The Gel Beauty Buys Worth Trying
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The Gel Beauty Buys Worth Trying

Gel textures are a beauty staple come summer. Lightweight and cooling, they flood your skin with moisture, as well as being easy to use and simple to blend. Here, we share 16 of our favourite buys, from quenching serums to plumping lipsticks…
01

Disciple Triple-C Gel Serum, £30

Dry, parched skin is no match for this quenching serum. Laced with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and cherry extract, it brightens and plumps your complexion, while also protecting against environmental aggressors. It gives skin a visible glow, too, without any residual stickiness. Finally, it leaves you feeling cool and refreshed – perfect for this time of year. 

​​Available at CultBeauty.co.uk

02

Eve Lom Gel Balm Cleanser, £45 

One of the best gel cleansers we’ve tried, shea butter and grapeseed oil work to get rid of surface dirt, without leaving skin feeling tight or dry. Lightweight in texture, it melts into skin and is proven to deliver hydration for up to 12 hours post-use. Plus, added clove, eucalyptus, hops and chamomile oil give off a botanical aroma that’s seriously relaxing. Luxurious and nourishing. 

​​Available at LookFantastic.com

03

Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturiser, £36

Ideal for combination or congested complexions, Farmacy’s clever moisturiser hydrates, while also reducing shine. The light, gel texture sinks in fast, while hyaluronic and polyglutamic acids get to work fast to calm redness and alleviate irritation. You’ll find this improves the way your make-up looks, too. 

​​Available at CultBeauty.co.uk

04

Illamasqua Gel Sculpt Sticks, £21.25 

Always wanted to contour but scared of the results? These transparent gel sticks are the best way to create subtle, natural-looking definition. Sheer in texture, they allow you to build delicate shadows on the face, without too much pigment. They’re easy to blend as well, so you can amp it up or take it down depending on your preference. 

​​Available at LookFantastic.com

05

Institut Esthderm Cellular Water Moisturising Gel, £37

Designed to encourage water flow within your skin’s epidermal cells, this is the moisturiser for those who suffer with dryness. It also uses skin notox technology which is famed for its ability to protect against the damaging effects of pollutants and UV rays. You’ll love how refreshing and cool it feels upon application, plus it sits beautifully with the rest of your make-up. 

​​Available at FeelUnique.com

06

L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Gel, £10.99

With a lightweight, fast-drying formula, this clever gel allows you to get dressed in minutes, with a bronzed glow that develops in just a few hours. Formulated with vitamin E, it keeps skin hydrated and soft, so you never have to worry about your tan going patchy or streaking.

​​Available at Boots.com

07

J.One Jelly Pack Multi-Functional Gel Primer, £10 

Korean beauty brand J.One never disappoints, and their gel primer uses hyaluronic acid and fullerene to deliver long-lasting moisture. Make sure you pat it in fully to create a smooth, even base for make-up to adhere properly. You could be in the hottest conditions and this would still prevent any sliding or movement of product. Added chamomile flower water means you get a glossy sheen that lasts, too. 

Available at LookFantastic.com

08

Lumene Nordic Hydra Gel Mask, £20.90 

Think of this innovative, watery-gel like a drink for the skin. With pure arctic spring water and organic Nordic birch sap, it has a bouncy texture that’s easily absorbed overnight without any stickiness. Come morning, expect reduced puffiness and smoother-looking skin. Ideal for anyone suffering from severe dryness or tightness.

Available at LookFantastic.com

09

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream, £5.99

This cooling body gel is a dream to apply. Made with extra-dry skin in mind, it’s non-greasy, yet rich in moisture – expect your limbs to drink this up. You’ll enjoy the visible radiance it leaves behind, too. 

​​Available at Boots.com

10

Nuxe Reve de Miel Make-Up Removing Gel, £15

Brimming with honey and sunflower oil, this gentle make-up remover is suitable for all skin types. It gently breaks down all dirt and make-up, while the soap-free, soothing formula takes care of your skin. You’ll only need one pump to cover your entire face, so it should last you a long time, too. 

Available at CultBeauty.co.uk

11

Origins GinZing Glow Radiance-Boosting Gel Moisturiser, £26.50

Bridging the gap between a hydrating moisturiser and subtle highlight, this glow-giving cream always receives stellar reviews. The gel-like texture lends skin unbeatable luminosity, as well as an instant shot of hydration. Added panax ginseng also helps stimulate and support collagen for a firmer feel over time. Mix with your SPF for extra protection. 

​​Available at LookFantastic.com

12

Revolution Skincare Hydrating Boost Watermelon Eye Gel, £8 

While this won’t get rid of dark circles entirely, a small amount should boost brightness thanks to its lightweight, gel consistency. Formulated with watermelon, squalane and glycerine, it keeps skin soft and free of any tight, dry feeling. Pat it onto dry skin, or on top of make-up as a refresher – either way, the gel should penetrate deeply for optimum results.

​​Available at BeautyBay.com

13

Shiseido VisionAiry Gel Lipstick, £21

This feels like a balm but has the pigment and staying power of a lipstick. Water-based and brimming with moisturising ingredients, it feels incredibly soft, malleable and hydrating. The gel texture means you get a lovely, cooling sensation when you apply it, while the range of colours means there's something to suit everyone. 

​​Available at LookFantastic.com

14

Wet ‘n’ Wild Perfect Pout Gel Lip Liner, £3.99

Lip liners have come a long way in recent years. No longer chalky or hard to apply, formulas like this one from Wet ‘n’ Wild’ are now gel-based for a more even application. They’re far easier to blend, smudge and build up – plus, they’re pretty affordable at just £3.99. 

​​Available at Boots.com

15

Yes To Watermelon Super Fresh Gel Moisturiser, £10.99

If you find yourself on a budget, opt for this affordable moisturiser from Yes To. Gentle, yet effective, it uses vitamin C and lycopene to brighten and stimulate the skin. Loved by both make-up artists and industry insiders alike, you can be safe in the knowledge it's a great all-rounder.

​​Available at LookFantastic.com

16

Institut Esthederm Intensive Vitamin C Cream, £64


Designed to be used as a two-month intense treatment, this powerhouse cream is composed of three different types of hyaluronic acid to visibly hydrate and stimulate your skin. You'll immediately notice fewer fine lines and wrinkles as it plumps and smoothes, while dehydrated skin types will love its moisturising benefits. Even better, added vitamin C tackles dark spots and discolouration, and even helps improve firmness over time. 

Available at Naos-Store.co.uk

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