Another roundup of monthly beauty hauls is heading your way as we’re left with only a few weeks before June begins. For those in parts of the world with four seasons, it’s time to prepare for the imminent summertime season. As for us, it’s practically an excuse to continue splurging on products that make the cut. Why not? We’re pretty sure your beauty vanity could use a refresh after nearly a whole month since our last must-have list. Ahead, we’ve sifted through the options to highlight the best beauty launches of May.

The Best Beauty Launches of May 2024

1. Rare Beauty Soft Pink Luminous Powder Blush

With a cult following, it’s no surprise that the Rare Beauty Soft Pink Luminous Powder Blush is crowned on our list of the best beauty launches of May. Forget the viral trend of fusing Positive Light Liquid Luminizer with the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush; with just a swipe of this blush, you’ll attain an instantaneous glow that lasts for hours. It features a blendable texture that imparts a stunning flush of colour without looking chalky.

Why we love it:

  • Buildable 
  • Available in five colours
  • Imparts a glow finish

Cons: 

  • Some reported that the packaging is slightly fragile

Price: RM136.00

Where to buy: Sephora

2. Guerlain Abeille Royale Advanced Youth Watery Oil (Limited-Edition)

This month, Guerlain has released its limited-edition Abeille Royale Advanced Youth Watery Oil to commemorate World Bee Day. Designed by French artist ONIRIQ, its packaging is adorned with floral motifs in contrasting red and gold, imbued with a dazzling finish. Its high-performance formula is a testament to over 10 years of research on honey and its potent effects on the skin, enabling it to heal itself nine times faster, resulting in a smoother, plumper, and more radiant visage. Until 22nd May 2024, when you purchase in-store or on its official website, 20% of sales will be donated to the Guerlain for Bees Conservation Programme.

Why we love it:

  • Limited-edition release
  • Distinctive texture that absorbs easily
  • Deeply repairs the skin

Cons:

  • Only available in 50ml

Price: RM654 (50ml)

Where to buy: GUERLAIN Ultimate Boutique The Exchange TRX

3. Paula’s Choice CALM Barrier Protect Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Add to your stash of sunscreens with the newly launched CALM Barrier Protect Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 by Paula’s Choice. Aside from protecting the skin from UV rays, it also soothes, nourishes, and fortifies the skin’s barrier. Thanks to its formula, which includes allantoin, Centella Asiatica, and prebiotics, you can rely on this product to minimise redness and keep your skin hydrated.

Why we love it:

  • Delivers satin finish with its gel-cream texture
  • Soothes irritation and redness
  • Ideal for all skin types

Cons: 

  • The packaging is somewhat bulky, making it less convenient to slip into a purse

Price: RM199.00

Where to buy: Paula’s Choice’s official website 

4. Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primers

If you’re a makeup junkie, the Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primers are splurge-worthy products that need to be added to your wishlist. Featuring three new variations—Blurring, Hydrating, and Illuminating—it offers a selection designed to target specific skin concerns. Its formula leverages a skincare hybrid formula that smooths, protects, and hydrates your skin. Beyond that, it helps to prolong your makeup wear for a jaw-dropping 12 hours while enhancing the appearance of your skin.

Why we love it:

  • It comes in three variations
  • Available in full and travel sizes
  • Extend makeup wear for 12 hours

Cons: 

  • Some reported that the blurring variant has slightly minimal effect, however it depends on several factors 

Price: RM 220 (full sized): Travel Sized: RM 119

Where to buy: Laura Mercier Stores (Pavilion, One Utama & Sunway Pyramid) , Zalora, Lazada and selected Sephora stores

5. Rouge Hermès 75 Rouge Amazone

The Rouge Hermès 75 Rouge Amazone is a prime candidate on our list of the best beauty launches of May. This limited edition lipstick features fiery hues of red, making it a timeless choice. It accentuates the lips with a velvety, powdery finish that lasts long. If you look closely, you will see the Duc attelé engraved on the lipstick itself. As part of the release, it can be slipped into an exquisite pouch crafted exclusively for this product.

Why we love it:

  • Pointed bullet designed that offers precision when applied
  • It comes with a pouch
  • Velvety-matte finish 

Cons: 

  • Slightly expensive

Price: RM455.00

Where to buy: Available at Hermés boutiques and exclusively at Hermés counters in Parkson Pavilion Elite Kuala Lumpur and Seibu, The Exchange TRX

6. Lancôme Idôle L’Eau De Toilette

Lancôme has released its new launch, Idôle L’Eau De Toilette, crafted with a medley of Shincha green tea accord, blooming roses, and bergamot. At the heart of its formula, this blend of notes imparts a refreshing scent imbued with citrus fragrance. While its packaging retains the signature sleek design with a glass square bottle and golden cap.

Why we love it:

  • Three available sizes
  • Refreshing scents of citrus
  • Long-lasting

Cons: 

  • Slightly expensive 

Price: RM295 (25ml), RM430 (50ml), and RM600 (100ml)

Where to buy: Available at all physical Lancôme boutiques/counters, official website and Sephora

7. INNISFREE Sheer Glowy Highlighter

This month of May, INNISFREE has dropped tons of new launches, from Dewy Glow Lipstick to Silky Powder Blush, Sheer Glowy Highlighter, and Sculpting Powder Contour. However, its Sheer Glowy Highlighter has intrigued us with its stunning pearlescent finish that accentuates your features. The sheer finish it gives renders you with a natural glow that looks radiant from within.

Why we love it:

  • Available in two shades of pinky white and icy peach
  • Natural glow
  • Features a densely pearlescent effect 

Cons: 

  • It provides a natural finish while also featuring a buildable formula

Price: RM75.00

Where to buy: INNISFREE’s official website 

Which one of these best beauty launches of May that you’ll be purchasing? Make sure to follow Beauty Insider on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news updates.