The 21 Best Beauty Launches of May 2023, According to Marie Claire Editors

“Lumify eye drops are quite possibly my favorite thing in the world, so when the brand decided to expand their eye care offerings, I literally jumped at the chance to test the newness. And let me just say: It did not disappoint. This makeup-removing micellar water for example has become a staple in my routine. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C, which hydrates and brightens my eye area without causing any irritation.” – Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor 

“I’ve worn a variation of dark eyeliner everyday since I was 16 years old. For me, wearing eyeliner is as common as brushing my teeth. But what’s not so common? Finding an eyeliner that doesn't bleed down my eyes by the end of the day. I love that this velvet-soft khôl formula doesn’t drag and is gentle enough to apply with complete ease.” — Deena Campbell, Beauty Director 

“I have combination skin that’s somewhat prone to hyperpigmentation, so when I’m in the market for a new serum, I have multiple priorities: The product has to be moisturizing to combat hyperpigmentation, not-too-oily so that I don’t break out, and I appreciate any anti-aging element (because it’s never too early to start). Obviously, it’s rare for a single product to meet all these needs, but this new serum from Mother Science manages to do just that. Its unique formula incorporates Malassezin, a compound that’s even more potent than Vitamin C and that reduces the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines. Plus, it delivers moisture but doesn’t have an oily thick, formula, so I can layer my other skincare products and makeup without looking shiny or feeling greasy.” — Gabrielle Ulubay, E-Commerce Writer 

“I've been testing this body wash out for months and it's simply great. I already love Isle of Paradise's range of self-tanners, and this body wash is the perfect first step in that process. The brand just launched new body washes and body polishes in two scents, and this bright yellow bottle is my favorite of the two. It's designed to brighten the skin with Vitamin C and soften it with both Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid. The scent—which includes notes of grapefruit and apple blossom—lingers on the skin without interfering with my perfume” — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Editor 

“I have a confession to make: I still have the same makeup brushes I used in high school. In fact, my foundation brush is so caked with product, I almost always use my fingers to blend out my makeup (gross, I know). So when I had the chance to try Jenny Patinkin's new makeup brushes, I obviously jumped at the chance. The line is made from recycled plastic bristles that feel super soft and blend like a dream. This brush specifically makes my makeup look flawless, so you won't ever catch me using my fingers again.”  — Brooke Knappenberger, Editorial Fellow 

“I’ve never been a spray deodorant girl. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been loyal to my trusty stick. But leave it to the scientist over at Dove to convince me to shake up my routine. Their newest innovation is formulated with 0 percent aluminum, which is ideal for my sensitive skin. Unlike other spray formulas, this particular product doesn’t leave a greasy residue behind and actually dries down instantaneously. I never have oil or slime on my clothes and can feel confident heading to a workout without smelling.” – Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor 

"I have become something of a perfume collector as of late, but this new scent from Diptyque has shot to the top of my current favorites list since I've been testing it for a few weeks. It's spicier than most ones I choose with notes of balsam and and bergamot. It's one of those scents that makes me feel like more of an adult just by way of wearing it, and it lasts beautifully over the course of the day. Like all Diptyque scents, it melts into my skin without going away completely, and is strong enough at the start of the day without giving me a headache. Plus, it was an immediate favorite of our Beauty Director, Deena Campbell." — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Editor 

“I was recently introduced to this luxe brand, which features a range of products powered by superfoods. While the brand’s eye cream and body oil are certainly worth a shoutout, their newest launch might just be my favorite. Basil is the star ingredient and is responsible for soothing inflammation that gets left behind from a pimple. Other ingredients like vitamin K, retinol, and lemon swoop in to brighten the skin and tighten pores. I’ve been slathering this on every night and I swear my skin tone has never looked more even.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor 

“I know, I know this is a children’s sunscreen, but hear me out. My skin is absurdly sensitive and quite pale (dream duo), so I typically reach for a baby SPF on days when I plan on sitting in the sun. My constant dilemma, however, is that every sunscreen I try feels goopy and leaves a thick, white film behind. La Roche-Posay’s newest innovation is lightweight and super easy to rub in.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor 

“I don't have a ton of space in my master bathroom, so only body washes that I truly love find a home on my shower shelf. That being said, this body wash has secured its placement for the foreseeable future. It’s an exfoliating body wash that’s a mash up of strawberry seeds and oils that’s gentle enough to use daily—and admittedly, twice a day when the summer heat is unbearable.” — Deena Campbell, Beauty Director 

