I had to think long and hard about my favorites for May.  There were so many amazing products I’ve tried this month but these six really stand out. Some are old favorites and some are new finds. Let’s get to it!

 

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer ($8.99):

First of all, why do these products need to have lengthier names than the size of the darn packaging? Labels aside this concealer earns every bit of hype the internet has given.  I’ve had this product for several months and hadn’t really used it that often because of the sponge. The sponge was cute, it was soft, but it had to go. The application with the sponge was more difficult for me and clogged up easily. So I ripped the darn thing off this month and it changed the way I use this concealer. I just turn the dial and use my pinky to apply product under my eyes. This Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer is better than any high-end product I’ve tried thus far and it’s phenomenal for contouring. I use the shade fair and have hardly gone a day without using this lil’ guy. Somewhere along the line I lost the proper cap, so I snapped on a cap from a travel size hairspray bottle in order to preserve the illusion of cleanliness. Classy, I know, but it’s the best I can do at the moment.

 

Clinique Color Surge Eyeshadow Duo in Starstruck/ Golden Lynx ($20):

Now this duo no longer exists in it’s current form since I got it a few years ago. That being said, I highly recommend Clinique shadows. They’re finely milled shadows that have a great color payoff. I recently picked up the Starstruck/Golden Lynx combo from my newly organized makeup stash and fell in love all over again. I’ve used this duo for the last week and a half solid. It’s perfect for a natural look with the light shade on the lid and the warm brown shade blended into the crease. You definitely need a primer with these shadows though. They’ll stay all day if you use a primer but tend to fade by themselves. Right now, Clinique has comparable shades on their site and the closest seems to be Like Mink. These duos are so easy to throw on, so they’re worth investing in.

 

Hey Honey Take it Off Exfoliating Honey Peel Off Mask ($35):

I have been on a major mask kick lately, and this is hands down my favorite. I got this sample of Hey Honey in my May ipsy bag and have been using it weekly ever since. You lightly moisturize your face before application and then lightly moisturize after you peel the mask off. My skin feels so happy and clean after I use this product. A full size retails for $35 and since I’m still working through the sample three weeks later, the price is probably worth the amount you would get. It doesn’t take much of this clear gel to cover your face. I use this maybe once a week and use a different mask as well, but Hey Honey has been a valuable addition to my routine.

Ulta Extreme Wear Mousse Blush in Peach Glow ($8.00):

Until this product, I had never tried a cream or mousse blush and I am now a convert. This formula is so silky with a hint of a shimmer, but dries to matte. Applying it with your finger is easy and the finished look has the appearance of a natural flush. The range has four colors which would work for a variety of skin tones. I also have the Nude Glow and love that as well. I tend to use the Peach more often with my fair skin, but the Nude is great for sunny days. The staying power with this is also great–your blush will still be there at the end of the day. Such a fan!

 

Completely Bare Bikini Bump Blaster ($9.00):

Ladies, you know summer can be cruel to your bikini line.  No matter what your hair removal strategy is, the skin on your inner thighs is sensitive and prone to irritation. I cannot recommend this product enough. Now, it doesn’t eliminate all your problems, but as someone who has struggled with bumps and redness for years this is a lovely solution. Suggested use is for everyday, and I’d say I use it every other day. I’m still seeing positive results though. You might have a bit of a sting at application if you just shaved/waxed/whatevered but other than that no pain or lingering discomfort. I’m already feeling more confident as bikini season approaches. You get fifty pads for just under $10.00, which is so worth while for the result.  I got my Bump Blasters at ulta.com and will definitely keep up with using this for months.

 

BH Studio Pro Makeup Brush Cleaner ($14.95)

I clean my brushes thoroughly about once or twice a month with a DIY method, but have been looking for a good in between uses brush cleaner. FOUND IT! I grabbed it at the BH Cosmetics website, and right now they’re having a bit of a sale, so you can get this big ole’ bottle for $9.95 here. I keep a towel near my makeup and spray the fabric 3-4 times then gently swirl the dirty brushes on the towel. The excess product comes right out and leaves my brushes with a faint, fresh citrus scent. Then let the brushes air dry and you’re ready to use again. This cleaner even works wonders on my foundation brushes where I use my liquid foundations. Even though the suggested use is the 3-4 sprays, a little bit goes a long way here. So happy with this brush cleaner!

 

There are my beauty favorites for May. Hope you enjoyed and be on the lookout for my May empties post.