I wasn't a founding member or even early adopter of the Glossier You tribe. Despite my job as a beauty editor and the enormous fame of the Millennial-favourite brand, the perfume launch in 2017 sort of passed me by (we see a lot of launches, so it's hard to hone in on every single one). It was a big deal of course, being the brand-of-the-moment's first foray into fragrance, but I wasn't personally invested in it.
It was a few years later that I got hooked in: and not via the marketing or press releases. Not once, not twice, but multiple times I was asking people what perfume they were wearing, and it was Glossier You. Unlike some other fragrances that last long on the skin, You doesn't depend on power and overwhelming strength (like an Oud or Santal) but it's the fact that it's a 'skin scent' that makes it so unique. The base notes of ambrox and musk tend to smell slightly different on everyone, enhanced by your natural skin scent, where as top notes of peppercorns, white floral and a touch of sweetness keep it recognisably Glossier. The lightness and individual aspect but familiarity give it that 'cool girl' vibe: it's not showy, it's laid back and effortless. Like a logo-less designer handbag.
I had to get in on the action, so invested in a bottle myself. And, just as I had, people starting asking my what I was wearing. My usual scents are spicier and a bit sexier, but it was an easy transition for me, as despite You's subtlety it's still warm and cosseting. To me it smells like freshly laundered cashmere muddled with salted caramel and iris. It's cosy but cool. The bottle also helpfully looks extremely pleasing on my dressing table.
Addicted to the fragrance and the compliments, I became truly invested, and so when further You iterations started appearing this time I DID pay attention to the launches. There's a solid perfume housed in a gorgeous pink (duh) pebble-like case, surprisingly long-lasting and perfect for travel. A candle - perhaps my favourite item in the collection - which burns brilliantly (not too fast and evenly) and truly fills the whole room with the famous fragrance. Then the rollerball, a handbag essential for us You lovers, plus a good entry point for those wanting to test whether the perfume is really for them.
For those way past the entry point, some exciting news is that Glossier have just launched a supersized version of You, doubling up from 50ml to a whopping 100ml offering with Glossier You XL. You get a big more bang for your buck too (saving £16 compared to buying two 50ml versions.) For You fans it's a no brainer, and this is one of the reasons Glossier's success has endured: they respond to their audience's wants. So if you're listening Glossier, I'd also like a diffuser, room spray, bubble bath and hair perfume added to the range. Thanks so much.
