The 28 Best Beauty Products Fashionista Editors Tried in May

Each month, Fashionista editors try a *lot* of beauty products. And while not every formula we test is a winner, we're constantly unearthing new favorites. Here, we've rounded up our latest hair, skin, fragrance, wellness and makeup discoveries — whether fresh-to-market drops or merely recent additions to our personal routines.

Though many of us spent the better part of the month salivating over Penelope Featherington's "Bridgerton" glow-up, team Fashionista also indulged in our own beauty and skin-care revamps this month.

In May, we upgraded our skin-care routines with non-stripping cleansers that effortlessly wipe away any traces of makeup, as well as a handful of sunscreens (including a shimmering oil, a milky mineral SPF and a refreshing spray) for the sunny days ahead. We also kept caring for our hair with frizz-fighting sprays and masks, a strengthening serum and a leave-in treatment boosting curl definition and smoothness. As for our standout makeup moments, we reached for a non-clumpy clear brow gel for the laminated look and a weightless mascara that helps achieve fluttery lashes.

Keep scrolling to see (and shop!) all the products we couldn't get enough of this May.

Redken Acidic Bonding Curls Silicone-Free Leave-In Treatment, $33, available here: "I've been using Redken's new Acidic Bonding Curls range for a few weeks now and have already noticed that my 3A/B curls feel stronger, shinier and more manageable. I love the shampoo and conditioner as well, but the Leave-In is a favorite, as I'm able to use it without any additional styling products and still end up with just the right amount of curl definition and smoothness." —Dhani Mau, Editor in Chief

Manucurist Active Shine, $16, available here: "I've been really trying to work on my nail health lately, which has mostly involved doing... nothing to them. But that's no fun! So, I was very excited to try Manucurist's latest release, which it's dubbing the Active Range, as each of the five polishes is spiked with a mix of active ingredients to address different nail care concerns. I went with the Active Shine, a glimmery sheer polish that has hydrating beetroot extract, strengthening hexanal and repairing AHAs. No base or top coats are needed, but to really bring out the pink undertones, I layered it over the Active Glow Raspberry (which has sweet almond oil, raspberry extract and AHAs). The result is like my nail, but better — and my manicure lasted a good week." —Ana Colón, Deputy Editor

BK Beauty Angie Hot & Flashy A506 Concealer Brush, $24, available here: "I'm officially hooked on this TikTok-viral makeup brush: The 'kitten paw' shape and super-soft synthetic fibers blend and buff out undereye concealer seamlessly. Plus, because they're not natural hairs, they won't absorb product — meaning you minimize waste and won't go through your pricey concealer as quickly." —Stephanie Saltzman, Beauty Director

Ogee Targeted Blemish Treatment, $58, available here: "My skin-care cabinet is a graveyard of pimple products — most chalky, drying and only slightly dependable. So, this hydrating salicylic acid gel has been a game-changer: It's unassuming (no unsightly color or intrusive smell), but the very first time I used this overnight, several spots nearly vanished by the morning, making me an instant believer. Like every other product in its offering, Ogee uses organic, cold-pressed jojoba oil, which means the target area doesn't get flaky after repeated use." —Savannah Sitton, Contributing Market Editor

Laneige Lip Glowy Balm in Vanilla, $19, available here: "Laneige's Lip Sleeping Mask has been a longtime favorite of mine to apply before bed. Now, I can take the soothing and hydrating benefits of its shea butter-packed formula in a new to-go applicator." —Brooke Frischer, Staff Writer and Social Lead

Mind Games Queening Extrait de Parfum, $375, available here: "Yes, this perfume smells out-of-this world good, with its powerful notes of sweet vanilla and aged rum... but perhaps my favorite thing about it is the name: When people ask me what I'm wearing (which happens a lot when I've got this on), there's nothing more fun than to literally say, 'Mind Games.'" —Andrea Bossi, Staff Writer

SkinCeuticals Clear Daily Soothing UV Defense SPF 50, $54, available here: "A new favorite facial sunscreen has arrived. Formulated for all skin types (including sensitive and acne-prone), it checks all the boxes: high SPF, mineral-and-chemical blend, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, hydrating but not at all greasy. It also has a completely transparent finish (as the name advertises), at least on my skin." —Dhani

