At Glossier HQ, the team is no stranger to sharing what they keep in their makeup bags. This year, however, they decided to adopt a more solution-oriented approach. The concept was straightforward: colleagues were asked about their current makeup bags, including what they liked and what they were looking for in a new one. In turn, Glossier agreed to act as a "fairy godmother" to their product storage woes, providing everyone with an upgraded, dream makeup bag. This was a particularly good deal, considering the common issues with their old bags. Some lacked sufficient space, others had too few compartments, and most were covered in makeup dust. Consequently, the old bags were retired, and their contents were moved into new, superiorly organized alternatives. Welcome to Extreme Makeover: Makeup Bags Edition!
Personalized Makeup Bag Upgrades and Product Insights
The article then delves into individual experiences and preferences, showcasing how different makeup bags and products cater to diverse needs and routines.
Skincare-Focused Bags and Protection Needs
One colleague described their at-home bag as primarily a skincare bag, featuring products like The Ordinary’s Niacinamide Serum, Caudalie’s Radiance Serum, and Origins Mega-Bright SPF mixed with Mega-Mushroom Moisturizer. A recurring theme was the preference for oil-free products in glass containers. The LeSportsac bag, a sentimental item reminiscent of their mother, was appreciated for its vast capacity. However, the real need was for a bag that offered better protection for valuable skincare investments. The new Paravel bag addresses this with its sturdy construction, a handle for secure transport, an easy-access zip top, and 360-degree clear panels for an at-a-glance view of the contents.
Sunscreen Prioritization and Space Constraints
Another individual confessed to often lecturing friends and family about the importance of sunscreen, hence their makeup bag always contains at least four SPF products, including Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen and a mini Supergoop Setting Mist, with plans to add Sun Bum’s Clear Zinc and Mineral Stick for summer use. The challenge with carrying so much sunscreen was the limited space for makeup. While their previous Barneys bag fit essentials, it lacked room for a favorite Tarte bronzer and a large bronzer brush. The new Cuyana travel case, however, offers ample space for these items and is compact enough for daily commutes.
The Quest for Simplicity and Organization
A philosophy of keeping things simple, clean, polished, and minimal extended to a beauty routine. However, the current makeup bag hindered this, often leading to the wrong product being retrieved - reaching for Laura Mercier’s Setting Powder but pulling out Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, or seeking Tom Ford’s Boys & Girls Lipstick and finding Glossier Play Niteshine in Molten Umber instead. This disorganization was sabotaging morning readiness. The new bag features a large main compartment, two inner pockets, and an additional outer pocket for enhanced organization and space.
Brush-Friendly and Compact Solutions
For someone whose job involves testing product formulas, makeup application is typically for freshening up. This often means carrying makeup brushes, which are essential for editing down products and achieving multi-functionality. The primary inconvenience was storing brushes with long, decorative, or large, chunky handles that never fit into previous makeup bags. The new case resolves this by being both long enough to accommodate brushes and compact enough to fit easily into a larger bag.
Consolidating Skincare and Makeup Essentials
One user maintained two separate bags: one for skincare (including Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser, Kiehl's Creme De Corps, and Elta MD sunscreen) and a smaller one for makeup. This division arose because larger skincare items left no room for makeup like Cloud Paint and Nars Powermatte Lip Pigments, not to mention hand cream and body musk. Despite acknowledging that two bags were one too many, consolidation was difficult without sacrificing daily access. The new cloud-like Caraa bag, however, managed to consolidate everything effectively.
Minimalist Bags with Practical Compartments
With very sensitive skin, a "less is more" approach was adopted for skincare, typically involving Origins Super Spot Remover Acne Treatment Gel for rough days, or a touch of Cloud Paint in Beam and Lash Slick. While routines were simple, the user yearned for a makeup bag with compartments or zippers, moving beyond a nondescript, basic sample pouch. The new bag is described as minimalist yet realistic, featuring a pocket ideal for essentials like a scrunchie, lipstick, or a saved fragrance sample.
The "Bare Minimum" and Versatile Storage
This user's makeup bag remained at home unless heading to the gym from work, typically stocked with the bare minimum: skincare, deodorant, and hair wax. However, often, the morning's application products were added "just in case," as the bare minimum felt insufficient. An ideal bag would accommodate items like Comme des Garcons Play Green, RMS Signature Set, and Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler. The previous bag, while featuring a bright pattern, top opening, and machine-washability, felt prone to ripping, and items were easily lost at the bottom. The solution found was a pouch within a pouch system: a larger one for standing products and a smaller one for the important small items.
Glossier Product Reviews: A Deep Dive
The article then transitions into detailed reviews of specific Glossier products, evaluating their performance, formulation, and suitability for various makeup preferences.
