My Review After 5 Years Using By Terry‘s Cult-Fave Makeup
As a longtime beauty junkie, I‘ve tested my share of luxury makeup lines over the years. But nothing compares to the buttery textures, instant results, and skin-feeding ingredients I‘ve found from Parisienne brand By Terry. I‘ve been hooked on their color cosmetics and hybrid skincare products going on 5 years now and wanted to finally share an honest insider‘s review.
Keep reading for the nitty gritty details on my personal experience using over a dozen By Terry bestsellers firsthand—from the magic that is the Baume de Rose lip balm to the glowifying foundation that has me skipping highlighter. Consider this your guide to the most coveted products from a devoted fan (and I‘ll admit: verging on superfan).
My Top By Terry Picks Over 5 Years of Testing
First, let‘s get into the crème de la crème of By Terry favorites filling my makeup drawer after years of use. These are the can‘t-live-without hero products I‘ve repurchased time and again.
Baume de Rose Nourishing Lip Care
No lip balm comes close to the restorative powers of By Terry‘s iconic Baume de Rose. This little pot of pink perfection melts onto lips instantly soothing like a silky dream. Dry skin disappears in a single use thanks to ingredients like antioxidant vitamin E and replenishing shea butter. My lips stay cushiony soft and healed for hours on end. And did I mention the rosy tint? It imparts the prettiest touch of color. I‘ve converted at least a dozen friends to the balm and my entire family asks for it as gifts.
The texture: Ultra-silky, glossy yet never sticky
The results: Heals even painfully chapped lips overnight
The cost per use: Around $2-3usd if you can resist dipping in more than twice per day
Lash-Expert Twist Brush Mascara
This lengthening and volumizing mascara never clumps or flakes on me yet holds a curl perfectly. The specialized twisted brush design coats each lash from root to tip in the intensely pigmented formula. My lashes look lifted and defined every time. The Japanese green tea extract also conditions so my lashes don‘t get brittle and break off like with some formulas.
The big difference: Foolproof application and flexible hold
Why I‘m hooked: Fluttery, fanned out lashes without any clumping
Cost per use: Around $0.50usd if you replace every 3 months
Brightening CC Serum
A few drops give my complexion the perfect "lit from within" look every time. Skin looks naturally radiant and pores appear blurred with smaller. This color-correcting serum prime skin perfectly before makeup application. But I also wear it alone mixing a pump into my moisturizer when I want light, dewy coverage. My skin tone looks balanced without needing heavy foundation.
Best perk: Color correction and subtle radiance in one step
Use it when: Priming for makeup or wearing alone for fresh-faced glow
Cost per use: Approx. $0.60 if used twice daily
The CC serum, lash mascara, and lip balm rank as desert island must-haves I‘ll continue repurchasing. But there‘s a whole arsenal of additional By Terry favorites permanently housed in my makeup drawers and regular rotation.
Here‘s a quick list of other awesome products that have earned permanent spots in my routine after diligent testing:
- Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder – Blurs imperfections better than any filter without caking
- Eye Designer Palette in Couture – 6 flattering, longwearing neutral shadows
- Ombre Blackstar Cream Eyeshadow in Misty Rock – Glistening rose gold that doubles as liner
- Lip-Expert Precision Lip Liner – Crisp, matte formula for lasting lip color
- Hyaluronic Hydra-Foundation – Buildable medium coverage with serious hydration
- Hyaluronic Hydra-Concealer – industrial strength but lightweight eye circle coverage
- Terrybly Densiliss Foundation – Velvet matte finish that still looks fresh, not flat
Clearly I could wax poetic all day about By Terry. But what you really want to know is: Are the premium products actually worth the splurge? Next I‘ll break down the biggest pros and cons I‘ve discovered from personal use.
By Terry Review: Key Pros & Cons Over 5 Years of Use
The Pros:
Sensory pleasure: The luxe packaging, decadent textures, and signature rose-vanilla scent awaken all your senses
Clean formula: Lack of common irritants like sulfates, parabens, phthalates makes them ideal for sensitive skin too
Lightweight payoff: Pigmented color products feel weightless and meld with skin tone beautifully vs sitting heavy on top
Skincare-powered: Key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, rose stem cells, vitamins deliver anti-aging beauty benefits
Staying power: Formulas feel comfortable yet OUTLAST competitors…The twist brush mascara survives gym sessions!
Multitaskers: Many function as skincare AND makeup in one efficient step like the Brightening CC Serum
Boutique treatment: Unparalleled customer service online or by phone for personalized guidance
The Cons:
Steep sticker prices: No confusion here… these are LUXURY priced usually $40+ per item
Limited shade ranges: More options needed for deeper skin tones across base products
Fragility factor: Glass bottles, compacts could shatter if dropped so handle with care
Exclusivity cuts both ways: Top sellers often sell out quickly and take weeks to restock
Can get gimmicky: Some lines like scented brushes seem more novelty than function
Hit or miss reviews on newer launches: Stick to their hero classics vs trying every new release
So in summary, the biggest downsides come back to the premium pricing and smaller color selection. But devotees including top celeb artists accept those drawbacks given the unparalleled quality, high concentrations of coveted ingredients, and transformative effects for skin.
Personally, I find the signature products 100% justify the cost if chosen wisely for your unique needs and budget. Next let‘s get into the best buying tips and savings secrets.
How To Shop By Terry On Any Budget: Top Tips
You don‘t need an A-lister‘s bank account to enjoy By Terry‘s glow. As a devoted fan spanning 5+ years now, I‘ve learned ways to keep costs reasonable:
Stick to 1 or 2 hero products rather than their full line. I suggest starting with the Brightening CC Serum or Baume de Rose lip balm—both used daily with fantastic results
Take advantage of seasonal sales events around major holidays to score 30%+ limited-time sitewide discounts
Buy value sets and minis like this year‘s advent calendar filled with bestselling minis for under $250 total
Don‘t sleep on QVC where you‘ll find great By Terry offerings not sold elsewhere plus special pricing
Check Nordstrom Rack or Saks Off 5th for discontinuations and past-season products at deep discounts
Join rewards programs at stores like SpaceNK and SkinStore for free shipping and member promos
Buy lightly used at reseller sites like Mercari and Poshmark to score products at 50%+ off retail
Split sets or full sizes with friends to ease the cart shock and share great finds
Only buy directly from authorized sellers to guarantee authenticity and qualify for the return policy
I know By Terry seems intimidatingly expensive on the surface. But take advantage of insider tips like these and the glow-getting magic can fit most budgets.
Next let‘s get into the epic FAQ covering all the vital intel for newbies from my years of fandom.
By Terry Review: Most Frequently Asked Questions, Answered
I get a lot of questions from friends and followers about my devotion to By Terry. As both a longtime user and unofficial brand ambassador, I‘m happy to share insider expertise on everything from the company background to shipping and returns.
Consider this your crash course covering all the key intel newcomers could need!
Q: What is By Terry and how did it start?
Founded by Terry de Gunzburg in 1998, By Terry began with just six lip and complexion products handpicked by Terry herself. The brand concept focused on beneficial makeup powered by skincare ingredients we already use and love daily like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.
Q: Is By Terry actually French?
Oui oui! Brand founder and creative visionary Terry de Gunzburg was born in France and By Terry products are designed, formulated and produced locally in Paris to this day.
Q: What are By Terry‘s most popular products?
Without question the Baume de Rose nourishing lip balm takes the crown as By Terry‘s number one global bestseller coveted by celebs and beauty editors. Other cult favorites include the Brightening CC Serum skin perfector and richly pigmented Lip Expert Lip Stains.
Q: What products do professional makeup artists use most from By Terry?
Industry pros stock up on By Terry for contouring products and complexion perfectors like the Terribly Densilisis concealer, Hyaluronic Hydra-Powders, CC Serum, and Serum Foundation. These create flawless, filtered skin that cameras and discerning clients adore.
Q: Does By Terry test on animals?
By Terry does not conduct animal testing during product development stages. However they do sell in mainland China where cosmetics testing on animals is required for all foreign brands by law. So they fall into a grey area regarding cruelty free status.
Q: Is By Terry really worth the expensive price tags?
Hands down, yes in my experience! Unlike mainstream makeup, you get what pay for with By Terry spending extra on high performance technologies and coveted ingredients. A little goes a long way so the initial spend per ounce is worth it.
Q: How often does By Terry have sales?
The brand holds major promotional events around holidays like Black Friday, Memorial Day, Mother’s Day, and Christmas gifting season. Discounts usually range from 20-30% sitewide with occasional daily deals up to 50% off. Sign up for emails to stay tuned on current offers.
Q: What‘s the best way to contact By Terry customer service?
I find connecting over live chat or by email to be quickest for personalized advice. But calling their North America-based team works very well too—hold times are usually under 3 minutes max!
Q: How long does By Terry shipping take?
Once order is placed, processing and fulfillment takes 24-48 hours before boxed shipment. After boxes go out, delivery takes just 3 to 5 business days via FedEx with tracking link sent to your inbox.
Q: Can I return or exchange By Terry products?
Yes, it offers a generous 30 day window for returns and if purchased directly new/unworn products are refundable. Simply initate the online return process following the steps provided in your order confirmation.
Phew…I think that just about covers all the basics on navigating all things By Terry! Hopefully you found this mega review helpful. After 5 years and countless makeup trials, I still stand firmly behind this iconic French brand. Santé to ever more By Terry adventures ahead!
