You’re ready for this jelly

We’ve hit peak summer so it’s time to swap the heavy moisturisers and make-up that feel like they’re melting off your face for jelly-textured picks that absorb quickly and leave your skin feeling refreshed. Usually water-based and formulated with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, jelly products retain moisture while giving your skin a plump, dewy look. The consistency is somewhere between a gel and a cream, enabling these products to glide onto the skin easily without clogging up your pores.  

Check out our current faves and how you can incorporate this K-beauty trend into your routine below. 

Cleanser

The first step in any skincare routine is cleansing. If you have dry skin, opt for Glossier’s Milky Jelly Cleanser, which is both gentle and hydrating as it takes off the day’s dirt and grime. Fenty’s Melt Awf Jelly Oil transforms into an oil upon application and into a milky texture while emulsifying, making it great for removing make-up, sunscreen, and other impurities. Prefer foam? The Aqua Bomb jelly cleanser by Belif is a great pick.

Moisturiser 

You might be tempted to skip this step when it’s hot and humid, but hydrating your skin is important. Not using a moisturiser can break your skin barrier, leaving you prone to itchiness, inflammation, and flaking. Instead of a thick cream, opt for a lightweight moisturiser infused with hyaluronic acid. Innisfree’s Cherry Blossom Glow Jelly Cream is packed with cherry blossom extracts, niacinamide, and hydrating betaine from sugar beets. Beauty of Joseon’s Jelloskin massage cream has a delightful, pudding-like texture. If you have oily skin and acne, try Clinique’s Hydrating Clearing Jelly, which has both hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid that targets bumps and uneven texture. 

Sunscreen

We’re big fans of SPF. Even if you aren’t planning on spending the day out and about in the sun, we suggest slapping on some sunscreen just to be safe. Bioré’s AQUA Rich sunscreen is lightweight and quickly absorbed, and leaves your skin with a glass-like finish. If you’re on the lookout for a new sunscreen stick, we suggest Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Dew Balm, whose translucent formulation makes on-the-go reapplication easy. Plus, it has niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. If you’re someone who still hasn’t found the right sunscreen, you might enjoy Unkissed by D’you’s fun blue appearance. And it blends into the skin seamlessly upon application. 

Primer 

Applying a good primer before make-up is a must to ensure an even base. Not only does a primer prepare the canvas, it also helps your make-up look smoother and last longer. NYX’s Bare With Me jelly primer is TikTok famous, while E.l.f.’s watermelon-scented Jelly Pop Dew primer is one that fans keep coming back for. Huda Beauty’s Water Jelly primer has a great jam-like consistency and holds make-up flawlessly. 

Make-up 

This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Milk’s viral Cooling Water Jelly Tint, which, we’re happy to report, is worth the hype. The two-in-one lip and cheek stain is perfect for a summer ‘no make-up make-up' look. Another hit is M.A.C’s Jelly Slime highlighter, perfect for perking up the high points of the face. And if you’re looking for juicy, hydrated lips, try Too Faced’s Kissing Jelly gloss or Tower 28’s Shine On lip jelly, which come in milky and glossy variants.