DTCetc
ComparisonsAboutSubmit Search
The DTCetc Face-Off Beauty Updated July 2026

ILIA vs Glossier

ILIA and Glossier are both popular beauty brands that have gained a loyal following. While ILIA focuses on clean, skin-centric beauty with a strong emphasis on merging skincare and makeup, Glossier offers natural-looking makeup products that enhance one's natural beauty. ILIA's products are designed with active skincare ingredients and environmental protection in mind, while Glossier caters to those who want a subtle, "no-makeup" look. Both brands appeal to customers who value ethically sourced and cruelty-free products.

Photography: ILIA product imagery Photography: Glossier product imagery

DTCetc score

ILIA89/100
Glossier88/100

Customer rating

ILIA4.21★
Glossier3.94★ 5,794

Typical prices

ILIA$0.97–$117
Glossier$5–$50

Pricing tier

ILIA$$$$
Glossier$$$
The verdict

Which should you pick?

ILIA
★★★★ 4.21
89/100

Best forClean beauty enthusiasts

★ Quality 90/100 Visit ILIA →
Glossier
★★★¾ 3.94 · 5,794 reviews
88/100

Best forGen-Z, Millennials

★ Quality 95/100 Visit Glossier →

The bottom lineILIA suits shoppers prioritizing skincare-forward formulas and generous returns (60 days, full refunds, no restocking fees), though at a higher price point ($0.97–$117). Glossier appeals to minimalist beauty seekers on a tighter budget ($10–$50) who value fast shipping thresholds and a streamlined aesthetic, but with a shorter 30-day return window and occasional fulfillment inconsistencies. Choose ILIA for skin-centric performance and return flexibility; choose Glossier for affordability and the 'no-makeup' look—if packaging quality isn't a dealbreaker.

Key differences at a glance

  • ILIA editorial quality score is 90/100 vs. Glossier's 95/100; both score 90 on sustainability, but ILIA positions as eco-conscious skincare-makeup hybrid while Glossier emphasizes minimalist aesthetics.
  • ILIA prices range $0.97–$117; Glossier prices $10–$50—ILIA is positioned as the premium tier (pricing score 70 vs. 60).
  • ILIA offers 60-day returns with no restocking fees and prepaid labels; Glossier allows 30-day self-service returns only, creating a tighter window.
  • ILIA customer reviews (4.21/5) praise natural finish and nourishing formulas but note breakouts and smudging; Glossier reviews (3.94/5) praise signature products but cite packaging defects and fulfillment inconsistencies
  • ILIA ships in 10–14 business days to select international destinations; Glossier offers free standard shipping on lower order thresholds ($40+ US, $60 CAD+) across more regions.
  • ILIA customers value skin-centric, buildable coverage; Glossier customers seek subtle, 'no-makeup' products—different beauty philosophies.

Still weighing it up? Save this comparison & get deals on both →

From 5,794+ published customer reviews

What customers actually say

It goes on softly and deeply nourishes the skin. My face felt revived in the morning. Not greasy!

ILIA verified buyer · via Okendo
4.21 store rating · via Okendo

ILIA products are highly praised for their natural finish, skincare-like formulas, and ease of application, though some users experience breakouts or find certain shades/finishes don't match expectations.

Customers love
  • Natural, lightweight finish that looks like 'skin but better'
  • Nourishing, skincare-forward formulas that feel good on skin
  • Easy to apply and buildable coverage with versatile products
Watch out for
  • Some users experience breakouts or skin irritation
  • Formula can separate or smudge after a few hours
  • Shade range gaps and undertone mismatches for some complexions
  • Shimmer finish may be too prominent for contouring use

i couldn't find another everyday lip balm/gloss to replace what the original balm dotcom did for me

Glossier verified buyer · via Yotpo
3.94 5,794 reviews · via Yotpo

Glossier products are beloved for quality and aesthetics, but customer service and fulfillment issues occasionally disappoint.

Customers love
  • Signature products like Balm DotCom, Boy Brow, and skin tint are highly praised
  • Store experience is immersive and staff are friendly and helpful
  • Fast shipping and responsive customer service when issues arise
Watch out for
  • Packaging defects: print rubs off, boxes arrive crushed or torn
  • Inconsistent order fulfillment: missing promised items like pink pouches and stickers
  • Slow shipping and lack of communication on delayed orders
  • Perfume scent doesn't last long for the price

Summarized from each brand's own published customer reviews. We never republish full reviews — read them all at the source.

