Glossier's New Eye Cream Puts In the Work

There are very few beauty brands that enter the space as a disruptor, totally change the industry, and still keep their cool girl chic reputation after mass success. However, Glossier isn’t just any brand. 

Since Emily Weiss created Glossier a decade ago through her just as innovative digital publication, Into the Gloss, the brand has always had a skincare first, makeup second approach to beauty. Now, almost ten years to the dot since its inception, that ethos still shines through their skincare, makeup, and fragrance launches—inspiring dozens of beauty brands to pop up with the same skin-loving principles.

However, one thing was still missing from their offerings. Despite having skin-loving concealers that give perk up your undereyes, moisturizers you could use on your eye region, and plenty of color cosmetics for your lids, they were missing an eye cream in their permanent lineup. Well, until now.

Ahead, all the details on Glossier’s new eye cream, and Team Byrdie's honest reviews.

The Product

Full Orbit Eye Cream ($28) covers the full spectrum of needs for an eye cream. Where most creams either focus on anti-aging, de-puffing, or hydration, Full Orbit claims to tackle all three. The brand says that the cream provides immediate hydration, soothes and depuffs any swelling, reduces dark circles, and smoothes fine lines over time.

However, Full Orbit isn't Glossier's first eye cream, as the brand had a short-lived formula in its lineup called Bubblewrap Eye and Lip Cream. The brand clarified the differences between the two formulas on Instagram, stating that "Full Orbit is a completely new 360° eye cream, clinically tested to improve the entire eye area, from under eyes to eyelids to orbital bone, so your whole eye area wins (not just your under eyes)." When commenters asked if Full Orbit was safe to use on the lips like Bubblewrap, the brand replied that it was formulated for the eye area only.

The Formula

Full Orbit has a stacked roster of ingredients to address dark circles, fine lines, dehydration, and puffiness.

The first and perhaps the most important ingredient is Glossier’s signature blend of polyglutamic acid and hyaluronic acid. Polyglutamic acid is a well-known yet underappreciated molecule for hydrating and plumping the skin—not too different, but even more hydrating, from the hyaluronic acid it's blended with. However, different from HA, PA does more than just hydrate; it actually reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles over time.

Niacinamide is the next hero ingredient in the mix. Just as well-known as hyaluronic acid, this ingredient is there to help brighten the appearance of your skin instantly and overtime. While brightening, it can also help reduce and prevent signs of aging.

Next is a group of powerful plant extracts. The first is arctic microalgae, which was included to decrease puffiness. Then, a blend of white hawthorn and Arabian jasmine flower extracts to help brighten your dark circles instantly and over time.

To get the full effects of everything packed inside Full Orbit, Glossier says you can use the cream one to two times a day, applying it under your eyes, on your lids, and along the orbital bones.

The Reviews

Holly Rhue, associate editorial director

"My under-eyes are extremely dry, so this formula is a bit lighter than what I'd typically reach for in the winter. That being said, it's still very moisturizing for a gel cream. If you're prone to milia or congestion in the under-eye area, this is a featherlight formula that still offers a smoothing, softening effect. That, and the packaging is delightful to use. I love the precision applicator for frosting on a fun design—it makes my skincare routine all the more joyful."

Jasmine Phillips, social editor

"Me and my dark circles are in a committed relationship, but I’m feeling a breakup brewing. One beauty New Year’s resolution I made at the start of the year was to incorporate an eye cream into my routine. This new launch from Glossier definitely seems promising. My under-eye area is immediately hydrated which helps me look more alive in the morning and I am excited to see my dark circles diminish in the next few weeks."

Ali Webb, associate editor

"I’m such a night owl that I sometimes joke that I’m an aspiring vampire, so I always appreciate a good eye cream to help me pretend I got a normal amount of sleep. When I applied this new Glossier launch, I could immediately feel lightweight moisture as well as a subtle tightening/depuffing effect. It sinks in quickly to feel like you have nothing on in minutes (while still leaving behind the hydration and making under-eyes appear brighter), and I was able to apply the rest of my skincare and makeup over it easily. I'm definitely curious to see if the benefits build over time to keep my under-eyes in a brighter, more hydrated state."