Glossier founder, Emily Weiss took to Instagram this week to initiate an open conversation about Glossier's inclusivity. In her caption, Emily wrote, 'Over the past three months, through conversations with members of Glossier's retail team and more recently, the stories shared via @OuttaTheGloss, it's become clear that we've failed to ensure that all voices are heard, and protected, within our internal community.' The caption accompanied a piece of literature that outlined the circumstances leading to a reevaluation by Glossier of their working environment, and detailed a plan of action that aims to cut out 'racism, anti-Blackness, and transphobic behaviour' throughout Glossier stores.
The post read: 'In early June, several of our retail employees emailed us to share their lived experience of racism, anti-Blackness, and transphobic behaviour while working in our stores. Through many hours of Zoom calls, an investigation this summer, and most recently, through @OuttaTheGloss, we've heard accounts of the myriad ways the systems and culture we've developed failed to creaate the inclusive safe environment they deserved. This goes against the values that inspired us to build Glossier in the first place, and that we strive to live by every day.'
'This post, to start, is an apology and a public acknowledgment of the pain and discomfort these former colleagues experienced while working to build a brand they believed so deeply in upon arrival. We're so sorry that we didn't create a workplace in which our retail employees felt supported in the most critical ways.'
The Plan Of Action
The post then goes on to detail what Glossier will action with regards to inclusivity going forwards. Glossier's steps are summarised below:
'Dialogue' - Glossier plans to open up a conversation with former Glossier retail employees to delve into feedback and ideas that may help move the brand forward. 'We will do individual Zoom calls with all who are interested. Anyone who participates will be compensated for their time spent on the call'.
'Company-Wide Training' - 'We will require all of our employees, regardless of their full-time or part-time status, to participate in recurring training on anti-racism, and inclusion.'
'Retail Management' - Glossier commits to a 'robust hiring process for managers' in the post and states that they will 'establish processes that enable retail team members to share transparent and actionable feedback on management without fear of repercussions' - anyone who has ever worked in retail knows how important a process like this is.
'Work Environment' - The post commits to creating and displaying a code of conduct for customers in Glossier stores 'that sets clear expectations on behaviour' and warns that those who violate the code will be removed from store. The notion that the customer is always right will be eschewed in 'de-escalation training' for employees, management, and security partners and there will be a zero tolerance policy for discriminatory behaviour that protects employees both internally at Glossier, and with regards to customers.
'Human Resources' - Glossier, via this post, are commiting to 'hire a dedicated, on-site human resources leader at any retail location with over 100 employees' that will provide support for smaller stores too, as well as the initiation and creation of processes to 'mitigate bias in performance reviews, promotions, and compensation'.
'Growth And Performance' - There will be a clear path of progression laid out for employees and efforts to include retail employees in wider Glossier moves like product development etc.
'Pay' - Glossier commits here to reviewing their current payment system to ensure that it is fair across the board, and to 'conduct annual compensation reviews' to ensure it stays that way.
'Town Halls' - Quarterly meetings will be initiated that brings together the corporate headquarters and retail employees on the ground so that feedback and questions may be aired regularly.
Glossier's Mission And Promise
Glossier's pledge ends by drawing attention to and thanking the voices that spoke up and highlighted the need for change in the beauty brand. 'Lastly, those former retail employees started this dialogue with the fundamental belief that Glossier can do better, and we agree. Dismantling and building a new, better experience wouldn't be possible without their honesty, efforts, and vulnerabiity, and for that, we're grategul.'
'We have a responsibility to our entire organisation, and community, both internal and external, to lead with accountability and drive real change, to ensure that all voices are respected and heard. This is our mission and our promise.'
What Glossier's Pledge And Plan Of Action Means For Beauty
By speaking out so publicly about the issues highlighted by Glossier employees and showing, in such a detailed manner, the means by which Glossier is looking to reform their future as a company with regards to inclusivity and providing a working environment deserving of their employees, Emily Weiss and Glossier at large are setting an example that other beauty brands may follow. Glossier have addressed and highlighted these issues instead of hushing them up. Glossier have opened a wider conversation about the need for an inclusive and welcoming working environment for every staff member, to the extent of potentially eschewing that age-old adage that 'the customer is always right'. They are actively seeking feedback from former employees in order to benefit present ones. Glossier have created an arena in which employees may speak out against fellow employees, managers and even customers, and know that they will be supported. This is what all beauty brands, and brands at large should look to be doing, and we hope that this move by Glossier, initiates a pattern of future change.
