I'm a beauty editor, and these are 10 new beauty products that made my shortlist for May

At a glance: A sheer, non-greasy SPF 50 stick that doubles as a smoothing primer.

My experience: I’ll admit I didn’t expect to like this quite so much... But from the first swipe, it won me over. The finish is imperceptible (no tell-tale sheen or white cast), and it glides over skin like satin, layering seamlessly under makeup without pilling.

Ideal for: Daily reapplication on the go (even over makeup).

At a glance: A soft-focus highlighting powder with a buildable glow.

My experience: This has quickly become my pre-summer shortcut to a pulled-together face. When dusted across cheekbones, eyelids, and the bridge of my nose. it is the kind of luminous rosy pigment that makes even a faint sunburn look intentional.

Ideal for: A monochrome glow that ties the whole face together, no base required.

At a glance: A hyaluronic-infused balm for instant under-eye hydration.

My experience: I keep this one within reach at all times and especially when temperatures reach sweltering and the air gets sticky. A single swipe mid-afternoon and I’m instantly less puffy and more awake. Bonus points if you stash it in the fridge for an extra burst of cool.

Ideal for: Desk-side refreshes and heatwave pick-me-ups.

At a glance: A weightless reparative duo tailored for fine hair.

My experience: I’ve always loved what Olaplex does for my hair’s health, less so the weight. This new formula finally nails the balance: it keeps my strands glossy and strong, while adding lift at the roots for that wind-tousled, seaside effect.

Ideal for: Fine hair in need of bounce, shine, and strength.

At a glance: A nourishing lip oil-gloss hybrid in a summer-suited sheer nude.

My experience: The real star here is the cushiony curved applicator as it hugs the lips just right and holds onto the perfect amount of product. The finish? Glossy, juicy, but never sticky.

Ideal for: Swipe-and-go colour with nourishing shine.

At a glance: A portable balm version of Glossier’s cult oil-serum hybrid.

My experience: When my makeup routine dwindles down to the bare minimum, this is what will stay in rotation. It delivers that coveted glass-skin finish in a single swipe making it ideal for days when your complexion already has a hint of sun.

Ideal for: A sunkissed glow without the fuss.

At a glance: A lightweight styling gel for sleek, high-shine hold.

My experience: I’ve been impressed with recently launched Fenty Hair across the board, but this gel especially. It gives that lacquered, mirror-shine finish to slicked styles and all without the crunch or heavy residue.

Ideal for: Slicked-back strands on high-humidity hair days.

At a glance: A soft cream that defines waves without stiffness or stick.

My experience: For days when I want to lean into my hair’s natural texture, this is what I reach for. It coaxes out my waves and adds just enough grit and hold to give a lived-in, salt-air feel. No curling wand necessary.

Ideal for: Enhancing natural waves and soft summer bends.

At a glance: A lightweight foaming cleanser designed to reduce oil and balance the skin barrier.

My experience: While I haven’t tried it personally, it comes highly recommended by my colleague whose skin leans oily and congested. According to her, it cuts through grime without stripping or triggering that dreaded rebound oiliness.

Ideal for: Oily or breakout-prone skin, especially in the summer.

At a glance: A professional-grade self-tanning gel with no guide colour.

My experience: Not for the faint of heart, the clear formula takes some practice. But when done right, the payoff is next-level: an even, streak-free bronze that looks like you’ve just returned from a beach-side holiday.

Ideal for: Experienced self-tanners craving a seamless, salon-like result.