Mamamia’s beauty roundup series is your monthly look at the products our team are loving – from the latest launches in skincare, hair and makeup to the old faves we've fallen for all over again.
For more beauty roundups, head to our hub page here.
Hush. Gather 'round, friends. Let us pour you a tea (whiskey), because it's that time again. You know. That time of the month when we get to share our favourite beauty products.
And hooly dooly, the beauty gods blessed us with a big sack of beauty launches in May.
The Mamamia team have tried and tested plenty of new (and new to us) skincare, makeup, hair and body products these last 30 days and look – we're going to need to share them with you, immediately.
But before we get into it, listen to the latest episode of Mamamia's daily beauty podcast, You Beauty. Post continues after audio.
Here you’ll find reviews of the best beauty products that launched in May 2023, as well as the old favourites we’ve rediscovered.
Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurf Serum, $131.
"Stop everything, because Drunk Elephant's cult Protini family is growing! Please meet the new Protini Serum. It packs a serious punch when it comes to active ingredients, containing 10 per cent lactic acid along with peptides and amino acids. I've been using it for the past month and I've noticed a difference in the radiance and plumpness in my skin. I'm a fan!" – Erin Docherty, Senior Health and Beauty Writer.
Benefit Cosmetics Goof Proof Brow Powder, $48.
"I usually find it tough to fill in my brows, but after using this product in the last few weeks I’ve found it so much easier! I found a shade that’s right for my eyebrows (a neutral medium/dark brown) and it looks super natural which is important for me. A winner!" – Isabella Ross, News Writer.
LA MAV Ayurvedic Body Oil - UPLIFT, $49.
"LA MAV just brought out this new range of beautiful body oils and they are gorgeous. I usually give the skin on my body zero attention (bad form for a beauty editor, I know) but goodness, these actually make me want to do the extra step. This is my favourite pick (there are three to choose from). The scent is next level (jasmine, ylang ylang and blue tansy), and it leaves my skin feeling so smooth and soft." – Erin Docherty, Senior Health and Beauty Writer.
AMOREPACIFIC Treatment Cleansing Oil, $80.
"I bought this cleanser last week at Mecca after it was recommended by the staff and it smells like a spa." – Morgan Danger, Partner Strategy Executive.
Fabuluscious Ceramic Glaze, $13.95.
"I’ve never ever had nice nails. Until now. After trying every Sally Hansen product ever made, I discovered the Holy Grail down the back of Priceline. It’s called Fabuluscious Ceramic Glaze and I will continue to use this until I die." – Tara Meakins, Senior Content Producer – News and Features.
L'Occitane Immortelle Reset Tri-Phase Essence, $119.
"This stuff is BEAUTIFUL. Spendy as heck, but god it's good. I've been spritzing it on my skin pre-serums and it immediately softens and refreshes my skin, giving it the most beautiful velvety finish. Smells like heaven." – Erin Docherty, Senior Health and Beauty Writer.
Emma Lewisham Supernatural Sleeping Mask, $130.
"I cannot stress how much I love this Emma Lewisham overnight mask. It's become a winter essential to me as my skin dries out – plus EL are a sustainable, B-corp certified brand who offer refills to cut down on waste when it comes to packaging, which I really value!" – Elfy Scott, Executive Editor.
Go-To Very Luxe Face Cream, $79.
"It's really good, you guys. Really, very good. I use it morning and night and it just gives my dry skin a big hug of long-lasting moisture, keeping it hydrated, plump and glowy. It's a little pricier than my usual face creams, but it does feel fancy and expensive. I love how it looks under makeup. The ingredients. And how it makes my skin feel." – Erin Docherty, Senior Health and Beauty Writer.
Medik8 Crystal Ceramide Retinal Eye, $79.
"Is there anything Medik8 can't do? No. The answer is no. Leigh Campbell picked this as her spendy on You Beauty podcast the other week, so I knew I had to give it a go. It brightens, smooths and plumps your eye area making you look like you *actually* got eight hours of sleep and didn't doom-scroll until 1am." – Erin Docherty, Senior Health and Beauty Writer.
Replica Beach Walk EDT, $105 for 30ml.
"I’m loving the Replica Beach Walk fragrance from Mecca, it fits in literally any sized bag and smells so fresh and clean! I want to bathe in this scent!" – Isabelle Dolphin, Editorial Driver.
MCoBeauty XPress Refresh, $25.