Shop the face-off

Most-loved pieces, side by side

ILIA's most-loved
Angled Line + Smudge Brush Angled Line + Smudge Brush $28 Fullest Volumizing Mascara Fullest Volumizing Mascara $17 Checkout+ Delivery Guarantee Checkout+ Delivery Guarantee $0.97
Glossier's most-loved
Big Apple Tee Big Apple Tee $36 Balm Dotcom Trio Balm Dotcom Trio $42 $48 Applebaby Keychain Applebaby Keychain $5
ILIA typical prices$0.97–$117
Glossier typical prices$5–$50

At a Glance

Comparison Between
ILIA
ILIA
Glossier
Glossier
Category Beauty Beauty
Speciality Skin Care & Makeup Cosmetics
DTCetc Score 89/100 88/100
Customer rating 4.21★ 3.94★ · 5,794
Typical price range $0.97–$117 $5–$50
Free shipping — Free over $40
Return window 60 days 30 days
Stereotype Eco-conscious Minimalist
Pricing Rating
$$$$$ This brand is moderately priced
$$$$$ This brand is moderately priced
Sustainability Score
90/100
This brand scores excellent in sustainability
90/100
This brand scores excellent in sustainability
Quality Score
90/100
This brand scores excellent for product quality
95/100
This brand scores excellent for product quality
In the wild

Both brands, up close

ILIA product photography
ILIA
Glossier product photography
Glossier
ILIA product photography
ILIA
Glossier product photography
Glossier
ILIA product photography
ILIA
Glossier product photography
Glossier

Who shops at ILIA Vs. Glossier

Who shops at ILIA

ILIA is popular among customers who value clean, skin-centric beauty products that protect and revive their skin. Their focus on merging skincare and makeup appeals to those who want products with active skincare ingredients and environmental protection.

More about ILIA →

Who shops at Glossier

Glossier is a brand that caters to those who want a natural beauty look. Its target audience is Gen-Z and millennials, but its products are suitable for all ages. The brand offers subtle makeup products that provide a “no-makeup” look.

More about Glossier →

ILIA Vs. Glossier The Pros

ILIA's Pros

  • Full refunds on gently used products within 60 days
  • No restocking fees on returns
  • Prepaid return labels provided upon request
  • Refunds credited within 10 business days of receipt
More about ILIA →

Glossier's Pros

  • Free standard shipping on orders $40+ in the US
  • Free standard shipping on orders $60 CAD+ in Canada
  • Self-service returns available through account page
  • 30-day return window
More about Glossier →

ILIA's shipping policy Vs. Glossier's Shipping Policy

ILIA's shipping policy

ILIA Beauty estimates that orders will arrive within 10-14 business days of the ship date, pending clearance. However, the brand does not ship to international P.O. boxes. Customers outside of the United States may be required to pay taxes and duties upon delivery, and it is the responsibility of the customer to know and pay these fees. Shipping is available to several international destinations, including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.

More about ILIA →

Glossier's shipping policy

Free standard shipping on orders $40+ in the US, $60 CAD+ in Canada, $110 AUD+ in Australia, €65+ in Europe, and R$670+ in Brazil for express shipping.

More about Glossier →

ILIA's return policy vs Glossier's Return Policy

ILIA's return policy

ILIA offers full refunds or exchanges on gently used products within 60 days of purchase from iliabeauty.com, with no restocking fees and prepaid return labels available upon request. Refunds are credited to the original payment method within 10 business days of receipt, though sale items and partial sets are excluded from this policy.

More about ILIA →

Glossier's return policy

All returns must be processed within 30 days of receiving the order. Eligible orders can be returned via self-service through the account page, or customers can contact gTEAM@glossier.com or visit a store with their order number.

More about Glossier →
Keep comparing

People also compare

Half Magic Beauty VS ILIA Half Magic Beauty vs ILIA See comparison → Milk Makeup VS Glossier Milk Makeup vs Glossier See comparison →