May's Best Beauty Launches Will Upgrade Your Summer Routine

“Back in the ’90s, Laura Mercier’s signature ‘flawless face’ makeup look dominated the runways. Now, the brand is bringing back the key product behind it: the Secret Camouflage Complexion Perfector. The concealer palette features shades for neutral, warm, and cool undertones, making it easy to custom-match and spot conceal with precision. It’s especially ideal for hot summer days when a full face of makeup feels like too much.” — Rachel Lapidos, deputy beauty editor

“When I’m in a rush, e.l.f. Cosmetics’ new Soft Glam Cream Blush is the easiest way to add some color to my face. The creamy, buttery formula seamlessly melts into the skin, leaving behind a soft, buildable flush that looks naturally sunkissed.” — RL

“I don’t usually wear lip stains because they tend to suck the moisture out of my lips, but I’ve finally found an exception. Kylie’s Coconut Water Lip Stain is a K-beauty-inspired formula infused with coconut water and glycerin, so it feels more like a refreshing splash of color than a drying tint. I like to blot it for a more matte finish, but the hydration and the pigment seriously last.” — RL

“For its latest launch, G.M. Collin leaned into skin longevity with the GF Repair Serum, a potent blend of peptides, exosomes, and growth factors designed to support skin renewal, boost elasticity, and fortify the skin barrier. It’s quickly become my go-to nighttime treatment.” — RL

“Longevity seemed to be a theme this month, with Lancôme debuting its Absolue Longevity MD collection. My fave from the lineup is the Anticipate Cream, which is designed for those 35 and under to help address signs of aging before they appear. The formula stars a trio of powerhouse ingredients: Mitopure postbiotic, skin-strengthening Epigenomyl, and taurine.” — RL

“Finally, Nars’ iconic Orgasm shade is now available in a liquid formula. This version features a subtle shimmer that reads glowy rather than glittery, giving cheeks a truly lit-from-within finish. Just a couple of dots along the cheekbones — and some blending — delivers a gorgeously flattering flush that lasts all day.” — RL

“Chanel just dropped a super hydrating, lightweight serum concealer that delivers a flawless, natural-looking finish. It’s officially replaced my former go-to for hiding dark circles, redness, and any spots I want blurred without looking overly made up.” — RL

“If anything makes me dread summer, it’s frizz. I’m always on the hunt for solutions, and L’Oréal’s Keratin Alpha Sleek is a real MVP. It’s basically a makeshift keratin treatment in a tube that smooths strands for roughly two weeks — my hot weather hair hero.” — RL

“Kosas just dropped a multi-purpose makeup stick that deserves your attention. Unlike others in the category, it really melts into skin for a soft, lit-from-within lip and cheek flush that, IMO, makes you look like you’ve stepped out of a Renaissance painting.” — RL

“I raved about Violette_FR’s Plume Eyeshadow last month, and now I’m back to do the same with the Plume Blush. Housed in a Yves blue compact, the cushiony, cloud-like pigment is the ultimate blurring flush. Once you blend the creamy texture into your skin, it morphs into a romantic, effortless wash of color. The shades are stunning, but I’m partial to Rose Fumé, a muted pink that’s perfect for everyday wear.” — RL

“As a sunscreen devotee, I’ll reapply throughout the day with whatever SPF happens to be nearby — I just care about protecting my skin. That said, I’m grateful for Sulwhasoo’s new On-the-Go Sun Cushion. It comes with a puff, making it easy to dab on over makeup without messing anything up — something I usually find annoying but put up with anyway. This one, though, is officially staying in my purse.” — RL

“Another new option for my fellow blush hoarders: Wonderskin’s blush stain. If you mean business with long-wear makeup products, this is the real deal. It’s super pigmented, so all you need are a couple of dots to create a luminous flush that won’t budge during your GNO.” — RL

“I’m so lazy that I haven’t used a face mask in ages, but this one’s formula caught my attention. The rich cream contains all the skin care heavy hitters: peptides, hyaluronic acid (seven molecular weights, mind you), NAD+, peptide-rich plasma, and GABA. Simply wear it for eight minutes to reveal a legitimately more radiant, energized complexion.” — RL

“Yet another medicube banger: an aluminum-free deodorant that uses kojic acid and turmeric to help brighten the underarm area. The best part is its light pistachio-and-vanilla scent — one that’ll actually make you want to sniff your pits.” — RL

“This is my favorite lip balm in the world, partly because of the packaging. The founder, Denise Vasi, told me about the process of creating a metal gold applicator, and it’s not an easy feat — they’re the only ones on the market with gold. Now, it’s available in Prise, a raspberry-red shade that’s perfect for a drama-free summertime red lip.” — Samantha Nik, associate director of brand experience

“This buttery bronzing compact from the sunkissed geniuses at Summer Fridays is my new go-to contour go. I love how the consistency is super blendable, but also buildable depending on if you’re doing a light sculpt or a full-glam glow.” — SN

“Merit’s signature liner has the smooth application of a balm with the precision tip of a pencil — so regardless of your lip combo, this clean-beauty staple sets the tone. I’m obsessed with the new shade, Rose, for an office-to-date-night look.” — SN

“Why reach for sun lotion when you can use sun milk? This lightweight golden SPF 50 formula is made for both face and body, with skin-first clean ingredients and a silky, cosmetic texture that feels more like skin care than SPF. No sticky white cast here.” — SN

“My husband has not stopped commenting on how soft my skin is, and it’s all because of the Sluff It Kit. It basically recreates a mini Korean body scrub treatment at home. Once a week, I wash with the charcoal soap infused with olive and coconut oils, then use the green mitt to exfoliate. I finish with the eucalyptus lotion to lock in moisture, and my skin feels incredibly smooth afterward — clearly enough that others have noticed.” — Shyema Azam, beauty director, branded content

“As someone who’s always looking for ways to bring luxury hotel vibes home, I was excited to see Nécessaire expand its cult-favorite Santal scent. The honey-like hand cleanser and velvety moisturizer have quickly earned a permanent spot at my sink thanks to their nutrient-rich formulas designed to support the skin barrier through constant handwashing. But my favorite part is the scent itself — warm, lingering notes of sandalwood, jasmine, black pepper, and iris that make every use feel a little more elevated.” — SA