My relationship with gels has, on the whole, been pretty unsatisfying. I find eye and cleansing gels drying, hair gel outmoded, gel moisturisers insufficient and gel makeup extremely difficult to work with on all but the oiliest skins. A traditional gel blusher, for example, will give no more than about two seconds of blending time on a drier cheek, or else it will stain wherever it first landed, outline and all. So when several brands introduced “improved” gel formulations this year, I was intrigued to see if they’d really become more amenable.
Paul & Joe Beaute have gone huge on gels for summer. I’m ambivalent about their new gel foundation, but daft for their gel-consistency Eye Gloss wands, £16, which are extremely pretty and foolproof to apply. I’m wearing one here in Creme Brulee, stroked all over the lids and topped with Stila’s Smudge Pot in Bronze, £13, a gel liner that gives you plenty of time to apply with a brush, then smudge and soften before setting. The effect is casual, brightening and long-lasting – perfect for summer.
Even more impressive is Illamasqua’s new gel bronzer and blush, named Gel Sculpt and Gel Colour, respectively (£22 each). Both – worn here in Silhouette and Fluster – come in a chubby Pritt Stick-type applicator, and blend better than any gel cheek colour I’ve tried. Their transparency means the finish is dewier, more natural and less flat-looking than many opaque creme formulations.
There are new gel lipsticks, too (Cargo’s are lovely), but I liked how Topshop’s Cheek Jelly, £7, looked on the mouth, so I just dabbed it straight over some balm.
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