By now, you've probably surmised we test-drive a lot of beauty products here at Who What Wear. From nail polish and makeup to hair and skincare, we're eyebrow-deep in all things new, exciting, and wish list–worthy. That said, due to the number of products we come in contact with, we've become very nitpicky beauty consumers. Within seconds, we can tell if a new hair oil is too heavy, and we're quick to ignore a serum that yields disappointing results.
The good news? We can't wait to spread the word to all of our fellow beauty lovers (that's you!) when we do stumble upon a product we love. Therefore, we've decided gushing over our latest fave products should become a monthly ritual. You can expect a full report every 30 days or so that details the highlighters, hair wands, and overnight skincare saviors we've fallen head over heels for.
For the most part, we'll be covering buzzworthy launches, as those typically take up most of the action atop our product-filled desks, but we won't dismiss new-to-us products, either. Sometimes, our best discoveries are found on a friend's vanity or on someone's face at the bar (true story). Ahead are the best beauty products we tried in May! Grab your game face and wallet because you'll need both.
Erin Jahns, Beauty Director
"I truly cannot get over how amazing this oil makes your lips look. I tried the shade Poppy (see the above pic!) and immediately wanted every other shade in the collection. I will say that it's thicker and a tad stickier than most lip oils I'm used to, but the shine and perfectly pigmented formula are so good I don't even care. Seriously, this is a one-and-done product. If you want your lips to look juicy and glossy with just one swipe, this is the product to buy!"
"Everything from Shereene Idriss's line of skincare is exceptional (she is a world-renowned board-certified dermatologist, after all), but this dreamy, vitamin C–spiked moisturizer is a standout for me. As someone who's oily and acne-prone, I love that the formula is completely noncomedogenic, and the deeply hydrating yet magically lightweight gel texture is to die for. It's comfortable on the skin, it looks stunning under makeup, and using it as the last step in my morning routine after my SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF ($182) has done serious wonders for the overall brightness and clarity of my skin."
"I thought I had quit press-ons for good until celebrity nail artist Brittney Boyce launched her own line, Lost Angels. Guys, these press-ons are truly the next best thing to getting a three-hour-long in-salon design job. As I have sacrificed many, many hours of my life sitting at the nail salon for custom nail art, that's saying something! Some talking points: The fit and shape of the nails are amazing, so they truly look like they're your real nails. I received so many compliments and shocked expressions when I told people mine were press-ons. I also love that each set comes with two different application options—adhesive for shorter wear and glue for longer. I went with the glue, and all 10 of my nails looked fresh and perfect for three freaking weeks. These will be all I'm wearing on my nails for the foreseeable future, and I'm already ridiculously excited for the next drop."
"Friend, podcast host, and overall beauty extraordinaire Kirbie Johnson let me in on a little secret a while back. Applying this tinted primer from Gee Beauty before your foundation will literally make your skin look flawless like Glass and absolutely perfect. Obviously, I immediately had to get my hands on it. The only problem is I totally forgot about it until a month or so ago when I was moving out of my apartment and going through all of my beauty products. Now that I've finally tried it, I am absolutely floored.
"Believe it or not, this stuff is actually better than I hoped it would be. I applied it using the matching Base Brush (and after prepping my skin with the Dr. Idriss Major Fade Vitamin C Gel Moisturizer I mentioned above), and my skin completely transformed before my eyes. The formula has skin-adapt pigment technology that quickly and perfectly adapts to your skin tone, delivering the most flawless soft-blur coverage I have ever gotten with a skin tint product. I'll most definitely be using it on no-makeup days, but it's also brilliant underneath foundation. Not only did I need half as much foundation as I normally would, but this stuff also kept my makeup looking pore-free, crease-free, and completely airbrushed all day long—even after an hour-long walk outside in humid 80-degree heat! If you buy one complexion product this summer, make it this."
"As you'll soon find out, the WWW staff is pretty wild about InnBeauty Project everything right now, and even though other editors are singing this moisturizer's praises too, I couldn't not say my piece. This is one of the best moisturizers I've ever tried. It's noncomedogenic, makes your skin look like glass, and truly does what it says it will—firms and lifts your skin. I've been using it almost every night, and I swear it almost looks like I've gotten a fresh round of Botox. I'm especially obsessed with using it on my neck and chest, which, at 31 years old, have started to show some natural signs of aging. This has immediately fixed the slight bit of crepiness I was starting to notice here and there."
"I rarely like liquid bronzers and contours, as I find them less natural looking and harder to blend than creams and powders. But the way this serum just buffs and blends into the skin is pretty unparalleled. I've been using it as more of a bronzer than a contour, and I would definitely choose two shades darker than you normally would if you want a lot of color or a more noticeable contour. (It's very light and natural looking!) The diffused and sun-kissed look it gives my skin is incredible and perfect for summer. I also love that it has a pump and a built-in doe foot depending on how you prefer to apply it."
