The Best New Beauty Buys For May
All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.
SUITS-ALL SKINCARE...
Hyaluronic Global Face Cream, £60
This deeply hydrating cream sold out within two weeks of launching, and it's easy to see why. Brimming with eight - yes eight - different types of hyaluronic acid, it locks moisture into the skin and keeps it there. The added niacinamide means redness and inflammation is calmed too, while the lightweight formula sinks in fast and provides a smooth, dewy finish that looks great underneath base make-up. It's suitable for all skin types, but especially those with dry, or mature skin seeking a softer and healthier-looking complexion.
Available at ByTerry.com
Aurelia Skincare Resurfacing Serum, £64
Formulated with warmer weather in mind, this lightweight serum uses bakuchiol – the plant-friendly alternative to retinol – to gently get rid of dead skin cells, and balance out uneven tone. It’s brimming with niacinamide, too, which is known for its anti-redness capabilities. But that’s not all – the silky texture that goes a long way, with a dewy finish that looks luminous underneath make-up. With regular use, you’ll find your skin tone evens out, while the clever formula battles larger pores and acne breakouts by regulating sebum levels. A skincare staple for the months ahead.
Available at SpaceNK.com
Codex Brightening Moisturiser, £76
A great daytime cream, this locks in moisture for stronger, healthier skin, while protecting it against issues like pollution and UV, too. It uses an AntuComplex (a fancy way of saying antioxidants) for a brightening effect, while murumuru softens skin immediately. Results are impressive too – 82% of testers said their skin looked more luminous and radiant post-use, while 76% agreed their skin felt smoother. It’s expensive, but worth it if you’re serious about skincare. Plus, you only need a small amount, so you’ll find it lasts for months.
Available at CodexBeauty.com
Lesse Refining Cleanser, £47
This serum works overtime to cleanse and exfoliate all at once. Using apricot shell granules, it gently removes any dead cells or dirt on the skin, while aloe vera replenishes lost moisture, so skin never feels overly dry or tight. A must-try for those looking to boost their glow, but also anyone struggling with breakouts or red bumps. Use a small amount and massage in from the jaw upwards, using a light pressure as you go. It’s gentle enough to be used every day, but if your skin is sensitive, stick to a few times a week to start off with.
Available at Revolve.com
Hello Sunday The One That’s Got It All Facial Primer SPF50, £20
If you want to find a multi-purpose SPF this summer, Hello Sunday is the brand to know. Our favourite from the line-up is this does-it-all primer. Protecting skin against sun, pollution and blue light, it ticks all the boxes, while the featherlight texture preps your complexion for any make-up that follows. With added hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, skin stays looking supple and luminous, too, while the fragrance-free SPF50 formula never irritates. A must-try.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
TOOLS & DEVICES...
Skin Gym Cryocicles, $49.99
No doubt you’ve seen these ice tools all over the internet, but they’re often hard to find at an affordable price. These are the perfect size and can fit into the smaller areas of your face, too. Keep them in the freezer, before rolling them around your skin – wherever you feel it needs it the most. While the results are temporary, they’re incredibly satisfying, giving the skin a refreshed, radiant and instant glow.
Available at SkinGymCo.com
Babyliss Hydro Fusion Hot Air Styler, £59.99
Babyliss are always ahead of the curve when it comes to affordable, yet effective hair tools and their latest hot brush is no exception. It takes a while to get used to it, but once you have the technique down, the results are amazing. Flick the switch (I is for fine hair, II is for thicker hair), allow it to warm up, then start by rolling your hair in sections around the hot brush. You can use the arrows to suction your hair upwards or outwards – depending on your preference. It even has a cool shot, too – useful for setting everything in place, without the need for hairspray. Brilliant for those wanting bounce and volume or an easy at-home blow-dry.
Available at Boots.com
Villa D’Assia Detangling Mint Brush, £53
When is a paddle brush more than just that? When its bristles are incredibly flexible, soft, snag-free and suitable for all hair types – like this one from cult brand Villa D’Assia. Designed to last a lifetime, it’s incredibly sturdy, with a long handle that holds hair taut as you style it. It’s chic, too, with fun colours that brighten up any shelf or dressing table. The bristles will also gently massage your scalp as you brush through –both satisfying and soothing.
Available at Niche-Beauty.com
Kayo Gua Sha Body Comb, £30
Body Gua Shas are everywhere these days. Designed to work in the same way as they do on the face, these are bigger to cover a wider surface area. We love this one from Kayo, which has a smooth, flat edge to avoid scratching or snagging. For best results, use it with long or short strokes, but gently to avoid causing inflammation underneath the skin. Apply it with water, or your favourite body oil for some slip, then start combing in downward strokes to get rid of toxins.
Available at Niche-Beauty.com
BODYCARE STAPLES...
