The month of May means the start of Taurus season, better weather, and (arguably) most important: some of the best beauty launches [1] we've seen this year. With summer just around the corner, brands are starting to release products that are geared toward the warmer incoming weather. Think glossy lip products, cream-based everything, summer scents, and lots of bronzers [2]. If you're looking forward to the perfect beach day or prepping for an upcoming music festival, now's the time to stock up on items to keep you glowing.
Still, with as many exciting launches as there are right now, no one person possibly has the time to test them all — and that's where we come in. Our editors have been hard at work testing the latest crop of beauty products that have dropped in the past few months (or have yet to hit stores), and we're sharing all of our favorites. The best part? There's something for everyone. Whether you're looking for your perfect new fragrance [3], a self-tanner to help you fake that sun-kissed bronzed look, or the best dry shampoo [4] to get you through a sweaty hike, we've got you covered.
We rounded up the best makeup, hair, skin, body, and nail products that are launching in May. Keep reading to see all of our picks.
— Additional reporting by Jessica Harrington
Best Pressed Powder
Laura Mercier Real Flawless Luminous Perfecting Talc-Free Pressed Powder [5] ($48)
"I can certainly appreciate the glazed-skin trend [6] taking over social media right now, but I am also acutely aware of the fact that I am not, in fact, Hailey Bieber, and therefore may need a little more coverage with my makeup. That's what I love about Laura Mercier's new pressed powder: in addition to a slight veil of color that helps set my foundation in place, it also lends a lightly matte (but still radiant) skin finish, so I can fake a supermodel glow in a way that works for me." — Kelsey Castañon, beauty director
Best Lip Créme
Glossier G Suit Soft Lip Créme in Lane [7] ($23)
"Glossier is known for its soft, lightweight textures and natural-looking finishes, so I was surprised when I put on the new G Suit Soft Lip Créme — it's so rich and pigmented. And yet, the formula still feels casual and equally worthy of being thrown on to run some errands as your go-to tinted lip balm. The shade Lane, a neutral mauve brown, is my favorite." — Jessica Harrington, editor, beauty
Best Matte Bronzer
MAC Skinfinish Sunstruck Matte Bronzer [8] ($33)
"I simply have not put down the MAC Skinfinish Sunstruck Matte Bronzer in the shade Matte Rich Golden. I prefer my bronzers to be on the more neutral side, and this is the perfect toasty brown shade that doesn't pull too red. Plus, the range in the line (there are 10 options) is fantastic." — Ariel Baker, assistant beauty editor
Best Lip Oil
NYX Professional Makeup Fat Oil Lip Drip Vegan Lip Oil [9] ($9)
"I love a lip oil, especially for nights when I'm going out with friends or out on dates. I first saw this product going viral on TikTok, and after testing it out for myself I can totally see why. It makes my lips look plump, juicy, and totally kissable — exactly what this single girl needs right now." — Renee Rodriquez, staff writer and social producer
Best Foundation Brush
Saie The Base Foundation Brush [10] ($26)
"I don't know when it happened, but my makeup sponges have officially become the very last thing I reach for while doing my makeup. It's been years since I've used a brush to blend foundation, but the Saie The Base Foundation Brush has been my go-to as of late. The dense but soft bristles blend my products seamlessly (see: the also new Saie Glowy Super Skin Lightweight Hydrobounce Serum Foundation [11]) — and never leave behind visible brush lines." — Samantha Sasso, editor, branded content
Best Lip Liner
Haus Labs Le Monster Lip Crayon Vegan Lipstick and Lip Liner [12] ($22)
"The Haus Labs Le Monster Lip Crayons came out with four new shades, but this was my first time trying the product. The pencil-like applicator makes it incredibly easy to be precise with these lip colors, and the formula glides on like butter and has really good lasting power. I was testing them and forgot to take them off before I left for an event, and my lipstick was in near-perfect condition when I got home." — AB
Best Powder Foundation
Make Up For Ever HD Skin Matte Velvet Undetectable Longwear Blurring Powder Foundation [13] ($43)
"I suppose this has been a month of throwbacks for me. Between the grand return of makeup brushes to this powder foundation, I'm feeling very nostalgic — and rightfully so. The Make Up For Ever HD Skin Matte Velvet Undetectable Longwear Blurring Powder Foundation can be used as a foundation or setting powder, but either way, you'll be getting a blurred high-coverage finish. The first time I tried this foundation, I accidentally scheduled a workout class after work — historically my sweatiest of the week — and the foundation didn't move. Eight hours of wear with little to no smudge? I'm sold." — SS
Best Lip Butter
About-Face Cherry Pick Lip Color Butter [14] ($15)
"About Face's Lip Butters have been an easy swipe-on-and-go product for me when I just don't want to think too much about my lipsticks, specifically the color Pink Pina. They're pigmented but due to the glossy formula aren't extremely opaque, so when I top them with a gloss they give an almost milky appearance to the lips that I have been loving." — AB
Best Liquid Blush
Juvia's Place Blushed Liquid Blush [15] ($18)
"Juvia's Place's Liquid Blushes are simply some of the best on the market. The color range is par none (there are 12 and each one is suer flattering) and there is a dimension in the colors that makes them look really unique once blended out. My favorite is Perky Poppy, a brick red." – AB
Best Lip Mask
Lux Unfiltered N°15 Soothing Lip Mask [16] ($24)
"I'm picky about my lip products, and only the best of the best make it through my rigorous testing. This new lip mask from Lux Unfiltered checks all of my boxes: it's hydrating, it isn't sticky, and it leaves my lips feeling silky smooth. Plus, it has a cooling tip that makes it so fun to apply." — RR
Beset Lip Balm
Isamaya Beauty Sheer Lipstick Balm [17] ($95)
"The Isamaya Beauty Sheer Lipstick Balm in Flamingo is nothing short of a masterpiece. The packaging is obviously a show-stopper [18], but the color of the lipstick is also this really pretty sheer pink that I've been using to top off some of my go-to lip combinations. She's pricey, but refillable, and brings genuine joy to my makeup routine. I'm not even kidding: I giggled while applying this for the first time. I can't tell you the last time a lipstick has made me giddy enough to laugh out loud." – AB
Best Blurring Bronzer
Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Devinie Bronzer [19] ($39)
"Make no mistake, I use bronzer all year round, but in the summertime, I pretty much dust it all over my entire face like a powder foundation for a sun-kissed glow. As we enter the warmer months, the new Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Devinie Bronzer was introduced to me just in time. The velvety powder has a demi-matte finish with subtle pearly pigments for a super natural look. I love how easily it blends, making it mistake-proof. I put it on my cheeks, forehead, jawline, and eyelids — as I said, all over." — JH
Best Matte Lipstick
Kylie Cosmetics Matte Lipsticks [20] ($23)
"As for traditional bullet lipsticks, the new matte lipsticks from Kylie Cosmetics completely blew me away this month and it's all thanks to the addition of one ingredient: hyaluronic acid. This allows the formula to glide across the lips in a way that traditional matte lipsticks don't, while leaving behind that soft-matte finish that I love. An apple a day has become one of my new favorite reds." — AB
Best Exfoliating Pads
Yse Beauty Your Favorite Ex Exfoliating Pads [21] ($72)
"I've actually been digging a lot of products from supermodel Molly Sims's new skin-care brand, Yse Beauty — like the Retinol Serum [22] ($88), which is somehow potent yet hydrating — but my favorite has to be the exfoliating pads. Not only are they pre-soaked with a glycolic acid [23]- and PHA [24]-packed formula to slough away dead skin cells at the surface, but they're also super gentle (and trust me, I'm sensitive) and come with little pockets you can slip your fingers into for easy application." — KC
Best Facial Sunscreen
Dr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 40 [25] ($60)
"Let's be real: mineral sunscreen formulas are hard to get right. They have to be free of a white cast, have a texture that doesn't clog pores, and have a silky consistency that won't pill under makeup. The new Dr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 40 does all that, and includes skin-strengthening ingredients beyond sun protection. Zinc gives it the UVA/UVB protection you need from SPF, ectoin protects against blue light damage, and the antioxidant Lipochoman protects from free radicals to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. It's silky, it's lightweight, and it provides serious protection — it's a winner for me. — Aviel Kanter, director, branded content
Best Toner
Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer [26] ($33)
"When I realized how close I was to running out of my favorite morning essence (Laneige, I love you), I realized it was the perfect opportunity to try something new. The beauty of the Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer is that it's a hybrid of two steps in your routine. Plus it leaves skin feeling baby-soft. This three-in-one spray combines the hydrating and soothing power of a toner, serum, and moisturizer. The formula alone is lovable, but the fact that it comes in spray form makes it the kind of product I could devote myself to for life." — SS
Best Eye Serum
Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum [27] ($64)
"There is no greater risk for an eczema flare-up than the introduction of a new product to my undereye area, and so I'm extra particular about the eye creams I try. That said, I've always trusted Drunk Elephant's formulas to be gentle enough for my sensitive skin, and that is exactly the case with its new A-Shaba Eye Serum. The creamy formula is loaded with antioxidants and caffeine for an instant brightening effect, and there's been no adverse reactions whatsoever." — KC
Best Retinol Serum
Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum [28] ($350)
"I have always been a ride-or-die, all-in fan of prescription Tretinoin — back when I started using it in my mid-20s it fully transformed my skin texture. However, when I started getting rosacea flare-ups earlier this year (because that's a thing that happens after you turn 30 . . .), my beloved Tretinoin proved to be too strong for my newly sensitive skin. Because I am convinced of the powers of retinol, I needed an OTC product that would be gentle enough not to cause a rosacea flare, but still potent enough for me to still reap the anti-aging effects of the hero ingredient. The Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum has been the only product thus far to meet those requirements and leave my skin feeling more hydrated than it ever has been." — AK
Best Cleansing Balm
Furtuna Skin Cleansing Oil Balm [29] ($85)
"Sometimes you just want a luxurious nighttime cleanse and that's exactly what the Furtuna Skin Cleansing Oil Balm delivers. As an avid double cleanser, I'm always on the lookout for a new makeup remover or oil cleanser. This balm's olive oil formula is gentle, soft, and, yep, very luxurious to use. It may be too expensive to use on a daily basis, but when I need a deep hydrating cleanse, then this is my new go-to." — SS
Best Sunscreen Face Mist
Vacation Super Spritz SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Mist [30] ($24)
"I love everything that Vacation does, and the new Vacation Super Spritz SPF 50 Face Mist is no exception. I live in LA and am constantly in the sun; I'm also very active, meaning I need to reapply my SPF a lot throughout the day. The Super Spritz is clutch for those on-the-go moments — I keep one in my car and one in my bag. It smells great, sinks in quickly without a sticky residue, won't mess up your makeup, is water-resistant for a whopping 80 minutes, and is dermatologist tested and approved." — AK
Best Face Oil
Mara Algae + Moringa Universal Hydrating Face Oil [31] ($72)
"The second I saw Riley Keough use the Mara Algae + Moringa Universal Hydrating Face Oil I knew I had to have it. I only recently got back into gua sha, so I needed a slick oil that wouldn't irritate my skin or clog my already-clogged pores. As expected, Riley's reco came through. Although I've been using it a few times a week at night, I've especially noticed a difference when I use it in the mornings while working from home. It's plumping and hydrating, which are really the only two things I'm looking for these days, and doesn't soak so fast into my skin that I can't drag my favorite little jade stone across my jawline with ease. Who knew Daisy Jones would have such a good skin-care routine?" — SS
Best Makeup Remover
Lumify Eye Illuminations Makeup Remover & Cleanser [32] ($17)
"It's hard to find a good makeup remover that teeters the line between effective and sensorially enjoyable, and that's exactly what you get with Lumify's latest. Technically, it's meant for the eye area (which means it works wonders on removing even the most stubborn eye makeup and mascara, of which I can attest), but I've also been using it to remove all my makeup as the first step in a double cleansing routine, and it never leaves my skin feeling oily or greasy." — KC
Best Skin-Care Wand
Solawave Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand [33] ($169)
"Solawave recently released what is essentially the 2.0 version of their cult-favorite red light device: the Solawave Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand. TBH, I wasn't all that convinced with the first iteration of the device, but the brand made some pretty significant updates to this new one, so I was excited to test it out. First off, they switched from microcurrent to galvanic current, which in my opinion, is smarter for a small hand-held device — galvanic does more work to help product absorption, which is what this device is great at. Another new feature is the on/off button (it used to just turn on when it made contact with skin) which is a huge plus. With sustained use, I did notice that the new wand helped a lot with morning de-puffing (thanks, seasonal allergies) and the increased amount of red light helped fade some of my sun-induced hyperpigmentation." — AK
Best Hair Oil Serum
Matrix Food For Soft Multi-Use Hair Oil Serum [34] ($31)
"While we're getting away from the cold, windy days of winter, my hair has been holding on to the damage for dear life. It's why I've been leaning on hydrating oils to repair my brittle ends as we head into the spring and summer, and one of my favorites has been this Hair Oil Serum from Matrix. It's formulated with moisturizing avocado oil and smells like a fruity Erewhon smoothie — a win win in my book." — KC
Best Smart Hair Dryer
T3 Featherweight StyleMax Dryer [35] ($200)
"I know what you're thinking: it's a hair dryer, what makes it so special? Well, let me tell you. This is no ordinary blowdryer. No, it features smart technology that helps it adapt to your hair type with a simple push of a button. When you turn it on, you program it with your hair's density — selecting, thin, medium, or thick — and styling goals. Then it changes the heat styling temperature automatically. If you're guilty of frying your hair, you need this. It's pretty neat." — JH
Best Air-Dry Styler
R+Co Teleport Flexible Control Hydra Gelee [36] ($34)
"I like to avoid hot tools as much as possible when the hotter weather arrives, but I've never really built the proper routine to let my hair thrive. I'm not even sure what my wavy hair looks like when given some TLC. Besides a leave-in conditioner, I knew I'd need something strong enough to keep my wave pattern in place. Enter: the R+Co Teleport Flexible Control Hydra Gelee. Almost every other curl-related product I've used in the last month has left my hair crunchy or dry, but this gel uses pineapple fruit acid to lock in hydration and keep hair soft long after it's dried." — SS
Best Volumizing Spray
Kerasilk Volumizing Spray [37] ($34)
"By no scientific reasoning I can possibly comprehend, my fine hair just will not hold onto volume in the spring or summer. Within a few hours post-blowdry, it falls flat at the roots and stays that way unless I bring in the teasing brush. That is, unless I use the Kerasilk Volumizing Spray. It has a very light hold (I promise, no annoying hairspray scrunch here) so all you have to do is use a few spritzes on damp hair pre-styling for fuller-looking results that last all day." — KC
Best Compact Hair Dryer
Mane Ionic Compact Hair Dryer [38] ($125)
"I rarely switch up my hair tools, but after using the new Mane hair dryer, I was totally sold. I'm obsessed with the brand's three-barrel waver, and this blow dryer is another new favorite. It's compact AF, which makes it easy to bring with me when I'm traveling, but it's also fast as hell. My wet hair doesn't stand a chance as soon as I turn this baby on. Plus, it has three different attachments so I'm always covered no matter what I'm looking to achieve with my hair." — RR
Best Express Tanning Water
Tan-Luxe Express Water Hydrating Self-Tanner [39] ($48)
"Arguably the most annoying part about self-tanning is waiting for the color to develop. During that time, you have to waddle around your home in your ugliest, baggiest outfit, being careful where you sit, while the color slowly, but surely, forms. That's why the Tan-Luxe Express Water Hydrating Self-Tanner is so amazing: it works in just 30 minutes. Meaning no more biding time for 6 hours or having to plan a day (or two) in advance to be tan for a big event. And the color is so flawless and natural looking." — JH
Best Body Wash
St. Ives Energizing Body Wash Cleanser [40] ($4)
"St. Ives's Citrus and Cherry Blossom Body Wash is another one of those products that make it feel like summer is around the corner. It smells slightly like tangerines but that is quickly followed by a soft floral scent. The formula also lathers impeccably and the bottle is huge. Such a good bang for your buck." — AB
Best Body Cream
Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance Illuminating Body Cream [41] ($48)
"As a child of the early aughts, there's just something about body glitter that has a continued hold over me. Of course, as an adult, I want something more sophisticated — a slight summer-y sheen, if you will. Since the weather has gotten warmer and I'm finally able to start working on my base tan, the new Sol De Janeiro Rio Radiance Illuminating Body Cream has been my go-to post-sun slather. Like all the Sol de Janeiro products, the scent is divine — it's like sunshine in a bottle (or I suppose, tub). This particular lotion has those subtle flecks of gold (from the ethically-sourced mica) that I crave to accentuate my tan. Plus, squalane and carrot seed oil keep my skin extremely hydrated." — AK
Best Tanning Body Serum
St. Tropez Luxe Body Serum [42] ($48)
"The St. Tropez Luxe Body Serum has become another staple in my at-home tanning routine. Not only does it keep my skin hydrated (a must for maintaining color) but it has a no-rinse formula that slowly develops after you apply it. It's packed with amazing ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B5 to moisturize, reduce redness, and smooth skin while also making you look bronzed and glowy." — JH
Best Pre-Shave Body Scrub
EOS Cashmere Skin Pre-Shave Body Scrub [43] ($8)
"The EOS Pre-Shave Foaming Sugar Scrub smells like heaven first of all, but also leaves my skin feeling incredibly smooth. The formula is a traditional physical exfoliant but it foams up and washes away instead of falling to the floor and messing up your bathtub. Smooth skin and I don't have to scrub my tub after? Sign me up." — AB
Best Resurfacing Body Serum
UBeauty Resurfacing Body Compound [44] ($128)
"Dry skin, post-shave bumps, discoloration, uneven texture — you name it, the UBeauty Resurfacing Body Compound fixes it. This body serum is lightweight, but truly packs a punch in the results department. It exfoliates and hydrations your skin, making it feel baby smooth. The texture also feels super luxe, which makes slathering it on straight out of the shower a treat." — JH
Best Deodorant Spray
Native Lilac & White Tea Deodorant Spray [45] ($17)
"The Native Deodorant & Body Spray isn't as shiny and new as some other launches this month, but it recently hit Target shelves, which means I can stock up on it whenever I'd like — and considering how much I visit Target that will be often. While all the scents are addicting, it's the Lilac & White Tea I can't stop spraying. I wish I didn't feel the need to mist my armpits several times a day, but this refreshing floral scent is too good not to." — SS
Best Bath Oil
Verden D'Orangerie Bath Oil [46] ($124)
"I'm a big bath girl, no matter the season. I actually love a summer bath — there's nothing better than a warm breeze coming through an open window while you soak. The Verden D'Orangerie Bath Oil is the perfect summer bath product, with a zingy, uplifting scent of orange blossoms. The formula is infused with grape seed oil and passion fruit seed oil, which leaves my post-bath skin feeling so soft I don't even have to use a lotion." — AK
Best Firming Self-Tanning Drops
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Firming Body Drops [47] ($38)
"I've been a long-time fan of Isle of Paradise, but took a long break from self-tanning. After several years, I'm ready to re-enter the chat. Naturally, it was the brand's new Self-Tanning Firming Body Drops to encourage the decision. Just like everything else the brand creates, these body drops are clear, so guide color stains aren't an issue. Every few days I mix three to four drops into my favorite moisturizer and wait for the tan to develop while I answer emails. Soon enough I have a subtle glow that, as the week drags on, fades evenly." — SS
Best Summer Perfume
PHLUR Solar Power Eau de Parfum [48] ($96)
"Phlur's Solar Power is light, airy, and smells like summer. Some of the main notes are bergamont and orange flower, but it doesn't smell too zesty to where you'll feel like you just peeled an orange and have the scent stuck on you." — AB
Best Room Spray
Boy Smells Les Room Spray [49] ($36)
"Room sprays from some of the sexiest fragrance brands out there are making an entrance, and this one from Boy Smells is arguably one of my favorite yet. It envelops the room with whatever eau de parfum you love (in my case, the smoky and delectable fragrance Ash) and lingers for at least an hour or two." — KC
Best Woody Perfume
Jenni Kayne Violet Santal Eau de Parfum [50] ($110)
Jenni Kayne can do no wrong in my book, and the new beauty spin-off brand — Oak Essentials — is the same. At the moment, I'm obsessed with the fragrances and candles, particularly the Violet Santal Eau de Parfum. It's warm and woody yet fresh and green enough for spring, and of course the minimalist bottle with the pale wood cap looks beautiful alongside Jenni Kayne's signature California natural aesthetic. Now, if only I could afford a mountain of cashmere and a live edge credenza to go with my new scent." — Dawn Davis, executive director, Vox Media
Best Fresh Perfume
The 7 Virtues Coconut Sun Eau de Parfum [51] ($88)
"The 7 Virtues found a way to bottle a sunny summer day with the Coconut Sun Eau de Parfum. The fresh scent has notes of coconut water, citrus, sea salt, and vanilla for a perfectly balanced, light, and airy perfume. The bottle is also super chic (as is standard with the brand), making it display-worthy on my vanity." — JH
Best Chypre Perfume
Dior Gris Dior Eau de Parfum [52] ($330)
"Let's talk about how I haven't put my bottle of Gris by Dior down since I've gotten it. This next-level unisex fragrance is slightly woody and leathery but then trails off into a soft (not overpowering) floral that makes me want to bathe in it. I was even told at a recent event that as soon as I walked in the person clocked how good I smelled." — AB
Best Gel Topcoat
Aprés Heavenly Top Gelcoat Set [53] ($70)
"I, like the rest of the world, am obsessed with the glazed-doughnut nail trend. What I'm not obsessed with is having to go to the salon every two weeks or rubbing that messy chrome powder all over my fingertips to get the look. Luckily, the Aprés Heavenly Top Gelcoat Set was designed to make getting that glazed finish a breeze. Each gel top coat contains pearlized pigments that give you that iridescent effect in just one swipe. I also love the different shades." — JH
Best Press-On Pedicure
Kiss ImPress Design Press-On Pedicure Toenails [54] ($10)
"Yes, I am recommending press-on toenails. Wait, don't go! I agree it sounds absurd, and I would not recommend wearing them with closed-toe shoes (my press-ons fell off within an hour of me walking around in sneakers), but I love these for a quick option pre-vacation when you don't have time to get a pedicure. I wore them with both sandals and peep-toe heels, and they stayed on no problem — and, yes, looked cute, too." — KC