"I've pretty much written off all focus-geared supplements in recent years because I was almost always disappointed in the results. They did jack squat for my productivity and nervous system. Alas, this formula from And Repeat has completely changed my ability to plow through tasks, stay focused, and—I'm being honest here—not feel overly panicky or anxious when my to-do list starts to grow exponentially. I love how short and simple the ingredient list is, including L-tyrosine and bacopa-leaf extract, and that the brand and products have been conceptualized by someone I can totally relate to. One of the co-founders, Jayme Cyk, is a former beauty editor and someone who has dealt with diagnosed anxiety and depression since childhood. I also appreciate that the brand is dedicated to donating a portion of proceeds to mental health organizations each year."
Shawna Hudson, Associate Beauty Editor
"Experiment is one of the skincare brands I'm most excited about lately. Super Saturated is so great for anyone dealing with skin-barrier damage because it contains a whopping 30% concentration of glycerin, a super hydrator. There are a lot of products out there that claim to heal barrier damage, but I feel like this one is the real deal!"
"If you have super-sensitive skin, this moisturizer is one of the best. It's formulated with high doses of hyaluronic acids and ceramides to help repair the skin barrier, and it soothes irritation so well if you also deal with redness or breakouts."
"If you're like me and have struggled to find whitening products that are actually effective, look no further. I recently tried out the 12 Levels Whiter offering from Crest, and they're, hands down, the best whitening strips I've ever used. I noticed a difference after using them for only three nights."
"I'm sure you've probably heard about the amazing benefits colostrum offers by now, but if not, you should definitely get on that! I love colostrum and drink it daily, but my all-time favorite formula is the one from Cowboy now that I've given it a try. The vanilla flavor is so creamy and blends perfectly into my iced matcha latte or coffee. The brand also doesn't remove any fat from the product, so you know you're getting the full amount of nutrients offered."
"If you love a gourmand scent, don't sleep on this $25 perfume. Pistachio is one of my favorite perfume notes, and it happens to be front and center in this blend. It also includes sweet notes of caramel, vanilla, guava, and musk that give it an 'ice cream on the beach' type of feeling."
Nikki Chwatt, Associate Editor
"I was skeptical after seeing a celebrity makeup artist use this cream under her makeup to create a dewy no-makeup look. However, after buying and using it for a month, I've become a massive fan of it. This moisturizer instantly plumps my skin and adds immense hydration, making me look like I'm glowing from the inside out—even after applying layers of foundation, bronzer, and blush."
"My biggest pet peeve is when my setting powder sits between the creases under my eyes. After learning that Fenty Beauty's Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blotting Powder delivers a skin-like finish, I knew I had to get my hands on it. This product does not disappoint. It blurs and smoothes fine lines while reducing shine, and a little goes a long way. The only caveat is that this powder comes in one shade, which may be too light for those with dark skin."
"Clearstem is a beauty brand revolutionizing skin wellness with its non-pore-clogging and non-hormone-disrupting products. One of my recent favorite discoveries is its Hydraberry Moisture Mask. Although it's technically a face mask, I use it as a night cream because of its thick, hydrating properties for my skin overnight."
Emma Walsh, Associate Beauty Editor, Branded Content
"Okay, talk about a dream collab! This crystal-clear gloss smells like summer bliss and hydrates my lips all day. I couldn't ask for more."
"I need a cleanser that's a perfect balance of being gentle and effective, and this silky golden balm checks all the boxes: It fully cleanses my skin (yes, it even removes makeup and SPF), doesn't strip the barrier, and has pineapple enzymes for gentle exfoliation."
"Hypochlorous acid has been super trendy recently, and now, I understand why. I swear this has been making me break out less. I keep one in my cabinet so I can spritz it on morning and night, and I also keep it in my bag to refresh after a workout."
"Angel skin is my goal, so I was immediately drawn to this moisturizer. It has literally all of my favorite hydrating ingredients, including peptides, lipids, ceramides, squalane, and glycerin. I can confirm that it follows through on the promise of giving you an ethereal glow."
"I've always favored a boar-bristle brush, and I've been super impressed with this one from French haircare brand La Bonne Brosse. If you want to give your hair princess treatment, you need it. I have the lilac one, obviously."
"Pink Beach? I'm sold. With notes of tropical coconut and sweet vanilla, this smells like an island paradise. Between the divine fragrance and hot-pink packaging, this is the perfect lotion and perfume for summer. The only thing is that I wish it came in a travel size so I could put it in my beach bag."
