The Best Products Our Beauty Editors Tried in May 2024
The official start of summer is so close we can taste it, and we're adjusting accordingly—especially when it comes to our beauty routines.
As the weather gets warmer and brighter and we start spending even more time outdoors, our approach to beauty, from skincare and makeup to hair care, bathing and more, shifts to align with our needs. Moving into June, we've been loving sleek, hydrated looks, vibrant fragrances and a bigger focus on sun protection. Our favorite brands sent us all kinds of goodies to test out, and you can discover the products we loved in May 2024 below.
epres Healthy Hair 3-Step System Starter Kit: $105
If the winter and spring seasons left your hair feeling a bit dull and lifeless, it's time to bring back strength and shine for the summer with the epres Healthy Hair 3-Step System Starter Kit. It uses a unique Biodiffusion bond repair technology to restore structure with the epres Bond Repair Treatment, finishing the job with a shampoo and conditioner duo made for hair health.
(via epres)
Grown Alchemist Energize Body Cleanser: $46
Grown Alchemist is the new amenities partner at Equinox gyms around the world, and their bodycare products are truly worth the hype. This Energize Body Cleanser is designed to not just clean and hydrate the body, but energize it and relieve stress thanks to an aromatherapeutic blend of tangerine and neroli. Botanical cleansers including bergamot, willow bark and chamomile also dec
(via Equinox The Shop)
Oui The People Clean Slate Lactic Acid Body Wash: $24
It's summer in suds with this body wash. Oui The People's Clean Slate Lactic Acid Body Wash will leave you with a citrus-filled orange blossom scent while you scrub-a-dub-dub. It's designed to exfoliate without stripping the skin of its natural barrier, thanks to lactic acid to help with dark spots, texture and tone.
(via Oui the People)
Caress Daily Silk Bar Soap: 12 for $10.67
If a gel or liquid soap isn't your thing, the next time you step into the shower, lather up with this Daily Silk Bar Soap from Caress. Its calming scent is perfect for unwinding after a long day. Plus, it's formula is designed to leave you moisturized and soft.
(via Walmart)
made Beefy Bar: $22
made's Beefy Bars are anything but your average bar of soap. They're moisture-balanced to do it all, whether you need shampoo, soap or shaving cream, and are uniquely sliced so that they easily break into mini bars—three full-size and two travel-size. We love the vegan blend of tea tree, shea and hemp and how it gets us feeling clean and hydrating. They also come in masculine scents, including Rum Runner, Good Rub and Royal Pamplemousse, and we adore them all.
(via made)
Tree Hut Coco Colada Collection
Soaps, oils, lotions, and more—your shower routine has a lot of different products, all with different scents. But you don't have to mix and match anymore thanks to Tree Hut. The Coco Colada collection includes pretty much everything you need in the perfect scent to welcome in the warm weather, leaving a tropical aroma to fill your bathroom. Start off with the shave oil, gel wash and sugar scrub, and finish with the body lotion to lock in moisture.
(via Tree Hut)
Aveda Be Curly Advanced Shampoo: $36
Aveda's Be Curly Advanced Shampoo is made especially for curly hair types, removing build-up and moisturizing your curls with its luscious and creamy formula.
(via Aveda)
Aveda Be Curly Advanced Conditioner: $41
Aveda's Be Curly Advanced Conditioner is the ideal follow-up to the shampoo, and perfect for curly hair. It's formulated with lemon, bergamot orange and flower essences, leaving your hair soothed and hydrated with a deliciously citrusy aroma.
(via Aveda)
Aveda Be Curly Advanced Intensive Curl Perfecting Masque: $65
For those days you need a bit more than your standard conditioner, Aveda also has you covered with this Be Curly Advanced Intensive Curl Perfecting Masque. Use it post-shampoo and leave in the hair for two to five minutes. After rinsing, your curls will feel soft, hydrated and left with a shiny finish.
(via Aveda)
Aveda Be Curly Advanced Co-Wash: $50
In between wash days? Aveda's Be Curly Advanced Co-Wash was curated specifically to give you a much-needed boost, without the full wash. In addition to getting rid of frizz, it also frees your hair from build-up.
(via Aveda)
Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser: $38
Grown Alchemist also has a gentle yet hard-working gel cleanser that should definitely be on your radar. It uses aloe vera to calm and hydrate skin, plus chamomile, bergamot and willow bark to tone, leaving skin brighter and more balanced without ever stripping it.
(via Equinox The Shop)
Also read about: Want Dewy Skin? Follow These Skincare Steps
Purlisse Blue Lotus Collection: $150
AAPI Heritage Month may be officially over, but you can still shop Purlisse's best-selling Blue Lotus collection in celebration. This five-product kit comes with Blue Lotus Brightening Serum, Blue Lotus Seed Mud Mask + Exfoliant, Blue Lotus 4-in-1 Cleansing Milk, Blue Lotus Balancing Moisturizer and Blue Lotus 4-in-1 Eye Adore Serum. Each product is formulated with an Asian botanical called blue lotus extract, with both hydrating and soothing properties.
(via Purlisse)
Sonage Opaleze Brightening Serum: $48
Sonage's Opaleze Brightening Serum is a correcting serum suitable for all skin types. It targets dark spots and will leave your skin looking glowy and bright.
(via Sonage)
Agency Milky Hydration Concentrate: Available with Subscription
Agency Milky Hydration Concentrate is a serum created with five types of hyaluronic acid, working together to moisturize the skin, making it look plump while stimulating the natural production of collagen.
(via Agency)
Agency HydroSerum Eye Stick: Available with Subscription
Agency's HydroSerum Eye Stick brightens your undereye area and gives tired eyes that much-needed boost. They're made with hyaluronic acid and argan oil, which moisturize and smooths fine lines and wrinkles.
(via Agency)
Freaks of Nature Deeper Dive Moisturizer: $48
Freaks of Nature's Deeper Dive Moisturizer is free of preservatives with naturally derived ingredients, leaving your skin plump and hydrated. It's also dermatologist-tested and packaged with 100% recycled plastic.
(via Freaks of Nature)
Freaks of Nature Daily Defender Sunscreen: $35
Sunscreen is always important, but even more so in the summer months you're actually spending under the sun. This Freaks of Nature Daily Defender Sunscreen is an SPF 30 mineral sunscreen that supports the skin microbiome while protecting from blue light and other environmental stressors.
(via Freaks of Nature)
FRESH by Houston White Get Down Body Lotion: $8.99
Step out the shower and into moisture with FRESH by Houston White's Get Down Body Lotion. It delivers you the hydration you want without excessive oils you don't. You'll find some familiar favorites on the ingredient list like aloe, coconut oil and lavender, coming together for a must-have scent in your beauty routine. Pair it with the Get Down 3N1 Body Wash. Even better than a two-in-one, it's designed for use on the hair, scalp and body.
(via Target)
Fountain of Waters Cactus Hotel Collection: $65
K-beauty brand Fountain of Waters reminds us that hand care is just as important as skincare. This Cactus Hotel Collection gift set comes with hand soap and serum utilizing upcycled ingredients from Californian almond farms, working to quench the skin of your hands and help them retain moisture.
(via Amazon)
Nabila K Over the Moon Posterior Set: $28
A good exfoliating session will leave you oh-so-smooth, but do you find yourself skipping the tush? Nabila K's Over the Moon Posterior polish and cream set, you'll never forget again. It's made with ingredients like coconut and avocado, so the duo not only smells amazing, but delivers on removing dead and dry skin, moisturizing and leaving you with a soft finish.
(via Nabila K)
Arey Calm It Down Scalp Serum: $40
Arey's Calm It Down Scalp Serum is lightweight and never greasy, giving your hair a much-needed detox. It works to nourish the scalp and counteract the harmful effects of chemical hair treatments.
(via Arey)
K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo: $48
Some of us here at Sweety High have jet-black hair. Because of that, it is challenging to find a dry shampoo that doesn't leave us looking white and flaky. But not anymore, thanks to K18's newest innovation: the AirWash. This miracle inside a can uses non-aerosol biotechnology without leaving a cast, buildup or extra fragrance. The brand promises to work for up to three days, and it's true. It's the ultimate item any once-a-week wash girl needs in her life.
(via K18)
Wildling Empress Gua Sha Stimulating Scalp Comb: $79
Wildling's Empress Gua Sha is designed to stimulate hair growth and as well as scalp circulation. This relaxing scalp comb gives you a moment of intentional self-care and a well-deserved hair massage while promoting scalp health.
(via Wildling)
Arey The Hair Wrap: $30
Arey's The Hair Wrap is a sleek wrap made with 70% naturally-derived bamboo fiber that prevents hair breakage while effortlessly and quickly drying your hair.
(via Arey)
Alfaparf Milano Semi Di Lino Smoothing Oil: $56
Alfaparf's Milano Semi Di Lino Smoothing Oil works to calm frizz while leaving your hair with a shiny, healthy glow. It also serves as a heat protectant, preventing damage from heat as well as humidity.
(via Alfaparf)
Aveda Be Curly Advanced Curl Enhancer Cream: $36
Once you're out of the shower, Aveda's Be Curly Advanced Curl Enhancer Cream helps hydrate and define your curls with a delicious citrus and floral scent.
(via Aveda)
Aveda Be Curly Advanced Coil Definer Gel: $36
For further definition, Aveda's Be Curly Advanced Coil Definer Gel can be used after your shower to enhance your curls, allowing them to hold their form all day long.
(via Aveda)
Also read about: How to Take Your Ponytail to the Next Level
Aveda Be Curly Advanced Curl Perfecting Primer: $41
Need a product to seal those curls? Aveda's Be Curly Advanced Curl Perfecting Primer is a leave-in-primer that detangles and protects hair from drying in the sun, as well as frizz from high humidity.
(via Aveda)
Tower 28 x OUAI Limited Edition St. Barts Lip Jelly: $16
Tower 28 and OUAI just teamed up to release a limited edition St. Barts Lip Jelly, and it's positively heavenly. This clear gloss nourishes and soothes lips, making it the perfect everyday lip gloss, whether you wear it alone or add it on top of your favorite lipstick.
(via Tower 28)
The Lip Bar Nonstop Liquid Matte in It Girl: $14
If you missed the limited-edition collab between Mielle Organics and The Lip Bar, don't worry! The Lip Bar's Nonstop Liquid Matte It Girl shade is the next best thing. It's just as bold, just as long-lasting, and adds just the right amount of pop to any pucker. If a pink pout isn't for you, the collection also comes in all types of browns, purples and nudes to match any look.
(via The Lip Bar)
The Lip Bar Gloss Up Sheer Finish Gloss, Goddess: $14
If shiny lips are more your thing, check out this gloss collection. It's made of more sheer, nude options, like your browns and pinks. For added fun, some come with shimmer—think highlighter for your lips! Of course, what's a product from The Lip Bar without attention to the ingredient panel? In the collection, you'll find adds like argan and olive oils for moisture.
(via The Lip Bar)
Kee'ss Moi DK Station Lip Gloss: $16
With beauty brand Kee'ss Moi, you can embark on a global journey without ever leaving home. Each of their lipglosses is from a collection that has beautiful shades inspired by a city and titles that come from its landmarks The glosses are cruelty-free, vegan and chemical-free with a portion of proceeds supporting global humanitarian projects. Inspired by the colonial architecture, shade DK Station from the Dakar, Senegal collection is a classic burgundy color reminiscent of the finishes of the historic railway station. It provides high shine and glides on effortlessly, and you can customize it to your preferred intensity as the gloss is buildable or layer it on top of a lipstick.
(via Kee'ss Moi)
Nabila K Beauty Stix: $60
It's been said before, but a two-in-one is so convenient. These multi-use Beauty Stix from Nabila K double and triple for lip, eye and cheek use. They come in six neutral shades and fit perfectly in your bag for on-the-go touch-ups.
(via Nabila K)
GrandeMASCARA Conditioning Peptide Mascara in Brown: $25
This new GrandeMASCARA Conditioning Peptide Mascara from Grande Cosmetics is infused with peptides to lengthen and strengthen lashes. The rich brown color is also totally on-trend, giving a natural makeup look.
(via Grande Cosmetics)
OUAI St. Barts Hair and Body Mist: $28
If you want to spend the start of summer smelling like the embodiment of the season, you need to get your hands on OUAI's new St. Barts Hair and Body Mist. It's got that iconic sunscreen-like fragrance, minus the chemical ick and with a more lightweight formula, combining orange blossom, baltic amber, dragon fruit and more for that coveted seabreezey scent.
(via OUAI)
Also read about: 6 Sweet Mists for Fresh-Smelling Hair
Lolita Lempicka Le Parfum Eau de Parfum: $71+
There's no scent that evokes '90s nostalgia for us quite like Lolita Lempicka's Eau de Parfum, and we couldn't be happier that the timeless fragrance has made a triumphant return—now, in its classic packaging. It's classically gourmand, with a sweet, nectar-like fragrance that infuses elements of violet, iris, musk and vanilla to be unlike anything else we've ever smelled. Truly, it's a scent we'll cherish for a lifetime.
(via Macy's)
DIME Running Late Perfume: $52
With a spritz of DIME, you bring a fun, fresh scent along with you all day long. Each drop of their Running Late Perfume delivers a pleasing combination of sandalwood, jasmine, orange blossom and more. Plus, the team at DIME formulated the recipe using organic sugar cane alcohol, which are gentler than many of the other fragrance options out there.
(via DIME)
Après Summer Touches Cuticle Serum: $14.99
Choosing a new color for a fresh mani is one of the best parts of a salon or DIY session, but how often do you think about your cuticles? A smooth nail bed can make all the difference. These cuticle serums are made with moisturizing ingredients like jojoba oil for a nice finish. The collection comes with four scents inspired by the seasons including Summer Touches, a citrus-orange combo.
(via Après)
The Crème Shop x Hello Kitty 3-in-1 Cleaning Towelettes: $9
The Crème Shop always has the cutest collaborations with Hello Kitty, packed with makeup and skincare products we adore, but this summer we're especially loving their 3-in-1 Cleaning Towelettes. These disposable towelettes are just the thing for removing makeup or simply cleaning off sweat or grime with ease. They're also infused with clarifying salicylic acid and smell like watermelon, so we can't resist using them.
(via The Crème Shop)
Missed last month's favorites? Click HERE to discover the best products our beauty editors tried in April 2024.