These Jelly Beauty Products Will Bring Joy (+ Hydration) to Your Routine

The other day, I was watching my four year old snack on a bowl of Berry Blue Jell-O (Are we still letting our kids eat Jell-O, btw? Actually, don’t answer that.) and as she filled her spoon with the jiggling neon dessert, I realized the scene felt suspiciously familiar. It was as though I had just encountered it earlier that day, despite the fact that I’m not exactly in the habit of consuming translucent, gelatinous treats myself.

And then it occurred to me: I, in fact, have a full-blown jelly problem—and it’s taken over my bathroom cabinet. Over the last year or two, I’ve amassed an impressive collection of jelly-like beauty products, from cleansers to hair masks to lip glosses. If the word ‘jelly’ is in the product name, you can consider me a fan.

Clearly, I’m not alone. Recently, plenty of brands have gotten in on the action with new launches. Get ready to take a Jell-O shot every time I say ‘jelly’.

Sol de Janeiro’s new Jelly Balm Perfumes. DAISE’s just-launched Jelly Soaps. Eva NYC’s Hydra-Jelly Hair Mask. Estée Lauder’s Jelly Cleanser. And then there are the deliciously fun products that have been mainstays in my routine for some time now: Milk Makeup’s game-changing Cooling Water Jelly Tint Lip + Cheek Blush Stain and Watermelon Jelly Serum Stick, Tower 28’s ShineOn Lip Jelly and Drunk Elephant’s Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser.

So what’s with our collective obsession with these jiggly products?

“I think a big part of it is the novelty factor,” says makeup artist Wendy Rorong. “Jelly textures feel new and playful. The name implies that [you’ll get something] lightweight, bouncy and hydrating.” Who doesn’t want that? Also, they’re a sensorial and aesthetic delight.

But it’s not all fun and games. These products also come with major benefits, too. “They’re usually formulated with high water content and humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, so they’re great for delivering quick and lightweight hydration,” says Rorong.

And there’s no better season for it, as we transition from the rich, nourishing creams that are a must in the winter, to lighter textures for spring. “In the skincare category, jelly products work for people who are looking for something that’s hydrating but not too thin or thick,” explains Rorong. “Jelly products are right in the middle. And in terms of makeup (like jelly blushes, eyeshadows or primers) it’s refreshing way of applying makeup if your goal is to achieve a sheer, dewy finish.”

Below are some of the absolutely best jelly beauty products. The Crème de la crème. The jelly de la jelly.

Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 68 Jelly Perfume Balm

Sol de Janeiro’s just-launched jelly perfumes are available in the brand’s three most beloved scents. The solid format makes them perfect for travel, plus the concentrated scent lasts for up to 10 hours.

Daise Jelly Soap

If we’re talking pure fun factor, this Daise Jelly Soap is hard to beat. The bouncy bar soap lathers, leaving skin soft and smooth. It’s the delightful addition your everything shower is missing.

Eva NYC H2Woah Hydra-Jelly Hair Mask

This hyaluronic acid-infused jelly mask is suitable for all hair types and textures, and will leave strands well-moisturized. Just leave on for five minutes, rinse off and enjoy your freshly hydrated locks.

Estée Lauder DayWear Glow Boost Jelly Cleanser

This new jelly-to-foam facial cleanser removes the day’s makeup, SPF and excess oil. Thanks to a combination of cucumber, caffeine and algae extract, skin is left feeling clean, refreshed and soothed.

Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint Lip + Cheek Blush Stain

The cult fave lip and cheek jelly is cooling, seriously long-lasting and available in seven buildable shades. Thanks to its formulation featuring vegan collagen, aloe and seawater, your skin will feel instantly hydrated, chilled and refreshed.

Tower 28 Beauty ShineOn Lip Jelly Hydrating Non-Sticky Lip Oil

A modern classic for a reason, this lip oil and lip gloss hybrid offers a high-shine finish that is never sticky or gloopy. Plus, it’s formulated for sensitive skin and available in tons of wearable, everyday shades.

Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser

Speaking of classics, Drunk Elephant’s gentle jelly cleanser has been a staple for years, thanks to its ability to remove makeup and impurities while leaving skin feeling clean and nourished.

Aavrani Jelly Clarifying Detox Shampoo for Scalp & Hair

This clarifying shampoo comes in a deliciously bouncy texture and is infused with nourishing vitamin E capsules and glycolic acid to exfoliate the scalp and remove excess buildup (from product and pollution). And the built-in scalp scrubber? Add to cart, immediately.

Sephora Collection Bouncy Water Jelly with Hyaluronic + Polyglutamic Acids

How can you even resist something called “Hydrate: Bouncy Water Jelly”? Formulated with hyaluronic and polyglutamic acids, this skin barrier-strengthening moisturizer locks in hydration and feels amazing while doing it.

Makeup By Mario Jelly Jar Lip & Cheek Multi-Use Balm

Available in six buildable shades, the jelly-like lip and cheek balm feels truly weightless on skin while providing a gorgeous wash of colour.