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Glossier First Impressions Haul: The Internet’s Favourite Beauty Brand Finally Arrives
Let me set the scene: it’s a Tuesday evening, I’ve had a rather long day at work, and I’m scrolling through Instagram whilst my dinner cooks. Suddenly, I see *that* notification. Glossier is now shipping to the UK properly—and not just through a third-party retailer with eye-watering shipping fees. Naturally, I did what any self-respecting beauty enthusiast would do: I immediately abandoned my cooking and emptied my basket onto the checkout page.
If you’ve been living under a rock (or simply have more willpower than I do), Glossier is the brainchild of Emily Weiss, born from the immensely popular beauty blog Into the Gloss. The brand has cultivated an almost cult-like following thanks to its “skin first, makeup second” philosophy and those impossibly millennial-pink packaging aesthetics. But does the hype live up to reality? Let’s dive into my first impressions haul.
The Unboxing Experience
Before we discuss the products themselves, we simply must talk about the packaging. In the age of Instagram unboxing stories, Glossier has absolutely nailed the art of presentation. My parcel arrived in their signature bubblegum pink box, secured with minimalist white tape. Inside, each product was thoughtfully wrapped in pink tissue paper sealed with a Glossier sticker—honestly, it felt like opening a present from a rather stylish friend.
What genuinely impressed me was the inclusion of free samples with every order. I received a sachet of the Priming Moisturizer Rich and a tiny pot of the Bubblewrap Eye & Lip Cream. It’s these little touches that make the brand feel accessible rather than exclusive, despite the premium price point.
The Products I Purchased
Boy Brow
Price: £14
This is arguably the product that put Glossier on the map, and I can completely understand why. Described as a “pomade that tames, thickens, and grooms” your brows, it comes in four shades: Blond, Brown, Black, and Clear. I opted for Brown, which is a perfect match for my medium-dark brows.
The texture is unlike anything I’ve tried before—it’s somewhere between a wax and a cream, providing hold without that crunchy, frozen look that some brow gels leave behind. The tiny brush allows for precise application, and I found it incredibly forgiving even when I accidentally applied too much. A quick spoolie brush through sorted it out immediately.
First impression: This lives up to every bit of hype. My brows looked naturally fuller and perfectly groomed without looking “done”. It’s now firmly in my daily rotation.
Cloud Paint
Price: £15
I’ve always struggled with cream blushes—either they’re too dewy, too drying, or they disappear within an hour. Cloud Paint, however, has completely changed my mind. This gel-cream formula comes in eight shades, from the softest pinks to deeper berries. I chose “Puff”, a delicate cool-toned pink that gives that “I’ve just come in from the cold” flush.
The application is blissfully simple: dab a tiny amount on your fingertips, smile, and blend onto the apples of your cheeks. The formula is buildable, so you can go from a subtle tint to a more pronounced pop of colour. What impressed me most was how seamlessly it melded with my skin—it genuinely looked like I was naturally flushed rather than wearing blush.
First impression: Absolutely stunning finish that works beautifully over both bare skin and foundation. A little goes a remarkably long way.
Haloscope Dual-Effect Highlighter
Price: £18
This two-in-one highlighter features a core of genuine crystal extracts surrounded by a dewy outer formula. The concept is that the outer ring provides a subtle glow whilst the centre delivers concentrated shimmer. Available in four shades, I selected “Topaz”, a warm golden hue perfect for medium skin tones.
The texture is balmy and comfortable on the skin, avoiding that overly metallic finish that can look ageing or unnatural. I applied it to my cheekbones and cupid’s bow using my fingertips, and the effect was a believable, sun-kissed radiance rather than a disco ball situation.
First impression: Perfect for achieving that “lit from within” look. I particularly appreciate how forgiving it is—no harsh lines or obvious shimmer particles here.
Balm Dotcom
Price: £10
No Glossier haul would be complete without their iconic multi-purpose balm. Available in an almost overwhelming variety of flavours (from Birthday to Rose to Mango), I chose the original unscented version for maximum versatility. This dense, waxy balm is designed for lips, cuticles, elbows—wherever you need a hit of moisture.
The formula is thicker than your average lip balm, creating a protective barrier that actually lasts. I’ve been using it on my lips before bed and waking up with a noticeably softer pout. It’s also brilliant for taming flyaway hairs or adding a subtle sheen to eyelids.
First impression: A genuinely useful multi-tasker that earns its place in my handbag. The tube packaging makes application hygienic and mess-free.
The Verdict So Far
After a week of testing, I can confidently say that Glossier deserves much of the praise it receives. The products are thoughtfully formulated, the packaging is both beautiful and functional, and the overall aesthetic feels cohesive without being gimmicky.
What I Loved:
- The “no-makeup makeup” philosophy: These products enhance rather than mask your natural features
- Buildable formulas: You can go subtle or more dramatic depending on your mood
- Inclusive shade ranges: Most products cater to a wide variety of skin tones
- Cruelty-free status: Glossier is certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny
- Reasonable price point: Whilst not budget, the quality justifies the cost
Things to Consider:
- International shipping: Whilst UK shipping is now available, delivery took slightly longer than expected—about a week
- Minimal coverage: If you prefer full-coverage makeup, you might find the formulas too sheer
- Return policy: Returns are accepted, but you’ll need to cover return postage yourself
Final Thoughts
Would I repurchase? Absolutely. In fact, I’ve already got my eye on the Milky Jelly Cleanser and the Perfecting Skin Tint for my next order. Glossier has successfully created a range of products that make you feel polished without feeling “done up”—perfect for the modern woman who wants to look effortlessly put-together.
If you’ve been on the fence about trying Glossier, I’d recommend starting with Boy Brow and Cloud Paint. These two products alone will transform your everyday makeup routine and give you a taste of what the brand does best: subtle enhancement that lets your natural beauty shine through.
Have you tried any Glossier products? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below—and do let me know what I should add to my next order!
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