points.
I then applied it again before bed the same day. But like, P.S. please excuse both my very awkward face and terrible bathroom lighting. This already took massive courage (with no alcohol consumed) to show my non-countoured face. I’m assuming you know the struggle. I’m not a beauty vlogger by any means, ok? Moving on.
The next day in the midst of getting ready, I had already noticed a significant difference. Did it work in three hours? Not quite. Did it work, though? In my opinion, yes. *In a really professional scientist-like sounding voice* As seen here, while both areas aren’t completely clear, the redness has practically gone away and the swelling has gone down tremendously. I am honestly impressed. I didn’t experience a single negative side-effect (and I would’ve noticed right away), and my skin doesn’t seem to reject it at all.
Because I know some of you will inevitably ask: No, Glossier did not pay me to write this review. Sometimes you just review products out of your own curiosity and they… end up doing exactly what they claim to do. I know, it’s crazy. The moral of this review is that the Glossier Zit Stick is worth a try if you ever suffer from breakouts. (And if you don’t, kindly donate your skin to me. Thx.) For the price ($14), you’d be kicking yourself if you didn’t add the Zit Stick to your Glossier cart. I feel like this is a better thing to keep in your purse than a Tide-to-Go pen, and knowing that any PMS- or stress-induced zit is only a swipe away from disappearing is a level of comfort you can’t put a price on.
Photos: Alexandra Gorn / Unsplash; Glossier