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes Mascara, $29, available here: "There are plenty of Charlotte Tilbury products people won't shut up about, but for me, this is a true standout: The comb-like cone applicator wand and lash-lifting formula create fluttery, fanned-out length and definition. And it dries to a flexible, weightless finish (it basically feels like nothing) that most mascaras with this much impact simply could never pull off." —Steph

Phlur Strawberry Letter, $99, available here: "Imagine if you spent all day rolling around in a field of strawberries — that's what this fragrance smells like at first spritz, before the subtler base notes of Tonka Bean and Amber slowly reveal themselves, transforming this ultra-juicy scent into something warmer and sexier. The unique combination has made this an ideal day-to-night spring and summer fragrance. It's not the most commanding scent in the room (it certainly wafts closer to the body), but it is long-lasting, lingering for a good five to six hours." —Janelle Sessoms, Staff Writer

Lost Angels Stop Copying Me Set, $18, available here: "Nail artist to the stars Brittany Boyce (loyal clients include Kim Kardashian, Megan Fox and the D'Amelios) launched the gel press-on brand Lost Angels last month. The nail itself is extremely thin, with tapered edges that make for an easy, seamless fit. I used the glue as directed and had them on for well over a week without any lifting or indication these wanted to pop off. Aside from being shocked at the quality, I'm completely obsessed with the silver accents of this design — I got so many compliments." —Savannah

Saltair Hyaluronic Acid Body Wash, $13, available here: "This body wash has officially replaced the drugstore one I've been using for years. Thanks to its hyaluronic acid-rich formula, the latherable gel leaves my skin feeling silky post-shower without leaving behind any weird residue." —Brooke

Ellis Brooklyn Miami Nectar Eau de Parfum, $110, available here: "My fragrance rotation has almost exclusively stuck to breezy florals (no powdery perfumes for me), but Ellis Brooklyn's newest beach-ready scent has become a go-to. It's a refreshingly juicy departure from my typical flower-centric stash with notes of pink pineapple, coconut water and salted amber. Every spritz brings my senses closer to summer and evokes memories of relaxing by the pool while the sun sets." —Catie Pusateri, Contributing Writer

Maui Moisture Scalp Care Soothe & Strengthen Hair Serum, $12, available here: "I've been routinely applying this scalp treatment after my weekly washes, and my scalp has never felt so hydrated. The lightweight, thin liquid helps avoid scalp buildup compared to heavier oils — plus, it's a great hydrating pick-me-up when my hair starts to feel itchy and needs quick soothing." —Janelle

Homesick "Friends" Central Perk Candle, $42, available here: "It's time to come clean: I'm a die-hard 'Friends' fan. I know, I know — it gets a lot of flack online for being 'overrated,' but it's one of my comfort shows, and it's left my coffee-loving self wondering what a trip to Central Perk would be like. As the authority on capturing nostalgia within soy wax candles, Homesick dreamed up Central Perk's signature scent with notes of espresso bean, caramel and steamed milk. It's essentially turned my bedroom into a mini café." —Catie

Fleur Marché Green Machine, $32, available here: "I recently learned that simply incorporating a fruit or vegetable into each meal is not enough — apparently, we're supposed to eat a wide variety of different types of fruits and vegetables each day. But who has the time or shelf space? I now understand why greens powders are so popular, and this new one by Fleur Marché, featuring a blend of 35 fruits and veggies, is the best-tasting one I've ever tried. I also appreciate the convenience of the pre-dosed packets." —Dhani

Dr. Idriss Soft Wash Complete Daily Cleanser, $30, available here: "Dr. Shereene Idriss has been a skin savior to me, guiding me through a myriad of complexion struggles — and convincing me to put baby butt cream on my face — so I trust her brand implicitly. But I'm especially in love with this super-gentle jelly-textured face wash. It gently dissolves sunscreen and makeup, and, rather than stripping skin of moisture as it cleanses, it actually imparts hydration, thanks to the inclusion of glycerin." —Steph

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Lips Hydration Restore Lip Balm, $10, available here: "The brand's now-viral Cicaplast moisturizer is a holy grail of mine. (It's one of the few OTC products I use on eczema spots.) Now, it has a lippie sibling for extra dry lips, and it does exactly what it says: moisturizes without any irritation or taste, despite its shea butter base. Will re-buy!" —Savannah

