As we do every month without fail, our savvy shopping editors are revealing the most stylish, smart purchases from our own carts for your delight. May, being the transitional month she is, brought forth warm weather (and with it, the return of outdoor weddings), as well as the arrival of several new launches across fashion, beauty, and more. It’s our goal that you click through these slides and discover a new favorite perfume, summer-soirée dress, game-changing Amazon find, makeup must-have, and so on. Sure, it’s our job to suss out the latest and greatest — but it’s also something we happen to love doing. We believe in fewer, better investments, and hope you find exactly that in what we recommend (and lovingly dub our MVPs — that’s Most Valuable Purchases). Without any further ado, here are the 20 best stuff and things our editors bought and loved last month.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
It Cosmetics Glow with Confidence Sun Cream Blush
“I’m fully in my blush era, and this just-launched It Cosmetics cream formula is probably going to be my go-to one this summer. It’s super pigmented, so a little goes a long way. The shades all have gorgeous, warm undertones that mimic a sunkissed flush of color. My favorite shade is Sun Warmth, a gorgeous terracotta that makes my olive skin glow. I love applying it with a fluffy brush across my cheeks and dusted softly along the bridge of my nose for a sunburnt effect. (PSA: Wear sunscreen to avoid real sunburns.)” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
It Cosmetics Glow with Confidence Sun Cream Blush, $, available at Sephora
FP Movement Varsity Blues Shorts
“I don’t think I’ve refreshed my activewear wardrobe since my days of being a college tennis player, so I thought at 34 years old, the time is now. I picked up these running shorts from FP Movement and was pleasantly surprised by the fit and functionality. The waistband is substantial, comfortable, but not too wide and the length is just right on my 5’1” frame. To my surprise the shorts even include built-in briefs and a pocket in the back to hold a key, a credit card, ID, or some cash. The shorts also come in 11 colorways and a few patterned options, so there’s bound to be an option that works for anyone's summer wardrobe preferences.” — Kate Spencer, Senior Affiliate Partnerships Manager
FP Movement Varsity Blues Shorts, $, available at Free People
Aldo Celestee Cat Eye Sunglasses
“Ever since I got these green sunglasses, I’ve been getting an overload of compliments and inquiries about where they’re from. And I refuse to gatekeep these under-$20 gems any longer: They’re from Aldo! I typically pair them with matching green clothing (bodysuit, dress) or accessories (purse, sandals) for a statement outfit, but they also look great with all-white or all-black looks as a pop of color.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
Aldo Celestee Cat eye sunglasses, $, available at Aldo
Westman Atelier, Liquid Super Loaded Drops, Peau de Soleil
“Now that summer has hit full force, I find myself mixing these Westman Atelier bronzing drops with my tinted sunscreen or moisturizer every morning. It’s really the easiest way to enhance my skin and add a natural glow without being sparkly or shimmery. Although the price is a bit steep, I find I only need one or two tiny drops, so the product should last a long time. Plus, I’m willing to invest in skincare and makeup products that are high-quality and cruelty-free. The Liquid Super Loaded Drops are made with avocado seed oil which is an antioxidant and helps maintain your skin's moisture, and vitamin C to help even your skin tone.” — Kate Spencer, Senior Affiliate Partnerships Manager
Westman Atelier Liquid Super Loaded Drops, $, available at Credo
Dolce Vita Odela Heels
“I recently had a shoe-mergency and needed to find comfortable heels for a friend’s wedding in Brooklyn. Luckily, I came across these chic kitten pumps at Dolce Vita and the day (and outfit!) was saved. They’re comfortable, true to size, and have all the glamour of a heel with none of the suffering. (I like to add little Dr. Scholl’s pads to avoid blisters and chafing around the big toe and back of the heel.) They’re $120 normally, but you can get 15% off by signing up for Dolce Vita’s texts and newsletters, taking the price down to $102. (I know — and am truly sorry! — it’s not under $100, but they’re just too good not to share this month.)” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Dolce Vita Odela Heels, $, available at Dolce Vita
Skims Cotton Jersey T-Shirt
“I am a frequent wearer of t-shirts in all weather but had yet to try Skims’ viral shirts and I am so glad I finally gave in and reviewed it with my fellow editors. I get the hype now. The shirt is literally buttery soft, it is so flattering on my body as it’s tight but not too tight, and hits at just the perfect length on my unusually longer torso. This shirt will be a staple year-round.” — Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
