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After a seriously busy start to the year, the spring beauty calendar has shown no signs of slowing down. May brought a wave of new releases designed to carry us into the summer, from barrier-supporting skincare and SPF to setting powders and luscious lip glosses.
On the skincare front, hydration is very much the key theme, with K-beauty trending ingredients like PDRN leading the charge. There are also some supersize eye patches all of the celebrities have been using that have proven so popular, they’ve sold out twice, while my current favourite moisturiser has been adapted into a body lotion so I can enjoy the benefits quite literally from head to toe.
Meanwhile, makeup seems to be embracing the ‘your skin (or lips) but better’ movement, which is something I’m absolutely here for, with lighter, warm-weather friendly layers and shine-controlling, colour-correcting powders ideal for heatwave season. And let’s not forget fragrance where a sweet cherry scent has found its way into my regular rotation.
I’ve spent the past month putting some of the newest launches through their paces and these are the products that need to be on your radar for summer.
Kiko Milano Kissable Lip Volume Plumping Lip Cream – £9.99
Being fortunate enough to have quite full natural lips, I’ve never really felt the need to reach for plumping formulas, not least because the aggressive tingling sensation associated with a lot of products isn’t my bag. But Kiko Milano’s latest lip launch promises hydration, subtle volume and smoother-looking lips, all wrapped up in a comfortable balm-like formula.
Available in six shades, my favourites include the warm brown Nude Ever and pink-hued Bloomberry, both of which are perfect for everyday wear. The formula contains hyaluronic acid, shea butter and Italian raspberry extract to nourish lips while delivering a soft plumping effect.
The effect is very much ‘your lips but better’ and while there’s a slight cooling sensation when applied, but nothing like the spicy feeling some plumping products deliver. The texture is completely non-sticky, really feeling more like a treatment rather than cosmetics, making it a summer handbag staple.
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Ultra Blur Mint – £44
I already use Laura Mercier’s iconic original Translucent Loose Setting Powder religiously to control shine. It’s genuinely one of my all-time favourite makeup products, so I was very curious about this new mint-hued version.
Building on the legacy of the OG, it features the same talc-free formula that promises up to 16 hours of wear while helping to blur imperfections, control shine and minimise the appearance of pores and fine lines. But the green tone helps subtly brighten, colour-correct redness and balance the complexion.
The formula features amino acids and silica powders to diminish the appearance of pores, fine lines and discolouration with a radiant mattified finish. Meanwhile, it’s also infused with hyaluronic acid, making it suitable for normal-to-dry skin ensuring a cake-free, crease-proof finish that won’t settle into expression lines or emphasise any areas of dryness.
I did worry with my skin being so pale that the green would be noticeable, but actually, it blends effortlessly to deliver that same flawless, blurred finish. Dusted onto cheeks, nose, or the chin, it’s ideal if you suffer with rosacea, or have caught the sun in the warm weather. While it’s probably not an everyday product for me, it’s definitely worth having in my kit for those days where my skin does feel a little stressed or reactive.
Cosmetic Consult Miracle Cryo Eye Masks – £34.99 (4-pack)
Launched at the end of April after two years of development, Cosmetic Consult’s Miracle Cryo Eye Masks have been an immediate success, selling out not once, but twice. The oversized hydrogel patches are designed to treat the entire eye contour rather than just the under-eye area, and have already been spotted on the likes of Colleen Rooney.
I actually tested these before attending a wedding, which turned out to be the perfect occasion. The coverage is phenomenal, treating a much wider area than traditional eye patches. The cooling sensation is incredibly refreshing, but more importantly, my under-eye area looked noticeably more hydrated afterwards.
The formula combines caffeine, peptides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and copper tripeptides to help tackle puffiness, dehydration and tired-looking eyes. Not only did that help me look more awake, but it also created a much smoother base for concealer and makeup, helping everything apply more evenly and last longer throughout the day.
Designed for on-the-go use with immediate results, they’re prime for travelling, pre-event, or as part of a weekly skincare reset.
AESTURA ATOBARRIER365 Body Lotion – £29
Korean skincare brand AESTURA is one not to be slept on – and now, they’ve expanded their ATOBARRIER365 range with a new body lotion. Powered by Micro-fine Ceramide technology, it delivers nano-encapsulated ceramides deep into the skin barrier to replenish essential lipids, strengthen skin resilience, and lock in hydration across multiple layers of skin.
I’ve been using the brand’s facial moisturiser for just over a month now and absolutely love it, so I had high expectations for the body version. Thankfully, it lives up to them. Body skin is naturally thicker, more prone to moisture loss, and often overlooked in barrier care routines, but this lotion is backed by over 40 years of dermatological research and actually delivers on its promise.
