May’s Best New Beauty Buys
May’s Best New Beauty Buys

May’s Best New Beauty Buys

From SPFs and self-tans to scents that will take you easily from spring into summer, these are the new beauty launches worth knowing about this month…
By Rebecca Hull

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

The Future Airbrush 360 Self-Tan Mist, £39 | Tan-Luxe x Paris Hilton

Already known for its clever drops, Tan-Luxe has launched an aerosol mist in collaboration with Paris Hilton – whose noughties look was defined by a flawless tan. What sets it apart is the continuous spray, which not only speeds up application, but covers a large surface area in one go, so you don’t run the risk of streaks by going over the same areas. Despite it being clear, it leaves behind a sheen on the skin that helps guide your application, while hyaluronic acid, peptides and collagen work to improve texture and suppleness. At £39, it’s a luxury choice, but the colour lasts for days, fades evenly and the formula keeps skin nourished. In other words, it ticks all the boxes.

Available at Harrods.com


Rio Radiance Body Spray SPF 50, £36 | Sol De Janeiro

Speaking of sprays, this new SPF50 from Sol de Janeiro is perfect for the months ahead. The functional aerosol means you can mist this formula on and go – it takes seconds to apply and absorbs quickly, leaving behind zero grease or stickiness. It also has the signature Sol de Janeiro scent, which, if you’re not already familiar, is coconutty and beachy. Added niacinamide and fruit extracts are in there too, both of which seal in moisture for hours.

Available at SpaceNK.com

Sunny Serum, £15.95 | Isle Of Paradise

This new Isle of Paradise bronzer is perfect for those who want a non-committal tan. Putting skincare first, it contains squalane and jojoba oil to quench and plump up your complexion, while niacinamide keeps redness and inflammation at bay. As for the colour, it has a soft tint that helps your skin look its healthiest. The minimal-shimmer serum builds a layer of warm colour at speed, smoothing out uneven tone and boosting any lacklustre appearance. It washes off easily too, and wears nicely with other formulas – be it skincare or make-up.

Available at TheIsleOfParadise.com

Repairing Face Mask, £39 | Le Rub

Promising total skin restoration, this gentle mask starts by calming irritated skin. It’s been designed as an ‘after sun’ treatment, but it works year round to hydrate, nourish and counteract any aggravation – it’s particularly useful for treating allergic reactions. That’s all thanks to aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, tomato extracts and cooling cucumber. It’s even better when kept in the fridge.

Available at LeRub.com


Infinite Bronze Tinted Protection Sunlight Cream SPF30, £23 | Lancaster

For a hint of colour and SPF protection, don’t miss out on Lancaster’s latest launch. The soothing gel texture is a joy to apply, instantly cooling skin with hyaluronic acid, while the brand’s signature ‘Full Light Technology’ ensures skin is shielded from both UVA and UVB rays. What’s impressive, however, is the coverage. Just a small amount quickly warms up the skin, while minimising any uneven tone or redness. The perfect pick-me-up for casual make-up days.

Available at Boots.com

Air Wand, £120 | BaByliss

For affordable yet effective styling tools, BaByliss is unrivalled. The Air Wand is its latest launch and, at first glance, £120 may seem a lot, but when you use this tool and appreciate its versatility and efficacy, you’ll realise it’s good value. A dryer, styler and straightener in one, it has two magnetic attachments and a powerful, high-speed motor for fast results. It also promises controlled heat as you style, meaning it never goes above a set threshold to keep damage at bay. The volumising brush is our favourite – whether used on wet or dry hair, it helps lift from the root to enhance hair’s fullness and weight, while also giving it better shine. The bristles don’t snag or tug either, so you can use it without fear of damaging the hair. There are four different temperature settings and three buttons for different airflow, so all hair types can use it with ease. 

