Glossier is a such a buzzword in the beauty world right now, and for good reason. It seems like everyone and their Golden Retriever on Instagram is using their products. So in light of all the hype I knew I had to try it.

What’s interesting about Glossier, other than their use of real people and stories, is that they don’t sell their products in stores. Their model is solely based on quality products and customer reviews, so it’s impressive that they’ve built such a cult following in a short amount of time. The proof is in the priming moisturizer.

Boy brow is probably their most popular product, but I was on a skincare kick so I decided to try out the Phase 1 Set for my first Glossier ~experience.~ I opened the white box with as much anticipation and excitement as a kid on Christmas morning. The products come in a pink bubble wrapped ziplock bag with a side of fun Glossier-themed stickers and a note. They didn’t leave any packaging detail unturned and I can appreciate that.

Phase 1 Set includes the Milky Jelly Cleanser, Priming Moisturizer, and Balm Dotcom. It seemed like a perfect introduction into the brand’s skincare range. The Milky Jelly Cleanser promises to melt away makeup on either dry or wet skin and sooth, purify, and nourish the skin. The Priming Moisturizer is applied after the cleanser to plump and prime the skin for makeup application. The Balm Dotcom comes in six flavors and shades to heal dry lips and cuticles.

Milky Jelly Cleanser

I use the cleanser in the shower as my daily face wash. One pump releases a generous and relatively thick amount, so you only need a few. The smell is not something you want on your face, though. I appreciate that’s it’s not packed with harsh chemicals and fragrances, but the scent is almost rubbery.

It doesn’t lather on the face at all, but instead is a true jelly like the name suggests. It doesn’t feel like it gets down into the pores to really clean the skin. In fact, it didn’t leave my face feeling cleansed at all. If you’re looking for a deeper clean this isn’t the product for you. On a few occasions I found the cleanser made my face red and enflamed in areas after getting out of the shower. Maybe I let it set in for too long or used it incorrectly, but either way it’s a turnoff.

Priming Moisturizer

I LOVE the paint color-like tube the Priming Moisturizer comes in. You can control the amount of product and use it all until the very end. It’s not thick or hydrating enough to be used as an overnight moisturizer, but it’s a great canvas for daytime moisturizer under makeup. I use it in the morning before applying concealer and I find my makeup lasts longer throughout the day. All in all I think it’s a much better product than the cleanser.

Balm Dotcom

The lip balm also comes in a tube and is equally adorable. I got the cherry flavor. It tastes sweet and gives a slight red tint on the lips which is just enough to give a pop of color before running out the door. However, the product itself applies and feels like a heavy, sticky lipgloss. It clumps up as the day goes on.

I would advise to get the balm in a clear color so you can apply it in other areas like the cuticles and dry elbows as the website advertises. Despite it’s heavy texture, it does seem to heal dry or cracked lips. So if you can make it past that feeling, Balm Dotcom could be your lifesaver in the winter months.

Final Review

I love the packaging, values, and overall branding of Glossier. Their message and products are honest and real. It’s exciting to watch them grow their brand without giving up their core beliefs of creating products for real women in the real world.

I’m still open to trying other skincare products despite having a negative reaction to the Milky Jelly Cleanser. The cleanser is not something to write home about. It’s got the scent of petroleum and doesn’t leave the face feeling very cleansed at all. The Priming Moisturizer is worth the hype, though. It makes it easer to apply concealer in the early hours of the morning before work. The lip balm is too heavy, but does nourish the lips.

I’m not giving up my current skincare routine in place of the Phase 1 Set. But next time I’ll try out their makeup, instead. I’m looking at you, Cloud Paint and Boy Brow.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried these products and which products I should try next.