11 of the best new beauty launches this May 2018

When it comes to cult beauty products that our team can’t live without, M.A.C’s Prep + Prime Fix+ always comes to mind. Not only is it incredibly hydrating, but it’s also a great multitasker to have in your kit. The newest iterations of Fix+ contain teeny-tiny specks of magenta or gold shimmer infused in the liquid, and can be sprayed liberally onto skin to instantly boost luminosity. “Generous is the word when it comes to Fix+ application,” says Nicole Thompson, M.A.C Global Senior Artist. “You can use this spray in-between layers of your foundation to build-up coverage while remaining glowing and never looking too heavy; in combination with your favourite shimmer highlight to amp up the glow factor (simply spritz your brush before applying the powder to see it looking smoother and shinier); as well as to set your makeup for prolonged wear (use at the end of your makeup application and pat in with the palms of your hands).”

Rosehip oil is one of our favourite skin care ingredients as it can nourish, brighten and protect your complexion, which is why Sukin Rosehip Enriching Night Cream has earned a top spot in this month’s faves. This hydrating buy is also boosted with other skin-loving ingredients such as Kakadu plum, quandong and camellia to really soften and hydrate deep within the top layers of skin. A must-have this winter.

There’s so much to love about Guerlain’s famous Météorites (the packaging! The luminosity it gives skin!), but the thing that wins us over every time is the scent, which you immediately smell when you open it. If you’re just as hooked on sniffing what’s inside the tin as we are, then you’ll be happy to know that the brand has just bottled that exact scent into a parfum, and enhanced it with apple, rose and musk for a long-lasting finish on skin. Get in quick, we just know this is going to fly off shelves.

Instead of doing a deep exfoliation once a week to get rid of layers of dead skin cells, it may be a better idea for those with congested or problematic skin to use a daily cleanser that is capable of gently removing them regularly. The Alpha-H Liquid Gold Resurfacing Cleanser boasts 14 per cent CHAs - that’s combination hydroxy acids - that can break down the sticky bond that holds dead skin cells together, purifies the surface, gets rid of pollution particles (which, interestingly, have a molecular size 20 times smaller than a normal pore) and encourages new skin cell development to reveal healthy-looking and smoother skin.  

The cool weather change makes it more tempting to have a scalding hot shower, which can really dehydrate skin so having a rich cream nearby is essential to undo the damage. The Body Shop Body Yogurts promise to immediately sink in and re-hydrate all thanks to its cream-gel formula. Our favourite scent from the range is Mango, which is actually infused with mango juice for an authentic fragrance and almond milk to keep skin moisturised for up to 48 hours.

The power of blush shouldn’t be underestimated; after all, it’s key to livening up your complexion and tying your look together. “Makeup artists are asked to create looks that express certain moods, and in order to do so, the colour and position of blush is very important,” says uchiide, International Artistic Director for shu uemura. “For example, if you want to express cheerfulness, I recommend a pink-red tone placed high on the cheeks.” The new shu uemura Cushion Blushes come in range of coral, lilac and pink tones, however this season we’re reaching for something a little brighter. “Tokyo Vibe Red is my favourite shade,” says Panda Peng, Head Makeup Artist for shu uemura. “Corals and pinks are always in fashion but red is cool and different.” Our top tip for achieving a seamless result is to pat the product straight onto the apples of your cheeks using the sponge included. Due to the subtleness of the formula, you don’t need to worry about over-applying or blending it out.

Strategically-placed highlighter can heighten the appearance of cheekbones, enhance your smackers (just pat a tiny amount on your Cupid’s bow) and visually make your legs look longer. Mecca Max Holo-Jelly Face Gloss allows you to do all of the above with ease, all thanks to its gel-like consistency that melts into skin upon contact.

From camouflaging imperfections to hiding those dreaded dark circles that appear when you get don’t get enough sleep, a hard-working concealer is a must-have in any makeup addict’s beauty kit. The new Clinique Beyond Perfecting™ Super Concealer Camouflage + 24-Hour Wear truly delivers in durability (the formula is sweat and humidity-proof for up to 24 hours) and it contains apricot pigments to counteract purple tones.

We haven’t met an Acqua di Parma scent we didn’t like, and Chinotto di Liguria is just as divine as the other classics in the range. Built around the Italian fruit chinotto (which is bittersweet and tangy), this unisex fragrance also features a blend of airy jasmine, invigorating rosemary and grounding patchouli that smells just like a summer vacay. Divine! 

Foundation cushion compacts may not be a new concept, however La Prairie’s version that hit counters recently is definitely something to try. This portable base can be built from light to medium coverage using a pat-and-roll application technique; it’s infused with the Swiss brand’s famed caviar water to keep your complexion nice and hydrated as the day wears on; and it’s so incredibly lightweight you forget you’re wearing anything on your skin at all. The steep price tag of $255 may seem shocking at first, however the purchase comes with an additional refill which gives you twice as much bang for your buck.

Fruity, floral and slightly woody, The Vow by Nicole Trunfio is a seriously gorgeous home fragrance with a scent profile that’s worth singing out about. Top notes of lemon, grapefruit, raspberry and plum make way for floral mid-notes of rose, jasmine and magnolia, and the structure is strengthened with sensual sandalwood, sweet tobacco (which emits a slightly smoky touch), patchouli and musk. Think this sounds like something you’d like to wear yourself? Lumira have also launched a perfume oil in the same scent that can be massaged into pulse points, so you can enjoy the fragrance even when you’re not at home.

Take your candle addiction to the next level with these suggestions.

Which new beauty launch are you most likely to try, and why? Let us know in the comments below.