Available at BaByliss.com


Comète Les Exclusifs de Chanel, £375 | Chanel

If you're a floral fragrance lover at heart, this new launch from Chanel is well worth checking out. It's got a grown-up muskiness and green feel to it, but there's also some lovely wafts of powdery iris and warming heliotrope in there, as well. The balance has been struck perfectly, which is no surprise when the brains behind the scent is Chanel's in-house perfumer creator, Olivier Polge. The result is comforting, elegant and soft, ideal for the upcoming summer months and special nights out. We love the weighty bottle, too – reassuringly heavy with a magnetised lid that maintains the chicness you  expect from Chanel.

Available From 3rd May

Visit Chanel.com


Chantilly Candle, £59 | Diptyque

Diptyque has launched a set of limited-edition candles designed to transport you to a Parisian café. This is our favourite – with a scent that’s good enough to eat, but without being sickly, it has notes of whipped cream and vanilla. It’s comforting, musky and clean, with a sweetness that’s perfectly balanced. As ever with Diptyque, it’d be a lovely gift.

Available at SpaceNK.com

Mystic Moss Eau De Toilette, £190 | Dries Van Noten

Woody, but also green and zesty, this unisex scent is perfect for this time of year. It has a fruity quality to it, while oakmoss, vetiver and patchouli bring added depth. Its confident, earthy and sexy, but if you want to wear it in the day, you won’t find it’s overpowering. Yes, it’s expensive, but given it’s 200ml and lasts on the skin for hours, it’s a worthy investment.

Available at SpaceNK.com

Geranium Diffuser, Bamford

This diffuser from Bamford will fill your room with eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint and geranium. It’s present, but not overbearing, delivering a scent that’s cleansing and uplifting. It’s a great addition to any space, but we recommend keeping it near your desk, or anywhere you need concentration – the essential oils are designed to keep you grounded.

Visit Bamford.com


Phyto-Rouge Shine, £46 | Sisley-Paris

There’s growing demand for ‘your lips but better’ products at the moment, and that’s exactly what these new balms do. Full of vitamin E and shea butter, they soften and smooth dry skin, while the subtle tints provide a healthy wash of colour. There are three to choose from, but we love ‘Pink Glow’ as it adapts to your individual skin tone for a custom shade that’s flattering. They will last for months too – you only need a quick swipe each time.

Available at SpaceNK.com

Pro Brow Definer, £24 | M·A·C

If you like a brow pencil, you’ll love this latest iteration from M·A·C. The fine nib allows for natural, hair-like strokes, while the spoolie on the other side ensures everything is brushed through for a smooth and well-blended result. Use the pencil in deft, upward strokes to get the most realistic finish. Creamy and malleable, it’s easy to work with, while the shades are an exact match for most hair types.

Available at MACCosmetics.co.uk

Brightening CC Foundation, £62 | By Terry

Fans of By Terry’s Brightening CC formulas will be excited about this new foundation. Sheer and ultra-flattering, it works as a skin hydrator – thanks to squalane and aloe vera – while also offering the kind of sheer coverage that leaves skin smooth and even. Niacinamide is in there to counteract redness. Immediately, you’ll see skin has a soft-focus glow that looks fresh and healthy, while the dewy finish is second to none – ideal for those who want a lighter base for summer.

Available at SpaceNK.com


Double Wear Smooth & Blur Primer, £37 | Estée Lauder

Primers can be hit and miss, but this new one from Estée Lauder makes a big difference. The gel-based texture adheres to skin and smooths it out with a blurred effect. Even better, it doesn’t cause pilling. Instead, it offers a silky, but non-sticky, base for all your other products to layer nicely over the top. It’s great for minimising oil too, and preventing any sliding of product. We recommend applying a little on the eyelids to keep your eyeshadow intact. 

Available at EsteeLauder.co.uk

Airbrush Pressed Powder, £57 | Hourglass

This has the kind of wow factor that’s rare with powder-based make-up. As soon as you sweep it on, the results are clear – picture smoother, more uniform-looking skin with less shine. A modern formula, the powder is finely milled and buttery, so it sits well on top of make-up and locks it in for hours. It lives up to its ‘airbrush’ name, delivering an almost glass-like finish that’s nothing short of flawless. We love that it’s also vegan, cruelty free and talc free – and that the casing is compostable. 