Balm Dotcom: Original vs. Vegan Formula
Glossier’s Balm Dotcom is presented as a cult favorite, praised for its conditioning, moisturizing, soothing, cruelty-free, and vegan properties. The original formula received immediate acclaim for its perfect thickness and texture, comparable to Egyptian Magic but in a tube. Its subtle rose scent was appreciated, and it proved effective on both lips and chapped areas around the nose. The vegan formula, while a welcome conscious reformulation, was noted as less rich and emollient than the original, occasionally splitting into oils. Despite these differences, it remains a daily essential, with a tip provided for managing the split formula by blending it on the back of the hand.
Cloud Paint Blush: Blendability and Versatility
The Cloud Paint Blush was a highly anticipated product, admired for its packaging and easy-to-blend formula that avoids an excessive look. Its liquid yet controllable consistency allows for natural finishes without disrupting underlying products. The application method involves applying a small amount to the back of the hand, blending with a fingertip, then collecting with a brush. Initially purchased in the shade Puff for fair skin, the user has since collected other shades and found them excellent as an eyeshadow base, pairing well with sparkling formulas. The shade Dusk has also been used effectively as a natural-looking bronzer, especially on the hairline, and creates a perfect summertime combo with Puff on the cheeks. The blush is highly recommended for its ease of application, buildability, and natural finish, making it suitable for makeup novices.
Generation G Lipstick: The "My Lips But Better" Effect
The Generation G lipstick was acquired to understand the brand's popularity and achieve a "my lips, but better" look. The shade Crush was found to be exceptionally flattering, providing the desired bitten or blotted lip effect without the actual effort. The lipstick glides smoothly, offering good coverage and intensity with just a few swipes while maintaining a natural, blotted appearance. Its matte finish contributes to the natural aesthetic. Despite being a dry formula, it did not leave the lips feeling nourished.
Ultralip: Hydration and Comfort
Glossier’s Ultralip is described as the "(cashmere) sweatpants of lipstick," offering the moisture of a balm, the sheen of a gloss, and buildable color. Unlike other Glossier lip products, Ultralip is exceptionally comfortable, with a buttery texture that melts into the lips, leaving them soft and nourished. It provides instant comfort without a greasy or sticky feel. The shade Lucite, lighter than the user's natural lip color, primarily offers hydration. While available in various shades, the packaging has a tendency to open unexpectedly in a purse. It is recommended for those seeking a nourishing and buttery lip balm, offering superior comfort and hydration compared to drugstore alternatives, despite its price point.
Boy Brow: Natural Enhancement for Eyebrows
With a preference for natural makeup, Glossier’s Boy Brow was chosen for its promise of enhancing natural features without an overly sculpted or "frozen" look. The creamy, conditioning formula and precision brush coat even fine hairs for a soft, flexible hold that doesn't stiffen or flake. The clear option was selected for better application control and to prevent brows from appearing too dark. Boy Brow is considered a favorite among tried brow gels for its ability to set brows naturally and comfortably, without leaving a white residue. It is recommended for those desiring a natural finish, as it doesn't provide the strong hold of products like Anastasia Beverly Hills' Brow Freeze or Benefit's Brow Setter, but is ideal for less thick or wild eyebrows.
Brow Flick: Detailing Pen for Sparse Areas
The Brow Flick detailing pen offers control over application and results. Its comfortable tip glides smoothly, though the stroke is slightly thicker than expected for a precision pen. It looks natural, especially when applied towards the middle and end of the brow. In the sparser front areas, it can appear noticeable, so application is focused on the mid-to-end sections and areas needing coverage, resulting in fuller yet natural-looking brows. While creating a perfect hair-like stroke was a slight challenge, it is still recommended for its natural appearance.
Lidstar Liquid Eyeshadow: Effortless Application and Soft Pigmentation
A fan of sparkly and liquid/cream eyeshadows for their quick application, Glossier’s Lidstar liquid eyeshadows were initially appealing. Despite initial swatching and consideration, the price and online reviews led to a delay in purchase. The shades Slip (light pink) and Bun were eventually acquired. The packaging is attractive, and the applicator provides enough product for one coat, with additional layers possible after blending. Blending with an eyeshadow brush (Nº14 from Better) resulted in a smooth, professional-looking application with no creasing. While the shades fade over hours, they remain decent. Lidstar is recommended for those seeking neutral, soft pigmentation and an easy-to-apply product with a flawless finish, particularly for individuals new to eyeshadows or aiming for a natural makeup look.
Overall Glossier Brand Impression
Glossier is consistently praised for its natural-looking makeup that enhances features. The brand's commitment to cruelty-free products, with a significant number of vegan-friendly options, is a strong selling point. While not inexpensive, Glossier products are considered more affordable than many high-end brands. All tested products have been deemed worthwhile, with no regrets about purchases, and a strong likelihood of repurchasing.