There is provided a cosmetic gel. The gel has a multiplicity of colored fibers; one or more gellants; a film former different than the gellant if need for the gel to dry to a smooth film; and one or more liquid vehicles. The gel is substantially translucent, preferably transparent, and has a viscosity of about 100,000 cps to about 300,000 cps. The colored fibers are dispersed within the gel. The cosmetic gel dries to a dry, smooth film upon topical application. There is also a method for imparting color to the skin, hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes.