The Best Beauty Products We Tried in May, Including Bella Hadid’s Perfume and a New Tarte Primer

At PEOPLE, we take beauty testing very seriously. We sift through hundreds — nay — thousands of pitches and products on a regular basis, carefully swatching, spritzing, and applying the latest and greatest offerings so that we can then share with you, dear readers, those that are worth your hard-earned money. 

And we're keenly aware that beauty products are subjective, which is why we consult with experts like dermatologists, makeup artists, and hairstylists to determine what will best suit our specific skin and hair types. Sometimes, though, there are those especially shiny offerings that we feel the need to shout from the mountaintop of bottles, tubes, and compacts, which is why we publish this monthly series of our absolute favorite picks.

Below, we're rounding up the makeup, skincare, and hair products that made us do a double-take in May. From a hydrating Tarte primer that kept one editor’s makeup shine-free during an 85-degree outdoor wedding to a fragrance-body-oil hybrid that marks supermodel Bella Hadid’s first foray into beauty, these are the beauty products we couldn't get enough of this month.

Anisa Beauty Pinnacle Skin Brush

“With tens of new products hitting my desk every day, I was a bit skeptical when I opened up a box to find this skincare brush. From the first swipe, I could see it smoothing all my lotions and potions into a more even layer than I could ever create with my skilled hands. And, because of how quickly I could work with the brush (and; let's be real, because it was picking up my abundance of product) I was more inclined to treat my neck and chest, too.” — Jackie Fields, Deputy Beauty Director

Makeup by Mario Softsculpt Multi-Use Bronzing and Shaping Serum

“Makeup by Mario's Bronzing and Shaping Serum is in the running to be one of my favorite products of the summer. The lightweight formula is thicker than your average bronzing drops but not quite as concentrated as a cream bronzer, making it the perfect product for a your-skin-but-better glow.” — Karli Bendlin, Director of Content Strategy

Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Face Serum SPF 60+

“I always joke that my face is the palest part of my body in the summer, but it’s for a good reason — I’m liberal with my facial sunscreen. And recently, this SPF 60 serum that Halle Bailey once raved about has been the easiest way to ensure that my skin is getting the sun protection and hydration it needs. No matter if I’m headed to the beach or a cute morning brunch, you can expect this sunscreen-serum hybrid to be slathered on my skin.” — Alyssa Brascia, Shopping Writer

Cadence Skincare Set

“I've been a fan of Cadence capsules for a while now, but I was recently introduced to their Skincare Bundle, and it's been a huge asset for summer travel. This set of three capsules is shorter and wider than the brand's classic medium capsules, so it's perfect for gooey skincare products like serums and sunscreen.” — Erin Johnson, Associate Editorial Director

E.l.f. Cosmetics Stay Cool Primer Stick

“I can rattle off all the benefits of E.l.f. Cosmetics' new primer stick (like its super hydrating ingredients, cooling gel formulation or extra easy application) but I’ll cut to the chase: this is the best primer I’ve ever tried. A few swipes of this will have my skin looking the most radiant it’s ever been, even without makeup, which, by the way, goes on super smooth and has mega staying power with the primer underneath. You definitely don’t want to sleep on this $7 steal.” — Michelle Lee, Editorial Assistant

Tarte Base Tape Hydrating Primer

“I threw this Tarte Hydrating Primer in my travel bag for a wedding I was attending, and it completely took me by surprise. It went on so smooth, had a light feel, and a fresh coconut scent. It was hydrating and set my makeup beautifully but didn't add extra shine, which was impressive because it was 85 degrees outside during the event.” �� Madison Yauger, Shopping Editor

Farmacy Honey Milk Hydrating Essence

“I've recently become obsessed with this hydrating essence from Farmacy, and now, I can't travel without it. The texture is super light and creamy, and it sinks into damp skin like a dream. The deeply hydrating formula is packed full of moisturizing ceramides and calming chamomile, and it hasn't broken out my reactive skin in the two months I've been using it. If anything, my skin has been more even than usual!” — Cai Cramer, Shopping Writer

Orebella Salted Muse Parfum

“Let me preface this by saying that I am a longtime Bella Hadid fan. So naturally, I was eager to grab one of her first-ever fragrances when Orebella launched — but no matter how much I admire a celebrity, I won’t fawn over their products unless I really do approve of the quality. Expectations held high, I spritzed Salted Muse onto my skin and rubbed in the oil-based formula — a tantalizing scent of sea salt, sandalwood, lavender, and fig — and with that, this fragrance became my new fixation.” — Alyssa Brascia

Matrix Food for Soft Rich Hydrating Treatment Mask

“My hair has been on the road to ruin since I started swimming every day, so this hair mask from Matrix came into my life at just the right time. After just one use, my dry and frizzy hair was noticeably softer and shinier. I've been using it for about a month now and can tell a huge difference in the way my hair falls and bounces — it's given life back to my damaged hair!” — Erin Johnson

Fenty Soft' Lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation

“In high school, I struggled with a bad bout of acne caused by a terrible drugstore foundation. So, as you can imagine, every time I have to test a new face product for work, all I see are red flags and warning signs. But Fenty Beauty’s new foundation, which I use in shade 175, changed everything for me. This formula works overtime to actually benefit your skin — and by that, I mean hydrate, brighten, and deliver antioxidants — instead of just caking it in product.” — Michelle Lee

Altesse Studio The Repair & Shine Hairbrush

“Altesse Studio has been making luxury hairbrushes in France since 1875, but the brand has only recently made its way into the States. The high-quality brushes are made with 100% boar bristles, which help to grip and distribute oils throughout the hair for shinier, smoother strands. The biggest sell for me, however, was that regular use of the signature Repair & Shine brush should allow you to go longer between shampoos, and after a few weeks of using their recommended 100-stroke method — Marcia Brady would be proud! —  I'm officially a believer.” — Karli Bendlin 

dpHUE Glossy Glaze

“I was shocked to see that once my hair dried after this in-shower treatment, it seemed to gleam with a deeper, richer hue that almost looked as if my purest color had been extracted from the roots. From the very first use, my locks were shiny and hydrated — looking and feeling healthier than they had in a long time (it didn’t hurt that I had just gotten my hair cut into a French bob, too). The slight color lasted for about two washes (noticeably), but the hydration seemed to linger for a lot longer.” — Alyssa Brascia

Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Mascara

“Can we normalize wearing dramatic lashes on the daily? If you agree, I’ve got a mascara recommendation for you. This Lancôme newbie brings the drama with a buildable formula that gives you bold lashes with each swipe. You also don't need to worry about transfer or mascara running down your eyes by the end of the night because it's got a strong hold (take it from me, as someone with almond-shaped eyes and oily eyelids).” — Michelle Lee