It boasts the same barrier-focused philosophy as the facial products but in a lighter weight body lotion that absorbs quickly and leaves skin feeling incredibly comfortable and non-greasy. If you’re someone who often skips body lotion because you dislike sticky or heavy finishes, this is definitely one to look at.
Pai Bright Now PHA Daily Tonic – £34
When REN announced they’d be closing down in 2025, I was devastated. But Pai’s Bright Now tonic has arrived, and has been directly inspired by one of their fallen favourites – and I know you shouldn’t speak ill of the dead but… I actually prefer it.
Developed after Marks and Spencer approached the brand to create a gentler alternative to REN’s beloved Ready Steady Glow Tonic, the formula swaps stronger AHAs for PHAs, making it more suitable for sensitive skin.
As somebody who absolutely loved the original REN toner, this launch immediately caught my attention. The COSMOS-certified formula feels incredibly hydrating on the skin while still providing that gentle exfoliating effect that leaves your complexion looking brighter and glowier over time.
Starring natural niacinamide and omega-rich rosehip extract, it feels so comfortable on the skin. Some exfoliating toners can leave skin feeling tight or sensitised, but this one manages to brighten while remaining super gentle. For former Ready Steady Glow fans, this is a very welcome replacement.
Medik8 Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ Serum – £79
PDRN is one of the biggest skincare trends right now, and Medik8’s Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ Serum is one of the most premium takes on the topical options we’ve seen so far. The formula combines plant-based PDRN, exosomes, growth factor-inspired technology and ATP precursors to support skin renewal, firmness and radiance.
I’ve become increasingly intrigued by the rise of PDRN in skincare and have been trialling various products featuring the ingredient from brands including Anua and Boots. Medik8’s version certainly feels luxurious, both in terms of texture and packaging, and there’s no denying that it sits firmly at the premium end of the market.
Short-term results include improved radiance, more even tone and slight tightening, but nothing dramatically different from some of the more affordable options I’ve tried. Whether the long-term benefits justify the higher price point remains to be seen, but as a big fan of Medik8’s science-backed formulas, it’s definitely one I’ll continue testing.
Weleda UV Glow Fluid SPF 30 – £12.95
This was one of the more surprising launches I tested. When it first comes out of the tube, it looks exactly like a traditional mineral sunscreen, however, once blended into the skin, it transforms into something much closer to an illuminating primer with the added benefit of instant UVA/UVB protection.
Combining sun protection with skincare and makeup benefits, Weleda’s UV Glow Fluid SPF 30 is infused with moringa oil and light-reflecting glow pigments. For sufficient protection, you have to apply it quite liberally and it can take a while to sink into the skin. I don’t love the effect it gives without makeup, but under foundation, the radiance is lovely. And at £12.95, it’s one of the most affordable launches of the month, too – and just in time for the next heatwave, no less.
Dr.Jart+ Korean Premium Beauty Balm SPF 50 – £33
I remember buying a Dr.Jart+ BB cream for £1 in a Boots clearance sale and was immediately hooked. A decade since my bargain discovery, Dr.Jart+ has reformulated the BB cream that helped put Korean beauty balms on the global map, and it’s better than ever.
Combining skincare, SPF 50 protection and lightweight coverage, the updated formula contains niacinamide, glycerin and an impressive 84% skincare ingredients. It comes in eight flexible shades, meaning it adapts to a range of skin tones, and is even great for sensitive skin.
This feels incredibly relevant given the continued popularity of skin tints and K-beauty. The skincare-first formula makes it particularly comfortable to wear throughout the day, and the addition of high SPF protection is a major bonus. For anyone who loves low-maintenance makeup, this is exactly the kind of product worth having on your radar.
Coach Women Cherry Parfum 50ml – £64
Cherry notes in beauty was a major trend in 2025, from Glossier’s Black Cherry Balm Dotcom and Elemis’ Black Cherry Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, to Phlur’s Cherry Stem fragrance. Coach have caught up this spring with their Coach Women Cherry scent, and boy is it worth the wait.
The fruity-floral fragrance opens with a burst of cherry that’s sweet and juicy but without feeling artificial or overly sacrine. Sambac jasmine adds a soft floral moment, while patchouli in the base brings warmth and depth that helps the scent feel more sophisticated and modern rather than Y2K reminiscent.
Coach has managed to keep things bright and fresh while still giving the fragrance impressive staying power. It’s youthful but elegant and I think it’ll be perfect for the warmer months.
Stay tuned for next month because I’ve already got my hands on some incredible June launches, including my favourite mascara (now in brown), three new SPFs on my radar, a shiny peptide glow lip gloss and a summer-ready candle you’ll definitely want to hear about.
