Start the Summer in Great Shape With ELLE Beauty's May It List

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It was the form—along with the function—that attracted ELLE's editors to this selection of new beauty launches. A perfectly curved (and limited-edition) matte white porcelain bottle holds a best-selling Korean skincare serum, a curved bottle adorned with a carved jade top contains a perfume that reminds the wearer of home, and, if you're feeling adventurous—a bright matte violet lipstick (no, really, it's actually very flattering) comes in an equally luxurious refillable case.

These were just a few of the items that caught our eye and ended up in our makeup bags for Spring. There's something for a better ponytail, brighter skin, a weekend with the paper, and a serum for busy mornings.

A version of this story appears in the May 2023 issue of ELLE.

First Care Activating Serum Limited Edition

“A surprisingly lightweight serum for how impactful it is—the golden liquid makes my skin look brighter and more energized.”—Nina Garcia, Editor-in-Chief

Refillable Lipstick in Digital Violet

“Violet may seem like an unusual choice for lips, but this matte lipstick got me plenty of compliments. I love how the bright shade lights up my face.”—Margaux Anbouba, Beauty Editor

Riviera Barrette

“My bob is too short for any hair tie, but this leather barrette works to chicly sweep my hair back from my neck.”—M.A.

Bronze Incense Holder

“This incense holder is an artwork in itself, and it offers three scents that cater to every taste: spicy, sweet, and green.”—Tatjana Freund, Beauty E-Commerce Writer

Kagerou Aromatique Incense

“Quiet luxury enters the incense market. You'll have a burning desire to light this earthy incense. Each stick lasts 30 minutes—perfect for your Saturday morning meditation session.”—Danielle James, Digital Beauty Director

Terracotta Le Teint Foundation

“This glowy matte foundation is the best of both worlds: It’s light enough that I never feel like I’m wearing makeup, but powerful enough to keep me looking luminous and fresh the entire day.”—N.G.

Kabuki Foundation Brush

“Don't apply your luxurious foundation with a basic brush—Guerlain has you covered with their kabuki foundation brush to ensure your Terracotta Le Teint Foundation is applied smoothly and seamlessly to your face. The mahogany, satin-finished wood handle gives an artistic feel to this beauty applicator.”—D.J.

24K Gold Serum Intense

“The serum contains ‘liquid gold’ (vitamin C) and actual gold, to create ‘Gold vitamin C.’ It’s incredibly decadent, but I love how quickly this brightens up my skin.”— Kathleen Hou, Beauty Director

Linework Paintbrush Waterproof Fluid Eyeliner

“My signature look is a cat-eye, and this liner is the wind that powers my wings. The formula effortlessly glides onto lids, and the pigment is so dark, one application is enough to achieve a clean line.”— D.J.

Soaked Candle

“Lighting a candle is so important for setting the mood when I’m at home. This scent, which has notes of pine, jasmine, and grapefruit, feels both fresh and earthy, and is perfect for reading.”—Tasha Nicole Smith, Beauty Assistant

Formosa Eau de Parfum

“I’m many miles away from my home of Taiwan, so I’m happy that this scent is an homage to its beauty. It’s a rich floral, made with ingredients native to Taiwan.” —K.H.

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