Exclusive: Glossier Just Expanded Their Shade Range, and It's a Huge Deal
Only two editors in the U.S. got to try it ahead of the launch—and I was one of them.


Since its inception in 2014, Glossier has done skin so right. Their "skin first, makeup second" philosophy has been reflected in every product they've dropped, and instead of covering up imperfections, the brand is dedicated to enhancing natural beauty. Glossier is also aware of where they've fallen short in the past: shade range inclusivity. So Glossier just announced they've extended their shade range across all of their complexion products.
"While the sheer coverage of our formulas makes them more flexible than traditional complexion products, we knew that there were gaps that needed to be filled," Kym Davis, head of product development told MarieClaire.com in an exclusive interview. "After over a year and half of research, testing, and development, we’re excited to offer our customers a more balanced and comprehensive selection of shades designed to stretch across a wide range of skin tones."
Glossier's complexion lineup now offers 12 shades of Perfecting Skin Tint (previously five), 12 Shades of Stretch Concealer (previously five), and 5 shades of Wowder (previously three).
"It's worth noting that we approached all the shade ranges from scratch—instead of just adding—to make sure they were as balanced and comprehensive as possible," a Glossier rep told us. "Of the 12 shades of Perfecting Skin Tint, only 3 are from the old lineup—with Stretch Concealer we only kept 1 of the previous shades."
Shop My Fave Glossier Products
To ensure the shades were true to all skin tones, the brand surveyed people at their stores, reviewed customer feedback, tested with makeup artists, and invited members of their community to be shade-matched. It's also incredibly easy to review shades online with Glossier's brand new Shade Finder tool. "Our digital Shade Finder shows each shade on multiple people," Davis explains.
To make buying complexion products online less difficult, Glossier shows exactly how each shade suits a wide variety of skin tones. Here's a preview of a few shades.
This shade is called "G1".
G4.
G6.
G11.
My Review
Yes, I found my perfect shade, which is G4. I'm not a fancy brush person, and am always pressed for time. So, I used my hands. After prepping perpetually dry skin with moisturizer and oil, I squeezed a dollop of skin tint on my fingertips and massaged it onto my skin. I used the same motion as you would to lather a moisturizer all over your face.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
The sheer, weightless formula sank right onto my pores, magically evening out every dark spot and blemish I'm dealing with at the moment. It is super sheer, so I paid extra attention to my problem areas by doubling up on coverage since I normally love full coverage. The texture and consistency of the skin tint is buildable, so you can go all in, or as light as you want.
Afterwards, I used the warmth of my ring finger to swirl the concealer underneath my eyes and on top of my dark spots. The result: A glowy, luminous finish to beat my case of winter blues.
Major props to Glossier for valuing quality over quantity. Honestly, though, the industry's recent tactic of launching 40-plus foundation shades is not a magic solution when it comes to inclusivity. It's about creating a thoughtful formulation that will honestly work with a diverse group of skin tones. We need more of this in 2019 and beyond, please.
Shop the brand's new complexion offerings on Glossier.com, which drop Tuesday, January 29 at 9 a.m. EST.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES

Maya Allen is the former Digital Beauty Editor at MarieClaire.com where she covered makeup, skincare, haircare, wellness, you name it! She has a 15-step skincare routine, owns over 200 red lipsticks, and enjoys testing the latest and greatest in beauty. On most weekends, you can find her at her happy place, which is her makeup vanity. There, she’s usually blasting her speakers while singing along to lyrics at the top of her lungs, and making sure her highlighter is on point.
-
Hailey Bieber Is the Best Possible Spokeswoman for Capri Leggings
I'm suddenly inspired to give them a shot.
By Halie LeSavage
-
The Chanel 25 Has More Range Than Any Other It-Bag
No other style has such a broad—and famous—fan base.
By Halie LeSavage
-
Let's Go, PPG, Fans! A New Peacock Series Starring the 'Love Island USA' Season 6 Cast Is Coming Soon
We're already clearing our summer schedules for 'Love Island: Beyond the Villa.'
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Everything You Need to Know About Marie Claire’s Skin and Hair Awards
Could your brand survive an editor testing session?
By Ariel Baker
-
The 11 Best Spring Makeup Trends Are Sexy, Sensual, and Perfectly Luminous
It's dew or die time.
By Jamie Wilson
-
Simone Ashley’s Indie Sleaze Glam Is a Cool-Toned Dream
The actor was spotted in New York City looking like the epitome of cool-toned beauty.
By Ariel Baker
-
The 10 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2025, Tested by Editors
Expensive and healthy-looking hair on lock.
By Marisa Petrarca
-
New York Fashion Week’s Fall/Winter 2025 Best Beauty Moments Are a Lesson in Juxtaposition
The week's best beauty looks were a maximalism master class.
By Ariel Baker
-
Nécessaire's Extra-Strength Deodorant Outlasts an Editor's Sweatiest Test: Fashion Week
Even with my hectic schedule, I've never smelled better.
By Halie LeSavage
-
Lily-Rose Depp’s Cool-Toned Makeup Is So ‘90s Coded
Clean girl meets grunge.
By Ariel Baker
-
The 15 Best Foundations for Mature Skin, Tested by Women Over 50
It's perfect for mature complexions.
By Siena Gagliano