By Bethan Shufflebotham

Copyright manchestereveningnews

British beauty brand Rimmel has been stepping up its game in recent years, bringing out a host of modern makeup products to rival bigger name brands at budget-friendly prices. Their latest innovation is no exception either, with their Multi Tasker Jelly Crush lip and cheek stains giving viral heroes a run for their money. You may have noticed that beauty brands are bringing out products that put the fun and creativity back into makeup, with playful textures, bold colours and innovation being the ultimate antidote to the ‘clean girl aesthetic’. As a beauty writer, I’ve seen a huge rise in things like twist-to-dispense packaging, peel-off lip stains and transforming face masks, with jelly blushes being another K-beauty inspired trend that social media has fallen in love with. First came Milk’s Cooling Water Jelly Tint, the internet-breaking, award-winning product that’s been selling like hotcakes and has been a staple in my makeup collection since 2023. A few other brands have attempted to create similar products, and now, Rimmel has thrown its hat into the ring with Jelly Crush – a Superdrug-exclusive designed to bring that same juicy flush for a fraction of the price. READ MORE: Next’s £35 jumper is not only ‘eye-catching’ but has a unique feature for those who get too warm in traditional knits READ MORE: White Stuff’s ‘lovely and soft’ cardigan with over 1,000 five-star ratings ‘goes with everything’ On the surface, the two look almost identical with the same bouncy, cooling texture, same multi-use promise – even the packaging is strikingly similar. But how do they really stack up against each other? Before even opening the products, the main difference is the cost, with Rimmel’s offering coming in at £10.99 , while Milk’s is £23. Immediately shoppers save £12.01 when opting for the more affordable cosmetic product, but if I know beauty buffs, they absolutely will pay more for a better product, so alas, Rimmel would still need to outperform Milk to come out on top. Looking at the packaging, Milk’s branding looks more elevated with coloured writing that compliments the shades. Rimmel’s packaging is nearly identical, but the black writing – and a lot of it – does make this product look cheaper. That said, opening the product up, it’s near impossible to tell them apart. Both have the same amount of product, same shape and addictive, springy jelly bounce that makes them so fun to use. Rimmel’s Jelly Crush feels a little more moist while Milk’s is a slightly firmer set, which definitely affects its application, which is where the real differences start to show. Rimmel really goes for impact with instant payoff and strong, vibrant pigment, whereas Milk’s more sheer first layer allows for a more controlled, buildable application. On the cheeks, Rimmel’s is great for those who love a bold makeup look, perfect for nights out or festival looks, but I do personally prefer Milk’s more natural flush, which I can dial up or down depending on the look. On the lips though, I find Milk’s stains get a little lost, with Rimmel’s delivering a more noticeable colour that, once dry, really does stay put. When it comes to ingredients, the formulas share 15 exact components, including skin-loving picks like Niacinamide and Aloe Vera, which means neither feel drying on the skin. Rimmel has added different scents to their four shades, too, including peach, watermelon, strawberry, raspberry, but these are incredibly subtle and I barely noticed them. Their shades are all distinct, though Milk has got a wider range of seven shades for those looking for something a little different. Both products nail the fun, bouncy jelly concept and deliver a pop of colour that finishes off a makeup look beautifully. For those who prefer a buildable stain that looks subtle and natural, Milk’s Cooling Water Jelly Tint may be their preferred product. But those seeking an affordable, vibrant blush with instant payoff, Rimmel Jelly Crush is a fantastic option, with its Peachy Punch shade being a personal favourite of mine.