Skims Cotton Jersey T-Shirt, $, available at Skims
Vertra Coconut Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 15
“This Vertra lip balm is one of the newest additions to my SPF collection, and it’s a good one. While some SPF lip balms I’ve tried taste and smell like pungent chemicals or immediately soak into my skin and require non-stop re-application, this no-nonsense option has a sweet coconut scent and beeswax, shea, and cocoa butter that keeps my lips hydrated and protected for longer periods of time. It was my travel companion when I recently went to Miami, and I know I’ll keep it at arm’s reach throughout the sunny summer ahead.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
Vertra Coconut Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 15, $, available at Vertra
Weatherman Travel Umbrella
“I never want to get caught in bad weather, so I always make sure to pack an umbrella when I am out and about. This one from Weatherman checks all my boxes. The brand is known for its golf umbrellas, which come in an indestructible fiberglass frame. This compact version features the same material, and after walking around with it during a few tropical thunderstorms, I can vouch for its availability to hold up in strong winds and rain.” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Weatherman Travel Umbrella, $, available at Amazon
Aritzia Tna Best-Ever Ankle Sock, 3-Pack
“I realize this is probably one of my most boring MVP picks to-date, but as a petite person with very small feet, finding a good sock that doesn't gap at the heel has always been surprisingly challenging. I found these perfectly basic “Best Ever” Artizia socks that come in three sizes and have never turned back. I have multiple colorways and lengths, but I find I reach for the ankle sock in white the most.” — Kate Spencer, Senior Affiliate Partnerships Manager
TNA Best-Ever Ankle Sock 3-Pack, $, available at Aritzia
Pink Moon Over The Moon Perfume Oil
“Pink Moon’s face oil and gua sha duo is a regular step of my daily skincare routine, but the brand’s perfume oil has become a new favorite. The scent is a blend of floral and woody notes that I find extremely calming and not too pungent for my sensitive nose. The bottle is also filled with rose quartz crystals that are meant to open your heart chakra and soothe your spirit. I roll the oil perfume behind my ears, onto my wrists, and over the center of my chest for the full calming effect when I’m starting my day or feeling stressed.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
Pink Moon Over the Moon Perfume Oil, $, available at Pink Moon
Love, Bonito Cotton Toga Fit & Flare Midaxi Dress
“Dresses are my absolutely favorite piece of clothing for any weather, especially when they have pockets like this Love, Bonito dress. This White Toga midi is a perfect airy white flowy dress that makes me feel like I’m on the beach in Greece. I like to style it with a wide belt and some cute flats but it could also go with some kitten heels for brunch or dinner.” — Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
Love Bonito Cotton Toga Fit & Flare Midaxi Dress, $, available at Love Bonito
Seavees Miramar Espadrilles
“Ballet flats never quite fit my feet right but I am in love with these espadrille flats. These vegan shoes are soooo comfortable as they are made with a soft blend of recycled polyester, recycled cotton, cotton canvas lining, and polyurethane with a recycled sole. I have enjoyed wearing these walking all over New York City and reach for them on days when I know I’ll be getting my steps in. I love the red satin, but they also have a sheer white, sheer black, and camel-like color. Seavees also donates 1% of revenue to environmental causes — I am not hearing any reason to not add these to cart immediately.” — Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
SeaVees Miramar Espadrille, $, available at SeaVees
Abercrombie & Fitch YPB sculptLUX Hybrid Flyaway Onesie
“My dog, Chicken Nugget, is a huge part of my daily routine with a minimum of two walks per day, meaning I have to wear actual clothes. I love this fresh green onesie that I can just throw on during the summer, no bra, underwear or extra accessories needed as it has removable cups, shorts with pockets on both legs, and an adjustable waist.” — Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
YPB YPB sculptLUX Hybrid Flyaway Onesie, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch
MAC Cosmetics Locked Kiss Ink Lipstick
“I love the bold look of matte lipsticks, but a lot of them tend to dry out my lips and make them look very flaky. I was pleasantly surprised by MAC Cosmetics' lip ink, which has gorgeous color pay off but kept my lips soft and pillowy, thanks to ingredients like passionfruit oil and shea butter. It claims to lock in the pigment for up to 24 hours, and while I can't vouch for the validity of that, the formula did have impressive staying powers. I wore this lip color to a wedding and it stayed strong throughout a whole evening of eating, drinking, and dancing.” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer
MAC Cosmetics Locked Kiss Ink Lipstick, $, available at Nordstrom
Mirakel Shiatsu Shoulder Massager
“I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve been eyeing these Amazon home massage gadgets for literal years. But after throwing my neck out during a recent party (welcome to your 30s!), I decided the time had come. As soon as it arrived on my doorstep, I tore open the packaging and plugged it right in. Within minutes, my neck and shoulders were already feeling much, much better. It really gets into those hurts-so-good spots and knots, and has a slight heating function to encourage your muscles to loosen up naturally. I like to wear a hoodie while using this since the massage can be a little intense on bare skin, but it’s entirely up to your preference. For $40, it’s completely elevated my at-home night in: All that’s missing is an episode of comfort TV, my pup, and a comfy couch to enjoy the sweet, sweet bliss of self-care.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Mirakel Neck Massager with Heat, Shiatsu Shoulder Massager, $, available at Amazon
Milani Fruit Fetish Lip Oil
“ I am picky about what goes on my sensitive skin as I’ve found many lip products actually dry my lips out as opposed to hydrating theme. I have this Fruit Fetish Lip Oil in a few shades and I really love it. The color payout is so nice but not overwhelming, the formula is hydrating (thanks to nourishing fruit extracts and vitamin E) and one tube lasts for a while. I’ve been asked a few times what lip product I’m using and would highly recommend having one of these babies for each purse you use!” — Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
Milani Fruit Fetish Lip Oil, $, available at Ulta Beauty
LUSH Feeling Sleepy Bodycare Discovery Kit
“I recently got this body care set as a gift and it has made such a difference to my sleep after adding it to my bedtime ritual. Lavender products don't usually do anything to help me unwind — I normally find the scent too soapy — but this lavender, tonka, and oat milk blend smells so sweet and heavenly, it makes me want to doze off immediately. The body wash and lotion absorbs quickly into the skin, and I can feel myself slowing down from just the relaxing act of lathering the products all over my body and taking in its gorgeous fragrance. Call me superstitious, but I truly believe that I have happier dreams on the nights I have used this kit.” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Lush Feeling Sleepy Bodycare Discovery Kit, $, available at Ulta
Kylie Cosmetics Supple Kiss Lip Glaze
“I’ve tried many Kylie products — buttery lip balms, concealers, among others — but this lip gloss has to be one of my favorite products from the brand to date. The texture is hydrating, non sticky, and the shades are honestly stunning. My favorites are Like Magic (which is like a sheer sparkly top coat for your lips) and Lovable, a neutral milky, rosy brown. Both are great on their own for a kiss of color, or layered on top of a lip pencil for more impact.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Kylie Cosmetics Supple Kiss Lip Glaze, $, available at Kylie Cosmetics
Loop Quiet Ear Plugs
“These noise reduction earbuds have been such a lifesaver. The soft silicone material drowns out loud noises without making my ears uncomfortable, and they have been so helpful when I am trying to fall sleep with distracting noises around. Since the case is so compact, I attach it to my keychain and pop the earbuds in whenever I need a bit more peace and quiet, like if there is a crying baby near me or when it gets too loud in the subway. I just wish I don't lose them so easily.” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Loop Quiet Ear Plugs, $, available at Amazon
By Rosie Jane Wake Deodorant
“As a highly sweaty person, I am picky about deodorants as I’ve found many do not work for me in terms of scent, lasting power, and residue. I just tested out the Wake from By Rosie Jane and it has an absolutely deliciously fresh scent that leaves no residue or icky feeling on my skin. It’s great that it uses natural ingredients like aloe vera and sugarcane-derived alcohol to keep me smelling fresh. Plus I love that you can get other body products in the same scent as well as purchase a huge refill bottle.” — Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
By Rosie Jane Wake The F*ck Up Deodorant, $, available at By Rosie Jane
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