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
By now, everyone in the English-speaking world knows about Glossier. It’s everywhere—in pop-up shops, on our Insta feeds, all over your Facebook ads despite you never Googling it or even talking about it aloud to another soul—and as a result of this exposure, everyone seems to be loooving it. I mean, I don’t blame them. The brand itself sounds like, really cool and in tune with the latest fads (i.e. chic millennial pink packaging, natural beauty encouragement, and unbelievably affordable stuff). Glossier prides itself on being the real deal—no gimmicks, fillers, and overall no bullshit. The products are inspired by everyday people who are fed up with not being able to find what they need for their beauty routines. So, naturally, with all of this being said, I had to try it out for myself since like, everyone on my Instagram feed already has. I put it to the test to see if Glossier products really are as amazing as people say. Some of their products may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but these 6 are actually so worth it.
1. Glossier Lash Slick
If you’re looking for a lengthening mascara that doesn’t make it look like you have tacky falsies on, then this is it. This formula is incredibly lightweight, conditioning, and does not clump whatsoever. I swear, I purposely put on several layers just to check, and nope. Not a single clump.
2. Glossier Boy Brow
Like many of you, I am absolutely crazy about my brows. I only use a specific kohl pencil and I do them myself because I have trust issues. For someone whose brows have always been on the thinner side, I like them to look somewhat thicker with a sharp arch, but still natural. Duh. The Boy Brow is a total game-changer. I sound cheesy, but I literally said, “wow” after applying just once. This is the easiest thing to use with the least messy, most natural-looking consistency I’ve ever seen for shaping and shading in brows. 11/10.
3. Glossier Wowder
On a good day, I’m looking like a greaseball by lunch. That’s on a good day. Factor in the summer heat and humidity and I’m basically a puddle by 12pm. I’m always looking for a finishing primer, powder, or spray that keeps makeup on my face, where it belongs, without making me look oily. I also don’t want something that I’m going to have to keep whipping out and reapplying every couple of hours. No thanks. Wowder, on the other hand, kept my T-zone entirely shine-free with a matte finish for hours and came in a shade that blends in perfectly with my foundation.
4. Glossier Cloud Paint
I’m not a huge blush person, simply because I don’t know how to apply it correctly. I just learned how to contour two months ago. There’s a reason I’m not a beauty vlogger. This liquid intimidated me because I thought I’d end up looking like a clown, but I was actually impressed af. I put the smallest amount on my finger before applying to my cheekbones, and a little goes a long way with this. I chose the baby pink, Dusk, and after blending it in v well, I had the cutest rosy glow.
5. Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser
My skin care routine is always changing because my skin is so damn sensitive. I look at pizza and whoop—there goes a zit instantly forming on my forehead. My facial cleansers have to be very gentle and soft, so I was v excited to give this one a shot. It def left my face feeling super soft and refreshed, and I had no irritating sensations such as stinging or burning afterwards.
6. Glossier Super Pure
Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt personally victimized by the side-effects fast food, PMS, and stress have left on your skin.
Us rn:
Uh, yeah, story of my life. As part of the big three Super serums, Super Pure focuses on relieving your skin of these environmental factors with its light water-gel formula. It absorbs into your skin and helps rid pores of junk and excess oil. Praise be. I used this right before bed and any redness or swelling my face had suffered seriously decreased. No additional breakouts or irritation, so yeah, I’ll be using this religiously.
Images: Charisse Kenion / Unsplash; Glossier (6); Giphy (1)
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