“This line is the only reason my hair doesn’t look like a color- and heat-damaged disaster. I use the shampoo, conditioner, and hair mask regularly, so incorporating the newest addition in the line into my routine was no brainer. It’s formulated with great ingredients like argan oil and ceramides, is deeply hydrating, and is clinically proven to seal split ends in just two uses. I was skeptical at first, but after using this for the past few weeks I can confirm my hair has never looked healthier.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor 

“If you’re on the hunt for the perfect Mother’s Day gift or simply want to round out your own candle collection, scoop up this dreamy citrus-smelling candle before it sells out. As the name hints, the notes are all inspired by the joy and whimsy of an Italian summer. Once your nose gets a whiff of the zingy citrus and subtle sea salt, you’ll feel transported to a cliff overlooking the ocean.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor 

“To me, peak relaxation is in the form of a bubble bath, a glass of wine, and a great mud mask. I've tried plenty of mud masks over the years but this one checks all of the right boxes to fit into my go-to bath routine. It feels so creamy and smooth on the skin, and with the included spatula, is especially easy to apply without getting messy fingers. The floral, musky smell immediately puts me at ease, but thankfully its not too empowering. When I want to treat myself to a little moment of luxury (and I try at least twice a week), I throw this mask on.” — Brooke Knappenberger, Editorial Fellow 

“If there’s one thing you try on this list, let it be this. Jamie Makeup and Bigger Than Beauty, a new skincare brand from the genius behind Thrive Causemetics, teamed up to create the ultimate eye prep. Jamie Makeup just launched adorable, reusable Multeye Masks that pair perfectly with Bigger Than Beauty’s Defying Gravity Intensive Eye Cream. The combo of the two creates intense hydration, an amazing smoothing effect, and a lifted appearance.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor 

“Don’t let the cute packaging fool you, this formula is the real deal. With a combination of glycerin, rose, geranium, and aloe, this mist will hydrate and soothe irritated skin in seconds. I plan on tossing this in every beach bag I own to help my skin stay calm, cool, and moisturized in the summer heat.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor 

“In case you didn't know, mermaid-core nails are set to take over the summer and I'm fully on board. These topcoats give any nail color the prettiest shimmery effect, which I will be leaning into for the next couple months. These topcoats are gel too so you'll easily get at least two weeks of wear. I especially love to use the shade Divine for that chrome-like look I've been seeing all over my Instagram feed.”  — Brooke Knappenberger, Editorial Fellow 

“If you have any festivals, concerts, or fun events on your calendar in the coming weeks, add these gems to your cart, ASAP. The Euphoria-esque teardrop-shaped adhesives are limited-edition, but if you care for them properly you can use them on repeat. Just apply the gem of your choice to clean skin and use tweezers for precise placement. They will stick on your own, but if you want them to be extra secure, use a bit of lash glue. Personally, I plan on going to town with the silver ones for the Taylor Swift concert later this month.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor 

“I love a product that gives me glow, but on hot summer days I try to keep my routine as minimal as possible. Enter Paula’s Choice upcoming launch, which is a gorgeous, waterless SPF that is ridiculously lightweight and absurdly dewy. The formula is super hydrating and provides antioxidant protection, which makes it easy to see why it’s become my new go-to for everyday wear. I even like to use a little on my legs and arms for extra shine—and sun safety. It officially launches May 28 and will be available for a limited time, so mark your calendar.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor 

“Historically, hairspray terrifies me. I don’t like my hair to feel crunchy or overly textured. But I pinky promise this product has such a lightweight texture I completely forgot I had any styling products in my hair. I use about a decent amount, spreading it from my roots to my ends. My style ends up lasting so much longer (I don’t even have to do day two touch ups) and my color looks extra shiny and glossy through it all.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor 

"I’m picky about my moisturizers—my skin is dry and dull and lacks any sense of life first thing in the morning. That was, until I tried this under-$15 moisturizer from The Ordinary. It adds so much glow to my skin without sitting funny under my glowiest summer makeup, and keeps my skin feeling hydrated all night long—yes, I’ve tested it for both night and day! The tube is also huge for the price, which means that I don’t feel bad about using it twice a day." — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Editor

"I'm always looking for products that make going makeup-free just a little easier, and this new launch from Peace Out does jus that. I apply to the eye area it in the morning to skin that's outfitted with SPF and moisturizer, and it does a miraculously good job of hiding some of the redness that normally peaks through in the morning. I don't have the darkest bags in the world, but they do get purple-y in the inside corner, and this little stick allows me to wear less concealer."  — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Editor