Coola Face Sunscreen Mist, $32, available here: "As someone who hates applying sunscreen, this product has changed my SPF routine for the better. I usually have to worry whether or not a gel or cream will meld well with the rest of my skin care or makeup, but with this non-oily, clear, very lightly fragranced mist that doesn't need to be rubbed, I avoid that issue completely. Rather than an extra step in my routine, it feels more like a refreshing final touch." —Brooke

Lush Orange Body Scrub, $24, available here: "I often forget to exfoliate my skin, but there's nothing like a deliciously scented body scrub that'll make me want and remember to. I love the citrus-y scent of the sea salt-packed formula that feels gentle on my skin but is still effective." —Andrea

Coola Clear Sunscreen Spray SPF 50, $28, available here: "I've slowly started transitioning out my sunscreen body lotions for sprays now that the weather's getting warmer and I need something more lightweight. This clear sunscreen spray is non-greasy, doesn't stick to my clothes and has a sheer finish that's friendly for my dark skin. It's also fragrance-free, meaning I have no issues layering it atop my daily perfumes." —Janelle

Vacation Shake Shake SPF 50 Mineral Milk, $29, available here: "For my fellow sunscreen-wearers who can't stand a lingering greasy texture, this milky SPF is for us. After giving the bottle a good shake or two, flip open the tab and apply the sunscreen all over your face and neck for a subtle glow. For those sensitive to the occasionally overpowering sunscreen-y smell, Vacation formulated this SPF with cucumber and white tea for a refreshing summertime scent. It leaves a translucent finish on the skin (no white cast here!) with an additional boost of hydration via its 'non-nano ZincWater' formula." —Catie

Sofie Pavitt Micellar Cleansing Pads, $24, available here: "NYC-based facialist Sofie Pavitt is known for her ability to calm acne flare-ups, so all of her products are formulated with breakout-prone skin in mind. These makeup removing pads are no exception, instantly whisking away makeup and sunscreen without leaving any residue. They're the perfect pre-cleanse step." —Steph

Étoile 5 Brush Holder with Lid, $60, available here: "This aesthetically pleasing organizer is a pretty pairing to my meticulously curated vanity. The quality is sturdy, and the generous dimensions are more than enough space for me: Three compartments hold my brushes, one for eyeliners and the last for lip liners." —Savannah

Fenty Skin Melt Awf Jelly Oil Makeup-Melting Cleanser, $34, available here: "I can trust this goop-y, shea moisture-infused cleanser to get all my makeup off at the end of the day while leaving my skin feeling soft and moisturized. I typically massage it into my face before rinsing with warm water and double-cleansing with something more suds-y after." —Andrea

K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask, $75, available here: "My hair has been on the very dry side recently, mostly from the weather and somewhat consistent use of heat tools. Since skipping my conditioner in the shower and raking this pudding-like mask through my damp hair about two times a week for the last month, I've noticed my hair has become smoother, less frizzy and more voluminous." —Brooke

Kulfi Free The Brow Volumizing & Laminating Brow Gel, $26, available here: "Let me save you from over-processing your brows with any more lamination treatments (like I have) with this clear brow gel that doesn't get crusty (like very similarly-packaged products do) and provides that strong-hold lamination effect all day long. I'll apply it using the Spoolie, let it set for a few seconds (it does dry completely after a minute, so it doesn't stay sticky or tacky), then use the bristled side of the wand to press in to place. Flawless brows every time." —Savannah

Magic Molecule The Solution, $32, available here: "My eczema has been quite stubborn recently (as if it somehow knew I was heading on a beach vacay), and Magic Molecule's antimicrobial skin cleanser spray has been key to calming my flares. It's formulated with hypochlorous acid — an acid our bodies naturally produce — to speed up the skin's healing process for a range of issues from eczema to acne to sunburn. I spray this on any inflamed spots daily, wait for it to fully dry and then slather myself in lotion." —Catie

Vacation Brand Shimmer Oil SPF 30, $38, available here: "I knew once I unboxed this sunscreen that I'd fall in love because of its liquid gold look. What wowed me after applying it was the gorgeous glow it gave my skin, while having a nostalgic smell. (Also: no stains my clothes.) On top of how good it looks and smells, it boasts ingredients like hyaluronic acid and is small enough to fit in a carry-on bag for all your summer excursions." —Andrea

In case you missed last month's picks, you can find them here:

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