Here's Every Product Our Beauty Editors Loved Using in May
It feels like day 5,000 in quarantine, and honestly, we've officially given in to being at home 24/7.
Of course, we'd much rather be outside frolicking in the summer sun (after we've applied our SPF 30+, obvs), but staying inside isn't so bad when you've got a bunch of beauty products to play with as a nice distraction.
This month, we gave ourself at-home pedicures, healed our dry lips, finally got our hands on sold out bronzers, and treated friends. Now we're ready to share our picks with you.
All of our favorite beauty products that we used in May, ahead.
Kayla Greaves, Senior Beauty Editor
Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar
Full disclosure: I love me some Alastin skincare products, but that's not the reason why they're my top pick this month.
A dear friend of mine was recently re-diagnosed with cancer, in the midst of a pandemic no less. She first battled the disease before we met, and developed severe skin sensitivity as a result of the treatment. At the time, she didn't really know who to turn to for her skin concerns and chalked it up to simply being a part of her journey. Thankfully, this time around, Alastin was kind enough to ship her some product to help with her radiation dermatitis. I am eternally grateful to this brand for their kindness.
To shop: $195; alastin.com
RELATED: Shopping for Makeup Post COVID-19 Lockdown Will Never Be the Same
La Roche-Posay Retinol Face Serum with Vitamin B3
Retinols are known to give people fabulous, younger-looking skin — after they've gotten over all the irritation. But that's not the case with this serum. This is one of the few retinoid products that are specifically formulated for people with sensitive skin. But truthfully, it can be used by anyone who simply wants to skip over any irritation and still get results (aka me).
This product has been gentle enough for me to use every night right off the bat, and I always wake up with the glowy, smooth skin.
To shop: $40; target.com
Sundays No.16
No lie, none of my other red nail polishes can compare to Sundays No.16.
I gave myself an at-home pedicure two weeks ago, and it's still looking as fresh as the day I originally painted it on. Speaking of, ideally, you typically need to paint on two coats of polish to get a strong color payoff. But this formula is so vibrant, you can definitely get away with one if you're in a rush.
To shop: $20; dearsundays.com
VIDEO: Laura Harrier beauty looks with MUA Nina Park
Erin Lukas, Beauty Editor
Tatcha Violet-C Radiance Mask
I have a ton of face masks to choose from for my weekly masking session, but I just can’t quit Tatcha’s cult-favorite brightening and tightening mask. The fruit-derived AHA acids gently exfoliate to loosen up any gunk that’s clogging my pores and contributing to my quarantine breakouts, while two forms of vitamin C tag-team dark spots from said breakouts and provide antioxidant protection. Plus, my favorite color is purple, so the mask’s violet tint has also won me over. What more could you ask for?
To shop: $68; sephora.com
Tower 28 Bronzino Illuminating Bronzer in West Coast
This bronzer keeps selling out since it launched in April and after wearing it, it’s easy to understand why. Even though it’s a cream, it has a balmy texture that grips to the skin and doesn’t slip, slide, or melt off. And even though it’s technically a bronzer, I like to swipe in on my eyelids as eyeshadow, too.
The best part? It takes 10 seconds to apply, which is about all the effort I want to put into wearing eye makeup right now. The skin-nourishing ingredients like shea butter are an added bonus.
To shop: $20; revolve.com
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
Dry, flaky lips is one skin struggle I wasn’t expecting to have to deal with while quarantining, but the stale indoor air has left my lips in need of serious moisture. Luckily, I have Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm on hand. The treatment is thick, but it doesn’t feel heavy or greasy on my lips and it keeps my skin soft and smooth long after it has fully absorbed. Bonus: It smells like the frosted vanilla cupcakes I didn’t know I was craving.
To shop: $22; sephora.com
