By Aimee L

Skincare has been getting a playful makeover in recent years, with jelly textures quietly taking over everything from masks and blushes to highlighters. There’s something irresistibly satisfying about formulas that wobble, bounce and spread like a cool dessert, but the trend isn’t just about aesthetics. These jelly innovations carry serious skin benefits, and Astalift Jelly Aquarysta may be the product that proves once and for all that fun textures can deliver real results.

As someone whose complexion tends to sit on the dull, dehydrated side (no matter how many serums I layer), I decided to test the Jelly Aquarysta range for just over a week. I didn’t expect much, nothing transforms skin overnight, but even I was surprised by the subtle, steady shift in how my face looked. A little brighter. A little plumper. A little more… awake. Somehow, the jelly trend suddenly made sense (and I don’t think I am imagining the improvements).

The Jelly That Started a Movement

Astalift’s Jelly Aquarysta has long held cult status, and this year marks its 15th anniversary worldwide. To celebrate, the brand has released two special-edition value sets spotlighting the original Jelly Aquarysta and its brightening sibling, the White Jelly Aquarysta.

But what sets it apart from other products riding the jelly wave is the science behind it. Developed by FUJIFILM yes, the imaging giant known for its expertise in antioxidants, nano-technology and collagen research, Jelly Aquarysta isn’t just pretty to look at. It’s engineered to support one of the skin’s most important players: the stratum corneum, that’s the top layer that locks in moisture and protects against environmental stress.

Strengthening this layer is the cornerstone of Astalift’s skincare philosophy. A healthy barrier means better hydration, better resilience and a naturally radiant glow. And the jelly texture happens to be the perfect vehicle for this.

A Pre-Serum That Makes Everything Work Harder

Unlike traditional serums, the Jelly Aquarysta is designed to be used as a pre-serum, immediately after cleansing. This helps prep the skin, smooth its surface and boost the absorption of anything you apply afterward.

Astalift Jelly Aquarysta

  • Price: $148 for 40g / $222 for 60g
  • Key Benefit: Targets firmness, elasticity and hydration
  • Hero Ingredient: Nano-Astaxanthin, an antioxidant 6,000 times stronger than Vitamin C
  • Technology: FUJIFILM’s highly permeable ceramides for deep barrier support

This formula works deep within the skin to combat oxidative stress, protect collagen from breaking down and strengthen barrier function. It’s particularly loved by those noticing early signs of ageing, loss of bounce, fine lines and that unmistakable “tired skin” look.

Astalift White Jelly Aquarysta

  • Price: $164 for 40g / $241 for 60g
  • Key Benefit: Brightens dullness and evens skin tone
  • Hero Ingredient: Same Nano-Astaxanthin for antioxidant protection
  • Additional Boost: Brightening actives that help reduce the appearance of dark spots

This version takes everything the original does and adds a radiance-enhancing punch. It’s ideal for those dealing with uneven tone, pollution-related dullness or general lack of luminosity, like me.

So… What Does It Actually Feel Like?

The first thing I noticed was the texture, a glossy, bouncy gel that somehow feels both plush and weightless. It melts instantly upon contact, leaving no film, no greasiness, no pilling. It simply disappears into the skin, leaving behind a soft, hydrated sheen.

After just over a week of consistent use, here’s what genuinely stood out:

  • My chronically dehydrated skin looked more refreshed, even on days I slept extra late binge watching Netflix or doom scrolling as one often does just before bed.
  • The dry patches around my mouth softened noticeably.
  • My overall complexion had a healthy, subtle glow, the kind that makeup enhances rather than hides.

It wasn’t a dramatic transformation, but it was real enough to make me reach for the jar with actual enthusiasm.

The Power Behind the Glow

Astalift credits its effectiveness to two core technologies, their Highly Permeable Ceramides that uses proprietary encapsulation technology, so the ceramides are delivered deep into the skin barrier to help improve resilience and long-lasting moisture retention. And their Synergistic Nano-Delivery where active ingredients are reduced into nano-sized particles for maximum absorption. This means better firmness, smoother texture and more visible radiance with continued use.

Anniversary Sets Worth Grabbing Before They’re Gone

To mark the jelly’s 15-year milestone, Astalift has released exclusive value sets that stretch your glow a little further:

  • 15th Anniversary Jelly Aquarysta Set – $222
  • 15th Anniversary White Jelly Aquarysta Set – $241

Each set includes a full-sized 60g Jelly Aquarysta (or White version), a 7g mini, and a limited-edition anniversary pouch worth $20. These are available at astalift online, at Astalift boutiques in Raffles City and Plaza Singapura, and on Lazada and Shopee Mall, while stocks last.

The Future of Fun, Effective Skincare

The rise of jelly textures isn’t just another fleeting beauty craze. It’s part of a bigger shift toward multi-sensory, glow-forward skincare, you know what mean right? formulas that feel good, look good and still deliver the science-backed results we expect.

Astalift’s Jelly Aquarysta captures that balance perfectly. It’s playful but potent, fun yet functional. And after spending a week with it, I finally understand why this bouncy little jar has stayed iconic for 15 years. If the skincare world is moving toward texture-driven formulas, this jelly might just be leading the way, one wobbly, glowing scoop at a time.