Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser and Priming Moisturizer

Last Spring, I began to rethink my approach to skincare after experiencing a breakout even worse than when I was a teenager. Frustrated, I started to research the ins and outs of adult acne and decided it was high-time to give my skincare routine a makeover. I came to the conclusion that my sensitive skin would benefit from building a less toxic, simpler collection of products. Though I’m not quite there yet, I wanted to share my thoughts on two new favorites.

Milky Jelly Cleanser

Yeah, the name is pretty weird, but I’m already on my second bottle, and I rarely purchase skincare products twice in a row! In addition to its pretty packaging, Glossier’s Milky Jelly Cleanser caught my eye because it’s formulated as a non-foaming gel that actually hydrates skin as it cleans your pores.

I’ve learned that over-cleansing can actually do more harm than good for those, like me, with cystic acne, because the friction of rubbing your face can irritate already inflamed skin. Unfortunately, the foamy cleansers we love for providing that squeaky-clean feeling are often made of harsh surfactants (i.e., the ingredients that make your cleanser sudsy) that strip away natural oils, leaving skin more susceptible to cracking, peeling, and inflammation. Milky Jelly Cleanser does the opposite, gently nourishing rather than stripping skin, which is probably the main reason this has become my favorite cleanser.

Second to that is the fact that its pH is balanced to skin. This is important because skin is slightly acidic (around 5.5 on the pH scale). Those sly surfactants that strip skin also raise its alkalinity, creating an imbalance that leaves skin in a constant state of repair. This can lead to more breakouts, oiliness or dryness, depending on which end of the spectrum your skin tends toward, and (gulp) premature aging. Since this cleanser doesn’t raise skin’s alkalinity, it actually helps prevent acne. This is because the acidity of pH-balanced skin is less habitable to bacteria that contribute to breakouts. Although I still get them, I’ve noticed that my breakouts have been less severe since I started using this cleanser.

While I’d recommend this cleanser to anyone, I think it’s important to note that the formula does not really remove makeup as efficiently as Glossier advertises it will. This doesn’t really bother me because I always use makeup remover before cleansing. However, if you’re someone who wants to remove makeup and cleanse in one step, I’d recommend looking elsewhere, perhaps for an oil-based cleanser.

Finally, I have to mention that the water content of this cleanser is one-fourth rosewater, so, obviously, it smells like roses. I was worried about this when I ordered my first bottle, as I tend to dislike floral fragrances. I’m pleasantly surprised to say that I actually LOVE the scent. It’s the faintest, daintiest hint of rose, and because the source is rosewater, it smells very natural.

Priming Moisturizer

Though I’m still on my first bottle, I know I’ll be repurchasing this product, too. Glossier really knocked it out of the park with its Priming Moisturizer. Super lightweight, yet deeply hydrating, I’ve found this to be the perfect daytime moisturizer. My skin definitely feels calm and more plump after using this.

As the name suggests, it doubles as a makeup primer. While I’d recommend using an actual makeup primer for full-coverage days, this product does seem to increase the longevity of lighter makeup applications. I find that my skin has an ever-so-slight tackiness to it after applying this, which seems to help foundation stick.

Unlike the cleanser, I don’t care for the scent of Priming Moisturizer. Although it is unscented, there is a slightly chemical smell when first putting it on. This doesn’t bother me enough to not purchase again because the scent completely dissipates within seconds of rubbing it into the skin.

The best part about this product is how little it takes to cover your face. I use less than a dime-sized amount. So, while $25 a bottle seems like a lot, it certainly will last a long time.

Before I end this post, I have to share one of the coolest things about ordering from Glossier: the pink pouches!

In each package I ordered, a pink pouch was tucked in alongside the products as a courtesy. It’s a truly handy makeup bag for traveling, as the bubble wrap sides will protect the contents of eyeshadow palettes, blush pans, and other compacts from shattering if accidentally dropped. Plus, they’re quart-sized. What a cool gesture!