Every Glowy or Not verdict goes through the same four steps, so you can compare products fairly and see exactly where my opinion comes from.
Two kinds of reviews
Every post is clearly labeled at the top, so you always know where the verdict comes from.
✓ I’ve used this
Tried it myself. I’ve personally used the product. I share how long I used it, my skin type, and whether I bought it or the brand sent it to me. My own experience is combined with the same research as every other review.
Researched, not tested
Researched, not tested. I haven’t used the product. The verdict comes from reviewer feedback, the ingredient list, and published sources, and I never describe these products as if I’ve tried them.
You can browse each kind here: products I’ve tried and research reviews.
1. What reviewers say
I read hundreds, often thousands, of verified reviews from retailers like Amazon, Sephora, and Ulta, plus conversations on Reddit and other beauty communities. I’m looking for patterns, not one-off opinions. How did it work for oily, dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin? How long did it take to see results? What did people complain about most?
2. What’s inside
Next, I go through the full ingredient list. Are the key actives there in amounts that make sense? Is there anything that commonly bothers sensitive skin, like added fragrance or a lot of drying alcohol? When a brand makes a big claim, I check whether the ingredients and any published research back it up.
3. Price and value
I compare the price per ounce (or per use) and look for cheaper products that do nearly the same job.
4. Who it’s for
No product works for everyone. Each verdict tells you who’s most likely to love it and who should probably skip it.
The verdict
- Glowy: worth buying if it fits your skin and budget
- Maybe: good, but with real trade-offs or a better-value option out there
- Not: the hype doesn’t hold up
What this isn’t
Research reviews are exactly that: summaries of what’s out there, not personal testing. None of my verdicts are medical advice. If you’re dealing with a skin condition, a board-certified dermatologist is your best bet.
Glowy or Not may earn a small commission when you buy through some links. That never changes a verdict. You can read more in my affiliate disclosure.
