Welcome to our beauty series, 'Cosmo Loves', where our expert team spotlight the launches you need to know about every. single. month. We get it, the beauty space is a vast one and it's confusing to say the least. Our best advice? Listen to us, the coolest beauty team going (hi there); here to share the goss on the products *actually* worth buying. Without further ado...
There are two things we, the Cosmo UK beauty team, are absolutely sure about. (1), there’s nothing we love more than testing out the latest and greatest beauty products for you gals. And (2), there is a lot of it to get through.
Don’t get us wrong, our beauty cupboard is a sacred place, filled with the most exciting launches to know about – some that get our Cosmo seal of approval, while others don't quite make the mark. But as sacred as it may be, that cupboard could qualify for its own episode of Hoarders. It’s busy, to say the least.
New beauty launches to try in May, reviewed
Best new summer makeup essential
KOSAS Cloud Set Translucent Loose Setting & Blurring Powder
Read review
With so much happening each month, and so many products to be tested, we thought we’d make things a little easier so you know where to put your hard-earned cash. Welcome to our monthly series where our expert beauty team review*all* launches and share the ones you absolutely need to buy.
This month, there’s a lot we’re loving. In the world of skincare, The Inkey List launched the Exosome Serum, dubbed as a ‘facial in a bottle’ while Medicube welcomes the Zero Pore Pads 2.0 for clearing congestion. Laneige has another viral lip product to get excited about – the Glaze Craze Tinted Lip Serums have a donut-like applicator and lend a glossy, pigmented sheen to the lips. And for those who can’t get enough of Aesop, you’ll be happy to know the brand has launched a new body cleanser to elevate your shower vibe.
Debit card at the ready!
Kosas, Cloud Set Translucent Loose Setting & Blurring Powder
KOSAS Cloud Set Translucent Loose Setting & Blurring Powder
Keeks’ review: “I will wax lyrical about the superiority of loose powder over pressed powders every day of the week (no hardpan, less chalkiness, etc.), and now I have a new drop to add to my roster. I love using the translucent peachy shade under my eyes and through the centre of my face to set my concealer and add brightness. It blurs and takes away shine (for up to 12 hours!) without leaving my skin looking flat.”
Aesop, Eleos Nourishing Body Cleanser
Keeks’ review: “As a year-round dry-skinned babe, I have to be careful with the type of body cleanser I use as the super foamy formulas (which are so often the fun ones) can leave my skin feeling dry and tight. This newbie from Aesop is creamy but emulsifies into a luxe micro-foam that cleanses my skin beautifully and my skin feels soft and hydrated even before I moisturise. Also, the scent is out of this world, woody and herby with a hint of florals.
LANEIGE, Glaze Craze Tinted Lip Serum
Lia’s review: “Glazed doughnut lips are set to be the biggest summer beauty trend, all thanks to this lip serum. Mark my words. I'm talking a deeply hydrated pout that, in the same breath, is visibly plumper, shinier and more pigmented than ever. Tick, tick, tick! Formula aside, the six shades on offer mean there is something for everyone, from a natural cinnamon nude to deeper blueberry tones. Oh, and the doughnut-shaped silicone applicator is a game changer, too; so much so that I would reapply this day and night just because it smells and feels good enough to eat. It's like a reward.”
Medicube, Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Lia’s review: “In case you've been living under a rock (or joined an underground vampire ring... IDK), Medicube is the K-beauty brand that everyone's been raving about – and I can concur that the Zero Pore Pads are a must-buy product. Also loved by Alix Earle, these pads contain 4.5% AHA lactic acid and 0.45% BHA salicylic acid, which help to reduce the look of stretched pores while also minimising a built-up, clogged complexion. Essentially, after a month of daily use, my skin has never looked better. Category is: Porcelain doll.”
Ultra Violette, UltraFuture Fluid SPF 50+ Superlight Mineral Skinscreen
Ultra Violette UltraFuture Fluid SPF 50+ Superlight Mineral SKINSCREEN
Clare’s review: “For a while I thought sunscreens were against me. Each one seemed to pill under my makeup or leave a thick layer on my skin that clogged my pores – so being encouraged to wear SPF every day was a tricky task. Then I came across Ultra Violette and, most recently, the new Future Fluid. The mineral liquid is one of the most lightweight sunscreens I’ve ever come across, feeling like my fave serum rather than a sunscreen. It instantly sinks into my skin, leaving it hydrated and radiant and I can spread it over my eyelids without it causing any irritation. I’ll be applying this every day from now on.”
Sol de Janeiro Limited Edition Flor Mistica Perfume Mist
Clare’s review: “If Sol de Janeiro has something to say, I am listening. I love every product in its line up (I’m not exaggerating, I’ve tried them all), but recently I’ve been non-stop spritzing this limited-edition Flor Mistica Perfume Mist. It smells exactly like summer; fresh, fruity and zesty with a hint of musk to add a cosy and warm throw to it. It has quickly become my handbag staple for on-the-go spritzing and someone thought I smelled like Dior J’adore. I’ll take it.”
INKEY, Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex
Clare’s review: “When a £20 serum promises to deliver similar results to a £500 facial, it has my complete attention. The Inkey’s new Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex bottles up three million exosomes and uses technology that until now, was only easily accessible inside the four walls of a clinic.
What’re exosomes you ask? These tiny vesicles send messages to your skin cells, telling them to speed up the repair and rejuvenation process. Typically, they’re applied after microneedling to calm irritation, but thanks to this serum, you can apply it whenever you fancy. So if your skin has lost its mojo – i.e., it’s dull, uneven and lacking radiance – the Exosome Hydro-Complex will bring back its youthful, plump glow in only a matter of weeks.”
