When it comes to skincare, finding a product that harmonizes with your skin’s needs can be a journey. This is especially true with moisturizers, a cornerstone of any skincare routine. In my quest for hydration, I recently tried Glossier’s “After Baume,” a moisturizer that promises to offer more than just surface-level benefits. Known for its minimalist and trendy packaging, Glossier has been a brand to watch in the beauty industry. The chic and modern design of their products often catches the eye, but the true test lies in how well they perform.
My First Impressions
The After Baume arrives in a package that lives up to Glossier’s reputation for aesthetically pleasing design. The container, with its translucent green body and matte finish, is undeniably attractive. The pastel pink lid adds a touch of softness to the overall look, making it a delightful addition to my vanity. Holding the product in my hands, it felt like a little piece of luxury, and I was eager to see if the contents matched the external allure.
Upon opening the jar, I noticed the cream’s texture was rich but not overly thick, striking a nice balance. There was a faint, pleasant scent, nothing overpowering, which I appreciated as someone sensitive to strong fragrances in skincare products. The first application was a seamless experience; the cream spread easily and absorbed into my skin without leaving any greasy residue. At first touch, my skin felt instantly more hydrated and softer, setting a promising stage for the long-term benefits I hoped to see.
How It Performed
After several weeks of incorporating After Baume into my daily skincare routine, I’ve gathered a fairly comprehensive view of its performance. I used it both in the morning and at night after cleansing and toning, allowing it to be a pivotal part of my regimen.
The immediate effect after each application was consistently satisfying. My skin felt instantly nourished and had a subtle glow, a testament to the product’s hydrating capabilities. The moisturizer’s texture made it a joy to apply, and it worked well under makeup, acting as a smooth base without causing any pilling or discomfort.
Over time, I noticed some subtle improvements in my skin’s overall texture and hydration levels. My dry patches became less pronounced, and there was a certain suppleness to my skin that wasn’t there before. The moisturizer didn’t completely eradicate all dryness, especially around my nose and chin, but it did make a noticeable difference.
However, for someone with combination skin like mine, I found the product a bit too rich for my T-zone, leading to a slight increase in oiliness throughout the day. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it did require me to blot more often than usual.
In terms of long-term benefits, while my skin felt more hydrated and looked healthier, I didn’t observe any dramatic changes or improvements in skin tone or texture beyond what I’ve mentioned. The product maintained a consistent performance, which is commendable, but it didn’t quite exceed my expectations.
The Bottom Line: The After Baume worked well as a daily moisturizer, providing decent hydration and improving skin texture to some extent. It did its job, but it didn’t go above and beyond in transforming or significantly enhancing my skin’s health.
About The Ingredients
Delving into the ingredients of After Baume reveals an interesting blend of components that cater to skin hydration and health. At the heart of the formula is Water/Aqua/Eau, serving as the base for all other ingredients to meld into. The inclusion of Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate and Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil (also known as Babassu Oil) is noteworthy. These ingredients are known for their emollient properties, which help to soften and smooth the skin, making the product feel luxurious upon application.
The moisturizer also contains Glycerin, a well-known humectant that draws moisture into the skin, aiding in hydration. This aligns with my experience of the product leaving my skin feeling more moisturized. Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, commonly referred to as Cupuaçu Butter, is another key ingredient. It’s rich in fatty acids and offers great hydration, which likely contributed to the reduction of dry patches on my skin.
Another intriguing inclusion is the Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate Filtrate, a probiotic ingredient known for its skin-soothing and strengthening properties. While I didn’t notice any drastic changes in my skin’s resilience or tone, it’s possible that this ingredient played a role in the overall health of my skin.
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, a type of algae, brings its potential antioxidant and skin-conditioning benefits to the table. Antioxidants are essential in skincare for protecting the skin from environmental stressors. Tocopherol, a form of Vitamin E, also adds to the antioxidant protection, which is always a welcome feature in any skincare product.
However, the presence of Dimethicone, a type of silicone, might raise eyebrows for those who prefer completely natural ingredients. While it’s known for its smoothing properties and ability to form a barrier on the skin, some people might be wary of its inclusion. For me, it didn’t cause any adverse reactions, but it’s something to consider if you have preferences regarding silicones in skincare.
TL;DR: the ingredient list of After Baume paints a picture of a moisturizer that aims to hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin. The combination of emollients, humectants, and antioxidants creates a formula that caters to maintaining skin health, albeit with a couple of ingredients that might not suit everyone’s preferences.
Pros & Cons Breakdown
When evaluating a skincare product, it’s essential to weigh both its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons I experienced with Glossier’s After Baume.
Pros:
- Hydration: The moisturizer does a good job of hydrating the skin, especially in dry areas.
- Texture: It has a pleasant, rich texture that isn’t too heavy or greasy.
- Absorption: The cream absorbs well into the skin without leaving a sticky residue.
- Packaging: The design of the container is aesthetically pleasing and feels luxurious.
- Gentle Scent: The subtle fragrance is suitable for those sensitive to strong smells.
Cons:
- Richness: For combination skin, it may be too rich in oily areas, leading to increased shine.
- Long-term Benefits: While it improves hydration, it doesn’t offer significant long-term changes in skin tone or texture.
- Silicone Content: The presence of Dimethicone might not appeal to those who prefer natural ingredients.
- Price Point: Depending on your budget, the product might be on the pricier side for the benefits it offers.
My Final Thoughts
After spending a good amount of time with Glossier’s After Baume, I feel it’s a solid moisturizer that does what it promises – hydrates and nourishes the skin. The product excels in its immediate hydrating effect, pleasant texture, and elegant packaging, which aligns well with Glossier’s overall brand aesthetic. However, it falls a bit short in transforming the skin or offering groundbreaking long-term benefits.
For those with dry skin, this moisturizer could be a great addition to your routine, especially in combating dry patches. However, if you have combination or oily skin, you might find it a bit too rich for your liking. The ingredient list, while boasting some excellent hydrators and skin-soothing components, includes a silicone that might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Wrapping up, I would rate After Baume a 7 out of 10. It’s a good, reliable moisturizer that delivers on its promise of hydration, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark of being an exceptional, must-have product in a skincare arsenal. It’s a product worth trying, especially if you’re a fan of Glossier’s line, but keep in mind your skin type and ingredient preferences when considering this moisturizer.