"Okay, but it's a teeny washing machine for your beauty blenders and I know it's totally unnecessary and gimmicky as hell but it's just so cute? And fun? And actually works?? I can't. It's one hundred per cent MADE for TikTok, but it actually makes me want to wash my beauty sponges, just so I can sit and giggle at it moving across the counter." – Erin Docherty, Senior Health and Beauty Writer.
REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic, $58.
"Ever since the weather has gotten colder, my skin has had a meltdown. I bought the Ren Ready Steady Glow Tonic and I've already noticed a huge difference in my skin, particularly my pores! They look less clogged and my skin looks way brighter after using!" – Maddie Rodgers, Brand Partnerships Manager.
Viviology Vitamin C Serum, $55.
"You guys, this might be one of the closest vitamin C serums to SkinCeuticals' cult Ferulic Acid. There. I said it. It contains really similar ingredients, but at $55 – it's way more affordable. My skin looks brighter and more even after using it for four weeks. If you're in the market for a new vitamin C serum, I recommend giving this a try." – Erin Docherty, Senior Health and Beauty Writer.
Koko & Kush Serum Bong Appétit, $88.
"I recently started using the Bong Appétit serum by Koko&Kush and it has left my dry winter skin feeling very hydrated and refreshed. Side note: it’s also hemp-based which is pretty cool." – Bella Garrido, Social Media Producer.
Holme Beauty Primer, $65.
"I am obsessed with this primer. It brings out a sparkly tone and makes my makeup stay all day long – and it doesn't smell like clay? I adore it and I will be buying more tubes of this goodness." – Katie Stow, Deputy Editor.
Makeup Forever HD Skin Foundation, $72.
"This isn't a new buy, it's more like a reignited love. I recently made the switch, tried a new foundation, and absolutely hated it. All I could think about was my old one, the Makeup Forever HD Skin Foundation. I have sensitive skin that's prone to breakouts. This foundation ticks all the boxes for my skin type. It's lightweight but still has good coverage, there's no fragrance or strange smell that irritates my skin, and it lasts forever. Love it, never changing again." – Liv James, Social Media Producer.
Gucci Beauty Illuminateur De Beauté Liquid Highlighter, $89.
"Okay, fancy girl! I've been mixing this with my foundation for an extra kick of radiance and I am LOVING that lit-from-within kind of radiance it gives me. You can also just wear it on a bare face for a beautiful, natural glow or apply it to the high points of your face (cheekbones, bridge of nose, cupid's bow). It's such a lovely addition to my makeup bag." – Erin Docherty, Senior Health and Beauty Writer.
Trinny London BFF De-Stress Serum, $75.
"I don’t usually wear foundation or anything that is too heavy/pore-clogging, so this tinted serum is a great compromise. This serum is lightweight and hydrating and it makes my skin look fresh and smooth while giving it a natural-looking glow." – Bella Garrido, Social Media Producer.
Hado Labo Tokyo Lotion No.1 Super Hydrator, $35.95.
"This super lightweight hyaluronic acid formula from Hado Labo has absolutely SAVED my skin in this chillier weather. It's a huge cult product in Japan (one sells every three seconds – NBD) and for good reason. It's really darn effective. My skin feels hydrated, plump and happy. Love it." – Erin Docherty, Senior Health and Beauty Writer.
Go Bare Repair Cream, $52.
"This newbie is meant to be the bee's knees for post-IPL and laser treatments. It contains a bunch of nourishing and anti-inflammatory ingredients (such as niacinamide, cucumber oil and licorice extract) to calm down irritation and redness. With winter being the perfect time to jump back into hair removal treatments, I'll be giving this a whirl!" – Erin Docherty, Senior Health and Beauty Writer.
Scholl Exfoliating Heel Peel, $15.99.
"If you've got a set of heels, this one's for you. Scholl just released these exfoliating heels peels, and they're everything you need if you cbf with filing/scrubbing/shaving your feet (ME). Maybe not the prettiest beauty recommendation, but it's just the ticket for smooth, soft heels." – Erin Docherty, Senior Health and Beauty Writer.
At Mamamia, we independently choose and write about products our writers genuinely recommend. We have affiliate partnerships, so if you use these links to buy something, Mamamia may earn a small commission.
What beauty product are you loving this month? Let us know in the comments.
Feature Image: Supplied/Mamamia/Canva.
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