In the month of May (the first Monday to be exact,) there's one event in particular that dominates our Instagram feeds: the Met Gala. And amidst all the excitement of admiring and writing about the beauty looks that came out of this year's theme of Camp: Notes on Fashion [1], we almost forgot about some of our favourite beauty products of the month. Our editors will be using an array of products to help them feel their best selves this May, from fragrances that smell like Summer even when it's raining, to hair products that keep curls superhydrated and eyeliner that finally makes smoky eyes easy (OK, easier).
Read on to see the beauty products our editors will be using all month long.
Trevor Sorbie Tame & Define Firm Hold Curl Cream
My curl pattern is a mix between 4a with some random 3c coils. I've tried dozens of curly hair products (no exaggeration), and I always go back to Trevor Sorbie Tame and Define Firm Hold Curl Cream [2] (£7). It's hydrating and light on the hair, adds soft definition without any crunch or residue — and the scent? Dreamy! — Kara Kia, assistant editor
Kopari Coconut Deodorant
I made the switch to natural deodorant two years ago, and the journey has been a long (and, at times, stinky) one. Kopari Coconut Deodorant's [3] (£13) oil-based formula is the first one that I found to truly combat the sweat and the smell. It glides on clear, keeps underarms hydrated (it's important!), and smells like a tropical vacation when you spread it on. — Sophia Panych, content director
Kat Von D Anti-Precision Pencil
I'm so happy for the return of this soft and smudgy liner. The Kat Von D Anti-Precision Pencil [4] (£17) is described as being perfect for an "imperfect smoky eye". I used the extra chunky tip along my waterline and smudged into my lashes for a nice change from liquid liner. — Gemma Cartwright, senior editor
Liz Earle Skin Replenishing Body Balm
Liz Earle Skin Replenishing Body Balm [5] (£22) has made me actually enjoy using body moisturiser, and that's no easy feat. It smells like a body, soaks in easily, and soothes the skin. — Tori Crowther, assistant editor
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Face Primer
I'll admit I've never really bothered with primers and tend to just moisturise before applying foundation, but the Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Face Primer [6] (£28) may have finally won me over. It wakes up my skin and leaves it glowing . . . almost to the point where I don't actually need base over the top. — GC
Spectrum Collections Millennial Jet Setter Brush Set
I don't know what I love more with the Spectrum Collections Millennial Jet Setter Brush Set [7] (£50): the adorable travel-size brushes, the practical but pretty bag, or the fact the brand is totally cruelty-free and committed to a sustainable future. — TC
Amika Nourishing Hair Mask
The Amika Nourishing Hair Mask [8] (£20) has saved my dry, sad-looking ends, which I just made drier and sadder thanks to a recent salon appointment. Leaving it for on for just five minutes (if you have fine hair, you may need to leave it on longer the thicker or coarser your texture) makes hair instantly softer. Then there's the scent, which is incredibly sexy, yet subtle enough that it won't interfere with your perfume. — SP
Ecooking Peel Mask
Acid-spiked skin care once terrified me, until I stumbled upon the magical Ecooking Peel Mask [9] (£37). The lactic acid and AHA combo transforms my skin in five minutes, making it look smoother and more refined. It's become a weekly staple in my skincare routine, especially before applying makeup to set the base for a truly airbrushed look. — KK
Floral Street Electric Rhubarb
I need add nothing more to the description Floral Street gave its new fragrance Electric Rhubarb [10] (£58). "If you could bottle that feeling of laughing and sipping perfectly chilled Prosecco on a balmy Summer's afternoon - this would be it." — TC
Decléor Green Mandarin Sun-Kissed Cream
After a mini Decléor facial, I was shocked to see my skin tone looking so even with reduced redness — all thanks to the Decléor Green Mandarin Sun-Kissed Cream [11] (£58). The tinted cream adapts to my skin tone with a slight bronzed hue that gives the skin a healthy glow and blurs any minor imperfections. — TC
Nars Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm
Don't get me wrong, I love lipstick . . . like, I love it a lot . . . but on a daily basis, I pretty much stick to tinted lip balms. They're easy to wear, easy to touch-up, and easy to apply. The Nars Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm [12] (£23) formula is incredibly luxurious, and it has just enough pigment to liven up your complexion. My favourite shade of the five hues is Orgasm, inspired by their iconic peachy-pink coloured blush, but you can't go wrong with any of five hues. — SP
MDM Flow Greater Than Mascara
I'm a bit of a mascara snob. I have short crisscrossed lashes, so I'm always keen to find a wand that separates and a formula that lengthens without any clumps. MDM Flow Greater Than Mascara [13] (£18) definitely ticks the boxed, and the gold packaging gives me a bit of luxury with every application. — KK
Nip+Fab Glow Getter Body Oil
It might be raining outside but wearing the Nip+Fab Glow Getter Body Oil [14] (£25) makes me feel summery and bronzed. — TC
Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Serum
Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Serum [15] (£81) is one powerful serum. It promises to be 50 times more powerful than regular vitamin C and gives my skin a huge boost of antioxidants for a brighter complexion. — TC
Aussie Scent-sational Protect Conditioning Mist
In a case of "why didn't they think of that before?" Aussie has now put its nostalgic peach and apple scent into a series of hair mists, so you too can smell like the bathroom of your first all-girls house share. Each one has an added bonus to help treat the hair: I like Aussie Scent-sational Protect Conditioning Mist [16] (£10), which battles pollution, heat styling, and daily stress. — GC
Victoria Cator La Vie En Rose Candle
Maybe I love the Victoria Cator La Vie En Rose Candle [17] (£55) because it's my initials, or maybe I love it because it smells like dusky pink roses and looks beautiful on my coffee table. — TC