It’s here! Glossier has added a new priming moisturizer to their skincare portfolio.
Priming Moisturizer Balance, like its older sister Priming Moisturizer, is lightweight hydration meant to create a smooth canvas for the next step in your skincare routine.
After cleansing and before applying sun protection, you want to give your skin a drink. And if that’s already three more steps than you usually do in a day? No problem! A good moisturizer is the perfect place to start building your skincare routine.
I got to try this new launch courtesy of Glossier. Here are my unfiltered thoughts.
What is Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance?
Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance ($25) is a gel cream that primes your skin for makeup or sunscreen. The “balance” in the name refers to how it absorbs oil while giving you the hydration you actually want. And it contains ingredients like:
- Apple fruit extract, an antioxidant
- Willow bark extract, a skin-soothing agent
- Bamboo stem extract, which supports supple skin
As you’d expect from Glossier, Priming Moisturizer Balance has beautiful and smart packaging (remember their hand cream?). It comes in a 1.7 fl oz tube with a millennial pink cap. But the real magic is underneath: the tip is actually a dispenser, like a bottle. I love this because it helps conserve the product.
How Do You Use Priming Moisturizer Balance?
Simply take a pump of Priming Moisturizer Balance and apply evenly over your skin. Repeat until you’re happy with the amount of coverage. Wear alone or under your next layer.
At first I was confused by the word “buildable” since that’s usually for something with visible coverage like foundation or lip stain. In this case, buildable means you can easily add more product without it becoming slippery. And it’s true! On application it quickly settled into a nice semi-matte, which held up as I applied more.
Is Priming Moisturizer Balance Okay for Dry, Oily, or Sensitive Skin?
Yes! Priming Moisturizer Balance is gentle and fragrance-free. Not only is it skin-safe, but it’s designed to bring out the best in all skin types.
To give you an idea of how your experience with Priming Moisturizer Balance might compare to mine, I have oily skin. On Glossier’s skin type quiz, I said my primary skincare goal is preventing breakouts (if I could pick two I would have also said treating dark marks, as I’m a face picker). So my skin type plus the June humidity made for a true test of this product.
How is Priming Moisturizer Balance Different from Priming Moisturizer and Priming Moisturizer Rich?
Priming Moisturizer Balance provides the same cushiony moisture as the original, but it also has oil control to balance your skin.
Priming Moisturizer Rich is a luxurious take on their Priming Moisturizer. Packaged in a jar rather than in a tube, it’s thick for deep hydration. It’s also lavender-scented. Compared to Priming Moisturizer Rich, the lightweight formula of the other two makes them perfect for daily use. So it really comes down to if you’re looking for the oil control.
Is Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance Cruelty-Free?
Yes! Priming Moisturizer Balance is cruelty-free. Glossier is accredited by the Leaping Bunny Program, the gold standard in cruelty-free certification for beauty and skincare. This seal means that their products aren’t tested on animals. It’s another reason we at Giving Assistant admire this brand so much.
Is Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance Worth It?
Based on my experience with Priming Moisturizer Balance, I’d definitely rebuy it myself. As an unintentional A/B test, I didn’t apply Priming Moisturizer Balance under my bangs. I could still feel the difference hours later: In contrast to my oily forehead, my cheeks felt bouncy and clean.
One drawback? Like many primers, this launch claims to minimize the look of pores. But I wouldn’t say it blurred or perfected my skin.
Priming Moisturizer Balance: Pros
- Gentle
- Hydrating
- Oil control
- Buildable
Priming Moisturizer Balance: Cons
- Doesn’t minimize pores
- Doesn’t minimize redness
Overall I’m really pleased with this product. You may like Priming Moisturizer Balance if you’re looking for something light to round out your skincare routine. But you may not find it worth it if you like more of a priming effect.
And if you’re looking for more Glossier reviews, you might enjoy our Skywash and Browflick reviews.
Where Can You Buy Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance?
You can buy Priming Moisturizer Balance online from Glossier. And at the time of writing, you can get 10% off your first order and free shipping with orders over $30.
Giving Assistant members can get 10% cash back on their entire Glossier purchase. Learn more below.
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