"White liner is the best hack to instantly brighten and open up the eyes. I've been loving this one by Victoria Beckham Beauty. It glides on so smooth and lasts all day. I concentrate it on the outer edges of my waterline, and it gives a doe-eye effect that I love."
"I was giddy at the thought of trying this mascara. But I'm not going to lie—it really intimidated me. I mean, look at the wand! Although it took me a second to get the hang of it, I was genuinely shocked at the incredible lift, all-day hold, and buildable volume this gave me. I feel like it made my lashes reach their full potential."
"This is my new favorite protein powder. It's gentle on my stomach and makes my green smoothies taste like a chocolate milkshake."
Emma Hughes, Associate Social Media Editor
"I used to think that a vitamin C serum had to be *incredibly* expensive to be effective. However, I've since dipped my toes into the vitamin C pool, and there are a variety of incredible formulas at lower price points. This Cocokind serum, in particular, truly wowed me—it's gentle and nonirritating on my skin but delivers undeniable brightening, glow-boosting results."
"Don't get me wrong. I love perfume, but I tend to get overwhelmed by strong, heady fragrances, especially during the day. That's why my everyday signature scent has to be light, fresh, and an extension of me. If you can relate, I can almost guarantee you'll love Missy as much as I do. It's creamy, milky, and fresh—just like if you got out of a luxurious, expensive bath."
"My criteria for a face sunscreen is that it has to feel like a skincare or complexion product. If the formula leaves even a hint of oiliness or an SPF smell, I don't want it. That's why Glossier's new face sunscreen is so incredible. It feels like a satin putty primer (identical to the Smashbox Photo Finish primer—if you know, you know) and leaves zero trace on the skin. It applies beautifully under or over makeup as a touch-up throughout the day."
Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour, Editor
"I typically like to wait a few weeks between manicures both to save on money and let my nails breathe a bit, but I hate the look of my totally bare nails. This Manucurist Active Smooth polish totally changed the game for me. It's easy to apply and quick to dry, leaving a semi-sheer layer of color on your nails that is actually healthy and requires no base or topcoat. Need I say more?!"
"I'm constantly washing my hands, which means I'm also constantly having to moisturize them, or they'll feel like literal sandpaper. I never found a hand cream I loved that was both effective and smelled amazing until this Tata Harper one. Now, I don't know how I lived so long without it!"
Jamie Schneider, Senior Beauty Editor
"I can't believe I haven't had Kate McLeod's body bars in my repertoire until now! Applying lotion post-shower can sometimes feel like a drag, but this solid, handheld stone makes it a breeze and—dare I say—fun. It just makes my shower experience so much more luxurious."
"I've never been one to sport a jaunty coral, but if there's anyone who can convince me to step out of my makeup comfort zone, it's Dame Pat McGrath, right? Now, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think the orangey-red just might become my new neutral. I’ve received countless compliments since I received my pre-launch sample that it's honestly been difficult to keep it a secret until the official drop on May 31. Gorgeous color aside, it's one of the most buttery lip crayons I've tried. Some sorcery must be at play here because it's creamy enough that I can easily sheer out and blend the pigment to my liking. Once it dries down, it locks onto my lips and does not dare budge. Suffice it to say, I'm truly obsessed."
"It takes a lot for a hydrating serum to really wow me. I test so many at this point that they can all start to fuse together in my mind, but this one delivered such skin-plumping results that I kept grabbing for it night after night. The texture itself is super plush and bouncy, and it pastes those properties right onto my complexion."
"When I think of mousse, I instantly think of the crunchy, over-scrunched curls I somehow thought were cute in middle school. Needless to say, I haven't loved them since, but Crown Affair's new formula has made me a believer again. I've been using it in lieu of gel, and it leaves me with the softest, most touchable strands. Not a stiff curl in sight."
Allyson Payer, Senior Editor
"This is the most user-friendly, natural-looking bronzer I've ever tried by a mile. It blends beautifully, and it comes in six shades, which I think is pretty impressive for a bronzer. For the most air-brushed, sun-kissed finish, get the Saie Buffing Brush too."
"This is my new favorite serum to wear under makeup. It's very lightweight but also very moisturizing in a 'bouncy skin' sort of way, and it evens out my skin tone surprisingly well. Also, a little goes a long way."
"I've been on the hunt for a new tinted moisturizer, and I've met my match with Chantecaille's newly reformulated Just Skin. It provides a moderate amount of coverage and makes my skin look glowy but not dewy, which is my tinted-moisturizer pet peeve in the summer."
"I don't use masks a ton, so when I do use them, I want them to check a lot of boxes. I love that this one is very antioxidant heavy and supports collagen production. It always leaves my skin super soft, and I look like I just got a facial after removing it, which is always the goal."
