I Tried To Get A Natural Face Beat With Glossier - Here's What Happened
I love makeup, it's a form of art and expression to me. You can be as creative and as simple as you want, the choice is yours. For me personally, I lean towards a minimalistic look that allows me to enhance and bring out my natural features with just a little bit of product.
I discovered the skincare and makeup brand Glossier a while back but never actually gave the line a try. However, when their products were constantly popping up on my Instagram feed, I decided to cave in and give it a try. When I checked out their website, I loved how focused Glossier is with enhancing your natural beauty and turning makeup into something to have fun with instead of something you need. While doing research, I also noticed that some people think you have to be flawless or have "good skin" in order for the products to work – that made me even more tempted to try it!
So, as someone who experiences hyperpigmentation, hormonal breakouts, and designer bags under the eyes, I bought a few of their products to put Glossier to the test.
I purchased four products — Perfecting Skin Tint, Generation G lip color, Cloud Paint, and Stretch Concealer, which brought me to a total of $80 (with free shipping and no tax). This is how the experience went:
Perfecting Skin Tint, $26:
Glossier
The skin tint gave me a nice even glow, but it didn't even out all my discoloration the way I thought it would. I knew it wasn't going to give me a full coverage but I expected just a little more coverage than provided.
The skin tint was also too dark. The selection of colors on the website are very limited; if I went one shade lighter it would have been too light. Glossier definitely needs to widen their color tint range. With all that being said, for the price, it's not worth it.
Cloud Paint, $18:
Glossier
The Cloud Paint is Glossier's version of a blush. I purchased the Color Storm, which is like a raspberry color. I really like the Cloud Paint, it's easy to apply and a little goes a long way. If you like a subtle look when it comes to your blush or just want to add a little pop to your highlight, then this is perfect.
Generation G, $18:
Generation G is Glossier's sheer lipstick. It claims to have a dialed down pigment, and it does. I bought the shade Leo, and didn't notice a hint of color on my lips. I figured because the shade was a dark cocoa, it would at least show on my bottom lip (since it's more pink) and nothing. It did moisturize my lip, but we can also get that result with a lip gloss or Chapstick.
Needless to say, I won't be purchasing this again. In fact, I'm interested in returning it.
Stretch Concealer, $18:
Glossier
I purchased the Stretch Concealer in the shade Deep and it was pretty good. Although it doesn't have the same coverage as my MAC concealer, it definitely brightens my skin. It adds a glow and refreshed look to my skin. Another thing I loved about this concealer is that it's buildable and sinks into your skin instead of caking up on top. It's a great subtle coverage for the days when you want to keep it simple.
Here's my final look using Glossier products:
Writer Krissy Lewis with a full face of Glossier makeup products.
Krissy Lewis/xoNecole
Overall, I don't think Glossier lived up to its hype, but I do believe some products are good for those who want a little extra without doing too much. From what I tried, the all-star product is the concealer. On the other hand, the lipstick is definitely not worth the $18, and you can explore other options to get a natural look that's moisturizing for your lips. I also noticed that the Glossier products all have a very dewy look, so if you have oily skin, so it may not be the best option for you. I think these products are ideal for normal and dry skin.
Here's my look using Glossier with other non-Glossier products I love:
Krissy Lewis/xoNecole
I like my way a lot better, using just one of the Glossier products. I used my Milani Rose Prep + Brighten Face Oil with the Japonesque Liquid Light Illuminator (shade 03), mascara, and the Glossier Stretch Concealer products. I applied the face oil on my lips along with the Fenty Beauty Fenty Glow Gloss Bomb. With these five products,I got the natural glow and simplicity look I was looking for.
Featured image by David Espejo/Getty Images
Freelance writer, content creator, and traveler. She enjoys the beauty of simplicity, a peaceful life, and a big curly fro. Connect with Krissy on social media @iamkrissylewis or check out her blog at www.krissylewis.com.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage