Best Skincare Products May 2019
18 Editor-Approved Skincare Picks to Make Your May Just a Little Bit Brighter
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
With all due respect to dating apps, the emoji keyboard, and iPhone X's remarkable ability to unlock your device via top-secret face-matching algorithm, shortcuts aren't always the answer in life — especially when it comes to your skincare routine. In fact, the secret to great skin is quite the opposite: find the right products (or ingredients) that work for you and stick with them, no ifs, ands, or buts.
The good news is that doing so is a lot easier than striking up a conversation with a potential suitor in person. (Unfortunately, this also falls under "sad" news, but anyway.) Still, when there are so many new cleansers, creams, and treatments hitting the market at any given time, it's hard to decipher which formulas are worth putting in the extra effort.
That's why we did the work for you, testing hundreds of skincare products dropping this month to give you our 18 favourites ahead. In a way, this kind of feels like a shortcut, too, right?
Dearpacker Online Only Black Ginseng Gold Hydrogel Mask
"The Dearpacker Black Ginseng Gold Hydrogel Mask ($40) is the full package: it gave me an unmatched sensory experience and a complexion boost that lasted until the next day. In the 10 minutes I had it on, I felt incomparably relaxed — the cooling effect that comes with its hydrogel texture felt soothing, as the dry areas of skin on top of my cheeks felt less irritated. I also had peace of mind knowing it wouldn't slip off and make a mess. When I peeled it off, my skin was moist with leftover serum, which I proceeded to pat into my skin. In 20 minutes, my face was visibly brighter and more moisturised — so much so, that the effect lasted until the next morning." — Jesa Marie Calaor, assistant beauty editor
Dr. Brandt Hyaluronic Facial Cream
"I've tried somewhere in the ballpark of 9,847 face creams (um, but who's counting?) and my biggest takeaway is this: sometimes it's better to skip the fancy ingredients and scents in lieu of something simple that works hard and still feels good on skin. That's exactly what Dr. Brandt Hyaluronic Facial Cream ($72) is — a no-frills formula that has everything what you need (like a heavy dose of hyaluronic acid to keep skin hydrated, plus peptides to minimize the appearance of fine lines) and nothing that you don't." — Kelsey Castañon, senior beauty editor
Sulwhasoo Bloomstay Vitalizing Serum
"The Sulwhasoo Bloomstay Vitalizing Serum ($145) is a hydrating, antioxidant-packed serum that feels almost like honey — in the best possible way. If you're looking to create a dewy makeup look, it's the perfect primer. It shines through foundation, and you can even tap some over highlighter to maximise the reflection." — Dawn Davis, editorial
Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S. Deep Hydration Moisturiser
"To get myself to drink the recommended amount of water per day, I put a lemon in it so I can live the ~spa vibes~ life all day. If you're struggling to give your skin the moisturiser is very much needs and deserves, throw some grape water on it via Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S. Deep Hydration Moisturiser ($42). I am a die-hard Vinosource fan, having used the VinoPerfect serum for what feels like the womb at this point, so it wasn't a tough sell to get me to slather this moisturiser all over my mug. I really dig this product because it soothes my skin, which is easily inflamed, and creates a beautiful base for my makeup as well. Plus, Caudalie donates 1 percent of its sales to plant trees, so treat yourself and and treat the planet." — Kirbie Johnson, host and senior reporter
Kiehl's Calendula Serum-Infused Water Cream
"During the warmer months, I have to be careful with what moisturisers I put on my overly oily skin. The Kiehl's Calendula Serum-Infused Water Cream ($48) is the perfect balance of light-as-air texture and heavy hitter redness reducer. My skin now looks glowy, instead of reflective." — Sarah Siegel, assistant beauty editor
Pai Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil
"To be completely transparent, I'm not much of a cleansing oil-type person. It feels nice when you massage it onto skin, sure, but who the hell cares about all that if you also have to do a second (or third) wash just to rinse off the sticky residue and makeup it didn't take care of the first time? Luckily, Pai Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil ($56) is different: this organic formula transforms into a milky liquid when it comes in contact with water, which does a great job sweeping away a day's worth of makeup — without leaving anything behind." — KC
Farsali Hydration Bae
"Farsáli's kicked off the launch of its new line, "Farsáli Privé, with a hard-working gel face mask. Hydration Bae ($62) hydrates, brightens, and primes the skin for makeup. Twisting open the top of the jar, I found blue bursting beads packed with brightening hibiscus seed oil suspended in a clear gel of hyaluronic acid and humectants. I left the no-rinse treatment for 10 minutes before massageing into my skin. It lightly foamed and bubbled on my cheeks before completely absorbing, leaving it hydrated and smooth — the perfect canvas for makeup application." — JC
Yuzu Lemonade Peel // Salicylic Acid Vitamin C Treatment
"I normally shy away from BHAs in favour of a gentler AHA, like glycolic acid, but lately my skin has been breaking out like a crazy, so I'll take all the salicylic acid I can get to help unclog my pores. Savor Beauty's adorably named Yuzu Lemonade Peel ($80) is formulated with 2 percent of it, which is the highest percentage that can be used without a prescription. Plus, its yuzu essential oils and kakadu plum extracts are packed with vitamin C for brightening and anti-oxidant protection. As a mom with very little time to spare on my skin care, I also love that it works in less than a minute and gives that tingling-in-a-good-way-so-you-think-it's-working sensation." — Lindsey Unterberger, content director, Makeup.com and Skincare.com
Dr. Jart Focuspot Blemish Micro Tip Patch
"I always love a good acne patch so these Dr. Jart Focuspot Blemish Micro Tip Patches ($18) caught my eye. They contain hyaluronic acid, plus vitamin B3 and peptides, to minimize the look and appearance of breakouts. Pro tip: The packageing says to leave them on for at least two hours, but I apply them before I go to sleep to get the maximum benefits." — Jessica Harrington, assistant editor, Makeup.com
Innisfree Intensive Hydrating Eye Roll-On With Green Tea Seed
"The Innisfree Intensive Hydrating Eye Roll-On With Green Tea Seed ($20) is super light and gel-like, which is perfect for the warmer months. The best part, however, is that it's delivered through a cooling metal roller ball applicator. It's great for depuffing, and there's something truly meditative about rolling it around (and around and around) each eye." — DD
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask
"Although I usually stay away from scented products, I fell in love with the 2-step Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask ($50) as soon as I tried it. The first step — a cooling gel — felt refreshing on my skin and calmed down irritation with rose water. The second — a silky cream — locked in the moisture and plumped up my skin enough that the effects lasted until morning." — SS
Farmacy Honey Grail Ultra-Hydrating Face Oil
"When I first tried this Farmacy Honey Grail Ultra-Hydrating Face Oil ($48) a few weeks ago, I was not prepared for how smooth and glowing it would leave my skin. The lightweight formula has a luxe, fast-absorbing texture that not only hydrates but also brightens your complexion. It's formulated with honey (which gives it an amazing scent), sea buckthorn and a blend of five flower oils containing omegas, vitamins, and amino acids. I've been applying it before my moisturiser every night at night and my skin has never looked better." — JH
Vintner's Daughter Active Treatment Essence
"I'm on a less-is-more schtick, meaning I want brands to be more conscious of the products they're launching. Does it solve a problem? Is it innovative? The ladies of POPSUGAR Beauty can attest: we get so many products each month, it's impossible to get through and accurately test everything we're sent, especially when it comes to skin care. This is why I was psyched about Vintner's Daughter's latest launch, the Active Treatment Essence ($225). It's only the second launch from the brand, and after testing it over four weeks, I can say with confidence that it's worth the luxury price tag. If the Active Botanical Serum, an oil, wasn't your cup of tea, I think you'll fancy the essence for a few reasons: I feel like essences are universally great for any skin type, and I personally noticed better results from it. My esthetician even commented on how my pores are looking great since I started using this baby. I'll spare you the ingredient list, but know that it's used to micro-exfoliate, brighten, firm and hydrate, and will help your other products work at optimal efficacy." — KJ
Eve Lom The Essential Moisture Cream
"Eve Lom's Gel Balm Cleanser has always been a favourite of mine and its new The Essential Moisture Cream ($150) is quickly following suit. It has a luxe, weightless feel to it that melts onto skin and instantly hydrates. With active botanical ingredients, my skin looks visibly dewy and radiant after application. I'm obsessed." — JH
Omorovicza Peachy Micellear Cleansers
"I met the founder of Omorovicza, Margaret, a few years ago at Violet Gray on Melrose Place; she was the epitome of glamour and prestige. I learned so much about the passion for her Hungarian skincare products, and really, when I meet someone who created a brand of their own, I want to know that it's more than just an income stream for them — I need to know that they care about the work they're doing. Omorovicza is based on the Hungarian thermal baths that are known for having substantial healing properties. The brand's latest launch, the Peachy Micellar Cleansers ($50), are micellar cleansing wipes that won't strip the skin and include rose flower water to help soothe — basically, they're the perfect disc for removing the grossness of the day and won't leave the skin feeling stripped or tight afterwards. (And it includes the brand's signature Healing Concentrate for firmer, glowing skin.)" — KJ
Artis Phantom Cleansing Silks
"At first glance, the Artis Phantom Cleansing Silks ($55) look like the oval antiwrinkle patches you've probably been seeing everywhere, but in reality, they are an entirely new way to wash your face — and are completely innovative. Utilising medical-grade fibres, these strips weave a jojoba oil-based cleanser, water-based foam cleanser with vitamin E, and microcrystalline cellulose exfoliator into one. It sounds complicated, but I'll give you the easy answer: my skin has never felt softer post-face cleanse." — KC
Christian Dior J'Adore Huile Divine Hair and Body Oil
"Upon receiving the J'Adore Huile Divine Dry Hair and Body Oil ($57), I thought it was just a fragrance and immediately got to smellin' — but with Dior, is anything 'just a fragrance?' I learned I could massage it all over my body for a legs even JLaw might give a double-take to, and spritz into my hair for a little extra somethin' special. I love multi-tasking products: adding a beautiful sheen to my skin while helping me smell great? Sign me up. I'm typically not a floral note gal, but as François Demachy, Dior Perfumer-Creator, states, 'J'Adore invents a flower that doesn't exist.' The ylang-ylang and orange blossom make this fragrance fresh while still warm and inviting." — KJ
Venn Advanced Multi-Perfecting Red Oil Serum
"The Venn Advanced Multi-Perfecting Red Oil Serum ($115) sparked my interest because I had never seen an all-natural face serum with such a rich colour before. It's formulated with 34 — yes, 34 — natural botanicals and essential oils. Just a few drops deliver deep hydration for hours and improved elasticity and radiance. And the stunning bottle makes for the perfect new addition to my skin-care shelfie." — JH
