Glossier's Quick Stop in the West Loop: Personalizing Beauty
Walking along Sheridan Road, you might have seen the Glossier posters taped to the ground - or maybe you even stumbled across some representatives handing out free lip balm outside of Norris. In either case, it’s evident that Glossier has embedded itself in Northwestern culture, but what exactly is the pastel pink brand all about?
Glossier designs makeup and skincare products intended for everyday use, so while they don’t have a ton of options, their products will definitely make their way into your everyday skincare or makeup routine given their practicality and quality. Everything they make is also cruelty-free, and they list all the ingredients in each product so you know exactly what’s going on your skin. The brand prioritizes healthy skin and natural, effortless looking makeup that’s easy to use regardless of your experience with makeup. In the age of body positivity and female empowerment, this ideology goes a long way. Heavily contoured faces and matte foundation have been replaced with dewy highlights and seemingly minimal makeup, an idea that Glossier is fully behind.
After seeing all the posters and advertisements on campus I’ve decided to check out Glossier’s pop-up store in Chicago. The store has been open since the end of August and will close at the end of October, but for now, people have been eagerly flocking to the store to get all the Glossier they can. No one can forget to take the cute pictures in front of the mirrors that say “You Look Good” reflected by the pink Glossier ads that adorn the wall. Arriving at 114 North Aberdeen Street in the West Loop, you’ll probably have to wait in line that wraps around the corner. Don’t worry - the line moves fairly quickly, and within fifteen minutes, you’ll be greeted by some overall-clad Glossier representatives ushering you into the store. The store’s interior features numerous neatly organized rows of makeup and skincare products as well as mirrors that encourage pictures and selfies. The walls are also covered in portraits of socially progressive Chicago architects and designers which is just further evidence of Glossier’s socially aware branding. For example, there’s a portrait of Clifton Lyons, a member of Studio Gang Architects, a group that uses design to build interpersonal relationships, and co-creator of VELVET, a web series centered on five young people of color and their lives.
Glossier’s products are relatively affordable compared to more high-end makeup and skincare products from Sephora, but some are a little overpriced: $12 for a small tube of lip balm and $18 for the “lidstar,” a tube of pigmented and sparkly formula to put on your eyelids. However, the prices reflect the fact that these products are intended for everyday use and designed to be your go-to product, so in that sense if you use it everyday, you’re definitely getting your money’s worth in terms of quality and use.
As for the products themselves, here are some of the more standout ones:
Exfoliating Solution
This acts as a chemical exfoliant that gently clears skin. Loaded with AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs it’s totally safe for everyday use even on sensitive skin, unlike more harsh chemical exfoliants and physical exfoliants.
Lidstar
This is an alternative to eyeshadow that’s less time consuming and super pigmented. Unlike normal eyeshadow, the lidstar has a creamier formula that allows for easy blending and virtually no primer needed. It’s perfect for when you’re in a rush but still want that pop of color on your eyes.
Wowder
This powder does a really good job of setting makeup without making you look too matte or cakey and I find it more effective than other setting powders. It’s lightweight and comes in a super cute case (as does all of Glossier’s beauty products). There’s also an option to buy it with the brush that also has its own pink case.
Balm Dotcom
This product comes in five different flavors and is basically lip balm in a tube, although it can be used on other things besides lips like cuticles and dry skin. The tube may seem small but it’s surprisingly long lasting and has definitely become one of my go-to items.
All in all, Glossier’s pop up store is definitely worth checking out especially since you can try out the products and see which one fits you the best, but if you’re actually going to buy anything you should opt for buying online since they give first time customers 10% off and free shipping over $30. If nothing else, the store is super aesthetically pleasing and fun to visit and who knows, you might even walk out with one (or two) of your new favorite products!
Make sure to check out the store before it closes on October 28!
