Glossier Generation G Lipstick | The Best Natural Lipstick | Affordable Glossier Alternatives

Today I present to you a series of affordable drugstore alternatives for the Glossier Generation G Matte Lipstick. In 2014 brands like Glossier and Milk Makeup became extremely popular. Six years later, they still retain a stronghold on the market. Their products are perfect for beginners like me and women that prefer a natural look over colorful glam. As much as I love Glossier’s products, as a college student, their products are not always in my budget. Keep reading for 3 affordable Glossier Generation G alternatives.

BEST GLOSSIER GENERATION G AFFORDABLE/DRUGSTORE ALTERNATIVE

The Glossier site describes the Generation G Lipstick as a “lip color that gives the look and finish of just blotted lipstick, without the blot." As a result, this product applies very naturally but is also buildable. Also, this product has a matte finish. 

Based on this description, many have compared the Elf Sheer Slick Lipstick and the Elf Hydrating Core Lip Shine to the Glossier Generation G Lipstick. Personally, I prefer the Hydrating Core Lip Shine because of the added skincare benefits in comparison to the Sheer Slick Lipstick. Therefore today’s focus will be on the Elf Hydrating Core Lip Shine.

HOW DOES THE ELF HYDRATING CORE LIP SHINE COMPARE TO GLOSSIER

Source: Glossier 

SHADE RANGE

The Glossier Generation G Lipstick comes in 6 different colors. The Elf shade range is not much bigger. In fact, there are only 8 colors in the range. 

PIGMENTATION

The Glossier site says this product has a “dialed-down pigment” that is also buildable. This makes the product perfect for someone that likes natural makeup looks and someone that prefers glam makeup looks. Similarly, the Elf Cosmetics Hydrating Core Lip Shine is not the most pigmented. 

Below is an image of swatches on different skin tones

Also, here is a video of someone testing the ELF Lip Shine

VIDEO 

Overall, based on reviews for both products, the pigmentation is not good on darker skin tones and the limited range makes it hard to find a shade that might show up on a darker skin tone. 

INGREDIENTS

Glossier highlights its use of blue agave, safflower oil, and wax matrix (a combination of sunflower and synthetic beeswax) because they help provide long-lasting moisture. The full ingredient list for each shade is available here. Elf also promises long-lasting hydration through the use of shea butter, coconut oil, and jojoba oil which also create a slight shine. The full ingredient list for the ELF Lip Shines is available here. Both ELF and Glossier are 100% vegan and cruelty-free.

PRODUCT APPLICATION

The ELF product is a little bit shinier than the Glossier Generation G Lipstick. However, it still looks like lipstick and not a gloss. Meanwhile, you can get a feel for the Glossier application in the video below and compare it to the ELF application video. 

GLOSSIER 

PACKAGING

Both have small simple packaging. However, some might say that the Glossier packaging is cuter because it is just white, black, and silver. The metallic part of the Generation G packaging definitely creates a more lux and sturdy feel in comparison to the ELF products. The lip shine comes in pink plastic meant to match the shade of the product. It’s cute and simple but it slightly reminds me of the Lip Smackers from the 2000s. 

WHERE TO BUY

Buy the Glossier Generation G Matte Lipstick ($18) here

ELF HYDRATING LIP SHINE FOR $6 AT THESE RETAILERS

• Ulta 

• Elf 

OTHER AFFORDABLE GENERATION G LIPSTICK ALTERNATIVES

Revlon Super Lustrous Glass Shine Moisturizing Lipstick

This product is the glossiest on the list, but still, looks natural. Also out of all the products I featured today, Revlon by far offers the most color variety and for less than $10 at most places. At the time of writing this post, you can even find certain shades for $5 at Target

Honest Beauty

At first glance, this product looks the most similar to the Glossier Generation G Lip Stick packaging-wise. The reason this review is about ELF is that I personally like the shades ELF has to offer better, but check out this product using the link here, and if you like the shades, there are only $8 at Target. These products are also available on Amazon 

Undone Beauty Light On Lip Makeup

Undone Beauty is another upcoming brand that is clean, vegan, and cruelty-free. Similar to the Glossier and Elf products, this is a sheer but buildable hydrating lipstick.