In the previous Glossier post on their skincare, I talked about how it’s a very consistent, well targeted brand. This is possibly even more true for Glossier makeup: it is fresh and modern, there are no dense pigments or full-coverage products. The biggest achievement of their makeup oeuvre (in my opinion) is that you can use everything – base, concealer, brow gel, blush, highlighter, lipstick, powder – and it still looks effortless and natural. This is what I call a coherent approach to a makeup line.

Whether all the products are absolutely amazing is a different story, however, and much will depend on your preferences. If you are a fan of Tom Ford lipsticks and/or a full face of flawless makeup, this is not for you. But let’s see what I thought about the things I acquired.

1. Perfecting Skin Tint. This is, as I’m sure you have guessed, a light coverage base (mine is also in shade called Light). While it does even out your skin, it doesn’t do much more. Still, you’ll look better with this on and entirely non-cakey. What shocked me, however, is that this seems rather matte on my skin, not dewy. I don’t know whether this is some unique devilry of my face or something more common. When my skin is matte, I tend to look very dead. This is not quite the case with Skin Tint, as it’s still sheer and natural, but I would prefer a bit more dew. On the plus side, it’s very easy to apply.

2. Stretch Concealer. Even though I’m not a big concealer person, I do like this one. Somehow, it really does feel stretchy: it moves with the skin and there’ll be no cracked surfaces. The coverage is rather light (and so is the name of the colour, again), but still decent. Works best for under eyes and is fine around the nose, I wouldn’t generally use it for spots. It stays in place pretty nicely even without setting and can be built up somewhat.

3. Wowder. I’m not the right person to assess powders, as I don’t use them much and therefore cannot compare them effectively. This loose one does the job (in my case, keeps my nose shine-free for longer), but it’s certainly not better than Charlotte Tilbury or Make-Up Forever. I’m also not sure if everyone would find their right shade: there are three in total, I wear the lightest and the darkest is pretty dark, so there are bound to be big gaps in between.

4. Haloscope. I’m afraid I forgot to photograph this one: if you’re not familiar with Haloscope, it’s a stick highlight – my favourite highlighter format, because I’m a lazy person. Although Glossier is all about the dewiness, it’s not one of those highlights you’d see from space. This can be a good or a bad thing, depending on your preferences. I like that it’s more glossy than sparkly and when I remember that I own this, I’m quite happy to use it. Nothing revolutionary, though.

5. Cloud Paints. I’m a fan of cream blushes, so I was relatively certain I was going to love these and I was right. The formula is a gel-cream, almost liquid and easy to apply, if you can get the right amount of product out of the tube (you really need very little). I own the colours Dusk (a light tan) and Haze (raspberry pink) and they are both beautiful. I usually don’t use bronzer, but Dusk makes me look healthy in a kind of similar way. Do not be alarmed when the colours look rather intense to you – they will sheer out and settle on your skin. Lovely stuff.

5. Boy Brow. This brow pomade-gel-wax is one of Glossier’s star products and I can see why. If you want that cool bushy brow look (and a Glossier girl definitely does), this will help you get it. I’m not sure it looks that great on me, as my brows don’t want to be cool or bushy and appear slightly awkward when I try to force them. Despite that, I kind of like this little thingy and keep experimenting. Weird brows are the new black (or brown, in this case – the shade is very nice).

6. Generation G. Again, I have to hand it to Glossier for the concept: Generation G is a sheer lipstick, but it’s matte. I honestly cannot think of another product like that – everybody used to get this look by applying a gloss, tinted balm or a sheerer lipstick and blotting it down. I do like the colours as well (I own Crush). The downside is that it’s not that kind to the lips, not moisturising or smoothing. So as often with Glossier, it will look good on you if you already look pretty good. I use a lip balm underneath – if you want the matte effect, blot or wipe it before applying Generation G. The other thing, which I personally don’t mind, is that the lipstick is extremely small. That is also true for almost anything Glossier and something to keep in mind.

7. Lip Gloss. Well, this is a clear lip gloss and that’s pretty much everything I have to say about it. It is glossy. It is also somewhat sticky, although the marketing claims it isn’t. It looks cool. It’s tiny. It will not make you look worse. It’s very Glossier.

So a mixed bag, I guess, but I don’t regret my purchases. I knew that some of these may not be for me and it was a fully conscious decision to try them anyway. Maybe the best thing about Glossier makeup is that it made me think about how and why I apply makeup and why some things look modern to us and others not. All this makeup has, in the end, actually inspired me to wear a lighter look. At least occasionally.*

*Not that I wear that much makeup on a daily basis, as I value my morning sleep too much. Also, as I’m still coughing and my nose is red and sore, haven’t really worn anything for the last week.

And no, the products don’t look as bright in real life, but people who live in darkness can be forgiven an occasional OTT filter.