glossier cloud paint

I'd readily admit that Glossier's millennial pink-drenched marketing and model-off-duty aesthetic comprise around 80% of my love for the brand, but many of their products are indeed worth the hype. Case in point: their newest makeup launch, Cloud Paint.

These gel-cream blushes ($18 each for 0.33 fl oz/10 ml, shameless plug for my referral link if you want 10% off your first order) come in four shades inspired by the New York City sunset: Puff (a cool-toned, bubblegum pink), Beam (a pastel peach), Dusk (a rosy brown), and Haze (a deep berry). I promptly purchased Beam and Dusk the day they were released after seeing them on Chrissy Teigen's cheeks at the Oscar's (I'm telling you, their marketing is genius). 

As with all the other Glossier makeup products I've tried, Cloud Paint is positively idiot-proof. It's weightless, a breeze to blend, and all in all, virtually impossible to mess up. It's also a fantastic multitasking product -- my favorite way to use these are as eyeshadow. These don't crease at all, which is a miracle, since I have cursed eyelids that necessitate a primer at all times and turn many cream eyeshadows into a slimy mess (even on top of a primer). On me, they last around four to five hours before fading. These wouldn't be my product of choice for a precise eye look, but they're perfect for a sheer wash of color that requires minimal blending.

Though Dusk looks pretty brownish swatched, it actually looks much rosier on my cheeks. This may be because I have pale skin and naturally pink cheeks; it didn't look as red on the pale-skinned model on Glossier's website, but I still think this is better suited for medium to tan skin tones. It makes my skin look somewhat ruddy, and I almost always wear it in conjunction with a brightening pink or peach blush (my favorites for this purpose are Nars Orgasm and Clinique Cheek Pop in Melon Pop). Beam, which in my definition is a perfect peach -- not too light or dark, with a splash of pink -- suits my skin tone much better. Also, the effect is just so cute. This is definitely the type of blush I would wear to occasions where I needed to look as innocuous and fresh-faced as possible, e.g. meeting my very conservative, Korean, and Catholic grandparents who despise discernible makeup and blonde hair (sigh).