Glossier maintains such a cult following that it feels, at this point, almost counterculture to not be a fan. The contrarian in me wants to not buy in, but unfortunately I genuinely love all my Glossier products. They are packaged and marketed well, yes, but there is a through line in the products’ approachability past the point of purchase. I’ve found everything just as fun and easy to use as it is aesthetically pleasing. As a very casual makeup user, Glossier has come to scratch an itch I didn’t know I had in the world of beauty.
Cloud Paint is probably my favorite Glossier product. Since I cut out most makeup last spring for the sake of my skin (which worked!), I miss having a “healthy” color in my cheeks the most. On days I feel I want a little something, Cloud Paint gives me a natural-looking flush. I’ve been using Haze (described by Glossier’s site as a “deep berry”) for months, but when I heard about the new shades, Dawn (a “sunny coral”) and Storm (a “warm rose”), I was eager to see if one would be a better fit for summer months.
If you’re new to Cloud Paint or already a fan, here is what the new shades look like on three skintones: mine, Nora’s and Imani’s — plus some application tips. I’ll warn: It’s subtle. But I think that’s the point of Cloud Paint. Do you want to look slightly like you just went on a run, slightly like you’re embarrassed, or slightly like you spent too long in the sun yesterday? Buyer’s choice!
On Haley (a.k.a. me)
Do you typically wear blush or cheek color?
I dab on Cloud Paint probably three times a week. I feel like it makes me look energized even when I’m not. Almost every time I wear it my boyfriend says, “You look cute and flushed, are you warm?” And every time I remind him it’s makeup. That’s how subtle it is!
Which did you prefer: Storm or Dawn?
I expected to prefer Storm (orange scares me), but I ended up liking Dawn. It felt true its “sunny coral” name and I think it will be my new summer go-to.
Any tips for applying?
Dab on the smallest — almost laughable — amount to start. It goes a long way. I pat it on (never swipe) really lightly over a large area. I keep tapping around until it looks even. Then it dries and stays put.
On Nora
Do you typically wear blush or cheek color?
I don’t! As these photos will tell you, I’m pretty unskilled when it comes to makeup.
Which did you prefer: Storm or Dawn?
When I initially saw Dawn on my face, I regretted allowing photos of this process on the internet — I put way too much on — but once I blended it in, I loved it. It made me look like a fun person!! Very Blue Crush, like a fun, beachy gal who is not anxious 98% of her waking hours. I would never in a million years have picked orange makeup. Love a makeup that also serves as a reminder to take (calculated) risks.
But I would ultimately go with Storm; it’s more low-key. It gave me the kind of blush I wish I got naturally, rather than the blotchy pink I turn whenever I get slightly winded. I would say this is a color that gives me a romantic, windswept look, but like in a chill way. Talking about your face is hard! Anyway, I signed up for this whole test hoping that one of these would make me look exactly like Jorja Smith. Shockingly, neither did, but I still liked them. Easy to put on, not heavy at all and I got some compliments around the office.
Any tips for applying or picking a shade? Learn from my clown-like mistakes and start with a teeny tiny amount.
On Imani
Do you typically wear blush or cheek color?
I typically gravitate toward highlighter more than blush, but I wear Cloud Paint in Haze at least twice a week. It’s the first blush that I’ve ever truly liked — in my opinion, it’s a standout in regards to shade, but also formula, since it’s a cream rather than a powder.
Which did you prefer: Storm or Dawn?
Surprisingly, Dawn. The first time I saw it, I thought it looked a lot like tomato paste and didn’t even consider that it could look flattering on me. But now I’ve worn it like three times in the past week — it might take Haze’s place as my all-time favorite.
Any tips for applying or picking a shade?
I recommend dabbing the product on, rather than swiping it, because it’s easier to control this way and it better maintains the shade’s opacity.
Photos by Starling Irving.