NCLA Beauty Pink Grapefruit Sugar Scrub, £28
Packaged in recyclable jars, we love these heavy-duty scrubs from NCLA. Using real sugar beads, they work hard to get rid of dry, flaky patches, while still maintaining moisture levels in the skin, thanks to shea, mango and cocoa butter. Apply it with warm water, but for better results, massage a little into dry skin, starting from your ankles upwards, then get into your shower or bath and rinse it away. Skin will feel smoother post-use, but you’ll also notice a subtle scent that’s highly addictive, too.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
Sunday Riley Fairy Godmother Shimmering Body Oil Gel, £42
An oil-gel hybrid, this vitamin C-rich body treatment is ideal for brightening up dull, lifeless-looking limbs. It’s quite dry in texture, so it absorbs quickly, leaving behind a soft sheen that’s ideal for the summer months when you’re looking to bare some skin. Looks aside, it also lends skin a veil of protection, too, thanks to a high number of antioxidants inside. Use it all over, or just on the areas which are most on show. It works well to stimulate collagen, too, giving the appearance of better skin firmness over time.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
MAKE-UP MUST-HAVES...
Hourglass Vanish Blush Stick, £45
New to the Hourglass line-up, these Vanish Blush Sticks are worth every penny. With a velvet-y, buildable texture, they have a cream-to-powder finish that blends easily and really goes the distance. Easy to apply with fingers or a brush, the colour has a blurred effect we love – think of it like a light stain. Meanwhile, added emollients and protective antioxidants keep skin in check, too, with a hydrating finish that’s both smooth and silky. Try ‘Adore’ if you have darker skin and ‘Wonder’ – a soft peach – if you’re lighter in tone.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm, £35
Tinted lip balms are all the rage right now and Westman Atelier’s latest drop are some of the best we’ve tried. With a weightless texture and a gel-oil formula, they lend lips a soft, pillowy sheen. Dab a little on top of your lipstick, or wear them solo for an easy everyday tint. They won’t leave your lips dry or flaky either, thanks to added almond and argan oils, as well as nourishing shea butter. Available in six, just-bitten shades, there’s something to suit everyone – from soft nudes to vivid reds and everything in between. Ideal for wearing underneath a face covering.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
Zoeva Infinite Potential Mascara, £15
If you’re after a reliable mascara that doesn’t cost the earth, try this one from Zoeva. Full of conditioning ingredients, it keeps lashes looking silky and smooth without any of that tell-tale crispiness, while the creamy formula offers maximum depth and volume. It’s also been created with natural jellying agents which, put simply, equates to smudge-proof and longer-lasting wear. Finally, extra points go to the hourglass-shaped brush which clings to lashes and separates them for a fanned-out effect.
Available BeautyBay.com
GO-TO GLOW-GIVER...
Scientia Sunshine & Sea Bronze, Hydrate, Glow Drops, £21
Tanning drops don’t get much better – or easier – than this. Formulated using cruelty-free, vegan ingredients, they’re full of skin-plumping hyaluronic acid and nourishing oils, so unlike other self-tans, they won’t leave your skin feeling dry or tight post-use. Pipette a few drops into your favourite moisturiser, serum or foundation for an even and believable-looking glow. Control the intensity of the final colour by using them daily, or by taking breaks in between.
Available at ScientiaBeauty.com
FAVOURITE NEW FRAGRANCES...
Sunspel Neroli Sun, £90
Even if citrus fragrances aren’t typically your thing, you’ll love this new one from Sunspel. Patchouli, sea moss, vetiver and rosemary come together to create something entirely different. It’s sharp and zesty, but also musky, too – with a masculine quality we can’t get enough of. The best bit? It’s potent and really goes the distance – you’ll still notice this on your skin long after you’ve spritzed it.
Available at Sunspel.com
Tom Ford Soleil Brulant EDP, £228
If you love Tom Ford’s iconic Soleil fragrances, you’ll love this latest iteration. With pink peppercorn, orange, black honey accord and notes of amber, it’s incredibly warm and almost gourmand-y, but with a floral twist that feels feminine and fresh.
Available at Selfridges.com
HAIRCARE ESSENTIALS...
Centred Daily Shampoo, £22
If you want to get your hair seriously clean, this should be your first port of call. Formulated using plant-friendly ingredients, it gently foams up to break down dirt, grime and product build-up, while simultaneously hydrating hair with chamomile and aloe. Leave it to sit on your scalp for 5-10 minutes to allow the formula to properly absorb and remove any debris. Once you’ve dried your hair, you’ll notice it feels fuller, bouncier and softer to touch.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
ghd Helios™ Hair Dryer In Ombre Chrome, £175
In celebration of their 20th birthday, GHD have overhauled their iconic hair dryer with a new ombre design and special technology that gives your strands 30% more shine. Designed to reduce styling time, it remains significantly quieter than other models, with the perfect distribution of heat to help prevent damage. No wonder it's the dryer of choice for more than 2,000 UK salons. A must-have if you're looking to update your current set of tools.
Available at ghdHair.com
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