Skincare Splurge: Glossier Phase 1 Set
Skincare is something I have really begun to invest in, especially as I have transitioned into my late 20s. I've had my eye on Glossier since its inception. Emily Weiss's blog Into the Gloss has been bookmarked in my browser since she first started, and it is still one of my favorite sites to visit. Glossier is a simple, high-impact line geared toward women who want their beauty products to enhance and highlight what is naturally there.
My skin has always been very sensitive, oily, and breakout-prone, but after pregnancy my skin gets easily dehydrated, patchy, and red. Since the Glossier Phase 1 set just came back in stock, I ordered it immediately after hearing rave reviews over and over. After a week of testing, I really do find this Skincare Splurge worth every penny. Within a few days, my skin was softer, more even, and much less dry. $80 for 4 products is a very fair price, considering their quality and the results I've experienced.
Also, there are innumerable benefits to using an entire line cohesively because the products are meant to complement one another. The "beauty cocktailing" of mixing brands, both high end and low end, often results in a lifelong pursuit to find the right combinations. After all of my training in the beauty industry, one thing is for sure: sticking with one brand from start to finish definitely simplifies and enables the products to work together as they were designed.
BEFORE: A FULL FACE OF MAKEUP (CONTOUR AND THE WHOLE NINE YARDS)
WASHING MY DRY FACE WITH MILKY JELLY CLEANSER
Lately, I've been rotating between no makeup at all, and a full face. On the days I have eyeliner, mascara, and full-coverage foundation, my regular cleanser wasn't removing everything and I was left with little bumps forming under the skin (yes, even beauty buffs make mistakes).
This cleanser works by dissolving makeup on dry skin. I apply 2 pumps of the cleanser into dry hands, and massage it onto my dry face at the end of the day. The more I massage, the more the formula breaks down the makeup and I am left looking like some scary Snapchat filter. I rinse clean with water, and there is not a stitch of makeup left behind. Those with extra dry skin can wipe the cleanser away with a cloth, and the makeup will still vanish. I will definitely be repurchasing this when it runs out because I have never used anything like it: it's gentle, it's soothing, and it seriously works without drying out my face.
Full-coverage foundation is usually my go-to because I can apply it where I need it, and use as little or as much as my look requires for that day (it's economical), but I've been on the hunt for an everyday, sheer foundation that is easy to apply and doesn't contain SPF (I break out). Enter this amazing tint. It's super watery, but blends quickly into the skin. It is incredibly sheer, and I find I still need to conceal redness around my nose and chin, but I love how it makes my skin look and feel. It has a slight glow to it, without any added shimmer, and after it dries I can't feel it; my skin feels like skin. About 6 drops covers my entire face, and it blends seamlessly. If you're in the market for a high-quality finish foundation that evens the skin and feels like skin, you need to try this out. I think you'll be converted from whatever you're currently using.
BALM DOTCOM
There are a few balms I have come to love in life, so I wasn't expecting much from this. I figured it would be like vaseline mixed with coconut oil, but I was wrong. This little tube is now my new favorite balm for keeping my lips hydrated, and I've even used it on my eczema when it starts to itch. The texture of this balm is thick, but after rubbing it in it feels almost whipped and buttery. If you're a fan of the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment, you will love this, only it doesn't contain SPF so I love to use it before bed (I'm picky about SPF, can you tell?).
PRIMING MOISTURIZER
As an avid fan of this perfect stuff, I didn't know if I'd be willing to add this into the rotation. A little dime size squeeze covers my whole face, and it instantly makes me feel refreshed. Now, I literally wake up and rub this in while my coffee is brewing. There is something about the medicinal smell that reminds me of the kind of lotions you'd find in a European drugstore, and it feels soothing and cool, which immediately wakes me up. It does in fact prime my skin, and now I've used it with the Perfecting Tint and my other favorite foundation, and I love how it hydrates without looking too dewy.
WHY IT'S WORTH THE SPLURGE
I don't know if the entire set working in unison has improved my skin, or if it has been one product alone, but I have seen a noticeable difference in my skin's texture and overall evenness. Though I'm not ready to abandon my other favorite products, the Glossier Phase 1 Set definitely has a new home in my skincare routine. If you're unsatisfied with your skin, and you have the extra cash to splurge, invest in this. You get so much for your money, and it almost forces good habits since the products arrive on your doorstep all at once.
READY TO SPLURGE? I THINK YOU'LL BE GLAD YOU DID. SHOP HERE:
