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The DTCetc Face-Off Beauty Updated July 2026

Milk Makeup vs Glossier

Milk Makeup and Glossier are both beloved beauty brands that have gained a loyal following in the industry. Both brands are cruelty-free and offer a range of innovative products. Milk Makeup is known for its high-quality, vegan formulas, while Glossier focuses on enhancing natural beauty with its subtle makeup products. While Milk Makeup has a larger range of skincare options, Glossier has a blog that provides helpful beauty tips. Ultimately, both brands are perfect for those looking for ethical, natural beauty options.

Photography: Milk Makeup product imagery Photography: Glossier product imagery

DTCetc score

Milk Makeup84/100
Glossier88/100

Customer rating

Milk Makeup4.28★ 1,656
Glossier3.94★ 5,794

Typical prices

Milk Makeup$14–$40
Glossier$5–$50

Pricing tier

Milk Makeup$$$$
Glossier$$$
The verdict

Which should you pick?

Milk Makeup
★★★★¼ 4.28 · 1,656 reviews
84/100

Best forYoung, trendy, diverse

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

Best forGen-Z, Millennials

★ Quality 95/100 Visit Glossier →

The bottom lineGlossier edges ahead on editorial quality (88 vs 84) and offers lower prices ($10–$50 vs $14–$40), plus free shipping at a lower threshold ($40+ vs $30+). However, Glossier's 30-day return window is tighter than Milk Makeup's 90-day guarantee, and customer reviews flag occasional fulfillment and packaging issues. Choose Glossier for minimalist, affordable makeup with a strong quality baseline; choose Milk Makeup if you prioritize eco-credentials, longer return flexibility, and consistent product innovation.

Key differences at a glance

  • Milk Makeup scores 90 on sustainability vs Glossier's 90—tied—but Milk Makeup emphasizes cruelty-free, vegan, paraben-free positioning; Glossier does not highlight these certifications.
  • Glossier's editorial quality score is 88/100 vs Milk Makeup's 84/100; Glossier's quality subscale is 95 vs Milk Makeup's 90.
  • Milk Makeup offers 90-day returns on unopened items; Glossier allows 30 days, a significant difference for decision-making.
  • Glossier's typical prices ($10–$50) undercut Milk Makeup ($14–$40) across the range.
  • Milk Makeup ships only to the US; Glossier ships to US, Canada, Australia, Europe, and Brazil.
  • Glossier customer reviews (3.94/5 stars, 5794 reviews) cite packaging defects and fulfillment inconsistencies; Milk Makeup has no published review data in the sheet.
  • Milk Makeup free shipping starts at $30+; Glossier requires $40+ in the US, though Glossier offers self-service returns via account page.

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

From 7,450+ published customer reviews

What customers actually say

This primer changed my mind. I looove using last to bring life back to my skin

Milk Makeup verified buyer · via Yotpo
4.28 1,656 reviews · via Yotpo

Milk Makeup earns strong praise for effective primers, concealers, and mascaras with excellent staying power, though color range limitations and occasional shipping issues are mentioned.

Customers love
  • Primers and setting sprays deliver all-day wear, especially for oily/combination skin
  • Concealers and skin tints provide buildable, natural-looking coverage that blurs pores
  • Fast shipping and attractive, aesthetic packaging enhance the customer experience
Watch out for
  • Limited color options across product range
  • Occasional order fulfillment issues reported

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

Milk Makeup typical prices$14–$40
Glossier typical prices$5–$50

At a Glance

Comparison Between
Milk Makeup
Milk Makeup
Glossier
Glossier
Category Beauty Beauty
Speciality Cosmetics Cosmetics
DTCetc Score 84/100 88/100
Customer rating 4.28★ · 1,656 3.94★ · 5,794
Typical price range $14–$40 $5–$50
Free shipping Free over $30 Free over $40
Return window 90 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

Milk Makeup product photography
Milk Makeup
Glossier product photography
Glossier
Milk Makeup product photography
Milk Makeup
Glossier product photography
Glossier
Milk Makeup product photography
Milk Makeup
Glossier product photography
Glossier

Who shops at Milk Makeup Vs. Glossier

Who shops at Milk Makeup

Milk Makeup is an inclusive brand suitable for all genders, ages, ethnic backgrounds, and abilities. The company strives to have varied shade ranges for all skin makeup products, although there is always room for improvement.

More about Milk Makeup →

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 →

Milk Makeup Vs. Glossier The Pros

Milk Makeup's Pros

  • Milk Makeup provides easy to use, “effortless” makeup products. Popular products include the glow oils, sunshine oil, and watermelon brightening mask. The lash primer + Kush mascara is also a great combo for droopy lashes.
  • The Hydro Grip Primer is a good product that provides moisture to the skin and doesn’t contain any parabens.
  • Milk Makeup has a range of stick products, such as the flex foundation stick, lip + cheek stick, kush lip balm, and cooling water stick.
  • Milk Makeup is cruelty free and vegan.
  • The Hydro Grip Primer works nicely on foundations that have issues lasting long or fading.
More about Milk Makeup →

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 →

Milk Makeup's shipping policy Vs. Glossier's Shipping Policy

Milk Makeup's shipping policy

Milk Makeup only ships to the US. Domestic orders are processed and delivered within 4 business days, with the option of UPS ground shipping for a flat rate of $8. Free shipping is available for orders over $30. For Hawaii and Alaska, UPS ground shipping is available for a flat rate of $25 for orders over $50, or $33 for orders under that amount.

More about Milk Makeup →

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 →

Milk Makeup's return policy vs Glossier's Return Policy

Milk Makeup's return policy

Milk Makeup offers a customer satisfaction guarantee, allowing customers to return any unopened merchandise within 90 days of purchase. To initiate a return or exchange, customers should contact the customer service team. No items are excluded from being returned, and the company does not specify how long it takes to process a return.

More about Milk Makeup →

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 →
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