Shop: The Best Of Glosser In 2020
The Best Products From Glossier UK 2022
1 of 14Boy Brow, £14
For anyone spending lots of time using multiple products on their eyebrows, this may just change your life (or at least your morning routine). Boy Brow fills in sparse spaces, thickens thin brows and holds them in place like a gel would. It is, in essence, the ultimate multi-tasker.
2 of 14Priming Moisturizer Balance, £23
As if in answer to our lockdown skin fatigue, Glossier has recently launched a new product that it's calling Priming Moisturizer Balance. Designed primarily for oily and combination skin, it promises to moisturise, control shine and refine the look of pores in one easy step.
3 of 14Glossier Pro-Retinol Nightly Renewing Complex, £30
Meet Glossier's new skincare launch, a nightly retinoid formulated with 0.5% pro-retinol in the form of Retinyl Sunflowerate. That's a mix of pure retinol and sunflower seed fatty acids to you and me. The nourishing properties of the sunflower seed fatty acids work to counterbalance the less desirable effects often associated with using retinol products, we're talking dryness, itching and occasionally peeling. What's not to love about a new Glossier launch? At £30 this is a retinol product worth looking into - retinol buys are usually quite pricey and we rate £30 for a 35ml bottle of this one as reasonable.
4 of 14Cloud Paint, £15
Available in six different shades, once you try Cloud Paint you may find it difficult to go back to any other blusher. It's a silky gel-cream formula that's easy to dab onto your cheeks, although you can also use it on lips or even eyes if you so wish. This tends to be one of the more hyped products from Glossier but let me tell you – the hype is fully justified.
5 of 14Milky Oil Cleanser, £10
The Milky Oil Cleanser follows on from the cult success of the brand's Milky Jelly Cleanser - and despite being the new(er) kid on the block, its smooth and softening formula has had nothing but rave reviews. It's like a mix between micellar water and a face oil but isn't greasy and leaves skin feeling fresh and clean. It also removes even the most stubborn of mascaras in an instant.
6 of 14Balm Dotcom, £10
If you only buy one product, make it this. The crème de la crème of balms, this hydrating skin salve does almost everything. Slick over eyelids or on lips for a dewy, natural look and apply to any patches of dry skin for instant hydration. It's a wonder, and available in seven different flavours.
7 of 14Crème de Glossier, £29
This is just as good as the packaging might suggest. It's luxurious, creamy and dreamy – basically everything you want in a night-time moisturiser. Plus, you only need the smallest amount, so while this is one of Glossier's more expensive products (around £30) it will last a really long time.
8 of 14Generation G, £14
Generation G adapts to the colour of your lips, meaning each shade looks different on everyone. The texture is more like a balm than a traditional lipstick, too, so you can wear it all day without worrying about dry lips or a too-matte finish.
9 of 14Super Bounce, £24
If you have dry skin by nature, or if you feel like your skin is just in desperate need of a moisture injection, this is for you. It's a hyaluronic acid combined with vitamin b5 making it a lightweight, non-sticky serum that leaves skin feeling softer almost immediately. Ideal during or after flights and a genuine dream to slather on skin on mornings after the nights before. It also provides the perfect base for make-up.
10 of 14Lip Gloss, £11
Just when you thought lip gloss couldn't shake off its early noughties image, along comes Glossier's version to prove us all wrong. Available in three shades – clear, holographic and red – this really is a game-changer in every sense of the phrase. Wear on its own for low-key days or layer over lipstick to up the ante.
11 of 14Lidstar, £15
Not one to do things by halves, Glossier launched Lidstar at the Grammy Awards in 2018 on the eyelids of Beyoncé, no less. There are now six shades on offer, all of which lend a shimmery, pearly, fairly irresistible glow when applied to eyelids. In fact, it's pretty addictive stuff.
12 of 14Haloscope, £18
This might just be the ultimate highlighter, given that it provides all the glow plus a hit of hydration thanks to vitamin-rich moisturisers included in the formula. There's three shades to choose from, all as delicious as the other. It's cruelty-free, too.
13 of 14Glossier You, £45
Glossier's first perfume really does smell differently on everyone's skin. But if you're a fan of musky, lightly woody fragrances, you'll like this. A lot. The base notes (those woody scents) are the main attraction but the top notes that do feature are spicy and peppery, as opposed to anything floral.
14 of 14Moisturising Moon Mask, £18
With almond oil, plant-based squalane, and hyaluronic acid, this is one seriously hydrating mask. But more than that, it includes liquorice root and lemon extract to help brighten skin, while honey and aloe work to soothe any redness. It's a lovely treat for your skin.