The Differences Between Gel vs Cream Moisturizer

Darlings, keeping your skin moisturized is extremely important for overall skin health. Moisturizing your skin is a science; sometimes your skin requires an intense surge of moisture, and sometimes it experiences concerns such as uneven skin tone, texture and redness that can be targeted with moisturizer.

In this guide, discover the differences between gel vs cream moisturizer and learn the different moments that you should be reaching for a rich face cream vs a silky gel moisturizer to instantly boost the look of your complexion.

What’s the Difference Between Gel vs Cream Moisturizer?

The most notable difference between gel and cream moisturizer is that gels are thinner in texture and feel lighter on the skin, whereas creams are richer and feel more indulgent. Both formulas deliver moisture and supercharged skincare benefits that aim to leave the skin feeling deeply hydrated, so choosing your formula largely comes down to how you like your moisturizer to feel on the skin and how it interacts with your skin type.

When applied, gel moisturizers generally feel more lightweight than face creams and can absorb into the skin more quickly; this can mitigate the sticky feeling that some creams can have. If you prefer a barely there feel from your moisturizer, a gel formula may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, cream formulas feel more nourishing to apply and can create a skin-like barrier that helps the skin to feel plumper and softer, as well as priming the face for makeup.

Tilbury Tip: There is a place for both gel and cream moisturizer formulas in your skincare routine, darlings! The power of layering is so important; Charlotte’s Magic Water Cream layers perfectly with not only your skincare but your makeup too. It has such an incredible and cloud-like, water-break texture that glides on and hydrates all day – it never pills, rolls, or slides, so your skin and makeup will always look better! I flit between Charlotte’s Magic Cream and Charlotte’s Magic Water Cream depending on how my skin is feeling and the type of canvas I want to create.

Discover the Magic Moisturizers You Need for Immediate Skin Revival

Darlings, Charlotte’s Magic Cream and Charlotte’s Magic Water Cream work in hydration harmony to give your skin the ultimate skin revival! Both moisturizers are expertly formulated to lift the look of the complexion and provide powerful skincare benefits that help every skin type to look and feel its best.

Your skin is complex and its needs change daily. Sometimes skin feels dry or oily depending on environmental conditions, and other times it feels dehydrated due to external factors such as the weather, lack of sleep, or not drinking enough water. Listen to your skin, darlings, and apply the magical moisturizer that’s perfect for your current skin concerns and wishes.

The Differences Between Charlotte’s Magic Water Cream and Charlotte’s Magic Cream

Discover the differences between my gel and cream moisturizers. Both magical formulas can be used by everyone, everywhere to give the skin an immediate skin revival. Once you’ve learned the key differences between these two skin-saving formulas, you can decide what your skin is thirsting for at any given time.

Learn the benefits of my magic moisturizers then choose your favourite formula to add to your skincare routine. I recommend switching between the two formulas depending on the occasion, season, and how your skin feels, or even layering the two for a double dose of moisture-rich magic!

Gel vs Cream Moisturizer for Every Skin Type

It’s important to learn about your skin so that you can use the perfect products that will get you the glowing results that you’re looking for from your skincare routine! I recommend using my Pro Skin Analysis Tool* to get a better idea of your skin type and skin concerns, then following an immediate skin revival routine that’s tailored to you.

Remember, darlings, while we all have a certain skin type, the needs of your skin can change daily. Every skin type can become dehydrated, develop dry patches, or experience unwanted redness or skin texture. As these concerns arise, you should adapt your skincare routine as necessary.

Tilbury Tip: How hydrated is your skin, darlings? Use my innovative new tech tool to get a live reading that detects how dehydrated looking your skin is currently, then discover the perfect moisturizer to give your skin the drink of water it needs!

*To learn more about how Charlotte Tilbury Beauty collects and processes your personal information, including the images you provide, please see our Biometric Processing Notice and Privacy Policy. Your results may be affected by the quality of the image submitted i.e., lighting, or camera quality.

Gel vs Cream Moisturizer for Your Skin

Combination Skin

For those with combination skin, you will be very familiar with just how much skin type can vary. Some days, excess oils are here to stay, and on other days skin feels flaky and dry. Assess which moisturizer is going to benefit your skin in the current moment and don’t be afraid to be flexible with your skincare routine.

Tilbury Tip: You can apply both Charlotte’s Magic Cream and Charlotte’s Magic Water Cream for customized hydration. Simply apply Charlotte’s Magic Water Cream everywhere your skin appears dehydrated, then apply Charlotte’s Magic Cream in any dry spots – you can even layer the two if you feel your skin needs that extra dose of moisture.

Dehydrated Skin

When skin is dehydrated, I recommend reaching for Charlotte’s Magic Water Cream to flood it with healthy hydration. I created this gel moisturizer for thirsty skin in need of a magical moisture boost. We are all a part of generation dehydration, darlings, and this magic moisturizer is the secret to drenching the complexion with hydrating skincare ingredients that help to lift and revive its appearance.

Dry Skin

Moisturize dry skin with Charlotte’s Magic Cream to give it an immediate skin revival! This award-winning, globally loved face cream is a nourishing formula that helps skin to look smoother, plumper and lit from within. Its instant-turnaround effects are perfect for hydrating and nourishing dryness on the face, working to create a gorgeous, silky-soft canvas that makeup will glide onto.

Tilbury Tip: Darlings, did you know that dry skin and dehydrated skin are different? Skin can even be both dry and dehydrated at the same time! Discover more here

Normal Skin

People with normal skin types have no notable skin concerns, however, they may still experience oiliness or dry patches from time to time. When skin feels normal, reach for the magic moisturizer that you feel suits your personal skin wish: for an ultra-light, dewy feel then choose a gel moisturizer, or for a rich, nourishing feel choose a cream.

Oily Skin

Gel moisturizers are often favoured by oily skin types thanks to their lightweight texture. Their watery, gel-like consistency is significantly thinner than a face cream and therefore is less likely to clog pores and in turn helps to prevent breakouts. These formulas are generally water-based rather than oil-based which also helps to decrease excess oil and avoids creating a greasy look and feel on the skin. Oily skin can also become dehydrated, so it’s important to use hydrating skincare products that help to provide oil control.

Darlings, while gel and cream moisturizers have their differences, both can be used within your skincare routine! Whether you love the rush of moisture that Charlotte’s Magic Water Cream gives the skin, or the smooth and sensorial feel of Charlotte’s Magic Cream, add a magic moisturizer to your skincare routine and unlock magic skin, every day!