"I don't always love tinted sunscreens, but this one is an exception. It sinks right into your skin and gives the faintest hint of a glow. I like to use it with my matte foundations to soften up the finish a bit."
Anneliese Henderson, Senior Editor, Branded Content
"I wanted to get a new summer scent for the warmer weather, but I didn't want to spend a million dollars. I tried so many perfumes, but Jazmin Yucatan stole my heart with just one sniff. I got the mini bottle so I can throw it in my purse and spritz it on me whenever I need a little spruce."
"Okay, I can't believe I was sleeping on this brow product for so long. My brows have never been fluffier!"
"I had beef with this lip stain for the longest time. I couldn't get it to work for me. After watching so many TikTok tutorials and doing many practice rounds, I've got it down. Now, I can't leave the house without it on me. It lasts all day!"
"I've been getting facials from Skin Laundry for the past few months, and I was recommended this product by one of the workers. It's safe to say it's a game changer. If you're someone who struggles with hyperpigmentation, you need this."
Caitie Schlisserman, Group Executive Director, Branded Content and Beauty
"I've been in a fight with my skin for the last month, and I can't tell you why. All I can say is that it has been acting up. Few things have been able to calm it down, but this mask has helped. There are many things I love about it. It's blue. It has a subtle cooling effect. It deeply cleans my skin and leaves it looking fresh and revived."
"Admittedly, I just started using this, so it's a bit too early to tell if it has had a positive impact on my skin, but so far so good. I'm a SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic stan, so it's a big deal that I made this switcheroo and had to let the world know."
"I neglect my neck even though the lines on it give me major anxiety. I'm trying to be better, and this rich formula has helped. It helps stimulate collagen production, restores suppleness, and exfoliates. I know nothing will really give me the results I desire, but this actually has visibly improved the overall appearance of my neck."
"I love makeup in stick form. The only exception? Foundation. I have to give it to Ilia for making me question myself because I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It's super lightweight but somehow still offers impressive coverage. Just make sure your skin is properly prepped and moisturized beforehand to make application smooth."
Kaitlyn McLintock, Associate Beauty Editor
"When I say my skin drinks this up, I mean it. It's one of those rare toners/essences that thoroughly hydrates my skin without leaving residue, clogging my pores, or causing irritation. I use this morning and night, and my skin has never felt or looked happier and plumper. (The brand's Heartleaf Calming Moisture Cream is another can't-miss product.)"
"I've been waging war against my sun damage for years now, and this serum has made the greatest difference in the shortest amount of time. The combination of vitamin C and turmeric dialed up my glow in just a couple of days, and the skin tone–evening powers came through in just a week. I'm obsessed, and I've already snagged another bottle."
"I've been searching for a good, no-frills retinol that does what it should without, well, doing too much. Sometimes, I don't want a ton of extra active ingredients mixed in with my vitamin A. I've noticed a big difference in the overall texture of my skin since using this. Bonus: It doesn't exacerbate my redness or cause excessive irritation."
Aniyah Morinia, Editor, Branded Content
"This Refy gloss has been my holy-grail product this month. I find myself throwing it in my bag, putting it on my nightstand, and basically reaching for it anytime my lips need a refresh. The metal applicator feels so cooling on the lips, and Rosewood is the perfect dark nude."
"My lashes have been looking so long and voluminous these days, and all the credit goes to this Tarantulash Mascara. The name truly is accurate. My lashes look full and spidery, and I am not mad at it. You get so much length after one coat. I was sold after the first swipe."
"I've been having the worst breakouts lately, and these fan-favorite patches have been the last step in my skincare routine. Not only do they cover up my acne in a subtle way, but they also don't budge when I'm sleeping, which is not the case with other pimple-patch brands! I love that it shrinks my pimples overnight, so I don't have to spend 20 minutes in the mirror picking at my face before bed."
"I'm embracing my curls this year, and this gel has been my go-to. As a slick-bun enthusiast, I know a thing or two about hair gels, and this one is lightweight, doesn't flake, and holds the curls. I'll have bouncy, frizz-free, and moisturized little ringlets all summer!"
Kat Collings, Editor in Chief
"I guess I'm officially old, because now I look forward to flossing. I've always been a diligent flosser, but do I enjoy doing it? Not a chance. But Flaus makes it, dare I say, mildly fun. Their electric flosser is as easy to use as a toothbrush, and with its sonic vibrations, it feels more effective than typical flossing. And you don't have to shove your hands in your mouth like I do with regular flossing, which is a major win. I like to use it in the shower (it's waterproof) while I let my conditioner sink in (something I'm always impatient with). As an extra bonus, it also uses low waste compared to traditional flossing, so it's better for the environment too. Given that oral health has so many links to overall health, I'm delighted to have found a product that completely enhances one of my more mundane daily tasks."