Available at CultBeauty.co.uk

Luminous Silk Cheek Tint, £36 | Giorgio Armani

Liquid blushers are having a real moment, and this new one from Armani is our current favourite. It has a thin texture that’s easy to work with – you can either sheer it out for a subtle, healthy flush or layer it up for more intensity. It dries down matte, which means it lasts and stays sitting on your skin rather than evaporating within hours. And you still get a slight sheen that catches the light nicely. A little looks nice swept over the eyelids, too.

Visit ArmaniBeauty.co.uk


Mirror Glaze Super Sleek Shine Spray, £17.99 | Glaze

Whether you want to reduce frizz, enhance shine or just improve your hair’s manageability, this lightweight spray does a bit of everything. Use it on towel-dried hair, misting through to coat your hair, then blast it with a hair dryer. Heat-activated, it will get to work adhering to your strands while ingredients like coconut, macadamia, avocado and olive oils nourish and soften. Elsewhere, fatty acids will strengthen strands, preventing breakage and premature snapping. Perfect for those who don’t want endless steps in their hair styling routine. 

Available at Superdrug.com

Plumping Deep Conditioner, £28 | Melanin Haircare

Dry, dehydrated hair doesn’t stand a chance against this nourishing conditioner. Botanical oils, biotin and protein work together to feed hair with moisture and strengthen the fibres to keep them elasticated and strong. The result? Fewer split ends and less breakage, but also visibly softer, smoother-looking hair. We recommend applying a thick layer and letting it settle for a few hours before rinsing it out. That way, it can penetrate the hair to hydrate, smooth and repair the broken cuticles and damaged bonds. Expect better shine immediately – not to mention less frizz. 

Available at SpaceNK.com


Cicabio Repairing Soothing Cream, £10 | Bioderma

Skin that craves hydration should try this new cream. It works for every age and skin type, and is proven to provide lasting relief to anyone suffering with redness and irritation. It does all this while strengthening and firming with resveratrol which, over time, reduces fine lines and strengthens your skin barrier to enhance suppleness. There are also copper peptides in there to keep skin topped up with moisture. A little works well on the body, too – especially on areas like dry shins and elbows.

Available at Boots.com


Body Fit Active, £60 | Clarins

This cream means business. Firstly, let us forewarn you that its ‘cryo-active’ technology really does work – expect to feel cold and tingly all over once it’s on. Frightening? A little. Effective? Absolutely. It immediately overhauls the texture of your skin, giving it a smoother, less bumpy appearance. LA-based lymphatic drainage expert Karina Mello swears by this cream. A lightweight gel, you’ll find it absorbs fast, isn’t sticky, and hydrates fast with coconut oil and aloe vera – skin will feel softer and silkier. A staple ahead of summer.

Available at Clarins.co.uk

Supernatural Face Oil, £78 | Emma Lewisham

Worth snapping up while you can, this clever elixir is in high demand thanks to its impressive clinical results. Scientifically proven to reduce the muscle contractions that are responsible for fine lines by 91% after 24 hours, it has everything you need to firm and tighten skin in one neat formula. Hyaluronic acid, bioactive peptides and ginseng work together to enhance cell turnover, as well as boost the collagen and elastin in your skin for a firmer appearance. You only need a splash – apply a little post-cleanse – and you’ll see a satisfying glow immediately. It can also be used as a targeted treatment, but we recommend full-face application for best results.

Available at SpaceNK.com

Cell Cycle Catalyst, £120 | SkinCeuticals

It's no secret that SkinCeuticals is home to some of the best serums on the market and its latest is well worth the investment. Benefitting from a multi-acid formula and 1% taurine – which is known to gently exfoliate – it instantly brightens skin, dissolving dead cells and any build-up for a smoother, more refined complexion. Light and non-sticky, you'll find you reach for it often as it feels so good on the skin, despite the hefty dose of ingredients inside. It sits nicely under your other products too and helps them to better absorb for maximum results. When used regularly, it will also strengthen your skin's barrier, helping to boost firmness and tone.

Available at SkinCeuticals.co.uk

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